Quebec is Canada’s second most populous province with a distinct economy shaped by aerospace, technology, and strong public sector investment. While average incomes are below the national average, Quebec offers lower housing costs and extensive government services funded by higher tax rates.
Average and median income in Quebec
| Metric | Amount | vs. Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Average Individual Income | $52,700 | -$3,400 |
| Median Individual Income | $42,200 | -$2,000 |
| Average Household Income | $135,100 | -$11,500 |
| Average After-Tax HHI | $110,400 | -$10,200 |
| Median Household Income | $112,700 | -$8,300 |
| Median After-Tax HHI | $97,100 | -$7,700 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Canada Income Survey 2023.
Quebec’s average individual income of $52,700 is 6.1% below the national average. The after-tax household income gap is proportionally larger due to Quebec’s higher provincial income tax rates. Use our salary calculator to see your Quebec after-tax take-home pay.
Average household income in Montreal
Montreal is Quebec’s economic engine and Canada’s second-largest city.
| City | Average HHI | Median HHI | Avg Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | $128,800 | $105,200 | $556,000 |
Income vs. housing affordability in Quebec
Despite lower incomes, Quebec offers reasonable housing affordability — particularly compared to Ontario and British Columbia:
| City | Median HHI | Avg Home Price | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | $105,200 | $556,000 | 5.3× |
Montreal’s 5.3× price-to-income ratio is considerably more affordable than Toronto at 7.6× or Vancouver at 9.5×, though less affordable than Calgary at 4.0×. Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see what you can afford on a Quebec income.
Key industries driving Quebec income
- Aerospace — Montreal is Canada’s aerospace capital, home to Bombardier, CAE, Pratt & Whitney, and Bell Helicopter. The sector employs over 40,000 people in high-skilled positions.
- Technology and AI — Montreal has become a global hub for artificial intelligence research, anchored by Mila (the Quebec AI Institute) and attracting major investments from Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung.
- Financial services — Montreal hosts several major financial institutions, insurance companies, and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
- Public sector — Quebec’s provincial government is a major employer, with strong unionized public sector wages.
- Creative industries — Video gaming (Ubisoft Montreal, EA), film, and digital media are major employers.
- Energy — Hydro-Québec provides some of the lowest electricity rates in North America, an indirect benefit to residents and businesses.
Quebec’s tax impact on income
Quebec has the most aggressive tax environment in Canada:
- Provincial income tax rates — Range from 14% to 25.75%, the highest in the country
- QST of 9.975% — Combined with 5% GST for a total of nearly 15% on purchases
- Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) — Slightly higher contributions than CPP in other provinces
- QPIP — Quebec Parental Insurance Plan premiums, which fund the province’s generous parental leave
However, these higher taxes fund:
- $8.70/day subsidized daycare — Saving families $10,000–$15,000+ per year compared to Ontario daycare costs
- Lower university tuition — Quebec residents pay roughly $3,000/year vs. $6,000–$8,000 in Ontario
- Prescription drug insurance — Universal coverage through RAMQ
- More generous parental leave — Through QPIP
An individual earning $100,000 in Quebec takes home approximately $4,000–$7,000 less than the same earner in Alberta. Calculate your exact take-home with our income tax calculator.
How Quebec compares to other provinces
| Province | Avg Individual Income | Median Individual Income | Avg HHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $64,200 | $49,400 | $161,900 |
| Ontario | $58,700 | $44,900 | $154,700 |
| British Columbia | $55,800 | $43,100 | $151,300 |
| Quebec | $52,700 | $42,200 | $135,100 |
| Canada | $56,100 | $44,200 | $146,600 |
While Quebec ranks below the national average in gross income, the combination of lower housing costs, subsidized childcare, and public services means the quality of life may be comparable to higher-income provinces. Use our income percentile calculator to see how your income ranks.
Related tools and resources
- Income Percentile Calculator — See where your income ranks in Canada
- Salary Calculator — Calculate your Quebec after-tax pay
- Income Tax Calculator — Estimate your Quebec income tax
- Quebec Mortgage Rates — Find the best mortgage rates in Quebec
- Montreal Housing Market — Current home prices and trends
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford