The cost of living in Canada varies by city, province, and lifestyle. While Canada offers a high quality of life, newcomers should be prepared for different expenses, including housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities. Below is a breakdown of key costs you should expect when living in Canada.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the largest expense for most residents. The cost depends on location, property type, and whether you rent or own a home.
- Renting
- Toronto & Vancouver: $2,000 – $3,500 for a one-bedroom apartment
- Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa: $1,200 – $2,000
- Smaller Cities: $800 – $1,500
- Buying a Home
- Vancouver & Toronto: $800,000 – $1.5 million (average home price)
- Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg: $400,000 – $700,000
- Smaller Cities: $300,000 – $600,000
Additional housing costs include renter’s insurance ($15–$50/month) and property taxes (0.5%–2% annually for homeowners).
2. Utilities and Internet
- Electricity, Water, Heating: $150 – $250/month
- Internet and Phone: $70 – $120/month
- Streaming Services: $10 – $20/month
3. Food and Grocery Costs
Groceries in Canada are moderately priced, but costs can be higher in remote areas. Monthly grocery expenses for a single person range from $300 – $600, depending on diet and shopping habits.
Average grocery prices:
- Milk (1L): $2 – $3
- Bread (loaf): $3 – $5
- Chicken (1kg): $10 – $15
- Rice (1kg): $3 – $6
- Eggs (12-pack): $4 – $6
Eating out is more expensive:
- Fast food meal: $10 – $15
- Casual restaurant meal: $15 – $30
- Fine dining (per person): $50+
4. Transportation Costs
- Public Transit Pass: $90 – $160/month (varies by city)
- Gas Prices: $1.50 – $2.00 per liter
- Car Insurance: $100 – $250/month
- Car Payments: $400 – $800/month (if financing)
5. Healthcare Costs
Canada has a public healthcare system, but not all services are free. Most provinces offer free basic healthcare, but newcomers may need private insurance until they qualify.
- Private health insurance: $50 – $200/month
- Dental checkup: $100 – $300
- Prescription medications: $10 – $100+ per prescription
6. Childcare and Education
- Daycare: $1,000 – $2,000/month (varies by province)
- Public school: Free for residents
- University tuition: $7,000 – $30,000/year for international students
7. Entertainment and Miscellaneous Expenses
- Gym membership: $40 – $80/month
- Movie ticket: $12 – $20
- Clothing and personal expenses: $100 – $500/month
8. Average Monthly Budget for a Single Person
- Toronto/Vancouver: $3,000 – $5,000
- Calgary/Edmonton/Ottawa: $2,500 – $4,000
- Smaller cities: $2,000 – $3,500
Understanding the cost of living helps newcomers budget effectively.