How Much Does It Cost to Live In Canada?
Due to all its beauty and amazing nature, its standard of living, and welcoming people, it is impossible not to see why so many people from around the world think that moving to Canada will be like a dream coming true.
If you are ready to settle there, one of the first things you should do is find out how much it will cost to move and live in this country.
You will need to bear in mind all the costs you will need to cover once you get there.
Canada : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Depending on where in Canada you choose to settle, the prices in restaurants might vary.
More populous cities have more restaurants but are also more expensive.
In general, a meal in an inexpensive one would cost you about $15 per person but have in mind that alcohol is pretty expensive in Canada if you like having a bottle of beer after your lunch.
MARKETS
One of the first things you should consider when it comes to your finances is food, as this is the most important expense.
Food is not cheap here, especially milk.
Buying it at discounts and at the local markets would be great for your budget.
TRANSPORTATION
For commuting, Canadians prefer to drive.
The price of gasoline is not too low, but when the salaries are taken into consideration, they are affordable.
Public transportation is great and efficient, and the price of $75 per month is acceptable and inexpensive.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities costs that you must pay once settled in Canada are reasonable and the basic services would approximately cost $140 but they cannot be determined, as they depend on numerous factors, such as the number of family members, the size of the apartment, and daily habits.
The Internet is rather expensive at the price of $63 per month.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Canadians are very fond of sports, and they are using every moment to exercise outdoors.
However, the fitness club fee is also not so high, and sports people would be able to afford it here.
Tennis court rent for one hour of practice is a bit expensive, even though the standard of living is high.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Many people would think that people in Canada earn a higher salary and that they would spend a lot on their apparel, but the situation is quite the contrary.
Canadians spend only 2% of their monthly budget on clothes, even though it is inexpensive and very affordable.
Many less-developed European countries have much higher prices.
RENT PER MONTH
When we speak about the cost of living in Canada and you are ready to settle down there, the first and foremost is to find a place to live.
Renting an apartment in Canada is expensive, and the average cost is $1,209 per month.
You can save some money by renting a place out of the city center, but still, the rent of $1000 must be paid.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Canada
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $14.95 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $5.23 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.51 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $2.00 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $2.34 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.03 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2.43 |
| Monthly Pass | $74.75 |
| Gasoline | $1.37 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $138.12 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.26 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $62.22 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $40.84 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $16.78 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $11.21 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $51.85 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $35.86 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $80.76 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1209.30 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $1023.60 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1961.86 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Canada?
So as to be able to provide for you and your family it is a good thing to know how Canadians distribute their earnings.
The monthly budget has to be well split so that you can manage to pay all the expenses.
Canadians spend the most money on food and rent.
Quite a lot of money is also given for transportation and restaurants.
Clothing items are in last place when it comes to spending with only 2% of the monthly budget.
Average Costs Breakdown
Canada: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
When moving to Canada it is important to understand that you will need quite a lot of income to pay for all the basic necessities and by knowing how different or similar your living expenses will be there, you can make a plan of spending.
The average monthly net salary in Canada is almost $1000 higher than the minimum income, and when making a deal with your employer, you should have in mind that all below average would not be enough if you need to pay the rent there.
Canada Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Canada Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Canada
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Abbotsford | 58.95 |
| Barrie | 77.37 |
| Brampton | 68.79 |
| Burlington | 73.13 |
| Burnaby | 64.94 |
| Calgary | 68.93 |
| Coquitlam | 67.43 |
| Edmonton | 67.03 |
| Halifax | 70.88 |
| Hamilton | 60.75 |
| Kelowna | 66.6 |
| Kingston | 66.45 |
| Kitchener | 58.93 |
| London | 59.15 |
| Mississauga | 65.08 |
| Moncton | 61.15 |
| Montreal | 63.52 |
| Nanaimo, BC | 65.28 |
| Oshawa | 65.44 |
| Ottawa | 62.88 |
| Quebec City | 66.1 |
| Red Deer | 67.42 |
| Regina | 68.46 |
| Saskatoon | 74.26 |
| St. John’s, NL | 74.05 |
| Surrey | 59.18 |
| Toronto | 70.19 |
| Vancouver | 69.63 |
| Victoria | 66.17 |
| Windsor | 64.42 |
| Winnipeg | 63.15 |
I do love this country but I am struggling right now. Living in Saskatoon is not so cheap and I’m trying to juggle college, work, rent and all the bills. I’d move if it was possible but it just isn’t. I just have to work hard, work overtime and in a few years, it will all be worth it. It’s a pretty place by the way!
The milk price is a mistake.
That is the price for one gallon not one litre.
Those prices are so unrealistic, everything is expensive, a one-bedroom aparment is around $1500 and the cost of food has increased 20% only in 2023.
Canada is not affordable now. pay per hour, now that they raise is $16.50.
If you´re not rich, you are in trouble!