Universal healthcare, a progressive government, a diverse range of natural landscapes that cater to the interests of outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and city dwellers alike, make Canada an appealing destination for people worldwide.
If you’re one of those individuals who would love to move to Canada, one of your initial tasks will be to determine the expenses associated with the move and the ongoing cost of living in the country.
This blog summarizes some of the most important information about Cost of Living in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta, Canada.
💰How expensive is it to live in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on factors like location and personal preferences.
Key considerations include when relocating to CA:
- Exchange Rate: Understand the strength of your home currency relative to the Canadian dollar.
- City and Region: Understand the costs differ between cities, with major ones being more expensive.
- Food prices: Understand the cost depends on location but mainly your lifestyle.
- Transportation: Understand costs for public transit (gasoline and car ownership vary).
- Taxes: Understand Canada’s progressive tax system (higher earners pay more).
- Education: Understand public schools are free, but private and higher education can be costly.
The currency
Given that you have a job in Canada that pays you in Canadian dollars, you’ll soon accumulate a significant amount of CAD in your bank account. However, as a newcomer to Canada, it’s crucial to grasp the significance and purchasing power of this currency.
The list below shows the approximate value of Canadian dollars at the time of writing (October, 5, 2023), compared to a few major currencies:
- $1000 USD = CAD 1355
- £1000 GBP = CAD 1670
- €1000 EUR = CAD 1427
- A$1000 AUD = CAD 872
Cost of Living in British Columbia, Canada
Let’s dive into the breathtaking province of British Columbia, where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, and vibrant urban life harmonizes with untouched wilderness. Nestled on the western edge of Canada, British Columbia is a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and an adventurous spirit that beckons explorers from around the globe.
Most affordable cities in BC, Canada
The following chart shares some basic costs across BC in what we’ve found to be some most affordable* cities in the province – adding Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna for reference.
🔵 Click on the name of the city to find out more about it.
| City &
<distance from Vancouver, BC> |
1 bed condo/monthly rate | 2 bed condo/monthly rate | Grocery for 1** |
| Vancouver | ~ CAD 2600 | ~ CAD 4000 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Victoria <70km> | ~ CAD 2100 | ~ CAD 2600 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Kelowna <390> | ~ CAD 2000 | ~ CAD 2300 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Surrey <30km> | ~ CAD 1800 | ~ CAD 2500 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Abbotsford <70km> | ~ CAD 1500 | ~ CAD 2000 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Kamloops <355km> | ~ CAD 1400 | ~ CAD 1800 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Nanaimo <110km> | ~ CAD 1400 | ~ CAD 1800 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Vernon <390> | ~ CAD 1400 | ~ CAD 1800 | ~ CAD 450 |
| Prince George <780km> | ~ CAD 1100 | ~ CAD 1400 | ~ CAD 450 |
You may want to take a look at other cities, such as Terrace, Greenwood, Golden, Fort Nelson.
⚠️ There are different lists out there related to the ‘most affordable cities to live’, that being said we have put together some of the lowest ones. Affordability can vary depending on housing costs, job opportunities, and personal circumstances. It’s important to conduct your own research and consider your needs and preferences when choosing a place to live in British Columbia.
* Rental prices: https://www.kijiji.ca/ & Vancouver Rental Market Stats
** Grocery prices: While Canada’s Food Price Report displays an average grocery cost of CAD 360 for a single person, our recent experiences indicate that the actual cost is closer to CAD 450.
Consider adding tenant insurance cost on top of your rent: In Vancouver, tenant insurance for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from CAD 150 to CAD 300 annually, while for a two-bedroom apartment, it ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 400. These costs can vary based on factors such as coverage, location, and the age of the building.
Taxes
Here are the approximate tax rates for Federal and British Columbia rates.
Plese, use a tax calculator for more details.
- Federal & Provincial Taxes considering annual salaries of CAD 60k, CAD 70k, CAD 80k, CAD 90k:
| Annual Gross Income | Federal Tax |
Provincial Tax | CPP/EI Premiums | Estimated Net Salary |
| CAD 60,000 | CAD 6,538 | CAD 2,689 | CAD 4,169 | CAD 46,605 |
| CAD 70,000 | CAD 8,543 | CAD 3,444 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 53,561 |
| CAD 80,000 | CAD 10,593 | CAD 4,214 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 60,741 |
| CAD 90,000 | CAD 12,643 | CAD 5,079 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 67,825 |
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): The federal GST rate is 5%. This tax is applied to most goods and services, but some essential items may be exempt or zero-rated (taxed at 0%).
Cost of Living in Beautiful BC
Everybody has a different standard when it comes to being financially comfortable. It also depends on where you live in British Columbia, CA.
In general, a single person living in British Columbia might need an income of at least CAD 45,000 to CAD 70,000 per year to cover basic living expenses comfortably.
To help you understand the cost of living, we’ve put together the cost for a single person living in BC, considering average prices. Please note that this is a rough estimate, as individual circumstances and deductions can affect the final net salary amount:
💁One single person | 1 bed = CAD 31,410
Rent: CAD ~1,500 x 12 = CAD 18,000
Tenant Insurance: CAD ~150
Grocery: CAD ~450 x 12 = CAD 5,400
Transportation: CAD ~105 x 12 = CAD 1,260
Utilities (heat/internet/mobile): CAD ~250 x 12 = CAD 3,000
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD ~300 x 12 = CAD 3,600
Gas: N/A
Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
CAD 18,000 (Rent) + CAD 150 (Tenant Insurance) + CAD 5,400 (Grocery) + CAD 1,260 (Transportation) + CAD 3,000 (Utilities) + CAD 3,600 (Entertainment) = CAD 31,410
The total annual expenses are CAD ~31,410.
🫶🏽 VanSweetHome can help you find your rental before you arrive in Canada.
Check it out.
Visit the complete guide about Cost of Living in BC, Canada:
https://blog.vanhack.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-british-columbia-canada/
Cost of Living in Ontario, Canada
Ontario is a province in east-central Canada that borders the U.S. and the Great Lakes. It’s home to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, known for Parliament Hill’s Victorian architecture and the National Gallery, featuring Canadian and indigenous art.
The province is renowned for being one of the most diverse regions in Canada, boasting stunning cities and landscapes, as well as a thriving job market. Cities like Waterloo and Kitchener are integral to what is known as Ontario’s tech hub. However, like any other place in the world, it comes with a price tag.
Most affordable cities in Ontario, Canada
| City & <distance from Toronto, CA> |
1 bed condo/ monthly rate |
2 bed condo/ monthly rate |
Other costs for 1 person (besides rent) |
| Toronto | $2,100 | $3,300 | $900 |
| Mississauga <27.7 km> | $2,100 | $3,200 | $900 |
| Markham <29.8 km> | $1,990 | $3,000 | $900 |
| Hamilton <68 km> | $1,800 | $2,800 | $900 |
| Thunder Bay <1,400km> | $1,315 | $1,600 | $900 |
| Rainy River <1,770 km> | $1,000 | $1,600 | $900 |
| Deep River <415 km> | $1,400 | $1,600 | $900 |
| Sudbury <403 km> | $1,200 | $1,600 | $900 |
| Sarnia <293 km> | $1,475 | $1,800 | $900 |
| Kingston <263.5 km> | $1,700 | $1,899 | $900 |
| Windsor <372 km> | $1,500 | $1,685 | $900 |
| London <195 km> | $1,345 | $2,119 | $900 |
| Peterborough <139 km> | $1,875 | $2,800 | $900 |
| Barrie <112.2 km> | $2,000 | $2,600 | $900 |
| Waterloo <113 km> | $1,600 | $2,000 | $900 |
| Kitchener <107 km> | $1,700 | $2,100 | $900 |
⚠️ Affordability can vary depending on housing costs, job opportunities, and personal circumstances. It’s important to conduct your own research and consider your needs and preferences when choosing a place to live in Ontario.
** Other costs such as grocery, electricity, internet.
Consider adding tenant insurance cost on top of your rent:
In Ontario, tenant insurance for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from CAD 150 to CAD 360. These costs can vary based on factors such as coverage, location, and the age of the building.
Taxes
Here are the approximate tax rates for Federal and Ontario rates.
Plese, use a tax calculator for more details.
-
Federal & Provincial Taxes considering annual salaries of CAD 60k, CAD 70k, CAD 80k, CAD 90k:
|
Annual Gross Income |
Federal |
Provincial Tax |
CPP/EI Premiums |
Estimated Net Salary |
|
CAD 60,000 |
CAD 6,538 |
CAD 3,404 |
CAD 4,169 |
CAD 45,889 |
|
CAD 70,000 |
CAD 8,543 |
CAD 4,303 |
CAD 4,453 |
CAD 52,701 |
|
CAD 80,000 |
CAD 10,593 |
CAD 5,368 |
CAD 4,453 |
CAD 59,586 |
|
CAD 90,000 |
CAD 12,643 |
CAD 6,392 |
CAD 4,453 |
CAD 66,512 |
Goods and Services Tax (GST): The federal GST rate is 13%. This tax is applied to most goods and services.
Cost of Living in Ontario, Canada
Everybody has a different standard when it comes to being financially comfortable. It also depends on where you live in Ontario, CA.
To help you understand the cost of living, we’ve put together the cost for a single person living in ON, considering average prices. Please note that this is a rough estimate, as individual circumstances and deductions can affect the final net salary amount:
💁One single person | 1 bed = CAD ~33,810
Rent: CAD ~1,500 x 12 = CAD 18,000
Tenant Insurance: CAD ~150
Grocery/Utilities: CAD ~900 x 12 = CAD 10,800
Transportation: CAD ~105 x 12 = CAD 1,260
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD ~300 x 12 = CAD 3,600
Gas: N/A
Medical Services in ON: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
The total annual expenses are CAD ~33,810.
🫶🏽 VanSweetHome can help you find your rental before you arrive in Canada.
Check it out.
Visit the complete guide about Cost of Living in Ontario, Canada:
https://blog.vanhack.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-ontario-canada/
Cost of Living in Alberta, Canada
As most places in Canada the province of Alberta, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, thriving economy, and abundant job opportunities. And here’s come a highlight: Alberta has on average 312 sunny days and up to 18 hours of daylight in the summer. So, pack your sunscreen and let’s dive in the costs to live in this vibrant province.
Most affordable cities in Alberta, Canada
Some of the most affordable places to live in Alberta include Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Camrose, High River, Fort McMurray, and Wetaskiwin. That being said, below, we’ve compiled information about the cost of renting a place and other expenses beyond rent for one person. We’ll start with Calgary, the most expensive one, to provide you with a basis for comparison.
| City & <distance from Toronto, CA> | How big is the city? | 1 bed condo/monthly rate | 2 bed condo/monthly rate | Other costs for 1 person (besides rent) |
| Calgary | 1.640 million | $1,900 | $2,500 | $661 |
| Okotoks <45.8 km> | 31,959 | $1,750 | N/A | $661 |
| Airdrie <36.7 km> | 80,649 | $1,600 | $1,900 | $661 |
| Medicine Hat <293.7 km> | 80,000 | $1,100 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Edmonton <299.9 km> | 1.550 million | $1,100 | $1,500 | $661 |
| Lethbridge <293 km> | 106,000 | $1,000 | $1,400 | $661 |
| Lloydminster <545 km> | 15,256 | $900,00 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Red Deer <149.9 km> | 105,883 | $970 | $1,300 | $661 |
| Cold Lake <599 km> | 16,686 | N/A | $1,600 | $661 |
| Grande Prairie <715 km> | 67,669 | $900 | N/A | $661 |
| Camrose <287 km> | 19,847 | N/A | $1,200 | $661 |
| High River <68 km> | 14,556 | N/A | $1,200 | $661 |
| Fort McMurray <740 km> | 117,065 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $661 |
| Wetaskiwin <247.7 km> | 12,317 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $661 |
⚠️ Affordability can vary depending on housing costs, job opportunities, and personal circumstances. It’s important to conduct your own research and consider your needs and preferences when choosing a place to live in Alberta.
** Other costs such as grocery, electricity, internet.
Consider adding tenant insurance cost on top of your rent:
In Alberta, tenant insurance for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from CAD 150 to CAD 300. These costs can vary based on factors such as coverage, location, and the age of the building.
Taxes
Here are the approximate tax rates for Federal and Alberta rates.
Plese, use a tax calculator for more details.
- Federal & Provincial Taxes considering annual salaries of CAD 60k, CAD 70k, CAD 80k, CAD 90k:
| Annual Gross Income | Federal Tax |
Provincial Tax | CPP/EI Premiums | Estimated Net Salary |
| CAD 60,000 | CAD 6,538 | CAD 3,602 | CAD 4,169 | CAD 45,692 |
| CAD 70,000 | CAD 8,543 | CAD 4,573 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 52,431 |
| CAD 80,000 | CAD 10,593 | CAD 5,573 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 59,381 |
| CAD 90,000 | CAD 12,643 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 4,453 | CAD 66,331 |
- Alberta is the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax. Goods and services are charged only the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Cost of Living in Alberta
Everybody has a different standard when it comes to being financially comfortable. It also depends on where you live in Alberta, CA.
To help you understand the cost of living, we’ve put together the cost for a single person living in Alberta, considering average prices. Please note that this is a rough estimate, as individual circumstances and deductions can affect the final net salary amount:
💁One single person | 1 bed = CAD 25,112
Rent: CAD 1,100 x 12 = CAD 13,200
Tenant Insurance: CAD ~120
Grocery/Utilities: CAD 661 x 12 = CAD 7,932
Transportation: CAD 105 x 12 = CAD 1,260
Entertainment (dining out/shopping/others): CAD 300 x 12 = CAD 3,600
Gas: N/A
Medical Services in AB: N/A
Other health/insurance costs may be under your employment agreement.
Please, add other costs as needed.
Total Cost of Living = CAD 25,112
🫶🏽 VanSweetHome can help you find your rental before you arrive in Canada.
Check it out.
Visit the complete guide about Cost of Living in Alberta, Canada:
https://blog.vanhack.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-alberta-canada/
The information provided in this blog regarding the cost of living in Alberta is intended for general reference purposes only. It is essential to note that the cost of living can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, economic factors, and changing market conditions. The figures and data presented here are subject to change, and they may not reflect the most current or accurate information at the time of your reading.
For the most current and accurate information on costs in Alberta, we recommend visiting the official websites of relevant government agencies, local municipalities, and reputable sources that specialize in cost-of-living data. Additionally, conducting your own research and considering your unique personal circumstances, such as family size, lifestyle choices, and location within Alberta, is crucial when assessing your specific cost of living.
This blog is intended to serve as a starting point for individuals considering a move to Alberta or seeking a general overview of living expenses in the region. However, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of information for financial planning or decision-making. We encourage readers to use this information as part of a more comprehensive analysis and planning process when considering changes in their living situation, especially when moving between countries or regions.
Relocate to Canada With VanHack
VanHack is your gateway to a world of exceptional job opportunities and exciting prospects.
Here’s how VH can help you make Canada your home:
📌 Job Board: VanHack’s job board is your one-stop destination for a wide array of job openings in Canada and other parts of the globe. Most of the job postings offer sponsored visas, making your international job search a breeze. Plus, we’ve carefully curated our hiring partners to ensure you’ll be working with some of the best companies out there. Secure your job in Canada and relocate with peace of mind: VanHack.com/Jobs.
🏢 Canadian Engineer Office: Maybe you’re already in a fulfilling role with your current employer, but they don’t have an office in Canada. No worries! With VanHack, you can join our Canadian Engineer Office program and enjoy all the benefits of being part of an international team. This option offers you the best of both worlds—staying with a company you love and experiencing the perks of working in Canada. Discover if you are eligible: VanHack.com/MoveToCanada.
Other Sources/Resources:
- VanHack Canadian Engineer Office
- Benefits With Canadian Engineer Office
- Eligibility to Employment Insurance
- Visa Types & Process: Understanding ‘Closed Work Permits’ and What Happens When Terminating a Contract with Your Canadian Employer
- Canada Health Care System
- Cost of Living in Canada
- Cost of Living in British Columbia
- Cost of Living in Ontario
- More about Cost of Living in Alberta
- Alberta is Calling
- Explore Edmonton