Quebec City vs Victoria Cost of Living (2026)
Victoria is about 71% more expensive than Quebec City, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
The Verdict
Quebec City / month
$2,120
Victoria / month
$3,275
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym 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 Victoria
$170,748
Take-home $119,680 · $9,973/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Victoria you'd need $70,748 more a year (+71%).
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
Victoria
$2,200
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Quebec City
$390
Victoria
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Quebec City
$90
Victoria
$100
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Quebec City
$150
Victoria
$130
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Quebec City
$250
Victoria
$340
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Quebec City
$40
Victoria
$55
Which City Should You Choose?
Quebec City, QC: Quebec's historic provincial capital, cheaper than Montreal with a strong government job base.
Victoria, BC: BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria more expensive than Quebec City?
Yes. Victoria costs about 71% more than Quebec City for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,200 a month in Victoria vs $1,200 in Quebec City.
Is it cheaper to live in Quebec City or Victoria?
Quebec City is roughly 71% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Quebec City vs Victoria?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,200/month in Quebec City versus $2,200/month in Victoria.
What salary do I need in Victoria to match my Quebec City lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Quebec City is roughly equivalent to $170,748 in Victoria once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Victoria a good place to move to from Quebec City?
BC's capital on Vancouver Island — mild winters, and rent nearly as high as Vancouver's. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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