When it comes time to plan for retirement or find a suitable private residence for seniors, evaluating your budget is an essential first step. Determining the cost of rent in a seniors' residence requires looking at several moving parts. Prices can vary considerably depending on healthcare needs, the services offered, geographic location, and the unit type—whether you are looking for a single room, a studio, or a larger 4 ½ or 5 ½ apartment.
To give you a clear idea of market rates, we present below a table of average rents in seniors' residences, broken down by region in Quebec for 2023. While looking at these historical benchmarks is helpful for understanding market trends, prices do evolve. For the most up-to-date and accurate figures to help you plan your current finances, we highly recommend consulting our comprehensive guide: What is the Cost of a Senior Living Residence in 2025?
2023 Average Rent Prices for Seniors' Private Residences
Source: Price based on data provided by Bonjour Résidences partner residences in Quebec, in 2022.
Regions | Average Rent for Standard Housing | Average rent for accommodation with care | Average Rent per Unit |
$2,108 | $4,175 | Single room: $2,297 Studio : $1,640 1 bedroom: $2,077 2 bedrooms +: $2,856 | |
$2,092 | $3,495 | Single room: $2,067 Studio : $1,702 1 bedroom: $2,156 2 bedrooms +: $2,759 | |
$1,978 | $3,226 | Single room: $2,269 Studio : $1,821 1 bedroom: $2,136 2 bedrooms +: $2,870 | |
$2,152 | N/A | Single room: $2,451 Studio : $2,072 1 bedroom: $2,023 2 bedrooms +: $2,716 | |
$1,727 | $3,065 | Single room: $1,757 Studio : $1,822 1 bedroom: $1,816 2 bedrooms +: $2,232 | |
$1,790 | $2,828 | Single room: $1,816 Studio : $1,693 1 bedroom: $1,991 2 bedrooms +: $2,367 | |
$1,879 | $4,021 | Single room: $1,753 Studio : $1,669 1 bedroom: $1,991 2 bedrooms +: $2,652 | |
$1,813 | $3,234 | Single room: $1,821 Studio : $1,580 1 bedroom: $1,791 2 bedrooms +: $2,142 | |
$1,849 | N/A | Single room: $1,726 Studio : N/A 1 bedroom: $1,961 2 bedrooms +: N/A | |
$2,094 | N/A | Single room: $1,705 Studio : $1,670 1 bedroom: $2,191 2 bedrooms +: N/A | |
$1,933 | $3,014 | Single room: $1,876 Studio : $1,907 1 bedroom: $1,959 2 bedrooms +: $2,350 | |
$2,339 | N/A | N/A | |
$1,790 | N/A | Single room: $1,802 Studio : $1,682 1 bedroom: $1,850 2 bedrooms +: $2,277 | |
$1,786 | N/A | Single room: $1,839 Studio : N/A 1 bedroom: $2,086 2 bedrooms +: N/A | |
$1,915 | $2,757 | Single room: $2,050 Studio : $1,773 1 bedroom: $1,792 2 bedrooms +: $2,259 | |
$1,803 | N/A | Single room: $1,670 Studio : $1,588 1 bedroom: $2,046 2 bedrooms +: $2,702 | |
N/A | N/A | N/A | |
$1,663 | N/A | Single room: $1,841 Studio : $1,445 1 bedroom: $1,956 2 bedrooms +: $2,400 | |
$2,088 | $3,692 | Single room: $2,098 Studio : $1,412 1 bedroom: $1,884 2 bedrooms +: $2,624 |
Housing Size and Its Impact on Costs
The size of housing in a seniors' residence has a significant impact on costs. Generally, the larger the unit, the higher the rent. Residences offer a variety of options, ranging from individual rooms to studios, as well as 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½, and 5 ½ apartments. The choice will depend on the needs and budget of each person. For example, a couple might prefer an apartment with a separate bedroom, while a single person might be satisfied with a studio. Additionally, the available common spaces and included services can also influence the choice of housing size. Before making a decision, it is crucial to carefully assess personal and financial needs, as well as the characteristics of each unit, to find the option that best suits one's lifestyle and budget.
Potential Additional Costs
Another essential thing is to consider potential additional costs when planning life in a retirement home. Besides rent, additional service fees may apply, such as specialized healthcare, recreational activities, and meal services, which are not always included in the base rent. It's also important to consider personal expenses such as medications, insurance, transportation, and leisure. To avoid surprises and establish a realistic budget, it is recommended to ask detailed questions during a residence visit and carefully read the contract before committing. This way, you will have a clear idea of the total costs associated with life in a seniors' residence and can plan accordingly.
Determining Your Retirement Budget
Deciding to move into a seniors' residence is a significant life transition that requires proper planning. To help you establish your budget, check out our "Where to start" page, where you'll find the "Establish My Budget" section. You can use a table to list your sources of income, including wages, pensions, and RRSPs, and then list your expenses, such as electricity and food, to name just a few examples. It's important to note that many retirement homes offer attractive packages that include various services. For example, the article "What is the true cost of seniors' home support ?" sheds light on the costs associated with home maintenance compared to those of a private residence, allowing you to make an informed choice for your future accommodation.
Available Tax Credits for Seniors
You may be eligible for government financial support, which could significantly reduce your expenses. Several articles are available to guide you on savings methods and available tax credits.
- Am I eligible for seniors tax credits and allowances ?
- Tax credit for seniors in private residences in Quebec
- Tax Credits: Savings for Caregivers
- Schedule of Old Age Security Pension Payments for 2023
For more information, we invite you to consult the following links
Fill out a free, no-obligation accommodation request now.
We take care of finding suitable residences according to your budget and needs.
