Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Quebec City to St. John's in 2023
Are you planning to move from Quebec City to St. John's in 2023? Making a long-distance move can be daunting, but the experience can be made easier by understanding the key characteristics of both cities.
Quebec City is the capital of province Quebec and is located in Canada’s easternmost province. It has a population of 531,902 as per 2019 census and occupies an area of 807 km². The city is known for its French heritage and boasts stunning architecture, cobblestone streets and breathtaking views that make it feel like a European town.
St John’s, on the other hand, is located on Newfoundland Island off Canada’s east coast and has a population of around 105,000 according to 2019 estimates. This vibrant port city offers great outdoor activities such as whale watching or iceberg tours due to its proximity to nature reserves along with its many festivals that celebrate Newfoundland culture.
Moving from Quebec City to St. John's
Moving from one city to another can be an exciting but challenging experience. With so many factors to consider, it is important to narrow down the most essential things when planning a move. We have selected and gathered the five most important considerations when planning a move from Quebec City to St. John's, so you can start your journey with confidence. With these tips in mind, you are ready to dig deeper into each of these topics and learn what it takes to make a successful move!
Cost of Living
Moving to St. John's could be quite a change for many, as the city is smaller than Quebec City in terms of population size. Living expenses can be different depending on lifestyle, so we have created a comparison table below to help you understand better how much it will cost you to move from Quebec City to St. John's in 2023.
| Category | St. John's | Quebec City |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $200 / sq ft. | $160 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $215/sq ft. | $169 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,078 / Month | $800 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $180 / Month | $150-$250 / Month |
| Transportation | $58.50 / Month for a Monthly Metrobus Pass | $88 / Month for OPUS 12-month pass |
| Car Insurance | $1,042 / Year. | $710 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $120 / month. | $100 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month. | $250 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $150/month | $120 / Month. |
| Health and Fitness | $50-100 / Month | $45-60 / Month for a gym membership. |
| Sales Taxes | 15% / year | 15% / year |
For those looking to move from Quebec City to St. John's, the cost of real estate is higher in the former with production homes at $200/sq ft compared to $160/sq ft in St. John's and custom-built single-family homes at $215/sq ft compared to $169/sq ft. Monthly housing costs are generally higher in St. John's as well, with one bedroom apartments costing about $1,078 compared to Quebec City’s $800. Housing utilities and insurance are also a bit more expensive in St. John's, ranging from $180-$250 compared to Quebec City’s $150-$250. Transportation expenses are also significantly higher in St. John's with a monthly metrobus pass costing around $58.50 compared to an OPUS 12-month pass for about $88 in Quebec City. Other monthly costs such as entertainment, communication (phone & internet), health and fitness, and groceries tend to be lower in St. John's than Quebec City, with car insurance being the only exception; it costs around $1,042 annually in St. John's versus just $710 annually in Quebec City. Lastly, the sales taxes are similar between the two cities at 15% per year.
Benefits of Moving to St. John's
Moving to St. John's offers many advantages over staying in Quebec City. For starters, the city is blessed with stunningly beautiful scenery, from its pristine ocean views to its abundant wildlife and lush greenery. Moreover, it has a unique cultural heritage that cannot be experienced anywhere else - something that Quebec City simply does not offer. Meanwhile, St. John's has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, making it an ideal place to live for those who want an active lifestyle. Finally, the locals are friendly and welcoming which helps create a great sense of community spirit – something that is often lacking in larger cities such as Quebec City.
Best areas to live in St. John's
Choosing a neighbourhood in St. John's can be daunting, so it is important for one to consider all factors before settling into a place. With the vast options available and various facilities offered, it's not always easy to decide which area is best suited for you and your family. To help out with the decision-making process, here are five of the top neighbourhoods in St. John's where you can start your new life in 2023!
East End
East End is the most populous neighbourhood in St. John's, with a population of nearly 30,000 people. The area is surrounded by breathtaking views of Signal Hill to the north and Quidi Vidi Lake to the south, and is home to some of the city's most popular attractions such as George Street, The Rooms Museum & Art Gallery and Mile Zero Monument. Living in East End puts you within walking distance from many great restaurants, bars, shopping centers and other attractions. Moving to this vibrant neighbourhood means having access to all St. John's has to offer while still being able to enjoy spectacular views of nature at your doorsteps - both on land and sea!
King William Estates
Moving to King William Estates in St. John's is a great idea! It is a relatively new, upscale neighbourhood with plenty of modern amenities and green spaces. The neighbourhood offers close proximity to downtown, but still provides the tranquillity of residential living. Residents can find numerous attractions nearby such as the Mile One Centre or Signal Hill National Historic Site within walking distance of the area. Furthermore, King William Estates has excellent views of both the city and the harbour from their parks, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for convenience. Living in this area offers an ideal balance between vibrant urban living and natural beauty — perfect for a fresh start!
The Battery
The Battery is a trendy and eclectic neighbourhood located in St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. The area is close to the city centre and is surrounded by beautiful parks, making it perfect for nature lovers or individuals looking for an escape from their busy lives. With quick access to downtown St. John's attractions such as Church Hill Theatre and Signal Hill National Historic Site, The Battery offers something for everyone. Living in this vibrant community also means being close to some of the city's best restaurants, shops and pubs - all within easy walking distance! Residents here have everything they need right at their fingertips while having the opportunity to take in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean too! It truly is a unique experience that cannot be matched anywhere else - living in The Battery offers unbeatable convenience combined with great scenery and plenty of fun activities right outside your doorstep!
Rabbittown
Rabbittown is an iconic neighbourhood in St. John's, home to a diverse array of cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. This neighbourhood is surrounded by scenic views and outdoor activities, within walking distance of parks such as Quidi Vidi Lake Provincial Park and the Grand Concourse Authority Trails. Living in Rabbittown comes with all the best that St. John's has to offer; you’ll be just a short drive or bike ride away from fantastic restaurants, bars, galleries and shopping districts. Enjoy the vibrant energy of this bustling community with its wide range of attractions, excellent access to public transportation services, great schools and varied housing options - everything you need for a comfortable life!
Waterford Valley
The bustling neighbourhood of Waterford Valley is located in St. John's, boasting a diverse population and a great array of amenities to enjoy. It is surrounded by various parks, beaches and historic attractions, while it is also conveniently close to downtown St. John's with only a short drive away from the centre. Living in Waterford Valley brings lots of interesting activities to be enjoyed such as relaxing at the nearby parks or walking along one of the area’s many trails for stunning views and moments spent in nature’s tranquility. Whether you want an active lifestyle or some leisurely days spent exploring, Waterford Valley has all you need for living life cozily and beautifully!
Pros
- The warmer climate in St. John's is a considerable advantage when making the move from Quebec City.
- The lower cost of living in St. John's makes it an attractive option for anyone planning a move from Quebec City.
- The invigorating coastal views of St. John's makes it an attractive destination for anyone looking for a change of scenery from the beauty of Quebec City.
Cons
- The con point when moving from Quebec City to St. John's is the long-distance separation from family and friends, making it hard to maintain relationships with those back in Quebec City.
- Moving to St. John's from Quebec City can prove challenging due to limited job opportunities compared to the larger city.
- Compared to Quebec City, St. John's has much less cultural diversity, making it a less attractive place for those who appreciate different cultures.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Quebec City to St. John's?
With a plethora of moving companies offering services in Quebec City to St. John's, it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. From full-service movers that do all the work for you, to DIY options with vehicles available for rent, there are countless services and solutions out there. Hercules Moving Company offers competitive rates and excellent customer service, making them a perfect choice for those who need help during the move.
Meanwhile, it's important to remember that no matter which company you choose, always make sure they are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and have good reviews online. This will ensure their credibility is sound and give you peace of mind when planning your move from Quebec City to St. John's.
Conclusion
Moving to St. John's can be an exciting yet daunting experience. It is important to compare cost of living, consider the benefits and understand best areas to live in the city before making a decision. The Hercules Moving Company is a reliable option for those looking for assistance with the planning process. Moreover, tourists can take advantage of beautiful scenery, diverse culture and many outdoor activities - both on land and sea - that make St. John's an ideal place to call home!
