How much does it cost to live in Canada?

In this article, we've compiled information on the cost of living in Canada in 2023 for a single person and a family. The amounts given are very tentative: they can vary depending on the province and city, and whether you live in the center or in the outskirts.

How much does it cost to live in Canada? The shortest answer is "expensive. Prices in this country are high. However, wages are high too, so Canadians can afford to spend that kind of money and even save up. Another positive difference is that Canada pays equally well those who physically and intellectually. Plumbers and nail artists as well as accountants and teachers are paid handsomely. And there are plenty of jobs, so it's not hard to find them.

What is the average wage in Canada?

According to various sources, in 2023 the average wage of Canadians will be about CAD 60 000. You should not rely on this figure, because it does not help you predict your income in Canada.  It is better to find data on how much people of your profession earn in the country, and to look at the listed wages of jobs that suit you.

How much does it cost to rent a place?

This figure depends most strongly on the locality. It makes sense that housing in Saskatoon would be much cheaper than in Victoria. Ontario is the most expensive province in this regard, and New Brunswick is the cheapest. The national average for renting a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 2 000  per month. For a family of 3-4 people the amount will be higher — on average Canadians pay CAD 3 000 for an apartment for parents and children. Much depends on its size and number of rooms. If you have a pet, the cost of housing will be even higher, and there are fewer choices. But the prices are affordable: many of our clients and team members live in rented accommodations with their cats and dogs.

It is important to know that you will have to furnish the apartment yourself-it is a custom in Canada. Usually rent apartments there with a minimum of amenities, and tenants bring their own chairs, beds, dining tables, and chairs. Fortunately, you can buy used furniture cheaply.

How much do Canadians spend on food on average?

In 2023, a family of 4 will spend an average of CAD 1 360 per month on groceries. A single person spends about CAD 350. It also depends on where you live, your lifestyle, preferences, etc. A family that frequents cafes and restaurants will spend more than one that eats only home-cooked meals. Vegetarians may spend less than meat-eaters, but vegans will either have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time.

There are stores in different price segments, and you can save a lot of money with promotions on certain products. Sometimes at the local markets you can bargain well. Another good idea is to visit them at the closing time — the sellers going home will agree to sell the remaining goods cheaper.

If you have immigrated recently, we recommend going to your local foodbank: immigrants can get food there for free. This is not embarrassing and is not condemned by Canadians at all, but you can save money on food at first, especially when you spend a lot on home improvements.

What are the costs of transportation?

Usually a public transport pass can be purchased for CAD 90-150. The most expensive city in this case is Toronto. Using public transportation is cheaper than owning your own car.

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If you have your own car, be prepared to spend about CAD 300 per month on fuel alone. Insurance, carbon tax and regular maintenance will cost more. Don't forget that in the harsh Canadian climate the rubber on the wheels wears out quickly, so you'll have to change it often.

How much do Internet and cell phones cost?

It depends on the area, your provider and the tariff. On average across the country, people pay around CAD 100-150 for Internet. The larger and more developed the city, the better the chance to get a quality connection and save money. But residents of cottage communities will have to settle for lower speeds for more money.

The cost of cell phones in Canada depends on the plan and provider. On average, a basic plan can cost from CAD 30 to 50  per month. They offer a limited amount of minutes, messages and Internet traffic. More advanced plans with unlimited features and more data can cost CAD 60 to 100 per month or more.

Let's warn you right off the bat: Internet and telephony in Canada are very expensive. According to CBC, the cost per gigabyte in Canada is 7 times higher than in Australia, 25 times higher than in Ireland and France, and 1,000 times higher than in Finland. For example, downloading a half-hour show from YouTube would cost CAD 0.08 in Ireland and CAD 1 in Canada. Downloading the entire season of "Wensday" from Netflix will cost about CAD 1.62  in Australia and CAD 10.22 in Canada.

How much do the clothes cost?

And here is where Canadians can finally boast relatively low prices. There are many second-hand stores and budget brands in the country, so statistics show that Canadians spend only 2% of their monthly income on clothes and shoes. The average Canadian family spends about CAD 3,350 on clothes per year, assuming they have children growing up who regularly need new clothes.

However, it is worth noting that Canadians adhere to minimalism in appearance, and also prefer comfort and practicality. It's hard to accuse them of shopaholism. If you like to buy new clothes every month, be prepared to spend more.

How much do Canadians pay for their children's education?

You should search for this information on your own, based on how old your child is and where you plan to live and what kind of education you want to give him or her. Prices in educational institutions vary greatly depending on the province and your status. For example, kindergartens are much cheaper in Quebec than in Ontario. Municipal schools, called public schools, are free all over the country, although some parents prefer private schools. There are also Catholic schools, which give a good secular education free of charge. The cost of universities and colleges also depends on the region and the prestige of the institution. For example, you pay CAD 2 500-6 000 for a year at Arctic College in Nunavut, and at Fanshawe College foreigners pay about CAD 16 000 for a year (citizens usually pay CAD 6 000).

In general, Canada has a very affordable education, and it is widely recognized. It is of the same quality as American and British education, but it is 3-6 times cheaper.

Is it expensive to have fun in Canada?

It's hard to find information here — all Canadian families understand recreation and entertainment differently, and also allocate money to it depending on their means. Statistics show that over the past 20 years, Canadians have started spending about 6 percent of their annual income on leisure activities. Canada has a lot of entertainment for all tastes and budgets, from free parks and cultural events to luxury resorts and expensive travel. Each city usually has a media outlet that tells you about upcoming events.