Settling in Canada marks the beginning of a new adventure. Between administrative formalities, finding accommodation and discovering local services, every expense matters. Understanding the cost of living by province allows you to plan your housing, meal and leisure expenses and settle with confidence. Anticipating these costs makes relocation simpler and your transition more pleasant.

What Budget Should You Plan Per Day?

For your stay in Canada, it is advisable to budget approximately 211 CAD per day per person, or around 130 €. This amount covers accommodation in a 3-star hotel for two people, including two daily meals and one public transportation journey each day.

Housing Costs

When preparing your budget for Canada, do not underestimate accommodation rates. They vary significantly depending on the region. Given the country's vast and diverse nature, prices differ from one location to another. As a guideline, you can expect:

• Cottage or bed & breakfast: approximately 128 € per night
• Double room in a youth hostel: around 110 €
• 4-star hotel: close to 198 € per night

Food Costs

According to the 2024 Report on Food Prices in Canada, a family of two adults and two children should budget approximately 15,600 $ annually (roughly 300 $ per week) for groceries. This amount does not cover restaurant dining.

To limit your expenses, prioritize basic products or family-sized formats that are not subject to tax. Conversely, most processed products such as ready-to-cook meals, candy or sugary beverages are taxed. To reduce your grocery bill while eating well, plan your meals, create a weekly menu and take advantage of flyer promotions.

Activity Costs

Canada offers a multitude of activities to fill your free time and discover local culture. Here are some reference points on average costs for certain outings and subscriptions.

Entertainment and Culture

• Cinema: a single ticket costs approximately 15.80 CAD (about 12 $ US or 10.6 €).
• Theatre: prices vary by venue but generally range between 50 and 150 CAD (37-111 $ US or 34-102 €).
• Zoo: adult admission runs around 20 to 30 CAD (15-22 $ US or 14-20 €).

Digital Subscriptions and TV

• Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ offer monthly plans between 10 and 15 CAD (7-11 $ US or 7-10 €), with Netflix's ad-supported tier at approximately 10.8 CAD (7 €).
• Cable or satellite television: expect between 25 and 100 CAD per month (17-74 $ US or 17-68 €), depending on the number of channels and options selected.

The Most Affordable Provinces

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton stands out for very accessible housing costs compared to other Canadian cities. Expect around 1,250 $ for a one-bedroom apartment. The average home price hovers around 308,300 $.

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is equally affordable. On the housing front, prices remain reasonable: a home sells for an average of around 588,600 $, while a one-bedroom apartment rents for approximately 1,841 $ per month.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the average monthly cost of living stands at approximately 3,101 $, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment around 2,100 $ per month and a home at 564,000 $. While these prices are higher than in some other affordable provinces, property ownership remains significantly more accessible than in regions like Ontario or British Columbia.

Quebec

In Quebec, the monthly cost of living is more moderate, averaging around 2,665 $, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment of 1,776 $ and a home at 525,732 $. The province appeals through the diversity of its housing, from modern downtown apartments to more affordable suburban homes.

Manitoba

Manitoba offers the possibility to manage your budget thanks to a monthly cost of living estimated at approximately 2,697 $. For housing, a one-bedroom apartment rents for around 1,381 $, while a home purchases for an average of 376,770 $.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick stands out for its remarkable affordability, with an average monthly cost of living of 2,341 $. This is among the lowest in Canada. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around 1,274 $. The average home price reaches approximately 308,800 $. Low pressure on the real estate market helps maintain these attractive rates. Moreover, essential services such as water, gas and electricity are less expensive there.