Prices for Groceries in Canada
How much do groceries cost in Canada? And how does that compare to the average salary? Let's answer these acute questions.
Despite high salaries in Canada, it's important to remember that residents face various expenses, including food costs, which make up a significant part of their budget.
According to recent data, Canadians spend about 11% of their minimum wage on food. This percentage is relatively low by global standards, but inflation has increased pressure on Canadian household budgets in recent years. For comparison, Americans spend about 6.4% of their income on food, while in countries like Mexico and Russia, this figure can reach up to 37%.
So, how expensive is food for Canadians in 2024? Let's take a look at the prices.
Current food prices
Food prices continue to rise across the country. Here are the average prices in Canada as of August 2024, according to Numbeo:
- Water (1.5 liters) — $2.50 CAD
- Bread (500g) — $3.66 CAD
- Milk (1 liter) — $3.01 CAD
- Eggs (12) — $4.77 CAD
- Cheese (1 kg) — $15.65 CAD
- Chicken breast (1 kg) — $16.82 CAD
- White rice (1 kg) — $5.09 CAD
- Tomatoes (1 kg) — $5.67 CAD
- Potatoes (1 kg) — $3.65 CAD
- Bananas (1 kg) — $1.97 CAD
- Apples (1 kg) — $5.73 CAD
Keep in mind that prices can vary significantly depending on the region. In remote areas and the northern parts of the country, they can be much higher due to transportation costs.
Price growth trends
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Canada has seen accelerating inflation in recent years, especially noticeable in the food sector. In 2024, food prices are expected to increase by 2.5-4.5% compared to the previous year, creating additional financial challenges for many families. Some categories, such as meat, vegetables, and baked goods, are forecast to see even more significant increases, reaching 5-7%.
Food expenses and income
As of 2023, an average Canadian family of four spends about $15,500 CAD per year on food, which is approximately $1,300 CAD per month. This breaks down to about $325 CAD per person per month, although figures can vary depending on the region.
Regarding minimum wage, in 2024 it ranges from $14.00 to $17.59 CAD depending on the province. For example, in Saskatchewan, the rate is $14 CAD, while in British Columbia, it's $17.4 CAD. The average Canadian's after-tax income is currently around $5,340 CAD per month.
Although wages are increasing, inflation and rising food prices are creating difficulties for many. Experts point out that one in seven families in Canada struggles to provide adequate nutrition. It's important to remember other expenses as well: housing, utilities, transportation, and so on.
Measures to combat rising food prices
To fight rising food prices, the Canadian government and agricultural companies are taking steps to reduce production costs. One key area is developing technologies for year-round vegetable cultivation. This includes expanding greenhouse farming, developing new varieties adapted for indoor growing, and implementing tax incentives for producers.
These measures aim to reduce dependence on food imports and stabilize prices in the domestic market, which should help ease the burden on Canadian household budgets.
