Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Vancouver to Quebec City in 2023
Quebec City is an historic city with its origins dating back to 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a trading post here. Located in eastern Canada on the banks of St. Lawrence River, Quebec City has grown into one of Canada's largest cities with a population of more than 800 thousand people. The city features cobblestone streets and old-world charm that will make you feel like you have stepped into another era!
Moving from Vancouver to Quebec City
When moving from Vancouver to Quebec City, there's a lot to keep in mind. With the potential challenges you can face, the right preparations and tips can make the transition smoother. Fortunately, we have identified five of the most important considerations - cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons, and best moving solutions - that will ensure for a successful relocation.
Cost of Living
Quebec City is one of the largest destinations for Canadian movers. The cost of living when moving from Vancouver to Quebec City can differ significantly based on your lifestyle, as the table below illustrates.
| Category | Quebec City | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $225 per sq ft. | $450 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $276.92 / sq ft. | $800 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $800 / Month | $1,950 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150-$200 / Month | $220 / Month |
| Transportation | $88 / Month for a monthly pass with Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). | $98 / Month for Monthly Transit Pass (Compass Card) |
| Car Insurance | $720 / Year | $1,680 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month. | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $70 / Month | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $40-60/month | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 14.975% | 7% |
When it comes to real estate, Quebec City is significantly less expensive than Vancouver. A production home in Quebec City costs around $225 per square foot, compared to $450 per square foot in Vancouver. Custom-built single-family homes are also cheaper in Quebec City with a price of $276.92 per square foot, compared to $800 per square foot in Vancouver. The cost of housing is also much lower in Quebec City, with a one bedroom apartment going for around $800 a month, compared to almost double that amount at $1,950 a month in Vancouver. Utility and insurance expenses for housing are also lower in Quebec City, costing between $150-$200 a month as opposed to just $220 a month in Vancouver. Transportation costs are also lower in Quebec City, with a monthly pass costing only $88 compared to the more expensive option of $98 for the monthly transit pass (Compass Card) in Vancouver. Car insurance is also cheaper in Quebec City at around $720 a year compared to the higher rate of around $1,680 annually found in Vancouver. Entertainment and grocery costs are equal between both cities at around $150 and 300 respectively each month for one person. However when it comes to communication expenses such as phone and internet bills, they cost less in Quebec City at around $70 per month compared to the higher rate of around $90 found in Vancouver. Lastly health and fitness costs are slightly lower in Quebec City at between 40-60 dollars each month as opposed to 50-80 dollars each month found in Vancouver. Sales taxes are also significantly lower at 14.975% for Quebec City versus 7% for Vancouver.
Benefits of Moving to Quebec City
Moving from Vancouver to Quebec City has some unique benefits that offer a different experience than in the original city. For instance, the culture and history of Quebec City is very different from what one finds in Vancouver. The Old Town of Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visitors can appreciate the historical beauty of Europe without ever leaving North America. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure as well, such as canoeing on the St. Lawrence River or exploring Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier near Quebec City.
Meanwhile, while Vancouver is famous for its natural beauty, it cannot compete with what one finds in terms of nature around Quebec City. Here visitors can enjoy riverside strolls along picturesque hiking trails or even get away further into nature at Parc National de la Gaspesie or Forillon National Park which offer majestic views and even whale watching opportunities. In short, there's no shortage of things to explore and discover when you move to this vibrant city!
Best areas to live in Quebec City
Choosing a neighbourhood in Quebec City can be quite a daunting task, as there is so much to consider before settling down. With its unique culture and rich history, Quebec City offers something for everyone--but deciding which area suits you best can be challenging. Here we list the top 5 neighbourhoods of Quebec City, each with its own unique character and advantages.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste
After moving to Canada from abroad, many people choose to settle in the bustling Quebec City for its vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere. One of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city is Saint-Jean-Baptiste – easily recognizable by its characteristic yellow houses. This lively area offers plenty of attractions nearby including parks, museums, galleries and cafes. The area itself is located close to the heart of downtown Quebec City and within walking distance to local amenities like a supermarket or theatre. Living in Saint-Jean-Baptiste means that you can enjoy beautiful city views while having easy access to all it has to offer — making it perfect for those who are looking for a balance between modern convenience and historical charm.
Montcalm
Montcalm, Quebec City's 7th borough, is home to nearly 45 000 residents who get to enjoy its unique urban and nature blend. The neighborhood includes a forest full of trails that locals love to take advantage of. It is also a 5-minute drive from the bustling city center and shopping district, making it the perfect spot for those who want the best of both worlds. Living in Montcalm means being able to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer while still having quick access to peace and tranquility away from it all.
Sillery
Sillery is a neighbourhood in Quebec City known for its French-speaking population and friendly atmosphere. With plenty of parks, creeks, and trails, there's no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area. For those looking for more city life, historic Château Frontenac is nearby offering year-round entertainment and attractions. The Sillery neighbourhood is also conveniently located close to other Quebec City gems like the Plains of Abraham and the Musée de la Civilisation. Living in Sillery provides an enjoyable urban lifestyle with easy access to both modern amenities and nature's treasures.
Cap-Rouge
Cap-Rouge is a picturesque neighbourhood known for its unique, colonial architecture and quaint village atmosphere. Located just outside of the city's historic Old Port, Cap-Rouge provides seclusion within reach of urban amenities. Visitors need only to take a short drive to some Montreal's renowned attractions like the iconic Notre Dame Basilica and bustling Chinatown district. Other sights like Mont Royal Park and Biodome de Montreal are close enough to enjoy in one day. Living in Cap-Rouge is all about enjoying small town life while never being too far away from all the things that city living has to offer; it’s an ideal blend between rural and urban pleasures.
Île d'Orléans
Moving to Île d'Orléans in 2023 could be an exciting adventure. Situated on the St. Lawrence River, this charming neighbourhood offers a relaxed pace of life surrounded by the beauty of nature as well as nearby attractions like Old Port Quebec City, Montmorency Falls and a variety of museums. For outdoor activities, Île d'Orléans's proximity to beaches and parks make it perfect for those who love strolling and admiring all that nature has to offer. The neighbouring towns are only minutes from Île d'Orléans which makes exploring the rest of Quebec City convenient, with beautiful old cobbled streets filled with boutiques and restaurants waiting to be discovered. No matter what you're looking for in a move; peace, excitement or convenience - Île d'Orléans has something for everyone.
Pros
- The cultural richness of Quebec City compared to Vancouver makes it an appealing destination for those looking for a new home.
- The lower cost of living in Quebec City compared to Vancouver makes it an affordable destination for people looking to move.
- In Quebec City, one can have the opportunity to experience a unique culture through French immersion, a benefit not available in Vancouver.
Cons
- Moving to Quebec City in 2023 comes with the disadvantage of much harsher winters compared to Vancouver.
- Moving from Vancouver to Quebec City in 2023 can be a challenging experience due to language barriers.
- Moving from Vancouver to Quebec City in 2023 is not ideal for those looking for plentiful job opportunities, as the latter city offers significantly fewer options than what can be found in the former.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Vancouver to Quebec City?
Moving cross-country can be complicated. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to make it easier. Moving companies such as Hercules Moving Company can provide a range of services to make the process stress-free, including packing and unpacking, loading and unloading trucks, insurance coverage, special handling for fragile items and long-distance moving. Furthermore, there are many different companies available to choose from when making the move from Vancouver to Quebec City. Meanwhile, it is important to remember that before choosing a company or signing any contracts one should take time to research the company's reputation online or if they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Taking these steps will ensure that the move is hassle free and secure.
Conclusion
Moving to Quebec City is a great opportunity for everyone, offering rich culture and historical charm, beautiful natural environment and lower cost of living than Vancouver. There are many moving companies in the area, so it's important to choose the one that offers the best services for an easy transition. Also one has to take into consideration various cost factors like housing costs and transportation expenses. With plenty of attractions like Old Town of Quebec City and nature trails in Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, the city provides an exciting urban living experience with access to serenity away from it all. For those looking to move from Vancouver to Quebec City in 2023, there is something for everyone!
