The cost of living for one person in Canada for 1 Year will vary massively based on numerous factors. Home to one of the notable education and social systems in the world, Canada has remained a top country to consider for immigration purposes.
With top-class universities, cultural diversity, and friendly people, Canada is, without doubt, considered a viable destination for both workers and students across the world. However, the country is renowned for being very expensive.
According to reports, before taxes, people living in Canada tend to spend at least $250,000 per year. While this is more than enough to ensure you live and enjoy a comfortable life in the country, it is nowhere close to what an average person in Canada earns.
Since reports have it that the average monthly net salary in the country after tax deductions is $3,400, Immigrants are advised to have financial support before making their Canadian plan. In addition, you would need to live within your means, thus the need for a budget.
While the average cost of living in Canada for one person is around $2611 per month and $31,332 per year, just as it was noted above, numerous factors will impact these figures.
Factors That Impact Cost Of Living In Canada
Table of Contents
Location
Have it in mind that the cost of living in Canada varies from province to province, and city to city, and no two provinces or cities have the same living conditions. Note that someone living in a major Canadian city will not make the same level of expenses as someone living in the remote countryside.
In addition, the cost of living in Canada will also depend on how fast an individual adjusts and familiarize themselves with their new home. Although some urban cities in Canada are known to be extremely expensive to live in, some unique areas are cheaper to live in.
Rent and Housing Cost
The cost of renting a house in Canada will depend on the size of the house, the location of the house, the age of the house, and the condition of the house or apartment. Have it in mind that rent is always going to be one of the biggest items in your one-year budget, more or less taking up 35% to 50% of your monthly expenses. Here are rent price ranges across three of Canada’s biggest cities.
- Montreal: C$500 – C$1,100
- Toronto: C$750 – C$1,900
- Calgary: C$600 – C$1,400
Utilities
Reports have it that Canadians spend up to 50 percent of their income on housing and utilities like electricity, water, heating of the house, telephone service, and other household expenses like furniture, utensils, dishes, and other supplies.
According to reports, Québec has the lowest electricity prices in all of Canada, while the Northwest Territories have the most expensive electricity prices. Howbeit, people in Québec City are known to pay more for home internet plans, while people living in Halifax pay the cheapest. The country boasts of some of the highest mobile data rates at $12.55 for 1GB. Estimates for utilities include;
- Electricity: 17.4¢/kWh per month
- Home Internet Plan: $53 per month
- Data: $12.55 for 1GB
- Car Insurance: $80 – $109
Healthcare
One of the most notable benefits of living in Canada is the free healthcare system. It simply means you don’t have to pay any direct fee for doctors’ visits or during emergencies. Healthcare in Canada is funded by the country’s tax system.
However, around 65% of Canadians have some form of private health insurance most often made available or subsidized through their employers. Private health insurers in Canada tend to offer competitive rates and flexible plans well-aligned to each province and territory. Here is the average cost of health insurance in Canada per month:
- Single Parent – Father: $78
- Single Parent – Mother: $110
- Individual Male: $47
- Individual Female: $80
Transportation and Parking
Although automobiles remain the most prevalent option in Canada, have it in mind that the popularity of biking to work has increased exponentially within the last few years. Some neighborhoods in Halifax, Vancouver, and Quebec City see 20% of commuters getting to work by bike.
In addition, cities also provide residents with a wide array of ways to travel, such as buses, ferries, metros, etc., and some also provide different services managed by provincial governments. Have it in mind that the average cost of transportation in Canada for a month is around $250-$300.
This includes traveling by services provided by the local government and online taxi services. Car parking in Canada is highly monetized with each city having its own strategy to manage the way they charge residents. Expect the average parking rate in Canada to be around $4.40 per hour on the street.
Food
Note that the cost of food in Canada varies massively within provinces and cities. Reports noted that provinces like Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia spend less on food. Meanwhile, provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia are known to pay higher food costs. Also, note that Canadians spend an average of around $200 a month per person on food bought in stores.
Also note that a well-prepared three-course meal in a restaurant in an urban area – appetizer, main course, dessert, and wine – will cost around $100 in Vancouver, $90 in Montreal, $74 in Quebec, and $101 in Calgary, and $105 in Toronto. If you choose to cook the food yourself, you would surely spend less. Groceries would cost around $400 per month if you are conservative.
- A meal in an inexpensive restaurant can range around $18 and $75
- Domestic beer costs around $6 to $8.
- The price of 1.5 L of water is $1.6.
- Things like egg, rice, bread, and milk cost around $2.5 to $4.
- Vegetables and fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and onions range from $1.5 to $5.
- A mid-range bottle of wine costs $15
Entertainment
Canada is home to a wide range of unique locations, museums, sports centers, cinemas, and activity centers coupled with many fancy and breathtaking restaurants. Note that the affordability of any entertainment in the country will depend on your location.
At an average cost, if you have had 4 beers, 1 restaurant visit with friends, visited the cinema 2 times, and have had 4 regular restaurant meals per month, you must have spent at least $190. To stay fit, gym fees are around $50-60 per month in Canada.
- Hockey Match: $88 per person at Bell Centre
- Movie Theater: $10.99 – $12.99 per ticket
- Niagara Falls Day Tour: $139 per person
- Northern Lights Package: $529 per person (2-nights)
- Visit a National Park: $10 per person or an annual pass for $136
Fitness
If staying fit is a necessary part of your weekly routine then you’ll want to understand how much it will cost you to burn fats and get your blood flowing in Canada. Here is the average cost of a fitness membership and programs per month:
- Chain gym (basic amenities):$10
- Mid-range option (spa services): $40 – $60
- High-end gym: $190-$205 (unlimited in-club classes and cold eucalyptus towels)
- Crossfit: $124,80
- Yoga: $29 per class/ unlimited classes for $196 per month
- Zumba: $75
- Kickboxing: $120 (4 classes)/ $200 (8 classes)
- MMA: $105
Understanding your living expenses and equipping yourself with the right information will ensure that you live and enjoy a comfortable life in Canada. Just as with any other place in the world, Canada has cities that are very expensive to live in, and also some that are more affordable. However, regardless of where in Canada you choose to live, ensure to weigh your pros and cons extensively.