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Cost of living in Saguenay
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Saguenay.
One person, a month
CAD 1,240
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
CAD 4,478
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
CAD 910
A month
Gross salary, one person
CAD 29,000
to cover living costs in Saguenay
Saguenay's cost of living at a glance
Saguenay is one of the least expensive cities in both Canada and North America. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Saguenay are CAD 1,240, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are CAD 4,478 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Saguenay may need a gross salary of at least CAD 29,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in CAD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Saguenay compares
One person's monthly costs in Saguenay, excluding rent, are 18.1% lower than in the typical city in Canada and 2.1% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Saguenay ranks
In Canada
65th of 67
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In North America
384th of 418
Cities in North America with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
45th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 45% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
65th of 67
Cities in Canada, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Saguenay
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Saguenay | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 910 | CAD 1,908 −52.3% | CAD 1,043 −12.7% |
| Groceries | CAD 475 | CAD 500 −4.9% | CAD 395 +20.4% |
| Eating out | CAD 195 | CAD 265 −26.4% | CAD 222 −12.1% |
| Transport | CAD 82.52 | CAD 96.96 −14.9% | CAD 56.18 +46.9% |
| Utilities | CAD 195 | CAD 289 −32.3% | CAD 245 −20.3% |
| Leisure | CAD 63.95 | CAD 87.68 −27.1% | CAD 87.04 −26.5% |
| Total excluding rent | CAD 1,240 | CAD 1,514 −18.1% | CAD 1,266 −2.1% |
| Total including rent | CAD 2,151 | CAD 3,376 −36.3% | CAD 2,350 −8.5% |
Typical = the median of 67 cities in Canada and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
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Explore prices in Saguenay
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Saguenay
Saguenay is the 3rd cheapest city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Canada is Trois-Rivieres, QC.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 910 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs CAD 670 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 36% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 910 | CAD 722– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 670 | CAD 413– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 1,728 | CAD 1,031– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 1,392 | CAD 980– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | CAD 8,284 | CAD 2,665– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | CAD 5,047 | Not available |
Cost of everyday items in Saguenay
Groceries in Saguenay are around 4% cheaper than the average for Canada, while eating out is around 25% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs CAD 3.26.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs CAD 4.28.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs CAD 17.02.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | CAD 3.26 | CAD 2.06– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | CAD 4.28 | CAD 3.10– |
| Eggs, 12 large | CAD 3.61 | CAD 3.09– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | CAD 14.73 | CAD 8.25– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | CAD 15.70 | CAD 6.19– |
| Beef round, 1kg | CAD 16.84 | CAD 10.31– |
| Apples, 1kg | CAD 6.21 | CAD 3.09– |
| Oranges, 1kg | CAD 5.66 | CAD 2.94– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | CAD 3.99 | CAD 1.36– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | CAD 3.60 | CAD 2.06– |
| White rice, 1kg | CAD 5.84 | CAD 3.61– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | CAD 5.60 | CAD 2.58– |
| Bananas, 1kg | CAD 1.81 | CAD 1.55– |
| Onions, 1kg | CAD 2.28 | CAD 2.28– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | CAD 1.19 | CAD 1.03– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | CAD 15.46 | CAD 12.37– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | CAD 4.27 | CAD 2.32– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 2.84 | CAD 2.06– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | CAD 17.02 | CAD 15.46– |
Eating out in Saguenay
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CAD 18.57 | CAD 15.46– |
| Three-course meal for two | CAD 61.89 | CAD 61.89– |
| Fast food combo meal | CAD 15.46 | CAD 12.37– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | CAD 7.74 | CAD 4.13– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 7.22 | CAD 5.67– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 2.19 | CAD 2.06– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 1.81 | CAD 1.03– |
| Cappuccino | CAD 5.53 | CAD 4.13– |
Transport in Saguenay
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | CAD 3.86 | CAD 3.86– |
| Monthly public transport pass | CAD 82.52 | CAD 78.90– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | CAD 1.64 | CAD 1.55– |
| Taxi start | CAD 4.23 | CAD 3.09– |
| Taxi, per km | CAD 2.12 | CAD 2.06– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | CAD 40.23 | CAD 40.23– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | CAD 40,824 | CAD 40,824– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | CAD 28,730 | CAD 25,951– |
Utilities in Saguenay
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | CAD 92.83 | CAD 87.68– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | CAD 65.78 | CAD 51.58– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | CAD 50.89 | CAD 36.10– |
How is Saguenay for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of CAD 89,000 a year in Saguenay, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,010 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 1,728 a month.
Saguenay scores 75/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 4,478 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 6,205 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | CAD 1,010 | CAD 650– |
| International primary school Annual | CAD 13,408 | CAD 13,295– |
Leisure and clothing in Saguenay
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | CAD 36.10 | CAD 25.79– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | CAD 27.85 | CAD 19.59– |
| Cinema ticket | CAD 13.92 | CAD 12.37– |
| Jeans | CAD 82.52 | CAD 42.15– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | CAD 51.58 | CAD 30.94– |
| Nike running shoes | CAD 129 | CAD 103– |
| Men's leather business shoes | CAD 155 | CAD 144– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Saguenay?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Canada, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Saguenay. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Saguenay, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
CAD 28,973
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Saguenay, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- CAD 22,929
- Living costs
- CAD 22,929
- Tax and contributions
- CAD 6,044
Where your salary goes
- Living costsCAD 22,92979.1%
- Income tax and contributionsCAD 6,04420.9%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | CAD 28,973 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | CAD 6,044 |
| = | Take-home pay | CAD 22,929 |
| − | Rent | CAD 8,045 |
| − | Groceries | CAD 5,702 |
| − | Eating out | CAD 2,344 |
| − | Transport | CAD 990 |
| − | Utilities | CAD 2,345 |
| − | Leisure | CAD 767 |
| − | Other estimated costs | CAD 2,735 |
| = | Left over: savings target | CAD 0 |
CAD 28,973 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 20.9% effective tax rate and CAD 6,044 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Saguenay costs an estimated CAD 670 per month. CAD 670 per month × 12 months = CAD 8,045 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Saguenay spends an estimated CAD 475 on groceries per month. CAD 475 per month × 12 months = CAD 5,702 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Saguenay spends an estimated CAD 195 on eating out per month. CAD 195 per month × 12 months = CAD 2,344 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Saguenay spends an estimated CAD 82.52 on transport per month. CAD 82.52 per month × 12 months = CAD 990 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Saguenay spends an estimated CAD 195 on utilities per month. CAD 195 per month × 12 months = CAD 2,345 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Saguenay spends an estimated CAD 63.95 on leisure per month. CAD 63.95 per month × 12 months = CAD 767 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. CAD 228 per month × 12 months = CAD 2,735 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Federal tax only, effective from January 1, 2026. Lowest bracket rate reduced to 14% (from 14.5% in 2025). Thresholds indexed by 2%. Excludes Provincial/Territorial tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Canada's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / CRA.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Saguenay: common questions
Is Saguenay expensive to live in?
Saguenay is one of the least expensive cities in both Canada and North America.
A single person spends about CAD 1,240 a month excluding rent, against CAD 1,514 in the typical city in Canada (the median of 67 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Saguenay costs the same as or more than 45% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively affordable city.
What salary do you need to live in Saguenay?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least CAD 29,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Saguenay, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Canada's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Saguenay?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 910 a month, and CAD 670 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about CAD 1,728 a month in the centre and CAD 1,392 outside it.
Saguenay is the 3rd cheapest city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Saguenay?
A family of four spends about CAD 4,478 a month on living costs excluding rent, or CAD 6,205 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of CAD 89,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,010 a month per child.
How does Saguenay compare with Canada's other cities?
Saguenay ranks 65th of 67 cities in Canada for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 18.1% less than in the typical city in Canada.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Canada 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Canada (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 67 cities in Canada in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Saguenay's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Canada and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.