Rimouski is the largest city in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region with about 57,000 residents. It's home to UQAR (Université du Québec à Rimouski), the Institut maritime du Québec, and ...
⚠️ Important: No First-Time Buyer Rebate in Quebec
Unlike Ontario, Quebec has no provincial first-time buyer rebate on Droits de mutation (welcome tax). All buyers — including first-timers — pay the full Droits de mutation. There is no exemption or refund program at the provincial level. Plan your closing costs accordingly and budget for the full welcome tax amount shown in the calculator below.
Rimouski is the largest city in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region with about 57,000 residents. It's home to UQAR (Université du Québec à Rimouski), the Institut maritime du Québec, and important government offices. Rimouski serves as the regional capital and gateway to the Lower St. Lawrence. The city has seen strong real estate demand from Montréal buyers seeking lower prices.
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Headquartered in Montréal, National Bank is the top choice for Quebec professionals. Strong French-language service and competitive mortgage products throughout Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Quebec's largest financial cooperative with 5.0M+ members. Desjardins has strong local roots in Bas-Saint-Laurent with full French-language service and unlimited FADMD deposit insurance.
Droits de Mutation (Welcome Tax) Calculator — Rimouski
⚠️ Quebec does not offer a first-time homebuyer rebate on droits de mutation.
Quebec's Droits de mutation applies to ALL buyers including first-timers. There is no provincial rebate or exemption. Unlike Ontario (up to $4,000 rebate), Quebec charges the full welcome tax regardless of purchase history. Budget this as a closing cost alongside notary fees.
Quebec's Droits de mutation (welcome tax) applies province-wide at standard rates. Estimated welcome tax on a typical Rimouski home ($280,000): $2,700. No first-time buyer rebate exists in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rimouski Banking
Is Rimouski a good place to buy a home?
Rimouski offers excellent value vs. Montréal with homes priced $220,000–$350,000 for single-family. Many remote workers have relocated here in recent years. Welcome tax on a $280,000 purchase is about $2,950 — and unlike Ontario, there is no first-time buyer rebate in Quebec, so budget accordingly.
What bank dominates in Rimouski?
Desjardins is the most prominent institution in Bas-Saint-Laurent, but TD, National Bank, Scotiabank, and BMO all have Rimouski branches. UQAR students often use KOHO for its zero-fee, high-interest chequing.
What is the best no-fee bank in Rimouski, Quebec?
KOHO is the best no-fee bank for Rimouski residents in 2025. It charges $0/month forever, pays 3% interest on your entire balance (far better than any local branch bank), and includes a $100 signup bonus with code 45ET55JSYA. EQ Bank is the best choice for TFSA and RRSP savings at 3.75%. Both are fully digital and work seamlessly for Rimouski residents alongside a local Desjardins or National Bank account for mortgage needs.
Do first-time buyers in Rimouski get a Droits de mutation rebate?
No. Quebec has no provincial first-time buyer rebate on Droits de mutation (welcome tax). All buyers in Rimouski — regardless of whether it's their first home — pay the full welcome tax. This is a significant difference from Ontario, which offers up to $4,000 back for first-time buyers. Budget the full Droits de mutation amount as a closing cost in Rimouski.