There are several factors to consider when choosing your city of residence in Canada. You would want to live in a city that offers competitive salaries in your line of work. Another essential factor to consider is if you currently earn enough to live in any of the cities you’re considering. Ontario and Quebec are two of Canada’s finest cities. Quebec is the capital of la belle province and is filled with historical places to visit. The city has one of the lowest crime rates in North America and was also named the safest metropolitan area in Canada to raise kids. So, what is the cost of living in Ontario vs Quebec?
Cost of living: Ontario vs Quebec
Ontario is bordered by the US to the south and Quebec to the east. It’s home to big metropolitan cities and small, quieter ones. Two of Canada’s biggest cities, Toronto and Ottawa, the country’s capital city, are in Ontario. In Ontario’s northern region are Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Belleville. And all three are away from the hassle of the megacities. But what’s the cost of living in Ontario and Quebec like in comparison? The cost of living in Ontario vs Quebec depends on a lot of factors including accommodation, transportation, food and health care. Keep reading to learn the expenses for each of these cities.
Cost of living in Ontario
With a large student population, the cost of living in Ontario varies in range. Below, we cover the costs of accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Accommodation costs in Ontario
Short term stay
Accommodation Type | Price Range Per Night (CAD) |
Hotels | 96 to 120 |
Bed and Breakfast stay | 50 to 150 |
Hostel | 35 to 90 |
Long term stay
Accommodation Type | Price Range (CAD) |
Homestay | 600 to 1,100/month |
Rented Apartment | 600 to 2,000/month |
Residence/Dormitory | 3,000 to 7,500/year |
Food expenses in Ontario
Below is a typical overall estimate of what a household living in Ontario consumes.
Estimates | Rates |
Alcoholic beverages | 1,994 (monthly) |
Grocery (vegetables and fruits) | 95 (per kg) |
Milk | 2.31 (per litre) |
Food and non-alcoholic beverages | 9,198 (monthly) |
Mid-Range Restaurant | 65 (three-course meal) |
Water | 1.68 (0.33-liter bottle) |
Transportation charges in Ontario
Mode of Transport | Adult Charges (CAD) |
Monthly Metropass | 146 |
Weekly Pass | 43.75 |
Self–Driven Vehicle | 8,500 to 13,000 per year |
Downtown Express | 3.25 cash or token or Monthly Express Sticker for 43.00 |
PRESTO (Electronic Payment Card) | 3.00 |
Tokens and Tickets | 9.00 (Minimum 3 tokens) |
Single fare purchase – Cash | 3.25 |
Healthcare plan in Ontario
Canada’s free health care system is one of the country’s main attractions. The free health care system means you won’t pay any direct fee before seeing a doctor. Canada’s tax system funds the no-cost health care system. According to the 2019 data, to maintain the no-cost health care system, the average person pays about CA$ 7,068 each year. This might seem on the high side for foreigners, but Canadians see it as fair for the quality of health care they’re getting.
However, note that only Canadians and permanent residents have access to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Health care in Canada works differently for foreign nationals. If you’re moving to Ontario in Canada as a student or non-resident, you would have to budget for a public healthcare plan or University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
Cost of living in Quebec
Here are the projected costs of living in Quebec
Accommodation costs in Quebec
Short term stay
Accommodation Type | Price Range (CAD)/per night |
Hotels | 60 to 220 |
Hostel | 15 to 30 |
Bed and Breakfast stay | 30 to 120 |
Long term stay
Accommodation Type | Price Range (CAD) |
Rented Apartment | 500 to 1,500 per month |
Residence/Dormitory | 2,000 to 6,000 per year |
Homestay | 450 to 900 per month |
Food expenses in Quebec
Food Articles | Rates (CAD) |
A loaf of Bread | 3.44 |
Mid-range restaurants (for two people) | 60 |
Milk | 2.30/ Liter |
Non-alcoholic beverages | 1.88 (0.33-liter bottle) |
Water | 2.15 (0.5-liter bottle) |
Alcoholic beverages | 24 |
Grocery (vegetables, fruits, eggs, rice, cheese, chicken, beef) | 68 – 70 (per kg) |
Transportation charges in Quebec
Mode of Transport – Bus | Adult Charges (CAD) |
One-Way Ticket (Bus) | 3.38 |
Taxi | 3.45 |
Monthly Pass | 86.50 |
Healthcare costs in Quebec
Medical care is covered by the plan administered by Quebec’s health insurance board (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec/RAMQ). It is available across the province of Quebec, and all residents are eligible for the plan. To get it, residents have to register with the RAMQ. Then wait for three months, what’s known as the waiting period. This plan does not cover treatments like plastic surgery. But it covers other surgeries, vasectomies, urine and blood glucose tests, medical exams, anaesthetic agents, etc.
International students have options like CEGEP’s Group Health and Hospitalization Insurance Plan. The insurance plan costs CAD 936 and covers dental care, anaesthetic, HIV, Hospital expenses, Renal Dialysis, psychiatry, etc.
Is it cheaper to live in Ontario or Quebec?
Whether you choose to move to Ontario or Quebec depends on what’s most important to you. For instance, you might have family or friends you want to be closer to. Also, it could depend on where your workplace or school is located. Consider your priorities and choose which one has the better benefit in the long run.
Are you looking to study, live or work in Canada? Maple Education Canada can assist you in making the best decision that aligns with your immigration goals. Learn more about our immigration consultancy services.
Also read: How much does it cost to relocate to Canada?