Retiring Soon? 3 Cheap Places to Live in Canada

The cost of living is cheaper in three places in Quebec, Canada, so soon-to-be retirees must check them out. Retirees looking for reliable income stream can invest in the National Bank of Canada stock, the leading bank in the province.

| More on:

One of the best moves you can make before you retire is to downsize. I’m referring to relocating to a place where retirement living is affordable. There are cheap places to live or retire in Canada, especially in three beautiful locations in Quebec. Retirees move there because they can stretch out the budget or manage funds better. Furthermore, more free cash will enable you to do things on your bucket list.

The Queen of the Eastern Townships

Quebec’s sixth-largest city, Sherbrooke, is called ‘The Queen of the Eastern Townships.’ Mountains, lakes, and rivers surround it. Retirees who love the great outdoors, vibrant nature, and green spaces will undoubtedly enjoy living here. Sherbrooke is a vital shipping hub, so it’s perfect for people with entrepreneurial spirits.

Check out Sherbrooke first before other places because housing is very affordable. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom abode in the city centre and outside is $475 and $405, respectively. The city is in close proximity to New Hampshire and New York in the U.S. if you want to take a vacation across the border.

Exceptional quality of life

Saint-Georges attracts retirees because of affordable housing and quality health care. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment unit starts at $500 per month. A modern hospital offers a full range of family medical services and access to well specialized.

Because it’s a small community and not a densely populated (33,000 plus) area, Saint-Georges is retiree-friendly. Since traffic is nearly non-existent, you can move around freely and enjoy your leisure hours. If you’re looking for exceptional quality of life, Saint-Georges is a great place to retire in Canada.

Relaxing city

Apart from affordable retirement living, Victoriaville is known as a relaxing city. The cost of living is roughly $885, while the average house rent is only $477. Retirees will find the city enchanting and scenic because it sits on the Nicolet River. New residential and commercial development is booming due to investments in the industrial park.

People aptly describe Victoriaville as the “cradle of sustainable development.” The dynamic town’s mission and values are to preserve the quality of its environment for future generations. Despite having all the amenities of bigger cities, the scale in Victoriaville is manageable.

Leading bank in Quebec

If you’re from Quebec, you would know the province’s leading bank. The National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) is the country’s sixth-largest commercial bank and a top investment choice of long-term investors and retirees. This $30.03 billion bank is 163 years old and provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients.

The National Bank of Canada is outside of the Big Five banks’ circle, but it’s a super-regional bank with a strong foothold in Quebec. The markets in the province account for 60% of the bank’s total revenue. Its ownerships abroad include Credigy in the U.S. (80%) and ABA Bank in Cambodia (100%).

NA’s total return over the last 20 years is 1,377.14 (14.39% CAGR). If you were to invest in the dividend aristocrat today, the current share price is $89.42, while the dividend offer is 3.19%.

Cost-beneficial

Making a relocation decision isn’t easy due to separation anxiety. However, it could be genuinely advantageous if living costs are considerably lower than in your current city.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

10 Years From Now You’ll Be Thrilled You Bought These Outstanding TSX Dividend Stocks

One high-yield play and one steady grower, both primed for 2035. Checkout TELUS stock's 9% yield, and this steady and…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Growth Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Looking for some of the smartest growth stocks you can find right now? Here are three top picks to buy…

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? These Canadian Stocks Look Like Smart Buys Right Now

Got $1,000? Three quiet Canadian stocks serving essential services can start paying you now and compound for years.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks for Canadian Investors to Buy Now

Explore the benefits of dividend stock investing. Discover sustainable Canadian dividend growth stocks that can boost your total returns.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

To Get More Yield From Your Savings, Consider These 3 Top Stocks

Looking for yield? Look no further – these three Canadian dividend stocks could set you up for very long-term passive…

Read more »

Hiker with backpack hiking on the top of a mountain
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $420 per Month in Tax-Free Income

This fund's monthly $0.10 per share payout makes passive income planning easy inside a TFSA.

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Stock to Rule Them All in 2026

This top Canadian stock offers a 4.5% yield, significant long-term growth potential, and an ultra-cheap price heading into 2026.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Planning Ahead: Optimizing TFSA Contribution Room for 2026

Plan your 2026 TFSA now: pick a simple core ETF, automate contributions, and let compounding work while you ignore the…

Read more »