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Cost of Living in Cape Breton

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada · Population 93,694

▼ -6% vs Canada average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,463 ($1,076)
Couple, monthly$2,662 ($1,957)
Family of four, monthly$3,505 ($2,577)

Estimated Prices in Cape Breton

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.46 ($9.90)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.86 ($39.60)per meal
Cappuccino$4.04 ($2.97)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$305 ($224)per month
Monthly public transport pass$49.37 ($36.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$130 ($95.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Fitness club membership$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Cinema ticket$9.87 ($7.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$813 ($598)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$566 ($416)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,697 ($1,248)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cape Breton is $4,352 ($3,200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,463 ($1,076) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($566 ($416)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cape Breton

Cape Breton vs TorontoCape Breton vs MontréalCape Breton vs VancouverCape Breton vs CalgaryCape Breton vs EdmontonCape Breton vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Sydney Mines

11 km away · Nova Scotia

Glace Bay

19 km away · Nova Scotia

Inverness

70 km away · Nova Scotia

Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

188 km away · Quebec

New Glasgow

199 km away · Nova Scotia

Stratford

223 km away · Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown

227 km away · Prince Edward Island

Truro

254 km away · Nova Scotia

Other Major Cities in Canada

Toronto

Ontario · pop. 5,647,656

$1,952 ($1,435) / mo

Montréal

Quebec · pop. 3,675,219

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Vancouver

British Columbia · pop. 2,426,160

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Calgary

Alberta · pop. 1,306,784

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Edmonton

Alberta · pop. 1,151,635

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Ottawa

Ontario · pop. 1,068,821

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Winnipeg

Manitoba · pop. 758,515

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Quebec City

Quebec · pop. 733,156

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Living in Cape Breton

Cape Breton is one of the key cities in Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,463 ($1,076), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $566 ($416) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,505 ($2,577) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,662 ($1,957) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cape Breton is $4,352 ($3,200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cape Breton expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,463 ($1,076) per month in Cape Breton including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Canada.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cape Breton?
A net salary of around $1,902 ($1,399) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cape Breton with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cape Breton is $4,352 ($3,200).
How much is rent in Cape Breton?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $813 ($598) per month in the city centre and $566 ($416) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,697 ($1,248).
Is Cape Breton cheaper than Canada on average?
Yes — Cape Breton is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Canada average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cape Breton?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $305 ($224) in Cape Breton. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Cape Breton compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cape Breton is estimated at $49 ($36). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cape Breton are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 93,694). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.