Cheapest Place to Live in Canada

Residents of Canada are fortunate to have access to some of the best places in the world to live. While there are many locations throughout the country that offer a high quality of life for a reasonable price, some areas are more affordable than others. If you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in Canada, here is a list of the towns and cities that fit the bill. Keep in mind that when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, everyone’s needs and preferences vary. Be sure to do your own research before making a final decision.

Cost of living increase in Canada in 2022

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada is quite reasonable. The nation is sitting in 26th place on the list of most expensive countries.

When compared to the United States, Canada is definitely more affordable. Of course, the cost of living varies from place to place. But on average, a single person can expect to spend around $1,131.39 per month while a family of four will need approximately $4,055.19. These costs do not include rent, so it’s important to factor that into your budget as well.

Numbeo’s cost of living calculator is a helpful tool for comparing the cost of living in different locations. Simply enter the place you live in, the place you’re considering moving to, and the amount you currently spend on living expenses. The calculator will give you an estimate of how much you would need to spend in the new location to maintain your same standard of living.

What city has the lowest cost of living in Canada?

Sherbrooke is the cheapest city to live in Canada.

If you’re looking to save some money, this city in southern Quebec is 20.81% cheaper than Toronto and 13% cheaper than Montreal, for reference. Rent is also 68.36% lower than in Toronto, so you can definitely stretch your dollar further. The cost of living for a single person in Sherbrooke is just $924.89, excluding rent – pretty impressive!

What province has the lowest cost of living in Canada?

If you’re looking for a life in a big city, then Manitoba is your best bet. You can find some great deals on apartments and houses in Winnipeg. Plus, the cost of living is quite low compared to other mega cities like Toronto or Vancouver. The economy is strong and stable in Manitoba, making it a great place to live for both families and singles.

New Brunswick is an Atlantic province with a cost of living that is 6 percent lower than the national average. The province is known for its affordable housing and low cost of living, making it a great choice to save money. Cities like Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John may appeal to you. Newfoundland and Labrador, also an Atlantic province, is 16 percent cheaper in terms of cost of living than Toronto, making it another affordable province in the country. Finally, if you’re looking for a more rural lifestyle, then Nova Scotia might be a better fit for you. The cost of living in this province is 6 percent less than the national average, making it one of the most affordable places to live.

Cheapest place to live in Ontario

The cheapest place to live in Ontario is Thunder Bay, according to Numbeo. This small city boasts a low cost of living, with average rent prices coming in at just over $900 per month. Utilities are also relatively affordable, and residents can enjoy a variety of free or low-cost leisure activities.

If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, Windsor comes in second on the list. This city’s average rent price is just over $950 per month, and utilities cost an average of $100 per month.

Kingston and Barrie round out the top four cheapest places to live in Ontario, with rent prices of over $1,300 and $1,600 per month, respectively. So if you’re looking to save some money, these cities are definitely worth considering.

Cheapest place to live in Alberta

According to a recent study, the cheapest place to live in Alberta is Lloydminster. With a median house price of just $342,000, it’s clear you won’t have to break the bank to own a home. If you’re looking to rent, you’ll be pleased to know that 1-bedroom apartments can be found for as little as $915 per month. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Lloydminster is the place to be if you want to keep your living costs low in Alberta.

Medicine Hat is another great option for those on a budget, with houses typically costing around $346,000. Renters will also find they can get by on relatively little here, with 1-bedroom apartments starting at just $937 per month.

Lastly, Grande Prairie rounds out the top three cheapest places to live in Alberta. Like Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, the median house price here is very affordable at just $399,000. You can expect to pay as little as $856 per month for a 1-bedroom unit.

Cheapest place to live in BC

If you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in BC, you’ll want to head to Surrey. This city has a relatively low cost of living and some affordable housing options. Prince George is another good choice for budget-minded individuals. If you’re looking for a small town with a low cost of living, check out Quesnel. For those looking for a big city ambiance, Abbotsford is a great choice. Keep in mind that British Columbia is more expensive than other provinces so the cost will be higher in comparison.

Cheapest place to study in Canada

There are a few cheap places to study in Canada for international and domestic students. If you are looking to study on a budget, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, or Manitoba may be the provinces for you. The cost of living in these provinces is relatively low when compared to the rest of Canada. While tuition fees for universities vary across the country, they are generally lower in these Atlantic provinces. With average tuition fees of $12,035, $14,290, and $15,582 Canadian dollars, respectively. If you are looking to save a few dollars while getting a world-class education, one of these provinces may be the cheapest place to study in Canada for you.

Cheapest place in Canada to buy a house

Saint John, New Brunswick is the place to go if you’re looking for the cheapest houses in Canada. With an average home price of only $199,853, you’ll be sure to find something that fits your budget. If you’re really searching for a bargain, be sure to check out Saguenay, Quebec where the average price of real estate properties is a mere $206,242. Another option is Trois Rivières, Québec with prices starting at around $255,694.

Cheapest places to live in Canada for families

Families looking for the most bang for their buck may want to consider moving to Quebec or Saskatchewan. Both provinces have cities that rank among the cheapest place to live in Canada. In addition, they both have favourable lifestyles for families.

For example, a family of four can expect to pay around $800 per month for groceries in Saskatoon, while the same-size family would spend closer to $1,200 per month in Toronto. Rent is also more affordable in smaller cities, with the average two-bedroom apartment in Saskatoon costing just over $1,000 per month. The cost of a home is also cheaper in comparison to other regions. By comparison, rent for a similar apartment in Vancouver would be nearly double that amount.

Cheapest place to live in Canada for seniors and retirees

Retiring in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the cheapest places to live in Canada for seniors are located in Quebec City, Saint John, and Winnipeg. All three cities offer a relatively low cost of living, with Quebec City being the cheapest at just over $1,000 per person, not including housing costs.

In addition, all three cities have a large number of medical offices and doctors per 100,000 people, making them ideal for retirees who need access to affordable healthcare.

Cheapest place in Canada to live

City or town	Average annual income	Average rent per month	Average cost of living per month	Average home price
Quebec City, QC	$40,000	$724	$1,000	$460,000
Saint John, NB	$79,586	$873	$1,240	$293,755
Laval, QC	$66,070	$1,110	$966	$367,990
Halifax, NS	$69,553	$1,205	$1,210	$406,000
Montreal, QC	$41,729	$1,057	$1,108	$565,421
Lethbridge, AB	$74,084	$865	$1,266	$356,573
Abbotsford, BC	$72,511	$1,537	$1,114	$1,013,514
Regina, SK	$104,401	$707	$1,130	$307,900
Edmonton, AB	$121,630	$926	$1,193	$470,400
Nanaimo, BC	$37,050	$1,198	$1,252	$769,700

Quebec City, QC

Quebec City is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada, with a cost of living that is just over $1,000 per month. The city’s main employment sectors are defense services, public administration, and tourism.

The average home in Quebec City costs just under $460,000, and the average rent is $724 per month. The average annual income in Quebec City is just over $40,000.

However, despite the low cost of living, Quebec City is a beautiful region with a lot to offer. The city is home to some of Canada’s best museums and galleries, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. Quebec City is also a great place to live if you enjoy outdoor activities, as the location has a number of parks and trails.

Saint John, NB

You might want to head to Saint John, New Brunswick. The city has a population of just over 784,156 people and the cost of living there is just $1,237.64 per month, not including rent. The average rent is a mere $873 per month.

Not only is Saint John affordable, but it also has a lot to offer. The city has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It’s one of the oldest and largest shipbuilding industries in the country.

Today, the city’s economy is driven by IT and education. With an average annual income of $79,586, Saint John residents are doing pretty well financially. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live with a promising future, Saint John just might be the perfect place for you.

Laval, QC

Laval, QC is a great place to live if you’re looking for a slow-paced lifestyle with easy access to all the amenities you need. The population is only 48,988, so you’ll never have to worry about the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The main employment sectors are retail, industrial, pharmaceutical, and technology, so there’s plenty of opportunity for finding a job that suits your skillset.

The cost of living is $965.94 per month, not including rent, which is very reasonable compared to other cities. The average home cost is $367,990 and the average rent is $1,100 per month. The average annual income is $66,070, so you’ll be able to live comfortably on your salary.

Halifax, NS

Halifax is a great place to live if you enjoy the smell of fish and the sounds of seagulls. The main employment sectors are port, agriculture, fishing, and forestry. The cost of living is also very affordable, with an average monthly expense of only $1,209.69, not including rent.

If you’re looking to buy a home, the average price is a mere $406,000. Halifax is also a great place to rent, with an average monthly cost of $1,205. The annual income is also quite decent, with the average person earning $69,553 per year.

Montreal, QC

Montreal is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Canada. With a population of 1.8 million, it’s the second largest city in the country.

The main employment sectors are electronic goods, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and telecom.

The cost of living is very reasonable at $1,108.28, not including rent. The average home costs $565,421, and the average rent is $1,057. The average annual income is $41,729. Montreal is a great place to live if you’re looking for a lively and diverse city with plenty of job opportunities.

Lethbridge, AB

Lethbridge, AB is a beautiful city located in southern Alberta. With a population of 102,911, it is a perfect size – not too big and not too small. The city is known for its agriculture, hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare sectors.

The cost of living is very reasonable at $1,265.66 per month, not including rent. The average home cost is $356,573, and the average rent is $865 per month. The average annual income for residents is $74,084. Lethbridge is a perfect city for those who love the outdoors because of its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains.

Abbotsford, BC

Abbotsford is a beautiful city located in British Columbia.

The cost of living is quite affordable, with an average price of $1,113.70 per month. The main employment sectors are agriculture, which is great news for nature lovers. The average home cost is $1,013,514 and the average rent is $1,537. The average annual income is $72,511. There are plenty of parks and recreation facilities, as well as a variety of shopping and dining options.

Regina, SK

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan and is known for its beautiful prairie landscapes. This Midwestern Canadian city has a population of 263,184 and is home to many different industries, with the main employment sectors being potash, oil, and natural gas.

The cost of living in Regina is quite reasonable, with an average monthly rent of $707 and an average annual income of $104,401. However, the average cost of a home in Regina is $307,900.

Regina is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. There are plenty of schools, parks, and amenities for residents to enjoy, and the scenic prairie views are simply unbeatable.

Edmonton, AB

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, and it is also the province’s economic engine. The city is home to a diverse range of businesses, from oil and gas to financial services. With a population of nearly 1.5 million people, there are a lot of opportunities for Edmontonians to find employment.

The cost of living in the city is relatively affordable at $1,192.46, not including rent, with an average annual income of $121,630. And while the average home price is $470,400, you can find more affordable options if you’re willing to rent. The average rent in Edmonton is $926, which is still cheaper than some other major Canadian cities.

Nanaimo, BC

Nanaimo is a lovely city on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It has a population of 103,071 and the main employment sectors are coal, forestry, and government. The cost of living is $1,251.87, not including rent, and the average home cost is $769,700. The average rent is $1,198 and the average annual income is $37,050.

Nanaimo is a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors and being close to nature. It’s also a great place to raise a family or retire. There are plenty of things to do in Nanaimo, from hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking.

Summary

How to choose a place to live

When it comes to choosing a place to live in Canada, there are a few things you should take into consideration. The first is the cost of living. Housing costs, groceries, and everyday expenses can vary greatly from place to place. Another important factor is provincial taxes. Depending on where you live, these can eat up a large chunk of your income.

Finally, consider your lifestyle. If you love the outdoors, you’ll want to choose a place with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. If you’re more of a city dweller, you’ll want to find a place with vibrant nightlife and easy access to public transportation. By taking all of these factors into account, you’ll soon find the perfect place to call home!