Cost of Living: Quebec City vs London Ontario 2026 (Newcomer Guide)
Quebec City vs London Ontario in 2026: rent, groceries, transport, taxes and salaries compared side by side, so your couple can pick the right city with real data.
The cost of living in Quebec City vs London Ontario in 2026 is one of the most common comparisons among newcomer couples who want to escape the prices of Montreal and Toronto without giving up quality of life. In short: Quebec City is roughly 5-10% cheaper on rent, but London Ontario makes up for it with higher salaries and an English-speaking job market. In this complete guide, we compare the numbers side by side so you can decide with real data, not guesswork.
Quebec City vs London Ontario 2026: The Big Picture
Quebec City costs a couple about $2,800-$3,500 CAD per month, while London Ontario lands between $3,000-$3,800 CAD. The gap looks small, but when you break it down item by item, each city has clear advantages.
Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, with around 550,000 people in the urban area and a strong provincial government presence as an employer. London Ontario is a mid-sized city (~420,000 people) in southwestern Ontario, with an economy spread across healthcare, education and manufacturing.
For couples arriving on a study or work permit — about 75% of the people we help — the choice between these two cities directly affects how long the money you bring with you will last. And that is the number-one worry: not running out of savings in those first months. (Immigration requirements vary by nationality — always check your eligibility.)
Rent: What You Will Pay in Each City
Rent is the biggest monthly expense for any newcomer couple, and Quebec City wins clearly here. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Quebec City averages $1,150 CAD, while the same apartment in London Ontario runs about $1,400 CAD.
| Property Type | Quebec City (CAD) | London ON (CAD) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed — downtown | $1,150 | $1,400 | London +22% |
| 1-bed — outside downtown | $900 | $1,150 | London +28% |
| 2-bed — downtown | $1,400 | $1,700 | London +21% |
| 2-bed — outside downtown | $1,100 | $1,400 | London +27% |
Watch out for rental scams: this is one of the biggest worries for new arrivals. In both cities, never transfer money before seeing the unit (in person or by a live video call with someone you trust). In Quebec City, many leases follow the standard model of the Tribunal administratif du logement. In London, the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board regulates contracts.
One important difference: in Quebec City, most leases start on July 1st (the famous “Moving Day”). In London, start dates are far more flexible.
To save money, neighbourhoods like Limoilou and Charlesbourg in Quebec City offer rents 15-20% below downtown. In London, areas like Old East Village and Kipps Lane are more affordable — but research the neighbourhood first.
Groceries and Food: 2026 Price Comparison
Grocery prices are surprisingly similar between the two cities, with swings of just 2-5% depending on the item. We estimate a couple spends $600-$800 CAD per month on food in either city.
| Item | Quebec City (CAD) | London ON (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 litre) | $2.75 | $2.85 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.50 | $3.40 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $4.20 | $4.10 |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $15.50 | $16.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $4.90 |
| Restaurant meal (1 person) | $20-$25 | $20-$28 |
In Quebec City, the most affordable supermarkets are Maxi and Super C. In London, No Frills and FreshCo are the cheapest options. Both cities have Costco, which is well worth it for bulk shopping — especially for couples.
A tip we always share: in your first months, cooking at home makes a huge difference to your budget. A couple eating out three times a week easily spends $400-$500 CAD more per month than one that cooks.
Transport: Car, Bus and Getting Around
Transport is where the real differences start to show. Quebec City has a decent bus system (RTC), but the city is more spread out and many people need a car. London has London Transit, which covers the city but with limited frequency on some routes.
| Item | Quebec City (CAD) | London ON (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly bus pass | $91.50 | $102 |
| Gas (1 litre) | $1.65 | $1.58 |
| Car insurance (monthly, estimate) | $80-$120 | $150-$250 |
Key point: car insurance in Ontario is significantly more expensive than in Quebec. That’s because Quebec has a public bodily-injury insurance scheme (SAAQ), while Ontario requires full private coverage. For a couple that needs a car, that $70-$130 CAD per month difference adds up over the year.
In Quebec City, the tramway (modern streetcar) project is underway and should improve public transit in the coming years. In London, the city is relatively compact and many neighbourhoods are bikeable in summer.
If you arrive without a car, both cities are workable on public transit — but with limits. We recommend living close to work or school in the first months.
Salaries and Jobs: What It Means for Your Wallet
Here is the point that changes everything. The minimum wage in Quebec is $16.10 CAD/hour (since May 2025), while in Ontario it is $17.20 CAD/hour (since October 2025). Increases are expected in both provinces for 2026, but the current figures already show the gap.
For a couple where both work 40 hours a week at minimum wage:
| Scenario | Quebec City (CAD) | London ON (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person — minimum wage (gross monthly) | $2,576 | $2,752 |
| Couple — both minimum wage (gross monthly) | $5,152 | $5,504 |
| Couple — estimated net after taxes | ~$4,400 | ~$4,800 |
But note: Quebec has the highest tax burden in Canada. Quebec’s provincial taxes are higher than Ontario’s, which narrows the salary gap in practice. We break this down in the taxes section.
For the partner on an OWP (Open Work Permit): in London, the job market is predominantly English, which helps anyone with intermediate English. In Quebec City, French is essential — and we’re not talking basic French. The market demands functional fluency for most roles.
This is one of the biggest frustrations we hear from couples in Quebec: one partner arrives on an OWP and can’t find work because their French isn’t yet at the needed level. If your French is still basic, London may be the more practical choice for the first months.
The main employers in Quebec City are the provincial government, Desjardins, Université Laval and the tech sector (including Ubisoft). In London, the standouts are London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, General Dynamics and the manufacturing sector.
For IT professionals, both cities offer opportunities, but London is more connected to the Toronto ecosystem (a 2-hour drive away). Quebec City, meanwhile, has a growing games and tech hub.
Health, Education and Public Services
Both provinces offer public healthcare, but with important differences for temporary residents.
In Quebec, the health system is RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec). Workers with a valid permit generally get access to RAMQ, but there is a waiting period of up to 3 months for new residents. Coverage for international students depends on agreements with your home country — and many countries have no such agreement with Quebec, so you may need private insurance until RAMQ is activated. Requirements vary by nationality — check your eligibility.
In Ontario, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) covers residents with a valid work permit. The waiting period is also up to 3 months. International students in London are usually covered through their university (such as Western University’s UHIP).
Education for children: both cities offer free public school. In Quebec City, instruction is predominantly in French (which can be great for children’s integration). In London, there are options in both English and French (French-language school board).
Childcare/daycare: Quebec has its CPE (Centre de la petite enfance) system with a subsidized rate of $9.10 CAD/day per child — one of the cheapest in Canada. In Ontario, the CWELCC program reduces costs, but the average daycare in London still runs $800-$1,200 CAD/month. For couples with young children, this difference is enormous and can be the deciding factor.
Living with Pets: Costs and Rules in Both Cities
More than half the couples we help have pets, so this section is essential.
In Quebec City, most apartments allow pets — Quebec law has banned “no pets” clauses in residential leases since 2024 (with exceptions for documented allergies of other residents). That’s a huge advantage. The city has several dog-friendly parks, including the Parc linéaire de la Rivière-Saint-Charles.
In London Ontario, the situation is similar: Ontario law (Residential Tenancies Act) bans “no pets” clauses in standard leases, though condos may set their own rules. London has good dog parks, such as the Greenway Park Off-Leash Dog Park and Pottersburg Park.
| Item | Quebec City (CAD) | London ON (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium food (monthly) | $80-$120 | $80-$120 |
| Basic vet visit | $70-$100 | $80-$120 |
| Pet insurance (monthly) | $40-$70 | $45-$80 |
| Annual municipal licence | $30 | $35 |
If you are bringing a pet with you, be ready for air-transport costs of $1,500-$4,000 CAD depending on the animal’s size and the airline. Plan this step well before you move.
Taxes and Deductions: Quebec vs Ontario
This section surprises a lot of people — and not positively, in Quebec’s case.
Quebec has two layers of provincial deductions: Quebec provincial income tax plus contributions to the QPP (Quebec Pension Plan). Ontario has Ontario provincial tax plus CPP (Canada Pension Plan). Both pay federal tax.
| Component | Quebec | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax | ~$3,900 | ~$3,900 |
| Provincial tax | ~$4,200 | ~$2,100 |
| QPP/CPP + EI/QPIP | ~$3,600 | ~$3,200 |
| Total deductions | ~$11,700 (~29.3%) | ~$9,200 (~23%) |
| Annual net salary | ~$28,300 | ~$30,800 |
The difference is real: on a $40,000 CAD income, you pay roughly $2,500 CAD more in taxes per person in Quebec than in Ontario. For a couple, that’s $5,000 CAD/year less in your pocket.
However, Quebec offers more subsidized services: $9.10/day daycare, mandatory public drug coverage (RAMQ), and broader social programs. If you have children, the daycare savings in Quebec can more than offset the tax difference.
Which City Should You Choose? The Ideal Profile for Each
After comparing all the numbers, the choice comes down to your profile. We’ve split it into practical scenarios:
Choose Quebec City if:
- You already speak intermediate or advanced French
- You have young children ($9.10/day daycare is unbeatable)
- You want cheaper rent and lower housing costs
- You’re drawn to a city with strong cultural identity and history
- One of you will study at Université Laval or in a French-language program
- You plan to use the PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise) as a path to PR
Choose London Ontario if:
- English is your main language and your French is still basic
- Both of you need to work right away (an English market is more accessible)
- You want proximity to Toronto (2h drive) for more opportunities
- You prefer a lower tax burden and more take-home pay
- You work in healthcare, manufacturing or technology
- You plan to use Express Entry or the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
For the partner on an OWP: if your French isn’t fluent, London is significantly easier for landing a job quickly. This is probably the most important variable for couples where one studies and the other needs to work.
| Category | Quebec City (CAD/month) | London ON (CAD/month) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, downtown) | $1,150 | $1,400 | Quebec City |
| Food (couple) | $700 | $720 | Tie |
| Transit (monthly passes) | $183 (2 passes) | $204 (2 passes) | Quebec City |
| Car insurance (if applicable) | $100 | $200 | Quebec City |
| Taxes (net difference) | — | — | London ON |
| Daycare (if applicable) | $200 | $1,000 | Quebec City |
| Salaries | Lower | Higher | London ON |
| Estimated total, couple (no kids) | $2,800-$3,500 | $3,000-$3,800 | Quebec City |
Our verdict: Quebec City is cheaper day to day, especially on housing and transport. But London Ontario puts more money in your pocket thanks to lower taxes and higher salaries. For couples without children who speak English, London tends to be better in the short term. For couples with children who speak French, Quebec City is almost unbeatable because of subsidized daycare.
And the winter? Both cities are cold. Quebec City is colder (averaging -12°C in January), while London hovers around -6°C in January. If cold is a major concern, London is a bit milder — but neither is Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost a couple to live in Quebec City in 2026?
A couple in Quebec City spends $2,800-$3,500 CAD per month, including rent, food, transport and basic expenses. A one-bedroom downtown runs about $1,150 CAD.
How much does it cost a couple to live in London Ontario in 2026?
A couple in London Ontario spends $3,000-$3,800 CAD per month. Rent is the main factor driving costs up: a one-bedroom downtown costs about $1,400 CAD.
Do I need to speak French to live in Quebec City?
Yes, French is essential to work and live in Quebec City. Unlike Montreal, where there is more bilingualism, Quebec City is predominantly francophone. For the job market, you need functional French (level B2 or higher).
Which city is better for someone on an Open Work Permit (OWP)?
If you speak English but not French, London Ontario offers more immediate job opportunities for the partner on an OWP. In Quebec City, without fluent French, options are very limited.
How do taxes in Quebec compare to Ontario?
Quebec has the highest provincial tax burden in Canada. On an income of $40,000 CAD/year, you pay roughly $2,500 CAD more in taxes per person in Quebec than in Ontario. However, Quebec offers more subsidized services, such as $9.10/day daycare.
Can I bring my pet to Quebec City or London Ontario?
Yes, both provinces ban “no pets” clauses in standard leases. Pet costs (food, vet, insurance) are similar in both cities, between $190-$310 CAD/month for a medium-sized dog.
Which city has the harsher winter?
Quebec City is significantly colder, averaging -12°C in January with heavy snow. London Ontario hovers around -6°C in January. Both require proper winter clothing, but Quebec City is one of the coldest capitals in the world.
What is the difference in daycare cost between Quebec and Ontario?
The difference is huge. Quebec offers subsidized daycare (CPE) at $9.10 CAD/day (~$200/month). In Ontario, even with the CWELCC program, daycare in London costs $800-$1,200 CAD/month. For couples with young children, this can mean savings of more than $10,000 CAD/year in Quebec.
A Smoother Move, With Someone in Your Corner
Choosing between Quebec City and London Ontario is just one of dozens of decisions you’ll face. If you’d like a human to walk you through housing, paperwork and settling in, the Daitana concierge team at Comfort Living supports newcomer families through every step of the move — so you spend less time worrying and more time building your new life in Canada.
Sources
- CMHC — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report 2025-2026: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/market-reports/rental-market-reports-major-centres
- Statistics Canada — Consumer Price Index, Monthly: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects-start/prices_and_price_indexes
- Revenu Québec — 2026 provincial tax tables: https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/
- Ontario Ministry of Finance — Tax rates: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-tax-credits-and-benefits
- IRCC — Working in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html
- Ville de Québec — Public transit (RTC): https://www.rtcquebec.ca/
- London Transit Commission: https://www.londontransit.ca/
- Ministère de la Famille — CPE (subsidized daycare): https://www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca/fr/services-de-garde/parents/Pages/index.aspx
Data verified in April 2026. Check the official IRCC and provincial websites for the most up-to-date information.
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