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If you've ever considered moving to Canada, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Canada?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Canada and whether the reported $2719 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $3108.71.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
14.52 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
61.72 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.71 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.72 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.81 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.32 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.74 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.44 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.89 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.24 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.9 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.84 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.47 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
10.33 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.66 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.36 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.32 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.2 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.38 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.2 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.13 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.08 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.62 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.62 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.35 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.85 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
11.62 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.36 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
72.61 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.9 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.45 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
24.69 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.45 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20330.53 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
18397.15 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
128.24 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.25 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
59.83 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
39.01 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
15.97 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
10.86 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
790.3 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
12600.43 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
48.98 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
33.92 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
76.67 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
95.98 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1146.0 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
963.87 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1864.82 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1621.25 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
6448.26 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
4693.67 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3108.71 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
5.17 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 14.52 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 61.72 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.89 USD, a loaf of bread 2.24 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.84 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 2.36 USD and a monthly pass around 72.61 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 128.24 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 39.01 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 15.97 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 790.3 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 12600.43 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 48.98 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 76.67 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1146.0 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 963.87 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 6448.26 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 4693.67 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 3108.71 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.17% annually.
Canada
Canada is overall, very safe. It's actually known for its peacekeeping diplomacy, respect and tolerance for everyone, so you can rest assured that you will probably encounter no problems when traveling there. Still, do not let your guard down and be vigilant at all times.
Transportation is very safe and reliable in Canada. Still, take few precaution measures when in public transportation.
There is no reason to fear the pickpockets. There is almost no risk of petty theft, and following a few basic precaution rules should take care of this issue.
Because of its northern location, there are a few risks when it comes to meteorological conditions. Canada is prone to strong, harsh winters, extremely low temperatures and snow storms.
Although there are some areas that should be avoided at night, Canada is very safe when it comes to mugging or kidnapping, especially for tourists.
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Canada's recent history (except for the mass shootings in 2012, but those were isolated incidents); however, terrorist attacks should never be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There is no risk of getting scammed in Canada, but still be careful when receiving change, check it twice, negotiate everything in advance and be wary of people offering you unwanted help, directions, etc.
Canada is very safe for females traveling alone. There are no dangers to watch out for, just apply basic rules of precaution and your trip should go smoothly.
There are countries that need a visa in order to enter Canada. However, citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and some other countries do not need it for stays shorter than 180 days. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Canadian dollar is the official currency of Canada. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are used and accepted in most establishments. Canada is for anyone's pocket. It is full of attractions that aren't expensive, and sometimes are free, and you can buy excellent low-cost food and drinks.
The average temperature in Canada is usually colder than in the United States and Western Europe, so prepare yourself and dress in layers if you're planning on visiting between October and April. During the rest of the year, throughout the majority of the country, the daytime temperature goes well above 15°C and usually is somewhere between 20s-30s°C.
Toronto Pearson International Airport, officially named Lester B. Pearson International Airport (frequently shortened to Toronto Pearson, Pearson Airport, or simply Pearson), is the busiest international airport in Canada and is located 22.5 km northwest of Downtown Toronto, with a big chunk of the airport (including the two main terminals) located in the neighboring city of Mississauga, and a smaller part of the airfield extending into Etobicoke, Toronto's western district.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Canada, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.