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Set up direct deposit and skip the monthly fee. Free to open, and the Easy plan has no monthly fee. Worth doing if you will actually move your pay or your CRA deposits over, not if the card sits unused. Code BREMO2026.
Median home price: ~$235,000 | Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, exceptional affordability
Saguenay is the regional capital of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and one of the most affordable cities in Quebec. With a median home price near $235,000, buyers can acquire spacious single-family homes with large lots for prices that would barely cover a parking spot in downtown Vancouver. The city was formed in 2002 by the merger of Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie, creating a diverse metropolitan area of roughly 160,000 people along the Saguenay River and Fjord.
Saguenay is strongly francophone and has a distinct regional identity shaped by the aluminium industry, forestry, and a deep pride in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean culture. The Saguenay Fjord — a UNESCO-recognized natural wonder — provides spectacular scenery and world-class outdoor recreation.
Chicoutimi: The commercial and cultural heart of Saguenay. Downtown, the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), shopping, and most services are concentrated here. Single-family homes $200,000–$380,000; condos $180,000–$320,000.
Jonquière: Industrial history (Alcan/Rio Tinto aluminium smelters), now transitioning to a more mixed economy. Affordable family homes $190,000–$320,000. The Kénogami and Arvida neighbourhoods within Jonquière have heritage character.
La Baie: At the head of the Baie des Ha! Ha! on the Saguenay Fjord. Smaller, more tightly knit community. Properties $185,000–$300,000 with stunning views.
Standard provincial droits de mutation applies in Saguenay — no municipal surtax. At ~$235,000, the tax falls primarily in the 0.5% and 1% brackets, making it very manageable. Calculate yours below.
Rio Tinto's Complexe Jonquière aluminium smelter complex is one of the largest employers in the region, providing high-wage unionized jobs that support the local real estate market. UQAC (~7,000 students), the CIUSSS du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean health authority, and a forestry/wood products sector round out the economic base.
Saguenay has also attracted data centre investment due to its abundant, low-cost hydroelectric power from Hydro-Québec, creating new tech-adjacent employment opportunities.
The Saguenay Fjord National Park offers kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and some of the most dramatic scenery in eastern Canada. Lac Saint-Jean — a massive freshwater lake about 45 minutes north — is famous for its blueberries, ouananiche (freshwater salmon), and the Tour du Lac cycling route. Winter brings snowmobiling, ice fishing, and alpine skiing at Mont-Édouard.
At $235,000, a 5% down payment is just $11,750. Use KOHO with referral code BREMO2026 to earn interest on your savings — free base plan, no monthly fees.
Get KOHO with code BREMO2026 →Last updated March 2026. Informational purposes only. Consult a Quebec notary or mortgage professional.