Cost of Living in Canada 2023

Canada is undeniably one of the most beautiful countries in the world with the best education facilities, growing job opportunities, and high standards of living. The number of immigrants migrating to Canada on Canada PR visas has increased to significant numbers over the last few years.

Canada is the second largest country in the world with a massive land area and invites thousands of migrants every year to make Canada their home country. However one must think about the living expenses in Canada when they are planning to Settle in Canada with their families. 

A newcomer will find the country more expensive than their home country, but with a bit of research and money management skills, you can readily control the cost of Living in Canada. In this blog, we will give you an estimate of living costs in Canada with some handy tips to save money while you enjoy the best time of your life in Canada.

Want to Live in Canada?

An Overview of Living Expenses in Canada for a Single Family:

With a significant difference in the Provincial taxes, housing rates, population, and job opportunities in different provinces, the living costs may vary in different Provinces of Canada. While House rents, transportation facilities, and taxes are the basic expenses, an immigrant must also think of other factors like insurance, utilities, car insurance, and cell phone and Wi-Fi bills.

Although a Canada PR Visa will make a clear way for you, one must have at least $8,000 -$15,000 for their survival in the initial days. The cost of living for a family is assumed to be somewhere around $4000 (Excluding rent) for a family of four, however, it also depends on your lifestyle and the city you choose to live in. While cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa are expensive, Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba, and Montreal offer quality lifestyles on a lesser budget.

Housing Costs in Canada:

House rent is the deciding factor in your budget, making up to 25%- 40% of your monthly expenses. Canada has different types of accommodation available for students and families including shared rooms, two-bedroom apartments, condos, and detached or semi-detached townhouses.

 Families choose to live in a separate house that has more monthly rent but offers more space and privacy. Two-bedroom houses in large cities can cost anywhere between $2000- $2500, whereas the monthly rent in a house with similar facilities in smaller cities can cost around $1000-$1500.

Explore: 10 Useful Tips For Newcomers To Easily Settle In Canada

The Average Rent for 1- Bedroom 2- a Bedroom House in Different Cities of Canada in August 2023:

City	1- Bedroom	2- Bedroom
Vancouver	$2,500	$3,630
Toronto	$2,257	$3,259
Ottawa	$1,767	$2,206
Calgary	$1,583	$1,934
Montreal	$1,543	$1,958
Edmonton	$1,054	$1,333

Utilities:

Always ensure that utilities like gas, water, and heat are included in the rent, otherwise, you have to pay for these utilities on top of the rent, which can be an expensive affair for you.

 The utilities can cost between $70 -$150 depending on your usage and the standard rates in your area. You will be charged for the utilities from the day you move in.

Transportation Cost :

Public transportation costs, car insurance, and parking rates in your city also decide your budget for the month. Canada has effective means of transportation that allows the residents to travel around different parts of the country through buses, metros, and ferries. You can expect to pay between $200-$300 per month to commute to your work and other places in your cities.

If you prefer to travel by a private vehicle(Car), you must know the car parking rates that you should be paying for parking your vehicle on the street. Although car parking rates may vary depending on the decisions by the Provincial Government, the Median car parking rate per month in Canada averages up to $225.

While major cities like Toronto and Montreal have efficient public transportation facilities, it is more feasible to own a car if you are living in the outer parts of the city. Having your private vehicle will give you more flexibility and you have plenty of time on hand to spend with your family. However, a car in Canada comes with hefty car insurance costs. Here is a list of annual car insurance rates in different states of Canada.

Province	Insurance Rate
British Columbia	$1,832
Ontario	$1,528
Alberta	$1,316
Manitoba	$1,140
Nova Scotia	$891
Quebec	$717
Saskatchewan	$1,235

Phone and Internet Bills:

Many internet providers in Canada offer data packages for wi-fi connectivity in your home and plans for your mobile phones. 

The average price of a mobile data plan can cost CAD 50-CAD 100 per month, whereas an internet connection at home can cost $80 per month for a speed above 60 Mbps.

Food:

Your food expenses depend upon your lifestyle and your food choices. While most Canadian families prepare to cook their food at home, the average grocery expenses for a family of four are estimated to be around $500-$700CAD.

A great tip to cut down your costs is to grow your vegetables when possible and get benefits from the sale and promotions of the grocery products.

Health Insurance: 

Residents can get benefits from the Government-funded health care system, which includes major medical treatments. If you are working in Canada your employer will provide you with health insurance coverage, through taxes to the Government.

  However, dental and vision care services are not covered in this system. You also need to pay for the prescription drugs when you live in Canada.

Taxes:

Besides all these expenses, the Canadian Government imposes a 5% tax on the goods and services that you use in Canada. In addition to this, provinces also impose 7%-10% of Provincial Sales Tax to their residents.

Must Read: Canada PR: First Things to Do After Landing in Canada

Tips to control your expenses in Canada:

Set a Monthly/ Weekly Budget:

A monthly budget can help you analyze your living costs depending on your cash flow. Always set aside a fixed amount of money on expenses like rent, and utilities, and then save some money for your future plans. A well-prepared monthly budget will help you control your expenses for next month.

Search for Discounts And Specials on Daily Needs:

Canadian supermarkets offer many seasonal and festival deals for the residents. They also have great discounts for loyal customers. Make sure you are updated about the promotions and take advantage of the cheaper prices on products.

Branded is Not Always the Best:

Do not go crazy for branded stuff. Sometimes local products offer great deals on high-quality products than the expensive products from a branded showroom.

Avoid Eating Out:

We all love east fast foods and relish flavors from different restaurants. But, let us remind you that if you continue eating out daily, it can be expensive for your pockets. Enjoy cooking at home and dine out only on special occasions.

How Much Money Should You Set Aside for Your Monthly Budget in Canada?

One of the most common questions asked by the dream abroad aspirant who wishes to live in Canada is how much money is enough for their first month in Canada. Well, the answer to this question depends on your lifestyle and individual preferences.

However, a family Arriving in Canada on a Canada PR visa should expect to spend between $1500-$2500 per month. A family member or friend of yours living in Canada can give you more realistic figures on living costs in Canada.

Canada is a promising country and has everything that you are looking for for a better future. With little management and planning, you can save money that can help you buy your dream house in Canada. Keep reading our blogs on Canada and make a hassle-free journey to your dream country.

Contact Us for Canada!