Saguenay, located in the heart of Quebec, Canada, offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Understanding the cost of living in Saguenay is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.63 on average, with a range between $10.73 and $35.75.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $67.93, with prices ranging from $45.77 to $143.02.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.73, with a range between $8.58 and $14.3.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.86 to $8.58, imported beer $3.93 to $7.15, cappuccino $2.86 to $5.72, and Coke/Pepsi $1.07 to $2.86.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.35 and $3.33 per liter, averaging $1.94.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.14 and $4.28, with an average price of $2.47.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.15 to $3.57, averaging $2.32.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.43 to $4.76 per kg, while oranges range from $2.04 to $5.72 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.72 and $4.11 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.61 to $3.57 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $2.68, with a monthly pass priced at $54.7.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.03 and $1.35 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.93, with a cost of $2.06 per km and $27.89 to $35.75 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $464.81 to $715.09, averaging $591.14.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $715.09 to $1287.16, averaging $905.78.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $679.33.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $71.51 and $176.63, averaging $108.6.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $35.75 to $71.51, with an average cost of $50.26.
Worldwide
Canada

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Canada are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Canada, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 18 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16.63
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$67.93
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.73
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.11
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.65
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.43
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.43
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.15
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.94
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.47
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.32
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.32
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.83
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.73
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.77
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$10.01
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.50
Apples (1kg)
$3.83
Oranges (1kg)
$3.93
Potato (1kg)
$2.24
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.44
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.57
Tomato (1kg)
$4.51
Banana (1kg)
$1.26
Onion (1kg)
$1.57
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$15.81
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.68
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$54.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,297.27
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.58
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.06
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$30.03
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$19,636.15
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$591.14
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$905.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$679.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$108.60
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$50.26
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$38.45
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$32.18
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.59
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.30
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$71.56
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$44.65
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$92.96
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$118.17
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,374.45
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7.06%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$589.95
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,078.25
Saguenay Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Saguenay offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities, with moderate housing and dining costs.

Transportation is reasonably priced, and public transport options are available, making it easier to navigate the city without a car.

Grocery prices are competitive, with a variety of options for fresh produce and essentials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saguenay presents a balanced cost of living that is attractive for both individuals and families. The city combines affordable housing with reasonable dining and transportation costs, making it a viable option for those looking to relocate.

Whether you're planning a move or a visit, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Saguenay has to offer.