QC
vs
NL
Quebec City vs St. John's Cost of Living (2026)
St. John's is about 16% more expensive than Quebec City, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,400 a month in St. John's vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
The Verdict
Living in St. John's is 16% more expensive than living in Quebec City overall.
Quebec City / month
$1,680
St. John's / month
$1,930
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Quebec City
$100,000
Take-home $69,585 · $5,799/mo
Needed in St. John's
$115,782
Take-home $80,656 · $6,721/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in St. John's you'd need $15,782 more a year (+16%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Quebec City
$1,200
17% more expensive
St. John's
$1,400
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Quebec City
$390
15% more expensive
St. John's
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Quebec City
$90
11% cheaper
St. John's
$80
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