The province of Québec’s two biggest urban centres share many advantages. But there are also some differences and both cities are often thought to be in competition with each other. So, which city offers the best quality of life?
It depends on your preferences and needs! Just for fun, we’ve drawn up a list of what each city has to offer to get a fuller picture.
The Cost of Housing: Point for Québec City
One of Québec City’s principal advantages is its affordable real estate market. Here, the median price for a single-family home is $345,000. Equivalent residences typically go for almost $775,000 in Montréal. Even Québec City’s upscale neighbourhoods, such as the Sillery and Montcalm sectors, remain reasonably priced compared to those in the metropolis and in Canada’s other major cities. The relative low cost of housing extends to the rental market, where renting an apartment or house is far less expensive than for a dwelling of a similar size in Montréal.
Events and Outings: Point for Montréal
Québec City plays host to several major events such as the Winter Carnival and Summer Festival. Nonetheless, Montréal hosts many larger scale events for its size each year, from sports competitions to cultural festivals to business conferences. Examples include the Rogers Cup, Igloofest, the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, the Jazz and Osheaga festivals, as well as conferences like C2 Montréal, among others. International artists regularly perform in the metropolis, passing over Québec City. Moreover, Montréal, with its numerous bars and clubs, has a far more active nightlife.
Mobility: Point for Québec City
Thanks to its smaller size, Québec City remains a city where it’s quick and easy to get around, whether it’s by car or using public transportation. For its part, Montréal is famous for its interminable rush-hour traffic as well as the myriad of roadworks that regularly clog up streets and frustrate many motorists. While Montréal has a well-developed public transportation network with the REM, trains coming in from suburban areas, the subway system and buses, people don’t always feel like the transportation system is actually efficient.
Business: Point for Montréal
Montréal is the place to be if you want an international career. It’s position as a North American financial hub, a well-known hotspot for fashion, video game development and cutting-edge technologies, and its proximity to a major airport all make this city a key business centre.
The Most Beautiful City: It’s in the Eye of the Beholder
On the one hand, visitors love Québec City’s European cachet. It’s said to be a perfect blend of the New and the Old Continent. On the other hand, Montréal’s Old Port is a real gem, as are the city’s many green spaces (although its rival has its fair share of parks as well!). Québec City is splendid to stroll through, while Montréal is stunning when viewed from Champlain Bridge. Some will equally add that Québec City’s streets are relatively cleaner. Which city do you think offers the most pleasant setting?
Outdoor Recreation: It’s Hard to Decide
Montréal’s Mount Royal is a popular destination for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain in the middle of the city generously offers a wide range of attractions! In Québec City, one must travel to the city outskirts to enjoy outdoor activities, such as ski resorts, lakes and hiking trails.
It’s up to you whether you prefer settling down in Montréal or in Québec City. Of course, whichever you decide, the other—and all its advantages—is only a few hours away by car! So why choose?
