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Cost of Living in Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada · Population 439,819

▲ +0% vs Canada average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,560 ($1,147)
Couple, monthly$2,840 ($2,088)
Family of four, monthly$3,742 ($2,751)

Estimated Prices in Halifax

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14.27 ($10.49)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$57.09 ($41.98)per meal
Cappuccino$4.28 ($3.15)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$323 ($238)per month
Monthly public transport pass$52.33 ($38.48)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$138 ($101)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$39.96 ($29.38)per month
Fitness club membership$39.96 ($29.38)per month
Cinema ticket$10.47 ($7.70)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$875 ($643)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$609 ($447)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,826 ($1,342)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Halifax is $4,613 ($3,392) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,560 ($1,147) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,028 ($1,491) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($609 ($447)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Halifax

Halifax vs TorontoHalifax vs MontréalHalifax vs VancouverHalifax vs CalgaryHalifax vs EdmontonHalifax vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Chester

56 km away · Nova Scotia

Bridgewater

80 km away · Nova Scotia

Truro

83 km away · Nova Scotia

Kentville

86 km away · Nova Scotia

Queens

113 km away · Nova Scotia

New Glasgow

129 km away · Nova Scotia

Amherst

139 km away · Nova Scotia

Stratford

179 km away · Prince Edward Island

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 Halifax

Halifax is one of the key cities in Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,560 ($1,147), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $609 ($447) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,742 ($2,751) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,840 ($2,088) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Halifax is $4,613 ($3,392). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,028 ($1,491) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Halifax expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,560 ($1,147) per month in Halifax including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Canada.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Halifax?
A net salary of around $2,028 ($1,491) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Halifax with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Halifax is $4,613 ($3,392).
How much is rent in Halifax?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $875 ($643) per month in the city centre and $609 ($447) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,826 ($1,342).
Is Halifax cheaper than Canada on average?
No — Halifax is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Canada average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Halifax?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $323 ($238) in Halifax. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Halifax compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Halifax is estimated at $52 ($38). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Halifax are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 439,819). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.