Dreaming of moving to Canada, but worried that the cost of living might be too high for your budget? Rest assured, Canada is considered the second most affordable country in the world, according to a recent study by Utility Bidder, a British company specializing in utility price comparisons.
The study assessed the affordability of 36 countries based on several criteria, such as gross national income per capita, property prices relative to income, household costs of natural gas, electricity, water and internet, as well as unemployment rate and human development index.
Canada scored 7.32/10, just behind the United States (8.71/10) and ahead of Australia (7.23/10). The country stands out in particular for the low price of natural gas and electricity for households, which considerably reduces energy bills. Canada also boasts a high gross national income and a highly satisfactory human development index.
What is the cost of living in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada varies from province to province, city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. It also depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Here are a few examples of common expenses you’ll need to plan for if you come to live in Canada:
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Housing:
this is generally the biggest expense item for immigrants. The cost of renting or buying a home depends on the size, type, location and condition of the property. You also need to take into account utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet, etc.), which may or may not be included in the rent. According to the Numbeo website, which compares the cost of living in different cities around the world, the average rent for a one-bedroom downtown apartment in Canada is C$1,375 per month (about €950), while the average rent for a three-bedroom downtown apartment is C$2,300 per month (about €1,580).
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Food:
food prices vary according to quality, quantity and place of purchase. It’s generally cheaper to buy in supermarkets than in grocery stores or markets. You also need to take into account the taxes that apply to certain products and the tips that are expected in restaurants. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal in a budget restaurant in Canada is $20 Canadian (about €14), while the average cost of a meal for two people in an average restaurant is $70 Canadian (about €48). The average cost of a liter of milk in Canada is $2.35 Canadian (about €1.60), while the average cost of a kilo of apples is $4.10 Canadian (about €2.80).
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Transportation:
the most widely used means of transportation in Canada is the car, which offers great freedom of movement but also involves significant costs (purchase, maintenance, insurance, gasoline, parking, etc.). If you opt for public transport, you’ll need to find out about the fares and passes available in your city. According to Numbeo, the average price of a liter of gasoline in Canada is CAD$1.40 (about €0.96), while the average price of a public transit ticket is CAD$3.25 (about €2.20).
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Leisure:
Canada offers a multitude of cultural, sporting and recreational activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Take advantage of the many nature parks, festivals, museums, cinemas, theaters, concerts and more. According to Numbeo, the average price of a movie ticket in Canada is $14 Canadian (about €9.60), while the average price of admission to a museum is $15 Canadian (about €10).
