Nearly half of Quebecers face severe financial anxiety as costs continue to rise, study finds
Posted June 9, 2026 11:00 am.
A growing share of Quebecers are experiencing serious financial stress, according to a new survey from Centraide of Greater Montreal in collaboration with polling firm Léger. The study finds that 48 per cent of residents report significant financial anxiety, while 86 per cent say they feel some level of financial strain.
The report points to a continued deterioration in household finances across the province. About one in four respondents (25 per cent) say their financial situation has worsened over the past six months, and 45 per cent report having less than a one-month financial buffer for unexpected expenses. Food insecurity has also climbed to 30 per cent, a sharp increase from 22 per cent the previous year, making it one of the fastest-rising concerns alongside housing and child-related costs.
Researchers say financial pressure is not evenly distributed. Parents, particularly single-parent households, report higher levels of anxiety and are more likely to delay essential spending decisions. Renters and individuals with lower financial literacy are also significantly more affected, with anxiety levels nearly double compared to those with stronger financial knowledge.
The study highlights broader concerns about economic stability in Quebec, with 60 per cent of respondents saying they are worried about the province’s economic outlook. Researchers warn that ongoing cost-of-living pressures continue to affect not only financial well-being, but also mental health and day-to-day quality of life.
