How much will back-to-school cost in Quebec in 2025?

Back-to-school is an exciting time, but it also represents a significant expense for Quebec families. Even though public school is free, parents must cover the cost of backpacks, lunch boxes, and all the required school supplies. With costs having risen significantly in recent years, careful planning is essential. Here's a clear guide to understanding how much back-to-school will cost in 2025 and how to stay within your budget.

The average cost of back-to-school in Quebec in 2025

For the 2025 school year, parents of elementary school children can expect a budget of approximately $160 to $210 , following the trend of recent years and recent spending estimates in Quebec.

In concrete terms, young parents can expect to have to budget a little more than in recent years to cover all the items required on the school list, taking into account the essentials: school bag, lunch box and school supplies , not including clothing or childcare services.

What are the main expenses for the start of the school year?

School bag

A school bag is a major purchase because it needs to last all year, or even several years. A quality elementary school bag should cost between $30 and $50 . It's best to invest in a durable bag with reinforced seams and comfortable straps.

Discover our durable children's school bags , designed to accompany your children all year round.

Lunch box

Lunch boxes are essential for midday meals. The average price varies between $20 and $30 , depending on the model chosen (insulated, compartmentalized, etc.).
A good choice can avoid having to buy more during the year.

Browse our collection of practical and durable lunch boxes .

Essential school supplies

Pencils, Canada notebooks , duo-tangs , pencil cases , glue , highlighters: these items represent the largest part of the bill.
Their cost is estimated between $80 and $120 , depending on whether you choose promotional items or more specialized brands.

Find all the essentials in our school supplies selected for a successful return to school.

Does back-to-school cost more depending on the school year?

Yes, but the differences remain modest within primary schools.

1st to 3rd year

The lists are generally simpler, with an emphasis on workbooks and basic supplies.

4th to 6th grade

Sometimes items like a geometry set, a basic calculator, or a more sturdy school bag are added.

Overall, you should budget $10 to $30 more for a child in 5th or 6th grade compared to the first years of elementary school.

Check your school list before shopping

Each school publishes a specific list of school supplies for each grade.
Before purchasing, it is crucial to consult it to avoid unnecessary or incomplete purchases.

Check the website of the school where your child is enrolled for the official list.

By sticking to the exact list, you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that your child will have everything they need.

Practical tips for sticking to your back-to-school budget

Here are some simple and practical tips to keep your spending under control:

• Take inventory at home: Collect everything that is still in good condition from the previous year (case, ruler, duo-tangs, etc.).
• Compare prices online: Before you buy, visit different sites to spot the best deals.
• Plan your purchases early: By shopping in advance, you take advantage of the best prices and avoid stock shortages.
• Invest in quality for essentials: It's better to pay a little more for a sturdy backpack or lunch box than to have to buy a new one in November.
• Spread out your purchases: Spread out your supply purchases over a few weeks to better spread out expenses.
• Use community resources if necessary: ​​Several organizations in Quebec, such as Regroupement Partage with its Opération Sac à Dos initiative , offer school supplies to families on a very tight budget.

In short

For the 2025 school year, Quebec families can budget between $160 and $210 per child in elementary school , mainly for supplies, bags and lunch boxes.

With good planning, smart shopping, and quality choices, it's entirely possible to stay within your budget without compromising your child's academic readiness.

Discover our selection of durable backpacks, practical lunch boxes, and school accessories for an organized and stress-free return to school with Trippin Store.