Housing costs in Edmonton
Edmonton offers an affordable housing market compared to other Canadian cities. There are cheaper neighborhoods to live here compared to other big Canadian cities. This affordability, along with the city’s unique qualities, makes Edmonton an appealing choice for real estate investment or finding a comfortable rental home very easy.
Cost of rent in Edmonton, CA
| Area/Neighborhood | 1-bed apartment | 3-bed apartment |
| Edmonton (Outside of Center) | $1,197.26 | $1,882.39 |
Cost of buying a property in Edmonton
| Area/Neighborhood | Average home price |
| Edmonton | $399,700 |
Utility costs in Edmonton: Internet, electricity and water
If you live in Edmonton, whether you own or rent, it’s important to know how to handle your utility bills to manage your budget.
In Alberta, lots of homes use natural gas for heating because it’s cheap. Even though a gas furnace might cost more at the start, it’s a better choice in the long run because it saves you money over time.
Here is the monthly cost of a basic utility package for a 915 sq. ft apartment in Edmonton, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and Internet services:
| Utilities | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment | $271.62 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $81.60 |
| Total | $353.22 |
Grocery costs in Edmonton
Grocery costs in Edmonton are much more affordable than in other cities in Canada because its sales tax is only 5%. Besides, many essential items like dairy, eggs, veggies, meat, and more are tax-free when bought at grocery and convenience stores.
| Grocery items in Edmonton | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | $2.25 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $3.33 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | $4.27 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $5.03 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $17.04 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $16.40 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | $19.68 |
| Apples (1kg) | $6.01 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.77 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $5.30 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.23 |
| Potato (1kg) | $3.32 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.88 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $3.87 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.59 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $20.00 |
The average monthly cost of groceries in Edmonton is $832.79.
*The grocery list on Numbeo was summed (without beer and cigarettes) and then multiplied seven times to meet a 2000 calorie per day diet.
Public transit in Edmonton
Public transit system in Edmonton is administered by the Edmonton Transit Service. ETS includes bus services, LRT (Light Rail Transit), and a para transit service for individuals with disabilities.
ETS offers broad citywide coverage and is a primary transportation choice for residents. Arc is Edmonton’s electronic fare system, including tickets and reloadable cards used to tap on validators when riding buses and LRT.
You can purchase an Arc card online, and you can also buy tickets and passes through the ETS Online Store.
| Type of fare | Rate |
| Single ticket (90 minutes) | $2.75 |
| 10 Ticket pack | $27.75 |
| Daily pass | $10.25 |
| Monthly pass | $100 |
| Family Pass (Up to 5 people) | $10.25 |
ETS Edmonton Transit Service (Aug 2024)
Entertainment costs in Edmonton
Edmonton has a lot to offer, from the famous West Edmonton Mall, Canada’s second most visited mall, to cultural treasures like the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum.
Food lovers will enjoy the city’s culinary scene, with top-notch restaurants and local delicacies. Besides, let’s not forget about Edmonton’s special events, like the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, happening every second weekend in August.
| Entertainment in Edmonton | Cost |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $40.00 |
| Taxi 1h | $30.00 |
| 1 cinema ticket | $17.00 |
| Total | $87.00 |
Sales tax in Edmonton
Canada has three types of sales taxes that vary by province. In Alberta, they only have the federal GST, set at about 5%, which applies to purchases of goods and services. This low sales tax rate offers several benefits, such as cost savings, making goods and services more affordable for residents and visitors alike.
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.
Government of Canada (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Edmonton
If you’re moving to Edmonton, you should know about AHCIP, which stands for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. It’s a program that helps eligible residents get essential medical services. However, it doesn’t cover things like dental care, alternative treatments, or hearing aids.
For full coverage, you can get private health insurance or use your employer-sponsored plan.
| Type of healthcare | Cost |
| Employer-sponsored health insurance | $63.00 |
| Non-employer-sponsored health insurance | $50.00-$250.00 |
| Gym | $64.73 |
Numbeo (Aug 2024), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)
Conclusion
If you are considering a move to Edmonton, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into the city’s attractions and the cost of living this year.
Before moving, remember that it is crucial to research the best moving companies in Edmonton, this will help ensure a seamless transition to your new home.
Check out the table below for this year’s average monthly living costs for a single person in Edmonton:
| Category | Monthly cost |
| 1 bed apt rent outside city center | $1,197.26 |
| Groceries | $832.79 |
| Utilities (Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | $271.62 |
| Internet with 60 Mbps | $81.60 |
| Transit pass | $100.00 |
| Entertainment (Meal, taxi, movie) | $87.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.73 |
| Total | $2,635 |
