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What Life Costs: Comparing Canadian Cities

Canada is a big country, and the cost of living changes a lot from one city to the next. Rent is by far the largest difference, but groceries, transit and utilities add up too.

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Rent is the big variable

For most newcomers, housing takes the largest share of the monthly budget. The ranges below show typical asking rents for a one-bedroom apartment in several cities. They're rough, illustrative figures: real prices depend on the neighbourhood, the age of the building and how quickly the local market is moving.

Illustrative monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment (CAD)
CityTypical range
Vancouver$2,300 – $2,800
Toronto$2,000 – $2,500
Ottawa$1,700 – $2,100
Calgary$1,600 – $2,000
Halifax$1,600 – $2,000
Montréal$1,400 – $1,800
Edmonton$1,200 – $1,600
Winnipeg$1,200 – $1,500

What else changes by city

  • Transit. A monthly pass typically costs between about $85 and $160 depending on the city. Owning a car adds insurance, fuel and parking.
  • Groceries. Roughly $400 to $500 a month for one adult in most cities, and more in remote areas.
  • Utilities and internet. Heating costs rise over winter in colder places. Home internet is commonly $60 to $90 a month.
  • Phone. Plans commonly cost $45 to $70 a month.
  • Provincial differences. Sales taxes and car insurance rates vary a lot from province to province.

Plan your own numbers

Use the First-Month Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly costs and the one-time costs of getting set up. You can change every number to match what you find in real listings.

Navak provides general information only. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice.

Next guideRenting Your First Apartment in CanadaWhat landlords ask for, how leases and deposits work, and how to avoid the most common mistakes when you rent for the first time.

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