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How much money do you need to live comfortably in Canada?

    It is widely reported that living in Canada brings great opportunity. The country is ranked as one of the most peaceful and most beautiful countries in the world that are open to anybody from different parts of the world. But then, can everyone afford to live in Canada?

    If you are moving to Canada, you are required to either be coming to study, visit or work. And whatever the reason you are required to show proof of funding that covers your expenses for the duration of your visit or the first year if you are applying for studies or work.  

    Living costs in Canada is not the cheapest but it is affordable especially when compared to living cost in the U.S. this is why you are required to show you have enough funds or a sponsor to cater for your needs before you are issued a visa. This is so that you don’t become a nuisance or stranded in Canada.

    Canada over the years has provided job vacancies that have seen immigrants move to the country in their thousands if not hundreds of thousands. Getting a job in Canada ensures that you can afford to live in Canada comfortably, although living comfortably could mean different things for different people.

    Living comfortably in Canada is being able to pay your bills and whatever you need without flinging. Not everyone in Canada can boost living comfortably.

    Average Cost of Living in Canada

    To live comfortably depends on your earnings, the province or city you are residing in, the lifestyle you aim at, and for family members the number of persons in the family. On average, a single person living alone in Canada could spend over CAD 2,711 in a month as a living expense. For a family of 4 persons, the average monthly expenses are at least CAD 5,230.

    When you compare the living cost in Canada to that of the U.S. you will discover that living in Canada is cheaper. However, it is more expensive if compared to the living cost in the U.K. and according to World population review, Canada is ranked 28th most expensive country in the world to live in, with the U.S. and the U.K. coming in 25 and 32 respectively.  

    Average Living Expenses in Canada

    Expense Cost (Monthly)
    Rent (City) 1,326.79 C$
    Rent (Outside of City) 1,116.62 C$
    Food $1,158 C$
    Transportation (Public – one-way) 3.25 C$
    Transportation (Public – monthly) 91 C$
    Gasoline (1L) 1.12 C$
    Utilities (Electricity, cooling, water, heating, garbage) 164.64 C$
    Utilities (Internet – 60 Mbps or more/ Unlimited data/ Cable or ADSL) 78.82 C$
    Sports & Leisure (Fitness club) 50.99 C$
    Childcare (Private pre-school) 990.48 C$
    Childcare (Primary school – monthly) 1179.50 C$

    How much money do you need to live comfortably in Canada?

    Living above the national average living cost in Canada should be just the right amount you need to live comfortably in Canada. However, living comfortably in Canada is also subjective and could depend on individual lifestyles. For instance, if two people earn $7,000 in a month, one of them opts for accommodation in less populated areas just to cut down the monthly expenses to $5,000 per month.

    And the other decides to live in the big city where things are more expensive and can hardly keep up with the monthly rents, not including other expenses. Who would you say lives more comfortably?

    This scenario illustrates living according to your earnings which is totally different from living comfortably. we initially said that living comfortably in Canada is being able to pay your bills and whatever you need without flinging. This includes living anywhere you want, be it the big cities.

     The amounts of money you need to live comfortably in one province or city differ from others. Just to give you an example we have listed the top most expensive cities to live in Canada. We also listed the top 10 cheapest cities in Canada and the average cost for one person or a family of 4 persons.

    Top Most Expensive Cities in Canada

    City Average Home Price
    Vancouver, British Columbia $1,087,500
    Toronto, Ontario $768,400
    Victoria, British Columbia $672,800
    Hamilton-Burlington, Ontario $591,481
    Calgary, Alberta $430,00

    Cheapest Cities in Canada to Live in

    City Average Cost Per Person Average Cost for 4 People
    Sherbrooke, Quebec $878 $3,206
    London, Ontario $1,013 $3,646
    Winnipeg, Manitoba $1,070 $3,829
    Moncton, New Brunswick $1,065 $3,840
    Kitchener, Ontario $1,071 $3,786
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan $1,131 $3,945
    Regina, Saskatchewan $1,124 $4,012
    Saint John, New Brunswick $1,176 $4,205
    Calgary, Alberta $1,154 $4,110
    Edmonton, Alberta $1,183 $4,191

    As the tables have shown above, there are differences in the cost of living across different cities in Canada. So, living comfortably in Canada will largely depend on whether you live in the big cities or an inland region.

    However, a good salary range to enable you to live comfortably should range from $42,000 and above per year. Keep in mind that this amount could move up to $60,000 for a family of 4 and could even increase more if the number of family members increases.

    How is the Canadian Government Helping?

    The Canadian government has since made it a goal to ensure that the life of each person living in Canada is made comfortable. They provide free healthcare for residents, free education for students, and several loan options that are easy to access.

    Life in Canada can be a lot easier for you if you get a good job, earn a good salary every month, and do not live above your means. Canada is beautiful and they are constantly welcoming immigrants to help populate the country. You too can begin life in Canada today if you immigrate.