Cost of Living in Canada

Canada has significant regional cost variations, with major cities like Toronto and Vancouver among the most expensive in North America, while mid-sized cities and Atlantic provinces offer much better value.

Monthly Budget Overview (Single Person)

Expense	Toronto/Vancouver	Calgary/Ottawa	Halifax/Quebec City
Rent (1BR)	$2,600-3,200	$1,600-2,000	$1,200-1,600
Utilities	$150-200	$150-200	$120-180
Groceries	$500-700	$400-600	$350-500
Transportation	$150 (transit) or $500 (car)	$120 or $450	$100 or $400
Phone/Internet	$120-180	$120-180	$100-150
Dining/Entertainment	$300-600	$250-450	$200-350

Income Requirements

Single person comfortable living: CAD $55,000-80,000/year
Family of four: CAD $95,000-155,000/year
Survival budget (Toronto/Vancouver): After rent of $2,600+, little left for savings

Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest expense and has increased dramatically:

Toronto 1BR average: $2,800+
Vancouver 1BR average: $2,700+
Calgary 1BR average: $1,700
Montreal 1BR average: $1,800
Halifax 1BR average: $1,500

Food Costs

Monthly grocery costs for one person: CAD $400-750 depending on location and habits. British Columbia and Alberta tend to be more expensive; Quebec offers better value.

Childcare

Major cities face 12-24 month waitlists for $10-a-day childcare spots. Without subsidy, expect $1,500-2,500/month per child in urban centers.

Tips for Managing Costs

Consider mid-sized cities: Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax offer strong job markets at lower costs
In Calgary or Montreal, CAD $55-80K is comfortable; in Toronto, it's tight
No provincial sales tax in Alberta (saves ~7%)
Quebec has lower costs but French is essential for many jobs

Pro Tips

•Location dramatically affects costs - research cities carefully
•Alberta has no provincial sales tax (PST)
•Quebec is affordable but French proficiency is important
•Housing waitlists are long - start looking before arrival
•Public transit is cheaper than cars in major cities

Cost of Living