What are the downsides of retiring in Quebec, Canada?
Answers
1. High Income Tax
Government taxes eat up almost 1/3 of your paycheck. Despite the affordable accommodations, you pay a very high income tax rate. If you earn $41,105, the maximum combined federal and Quebec tax rate is 27.53%.
2. Expensive Place to Open a Business
Quebec is a costly place to open a business. Sales taxes are imposed in the same manner as income taxes. There is a standard Quebec sales tax of 9.975% and a federal goods and services tax of 5%. As a result, you pay a combined sales tax of 14.975% on non-exempt goods, the highest in Canada.
3. Brutal Winters
Quebec can experience temperatures as low as -20 °C in winter. Such temperatures need preparation. The city is almost deserted during winter as opposed to the lively summertime. Quebec City gets heavy snowfall, and it doesn’t melt quickly. Traffic is unbearable, and driving becomes risky. Despite these, winter is not without its bright spots. There are still many things to do, including attending popular events like the annual Quebec Winter Festival.
4. Barrier of Language
Quebec is primarily a French-speaking province. Most locals speak French as their first language and acknowledge it as such. Early on, non-French speakers find it challenging to adapt to the French language. Furthermore, street signs, forms, places, and shops are French.
5. Safety
Quebec ranks third out of all provinces when it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 residents, according to a 2019 report. The area is also marred by political corruption and strong ties with mob groups. Saint-Roch, Lairet, Vieux-Moulin, Mirabel, Repentigny, Sherbrooke, and Drummondville are among the most dangerous places in Canada.