The Great North is mighty big and beyond beautiful, but what can you expect to spend as a resident living in a bustling city centre? Well, we now have a pretty good idea thanks to a new study on the cost of living in Canada published by Liv.
“Across the country, Canada’s individual provinces & territories offer a completely different experience from one another, with their own regional differences, climate, and greatly varying prices for things like transportation, groceries, dining, and of course – rent,” they explain.
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“In order to help renters better prepare for life in whichever Canadian city they choose, we’ve created this cost of living comparison to break down the average prices for essential and non-essential items in each area.”
Looking at 6 major cities (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa), the company determined that based on rent payments alone, suites along the west coast suite are the most expensive – while an unfurnished 1-bedroom in YEG would cost less than $1,200.
Of course, there is much more to it than that.
From busses and trains to the minimum wage, there are a ton of other things to take into account when finding your place. Luckily, they made some sense of it for us.
According to Liv, those in Montreal make the least per hour – however, their heat, electricity, water and internet are the cheapest of the 6 cities, whereas Vancouverites get paid more – but then may have to spend it on their gas or internet bill.
As for additional spending on things like groceries, coffee, wine, gym memberships and schools, this will vary from person to person, but Toronto and Ottawa were the two priciest cities, while Montreal and Edmonton will cost you far less per month (if you had to invest in everything above).
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you need and where your priorities lie – so choose your own adventure, Canada!
The cost of living across Canada is ever-changing. Just do what’s best for you and keep an open mind! You never know where life will take you.
