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Cost of Living in Canada

485 cities covered · Currency: CAD ($) · Capital: Toronto

Single person, monthly$1,560 ($1,147)
Couple, monthly$2,840 ($2,088)
Family of four, monthly$3,742 ($2,751)
Average net salary$4,613 ($3,392)

Average Prices in Canada

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

Major Cities in Canada

Toronto

Ontario · pop. 5,647,656

Montréal

Quebec · pop. 3,675,219

Vancouver

British Columbia · pop. 2,426,160

Calgary

Alberta · pop. 1,306,784

Edmonton

Alberta · pop. 1,151,635

Ottawa

Ontario · pop. 1,068,821

Winnipeg

Manitoba · pop. 758,515

Quebec City

Quebec · pop. 733,156

Hamilton

Ontario · pop. 729,560

Mississauga

Ontario · pop. 717,961

Brampton

Ontario · pop. 656,480

Surrey

British Columbia · pop. 568,322

Kitchener

Ontario · pop. 522,888

Halifax

Nova Scotia · pop. 439,819

Laval

Quebec · pop. 438,366

London

Ontario · pop. 423,369

Victoria

British Columbia · pop. 363,222

Markham

Ontario · pop. 338,503

Oshawa

Ontario · pop. 335,949

Vaughan

Ontario · pop. 323,103

Windsor

Ontario · pop. 306,519

Gatineau

Quebec · pop. 291,041

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan · pop. 266,141

Longueuil

Quebec · pop. 254,483

Cheapest Cities in Canada

StouffvilleShawiniganJolietteRimouskiCourtenayDollard-des-OrmeauxCornwallVictoriavilleGeorginaWoodstockFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Canada

Toronto vs Montréal

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Canada

Toronto vs Vancouver

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Canada

Montréal vs Calgary

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Canada

Vancouver vs Calgary

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Canada

Cost of Living by City Size in Canada

Living costs in Canada vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $1,560 ($1,147) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Canada?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Canada is $1,560 ($1,147), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly $3,742 ($2,751) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Canada?
Stouffville ranks among the most affordable cities in Canada with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Canada?
The estimated average net salary in Canada is $4,613 ($3,392) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Canada derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.