Cost of Living in Saguenay - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,457 monthly including rent, or $771 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,293 with rent, or $1,403 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,130 including rent, or $2,036 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.88 CA$21.90
$10.96 CA$15.11
$36.51 CA$50.3
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$42.69 CA$58.9
$42.69 CA$58.9
$85.4 CA$118
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.41 CA$15.74
$11.05 CA$15.23
$14.73 CA$20.31
Cappuccino
$3.70 CA$5.11
$2.91 CA$4.01
$5.08 CA$7.01
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50 CA$2.07
$1.41 CA$1.95
$2.83 CA$3.91
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29 CA$1.78
$0.74 CA$1.02
$3.15 CA$4.35
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.44 CA$7.51
$3.63 CA$5.01
$7.27 CA$10.02
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.14 CA$7.09
$4.25 CA$5.87
$7.09 CA$9.78
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.05 CA$2.82
$1.42 CA$1.96
$3.57 CA$4.92
White Bread (500g)
$3.00 CA$4.13
$2.57 CA$3.54
$3.88 CA$5.35
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.94 CA$5.43
$2.56 CA$3.53
$7.02 CA$9.68
Eggs
$2.86 CA$3.94
$2.69 CA$3.71
$3.60 CA$4.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.02 CA$12.45
$5.81 CA$8.01
$24.04 CA$33.16
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.35 CA$10.13
$4.41 CA$6.07
$14.69 CA$20.26
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.84 CA$14.95
$7.28 CA$10.04
$15.81 CA$21.80
Apples (1kg)
$4.49 CA$6.20
$2.95 CA$4.07
$5.16 CA$7.11
Banana (1kg)
$1.42 CA$1.96
$1.07 CA$1.47
$2.86 CA$3.94
Oranges (1kg)
$3.87 CA$5.33
$2.07 CA$2.85
$5.07 CA$7.00
Tomato (1kg)
$4.18 CA$5.76
$2.20 CA$3.03
$6.42 CA$8.86
Potato (1kg)
$2.91 CA$4.02
$0.94 CA$1.29
$5.70 CA$7.86
Onion (1kg)
$2.82 CA$3.88
$1.33 CA$1.83
$4.20 CA$5.80
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.59 CA$3.58
$1.48 CA$2.04
$4.46 CA$6.15
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.77 CA$1.06
$0.70 CA$0.97
$2.11 CA$2.92
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.07 CA$16.65
$9.95 CA$13.72
$15.63 CA$21.55
Wine (Bottle)
$11.61 CA$16.01
$10.16 CA$14.01
$18.14 CA$25.01
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.05 CA$4.20
$1.75 CA$2.42
$4.48 CA$6.18
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.39 CA$4.67
$1.97 CA$2.72
$5.75 CA$7.93
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.75 CA$3.79
$2.75 CA$3.79
$2.93 CA$4.04
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$58.4 CA$80.5
$55.9 CA$77.0
$61.0 CA$84.1
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.91 CA$4.01
$2.13 CA$2.94
$4.08 CA$5.63
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.45 CA$2.00
$1.41 CA$1.95
$2.20 CA$3.03
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$27.78 CA$38.30
$27.78 CA$38.30
$38.03 CA$52.4
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 CA$1.67
$1.12 CA$1.54
$1.41 CA$1.95
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.0K CA$38.6K
$28.0K CA$38.6K
$31.5K CA$43.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.3K CA$28.0K
$18.4K CA$25.3K
$25.5K CA$35.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$64.2 CA$88.6
$60.7 CA$83.7
$155 CA$213
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$31.89 CA$43.98
$21.49 CA$29.64
$46.58 CA$64.2
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$46.61 CA$64.3
$36.13 CA$49.82
$72.3 CA$99.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$25.34 CA$34.95
$18.11 CA$24.97
$32.59 CA$44.94
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.39 CA$26.73
$13.64 CA$18.80
$25.12 CA$34.65
Cinema Ticket
$9.36 CA$12.90
$8.64 CA$11.91
$14.41 CA$19.87
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$687 CA$948
$448 CA$618
$996 CA$1,373
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,397 CA$13.0K
$9,318 CA$12.8K
$9,686 CA$13.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.4 CA$76.4
$29.63 CA$40.86
$71.3 CA$98.3
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$36.56 CA$50.4
$21.93 CA$30.25
$110 CA$151
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.1 CA$122
$73.4 CA$101
$110 CA$152
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109 CA$151
$91.8 CA$127
$132 CA$182
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$630 CA$869
$500 CA$689
$714 CA$985
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$472 CA$650
$290 CA$400
$653 CA$900
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,220 CA$1,682
$728 CA$1,004
$1,821 CA$2,511
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$993 CA$1,369
$699 CA$964
$1,471 CA$2,029
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,866 CA$8,089
$1,887 CA$2,602
$9,845 CA$13.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,495 CA$4,819
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,616 CA$3,607
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.45
3.8
5.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $630 for a central one-bedroom, or $472 outside the center. At 24% of the average salary ($2,616), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,616, while typical expenses reach $1,457. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $321 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $43.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $58.4 per month.

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 94% of cities in North America

Gym membership is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America

Saguenay Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Saguenay - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saguenay affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value here?
Cost of Living in Saguenay sits in the middle range among Canadian cities. You’ll likely find housing and everyday goods more affordable than in major metros, especially if you’re open to older or smaller units and non-central neighborhoods. The city rewards travelers and remote workers who adapt their routines to the seasons and the local pace. Practical savings come from renting long enough to negotiate better terms, shopping at farmers markets, and cooking at home rather than eating out every day. Tip: Build a flexible budgeting plan that rotates your activity across seasons to match local prices and crowd levels.
What does daily life look like in Saguenay, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
When you search for a place, focus on neighborhoods with easy access to services and nature; riverfront areas can be pricier, while inland pockets offer calmer streets and better value. Saguenay living cost tends to stay stable across the city’s smaller markets, so you can browse multiple options without chasing dramatic price swings. Grocery stores and farmers markets let you build meals affordably, while restaurants range from casual to seasonal specialties. Transport often centers on a car or bike, with some transit links to nearby towns. For work, casual co-working spaces and quiet cafés double as bases. Tip: visit at different times of day to gauge noise and convenience.
What should you know about quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit in Saguenay across seasons?
Quality of life here blends outdoor access, friendly neighborhoods, and a steady pace that suits you for work and weekend outings. Build a budgeting framework that separates essentials, discretionary spending, and seasonal costs like heating or outdoor gear, so you’re never caught off guard. Save by choosing a well-insulated home, cooking at home, and joining local events that offer low-cost entertainment. Neighborhood fit matters: you’ll find family-friendly cores near parks suit certain lifestyles, while waterfront or campus-adjacent spots attract active digital nomads. Tip: set up a monthly review of expenses and adapt your routines to the winter and summer activities that matter most to you.
Is the cost of living in Saguenay reasonable?
At around $1,457 monthly all-in, Saguenay offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Saguenay affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Saguenay is moderately priced at about $1,457 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Saguenay?
Earning $2,186 monthly in Saguenay means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Saguenay?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Saguenay range from $472 to $630, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Saguenay?
A monthly transit pass in Saguenay runs about $58.4, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Saguenay?
At about $321 monthly, food costs in Saguenay sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Saguenay?
Living on $2,000 in Saguenay means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,457. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Saguenay?
Living in Saguenay means access to fast internet at about $1,457 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
How much can you save per month in Saguenay?
Monthly expenses in Saguenay run around $1,457, so putting money aside takes more than $2,186 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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