Montreal and Quebec City remain magnets for residents of the province, but real estate prices raise questions about the ability to purchase a house or condo for many. According to fresh data from APCIQ for January 2026, analyzed by Narcity Québec, an annual income of $81,000 to $144,000 is required to purchase housing — depending on the region.
This is the minimum threshold, covering only mortgage payments at a 5% rate for 25 years and 35% of gross income for housing, excluding taxes, utilities, and condo fees.
Montreal: a center for the affluent
In the metropolis of Montreal, prices are hitting records. On the island of Montreal, the average price of a house is $770,000, requiring an annual income of $144,000; a condo will cost $465,000 with a salary of $88,600. Laval is slightly more affordable ($618,000 for a house, $111,400 income), but sales have dropped by 30%, although prices have risen by 5%.
The nearby suburbs offer some relief: Rive-Nord — $570,340 for a house ($102,700 income), Rive-Sud — $599,000 ($108,000). Votoe-Sulange and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are also in the range of $110,000–119,000, with price increases of up to 29% in the latter.
Quebec: more realistic prospects
The Quebec region wins in terms of affordability. In the agglomeration: a house for $478,500 ($91,300 income), a condo — $333,500 ($63,500). The northern outskirts — $482,000 ($91,900), the southern Rive-Sud — only $425,000 ($81,000) — the lowest threshold on the list.
Here, prices have soared by 15% for houses, but a drop in sales of 17–33% increases supply, opening a window for negotiation.
Comparison: a gap of $63,000
| Region | House (price / income) | Condo (price / income) |
|---|---|---|
| Island of Montreal | $770,000 / $144,000 | $465,000 / $88,600 |
| Agglomeration of Quebec | $478,500 / $91,300 | $333,500 / $63,500 |
| Rive-Sud of Quebec | $425,000 / $81,000 | No data |
The market is in transition: sales are falling everywhere, inventories are rising. For the average resident of Quebec (salary around $60,000–70,000), a condo in Quebec or the suburbs of Montreal is a real chance, but the island of Montreal remains elite.
Planning to buy? Consider not only the mortgage but all expenses — the situation favors bold negotiators in 2026.
