Québec, June 3, 2025. – According to preliminary data, per capita disposable income in current dollars grew 2.0% to $36,531 in Québec in 2023. This is much lower than the growth rate recorded in 2022 (+5.4%).
Meanwhile, inflation remained higher than the average of the past 25 years in Québec, as the implicit price index for household final consumption expenditures increased 3.9% in 2023. As a result, in real terms, meaning when price variations are excluded, per capita disposable income declined by 1.8% in the province in 2023. This decline follows two years of relative stability (0.0% in 2021 and -0.1% in 2022). These are some of the findings of an analysis on disposable income published today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
In Canada, disposable income decreased for the third consecutive year
In Canada, the decline in per capita disposable income in real terms was less pronounced than in Québec, at 1.3% in 2023. Nevertheless, this was the second consecutive decline in disposable income over 1.0% for Canada, and the third decline in a row.
Portrait at the administrative region level
For the eighth straight year, Montérégie had the highest per capita disposable income in 2023, at $37,982. It was followed by the regions of Laurentides, Montréal, Capitale-Nationale, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Côte-Nord, which also had disposable incomes above $36,600 per capita, which is higher than the provincial average. In contrast, disposable income was lowest in the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Mauricie.
Low growth in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Bas-Saint-Laurent
Growth in per capita disposable income in current dollars was not as strong in 2023 as in 2022 in Québec’s 17 administrative regions. Nine of them had increases below the provincial average. This was the case for Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Bas-Saint-Laurent, where increases were more modest (+0.9%) due to lower growth in employee compensation than elsewhere.
On the other hand, Outaouais had the strongest increase (+3.4%) in 2023, driven by marked growth in employee compensation. Retroactive payments of salaries under new collective agreements in the Public Service of Canada in 2023 seem to have contributed to the increase in employee compensation in that region.
An overview of RCMs
According to preliminary data, per capita disposable income in current dollars continued to grow in 97 of Québec’s 104 regional county municipalities (RCMs) in 2023. However, in the vast majority of these RCMs, the increase was smaller than in 2022.
Among the many RCMs that saw increases in 2023, seven stood out with growth rates of 4.0% or more, including Rouville (+5.0%) in Montérégie, which posted the strongest growth in the province.
The Caniapiscau RCM, whose economy is largely based on mining, once again had the highest disposable income in Québec by far ($48,415). It was followed by Les Pays-d’en-Haut, where disposable income was $46,826.
What is per capita disposable income?
Per capita disposable income is the average amount available to individuals for final consumption of goods and services and for voluntary savings. To calculate per capita disposable income, we start by adding up the income of all individuals living in a given area, such as employee compensation, net income of unincorporated businesses, net property income, and social benefits. Then, we subtract transfers paid by these individuals to institutional sectors, including personal income tax, contributions to social insurance plans, and contributions paid by employees to defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Lastly, we divide the amount obtained by the number of people of all ages living in the area.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.