How much does a podcast cost in Quebec City in 2026?

Thinking about launching your podcast, but not sure what budget to plan for? It’s the first question people ask us at the studio. The answer depends mostly on three things: recording, editing and what you do with your episodes afterwards. Here are the real numbers for the Quebec City area in 2026.

What you really pay for in a podcast

A podcast episode goes through four stages, and each one has a cost, in money or in time:

1. Recording: the space, the microphones, the cameras if you’re doing video, and someone monitoring the sound.
2. Editing: cutting hesitations, balancing voices, adding the intro and music. When you do it yourself, it often takes two to three hours of editing per hour recorded.
3. Distribution: the hosting service that sends your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
4. Promotion: clips for TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn that help people discover your show.

Option 1: recording at home

It’s the cheapest option to start with, but rarely the least expensive in the long run. For professional sound with two people, you need two good microphones, an audio interface or mixer, headphones and some basic acoustic treatment. Add one or two cameras and lighting if you want a video version for YouTube. Depending on the gear you choose, the upfront investment usually ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

The real cost is your time: setting up, adjusting, redoing a take because a mic was crackling, then editing every episode. And a room at home rarely sounds like a studio.

Option 2: renting a studio and handling the rest

You get a soundproofed space, professional equipment and a set that looks great on camera, without buying anything. At Votre Studio Créatif, studio podcast recording starts at $250 + tax for 1 hour, with Shure SM7B microphones, Sony FX3 cinema cameras and an on-site technician. You leave with your files and do the editing yourself, or you leave it to us.

In the Quebec City area, studios that publish their prices generally charge between $175 and $250 per episode, often less per episode when you book a full season.

Option 3: full production

This is the “you show up, you talk, we handle the rest” option: kickoff meeting, set, multi-camera audio and video recording, editing, branding and clips for social media. It’s the package most businesses choose, because it only takes the time of the recording. The price depends on the number of episodes and what you want to receive: we’ll prepare a custom quote for you.

Three sample budgets

• The test: a pilot episode recorded in studio and edited by you. Ideal for validating your concept before investing more.
• The season: 8 to 12 episodes recorded in studio over a few sessions, with audio and video editing. The most common format for a business podcast.
• The all-inclusive: a full season with editing, TikTok and Reels clips for every episode, and distribution on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.

The costs people forget

• Podcast hosting, a monthly subscription to distribute your episodes on the platforms.
• Music for the intro and background, which must be royalty-free.
• Cover art for the podcast and YouTube thumbnails.
• Preparation time: topics, guests, questions. It’s often what makes the difference between a decent episode and a great one.

Our advice

Start small, but start well. A first episode recorded in good conditions shows you right away what your podcast can become, without buying any equipment. If you like the format, you book the season.

Want a price for your project? See our podcast recording packages or request a quote. Our studio is in Saint-Nicolas, 5 minutes from the Quebec City bridges.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a studio podcast episode cost in Quebec City?

Studios in the area that publish their prices generally charge between $175 and $250 per episode. At Votre Studio Créatif, recording starts at $250 + tax for 1 hour.

Is it cheaper to record at home?

At first, yes, if you already have equipment. But you have to factor in buying gear, editing time and sound quality that’s often lower.

How many people can record at the same time?

Up to 6 people, each with their own microphone.

Do I leave with my files?

Yes. You receive your audio files, and video files depending on the package, ready to edit or already edited.