Housing costs in Canada
Canada’s real estate market has its own distinctive characteristics. In major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto, the housing market can be quite astounding. The average home prices here often surpass the national average, earning them a reputation as some of the most expensive places to buy property in Canada.
This can be attributed to factors such as high demand for housing, proximity to stunning natural landscapes, and the vibrant urban lifestyle that these cities offer.
Cost of rent in Canada
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Canada (Outside of Center) |
$1,464.67 |
$2,392.89 |
|
City (Outside of Center) |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Toronto |
$2,280.60 |
$3,434.43 |
|
Vancouver |
$2,240.70 |
$3,791.40 |
|
Montreal |
$1,221.81 |
$1,979.26 |
|
Calgary |
$1,509.55 |
$2,386.41 |
|
Victoria |
$1,839.34 |
$3,295.16 |
|
Edmonton |
$1,125.04 |
$1,694.15 |
|
Winnipeg |
$1,278.64 |
$1,914.05 |
|
Halifax |
$1,501.56 |
$2,381.35 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023) & Numbeo by city (Sept 2023)
Cost of buying a property in Canada
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Canada |
$650,140 |
|
City (Outside of Center) |
Average home price |
|
Toronto |
$1,141,400 |
|
Vancouver |
$1,208,400 |
|
Montreal |
$521,600 |
|
Calgary |
$553,800 |
|
Victoria |
$888,000 |
|
Edmonton |
$374,100 |
|
Winnipeg |
$345,700 |
|
Halifax |
$530,900 |
CREA (Aug 2023) & CREA by city (Aug 2023)
Utility costs in Canada: Internet, electricity and water
In Canada, utility costs can vary significantly depending on the province you live in. Generally, utilities in Canada are reasonably priced. If you’re renting a property, you may often find these costs bundled into your monthly rent, making budgeting simpler.
One key component of utility costs is electricity, and its prices may change across provinces due to factors such as energy sources, population density, and proximity to generation sources.
According to Numbeo data, the average basic utility package that includes heating, electricity, water, and garbage, and Internet in Canada is as follows below.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$199.02 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$85.81 |
|
Total |
$284.83 |
Grocery costs in Canada
The global economy has led to higher gas and food prices around the world, making things more expensive for consumers. However, in Canada, basic foods like eggs, milk, bread, and others, are not subject to additional taxes when sold in supermarkets and grocery stores.
|
Grocery items in Canada |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$10.68 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$3.02 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.02 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$4.35 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$6.68 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$6.89 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$8.42 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.34 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.85 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$2.19 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.29 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.48 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.50 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$3.21 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$17.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$3.59 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$4.25 |
Public transit in Canada
Canada offers its residents various convenient transportation options, including buses, ferries, metros, and more. Different cities provide these services through their provincial governments, and you can anticipate a monthly cost ranging from $82.50 to $156.00.
|
City |
Monthly pass cost at regular rate |
|
Toronto |
$156.00 |
|
Vancouver |
$104.90 |
|
Montreal |
$97.00 |
|
Calgary |
$112.00 |
|
Victoria |
$85.00 |
|
Edmonton |
$100.00 |
|
Winnipeg |
$107.80 |
|
Halifax |
$82.50 |
Government of Canada & Transit Sources by Province (Sept 2023)
Entertainment costs in Canada
Canada is full of beautiful locations, museums, sports centers, cinemas, and activity centers along with a number of restaurants. The affordability of entertainment varies depending on your city of residence.
For Canada’s entertainment and dining costs in 2024, check the data below.
|
Entertainment in Canada |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$45.00 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$34.46 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$15.00 |
|
Total |
$94.46 |
Sales tax in Canada
In Canada, there are three types of sales taxes: the federal GST (5%), the provincial sales taxes PST (varies depending on the province), and the HST, which is a combination of the two and is equivalent to 15% it is preferred used by some provinces, except for Ontario, where it is 13%.
While some items, like basic groceries and sometimes feminine hygiene products, are exempt from sales taxes, the rate for other products depends on the specific province.
|
Provinces and territories |
Rates |
|
Alberta |
5% |
|
British Columbia |
12% |
|
Manitoba |
12% |
|
New Brunswick |
15% |
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
15% |
|
Northwest Territories |
5% |
|
Nova Scotia |
15% |
|
Nunavut |
5% |
|
Ontario |
13% |
|
Prince Edward Island |
15% |
|
Quebec |
14.975% |
|
Saskatchewan |
11% |
|
Yukon |
5% |
Government of Canada (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Canada
In Canada, the public health insurance is accessible to all residents and is financed through tax revenue. To access medical services, one must have a health insurance card. It’s worth noting that public health insurance in Canada exhibits notable variations from one province to another.
In addition to the universal public health insurance offered by each province or territory, residents can opt for extra coverage through their employer or purchase private health insurance.
For comprehensive health coverage, consider purchasing a private health insurance policy or use your employer-sponsored plan.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$63.00 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance |
$50.00 – $150.00 |
|
Gym |
$57.30 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), HelloSafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)
Conclusion
Moving to Canada can be exciting as it offers a high quality of life, diverse opportunities, and beautiful natural landscapes. While the cost of living in Canada varies by region, it generally provides a stable and affordable lifestyle compared to many other developed nations.
Healthcare is covered through the public system, and public education, up to high school, is free for residents. If you’re considering a move, it’s essential to research the best moving companies in Canada to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
For a comprehensive overview of the average monthly living costs in Canada, please refer to the table below for 2024:
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,464.67 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($80.76 multiplied by 4) |
$323.04 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$199.02 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$85.81 |
|
Transit pass |
$105.64 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$94.46 |
|
Gym membership |
$57.30 |
|
Total |
$2,329.94 |
