Cost of Living · Updated October 25, 2026 · 16 min read
Cost of Living in Canada (2026): Rent, Groceries, Taxes and City Rankings
A single renter in Canada needs about $3,089 a month before income tax, a couple about $4,036, and a family of four about $4,992, based on Numbeo's national average for October 2026. The range across major cities is wide: from $2,926 in Montreal to $3,754 in Vancouver.
Canada's cost of living is a story of provinces. Rent, sales tax, income tax, utilities and car insurance all vary by hundreds of dollars a month. This guide prices every part of life in Canada in October 2026, from groceries and gas to hotels and movie tickets, ranks nine major cities, and compares the national average with Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Halifax.
Canada cost of living at a glance
How the other places compare with Canada, overall
Vancouver
- Costs
- 17% higher
- Pay
- 11% higher
Toronto
- Costs
- 10% higher
- Pay
- 11% higher
Montreal
- Costs
- 7% lower
- Pay
- 3% lower
Calgary
- Costs
- 2% lower
- Pay
- 3% higher
Halifax
- Costs
- 8% higher
- Pay
- 8% lower
Average gap from Canada across 27 price lines (rent, food, transport, bills, fun, childcare and tax), each counted equally, so it shows direction, not your own bill. Pay is the average of average earnings and net salary. Red means higher and green means lower for costs; for pay the colours are flipped, because earning more is the good outcome.
| Summary | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly budget (renter, before income tax) | ||||||
| Single renter | $3,089 | $3,754 22% higher than Canada | $3,538 15% higher than Canada | $2,926 5% lower than Canada | $3,105 1% higher than Canada | $3,381 9% higher than Canada |
| Couple | $4,036 | $4,752 18% higher than Canada | $4,535 12% higher than Canada | $3,860 4% lower than Canada | $4,114 2% higher than Canada | $4,349 8% higher than Canada |
| Family of four (no childcare or car) | $4,992 | $6,040 21% higher than Canada | $5,512 10% higher than Canada | $4,608 8% lower than Canada | $5,031 1% higher than Canada | $5,334 7% higher than Canada |
| Housing | ||||||
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,799 | $2,507 39% higher than Canada | $2,265 26% higher than Canada | $1,775 1% lower than Canada | $1,736 3% lower than Canada | $2,060 14% higher than Canada |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,586 | $2,154 36% higher than Canada | $2,029 28% higher than Canada | $1,375 13% lower than Canada | $1,438 9% lower than Canada | $1,785 12% higher than Canada |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,484 | $3,506 41% higher than Canada | $3,015 21% higher than Canada | $2,303 7% lower than Canada | $2,340 6% lower than Canada | $2,755 11% higher than Canada |
| Typical home price | — | $1,099,100 | $940,800 | $649,000 | $569,200 | $557,300 |
| Apartment price per sq ft, centre | $610 | $1,099 80% higher than Canada | $998 64% higher than Canada | $658 8% higher than Canada | $475 22% lower than Canada | $478 22% lower than Canada |
| Property tax rate | — | 0.31% | 0.77% | 0.76% | 0.63% | 1.18% |
| Food and drink | ||||||
| Groceries, one adult (full cart) | $446 | $489 10% higher than Canada | $420 6% lower than Canada | $428 4% lower than Canada | $471 6% higher than Canada | $476 7% higher than Canada |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $26.50 6% higher than Canada | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for two, mid-range | $100 | $100 | $110 10% higher than Canada | $102 2% higher than Canada | $99 1% lower than Canada | $103 3% higher than Canada |
| Pint of draught beer | $8.00 | $8.00 | $9.00 13% higher than Canada | $9.00 13% higher than Canada | $7.00 13% lower than Canada | $8.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.34 | $5.60 5% higher than Canada | $5.70 7% higher than Canada | $5.45 2% higher than Canada | $5.30 1% lower than Canada | $6.14 15% higher than Canada |
| Transportation | ||||||
| Monthly transit pass | $101 | $117 17% higher than Canada | $156 55% higher than Canada | $110 9% higher than Canada | $126 25% higher than Canada | $90 10% lower than Canada |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.70 | $2.00 18% higher than Canada | $1.76 4% higher than Canada | $1.89 11% higher than Canada | $1.69 1% lower than Canada | $1.85 9% higher than Canada |
| Car insurance, per year (midpoint of range) | — | $2,000 | $2,175 | $850 | $1,700 | $1,400 |
| Bills | ||||||
| Utilities (915 sq ft) | $209 | $116 44% lower than Canada | $172 18% lower than Canada | $110 47% lower than Canada | $231 11% higher than Canada | $203 3% lower than Canada |
| Mobile plan | $59 | $52 12% lower than Canada | $46 22% lower than Canada | $49 18% lower than Canada | $54 8% lower than Canada | $60 1% higher than Canada |
| Home internet | $84 | $74 12% lower than Canada | $68 18% lower than Canada | $60 28% lower than Canada | $72 14% lower than Canada | $95 14% higher than Canada |
| Fun and travel | ||||||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $17.50 9% higher than Canada | $18.00 13% higher than Canada | $16.00 | $20.00 25% higher than Canada | $16.00 |
| Gym membership | $54 | $56 4% higher than Canada | $52 4% lower than Canada | $43 20% lower than Canada | $70 31% higher than Canada | $53 2% lower than Canada |
| Night out for two | $148 | $151 2% higher than Canada | $164 11% higher than Canada | $152 3% higher than Canada | $153 3% higher than Canada | $151 2% higher than Canada |
| Hotel average daily rate | $258 | $284 10% higher than Canada | $261 1% higher than Canada | $234 9% lower than Canada | $188 27% lower than Canada | $279 8% higher than Canada |
| Family | ||||||
| Regulated childcare, per child per day | $20.00 | $40.00 100% higher than Canada | $22.00 10% higher than Canada | $9.65 52% lower than Canada | $15.03 25% lower than Canada | $30.00 50% higher than Canada |
| Private preschool, per month | $993 | $1,500 51% higher than Canada | $1,051 6% higher than Canada | $723 27% lower than Canada | $779 22% lower than Canada | $1,344 35% higher than Canada |
| Pay and tax | ||||||
| Average yearly earnings | $69,328 | $70,115 1% higher than Canada | $71,173 3% higher than Canada | $66,747 4% lower than Canada | $71,296 3% higher than Canada | $62,963 9% lower than Canada |
| Net salary per month (Numbeo) | $4,221 | $5,132 22% higher than Canada | $5,022 19% higher than Canada | $4,159 1% lower than Canada | $4,372 4% higher than Canada | $3,900 8% lower than Canada |
| Minimum wage per hour | $18.15 | $18.25 1% higher than Canada | $17.95 1% lower than Canada | $16.60 9% lower than Canada | $15.00 17% lower than Canada | $17.00 6% lower than Canada |
| Tax and payroll on $100,000 | $27,291 | $26,065 4% lower than Canada | $27,291 | $31,993 17% higher than Canada | $27,117 1% lower than Canada | $32,830 20% higher than Canada |
| Sales tax | 5% to 15% | 5% GST + 7% PST | 13% HST | 5% GST + 9.975% QST | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) | 14% HST |
| Salary needed (single person) | ||||||
| To break even, outside the centre | $47,000 | $56,000 19% higher than Canada | $54,000 15% higher than Canada | $43,000 9% lower than Canada | $46,000 2% lower than Canada | $55,000 17% higher than Canada |
| To live comfortably in the centre | $61,000 | $75,000 23% higher than Canada | $71,000 16% higher than Canada | $61,000 | $61,000 | $73,000 20% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo, 24-25 October 2026 (CAD). Budgets are modelled from those prices (see the monthly budget section), exclude income tax, and are for renters. Net salary is Numbeo’s reported average after tax, a sample average and not Statistics Canada data. Average earnings are Statistics Canada (March 2026), tax uses 2026 brackets, and salary needed comes from the model in the salary sections below. A dash means no comparable figure is published for that place. The ▲ and ▼ percentages show how much higher or lower each place is than Canada, the first column; for pay rows higher is better, for costs lower is better.
Ranking: nine Canadian cities, most to least expensive
| City | Single renter | 1 bed, centre | Groceries (staples) | Net salary | Left after budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $3,754 | $2,507 | $228 | $5,132 | $1,378 |
| Toronto | $3,538 | $2,265 | $196 | $5,022 | $1,484 |
| Victoria | $3,465 | $2,179 | $231 | $4,525 | $1,060 |
| Halifax | $3,381 | $2,060 | $222 | $3,900 | $519 |
| Ottawa | $3,379 | $2,047 | $214 | $5,163 | $1,784 |
| Calgary | $3,105 | $1,736 | $220 | $4,372 | $1,267 |
| Hamilton | $3,023 | $1,778 | $189 | $4,274 | $1,251 |
| Edmonton | $2,960 | $1,539 | $201 | $4,855 | $1,895 |
| Montreal | $2,926 | $1,775 | $200 | $4,159 | $1,233 |
“Left after budget” is Numbeo’s average monthly net salary minus the modelled single-renter budget. It is a rough gauge of breathing room, not a savings rate, because averages hide who actually earns what.
What does a month cost in Canada?
A single renter needs about $3,089 a month in Canada before income tax, a couple about $4,036, and a family of four about $4,992. For a single renter that is 13% less than Toronto ($3,538).
- Rent
- Groceries
- Utilities, phone, internet
- Transit
- Eating and drinking out
- Gym and movies
Built from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Excludes income tax, childcare, car costs, clothing, and travel. Hover or tap a bar for the line-by-line split.
- Single renter: 1 bedroom in the city centre, one transit pass, eating out about once a week plus coffees.
- Couple: 1 bedroom in the city centre, two transit passes, a few nights out a month.
- Family of four: 3 bedroom outside the centre, two adult passes, 2.7 adults' worth of groceries, no childcare or car.
The national figures blend large cities with smaller communities, so most big-city renters will pay more than the average. Use the ranking below to see where your city sits.
Common monthly expenses in Canada
A single renter in Canada spends about $3,293 a month on the essentials, a couple about $4,405, and a family of four with one child in childcare about $5,999. Rent is 55% of the single budget, groceries 14%, and transport 3%.
| Monthly expense | Single | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,799 | $1,799 | $2,484 |
| Utilities, phone, internet | $352 | $412 | $464 |
| Groceries | $446 | $803 | $1,204 |
| Transit | $101 | $201 | $201 |
| Eating and drinking out | $289 | $617 | $403 |
| Gym and movies | $102 | $204 | $236 |
| Clothing and shoes | $44 | $89 | $133 |
| Dental, vision, prescriptions | $60 | $120 | $180 |
| Household, subscriptions, personal care | $100 | $160 | $260 |
| Childcare | — | — | $434 |
| Total per month | $3,293 | $4,405 | $5,999 |
| Salary needed to break even | $51,000 | $65,000 | $91,000 |
Single and couple: one-bedroom in the city centre, transit passes. Family: three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare at about $20.00 a day (our estimate), transit passes. Rent, groceries, utilities, transit, dining and leisure come from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Clothing (two pairs of jeans, two dresses or tops, running shoes and business shoes a year per adult), health costs ($60 an adult a month for dental, vision and prescriptions), and household items ($100 to $260) are our assumptions. “Salary needed to break even” is the gross pay whose after-tax income equals the total, with nothing saved.
See also: monthly expenses in Montreal.
Rent in Canada
A one bedroom in the city centre averages $1,799 a month in Canada, 21% less than Toronto ($2,265). Outside the centre it drops to $1,586, and a three bedroom outside the centre is $2,484.
| Monthly rent | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,799 | $2,507 39% higher than Canada | $2,265 26% higher than Canada | $1,775 1% lower than Canada | $1,736 3% lower than Canada | $2,060 14% higher than Canada |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,586 | $2,154 36% higher than Canada | $2,029 28% higher than Canada | $1,375 13% lower than Canada | $1,438 9% lower than Canada | $1,785 12% higher than Canada |
| 3 bedroom, city centre | $2,864 | $4,442 55% higher than Canada | $3,842 34% higher than Canada | $3,054 7% higher than Canada | $2,710 5% lower than Canada | $3,486 22% higher than Canada |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,484 | $3,506 41% higher than Canada | $3,015 21% higher than Canada | $2,303 7% lower than Canada | $2,340 6% lower than Canada | $2,755 11% higher than Canada |
| Average asking rent, 1 bed (market data) | — | $2,600 | $2,400 | $1,600 | $1,580 | $1,550 |
| Average asking rent, 2 bed (market data) | — | $3,150 | $2,700 | $2,050 | $1,900 | $1,826 |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
City-centre and outside-centre rents are Numbeo samples. The “market data” rows are average asking rents from this site’s city comparison data (Rentals.ca and CMHC-based). Asking rents run higher than what sitting tenants pay.
A one bedroom in a city centre averages $1,799 nationally and $1,586 outside the centre. Vancouver ($2,507) and Toronto ($2,265) are the highest; Edmonton ($1,539) is the lowest.
Rent rules differ by province: Ontario's 2.1% guideline exempts post-2018 units, BC caps increases at 2.3%, Alberta has no cap, and Quebec uses a tribunal-recommended increase.
See also: rent in Vancouver.
Buying a home in Canada
Apartments sell for about $610 a square foot in a typical city centre in Canada, 39% less than Toronto ($998).
| Buying | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home price | — | $1,099,100 | $940,800 | $649,000 | $569,200 | $557,300 |
| Detached | — | $1,990,000 | $1,360,000 | $649,000 | $743,900 | $610,000 |
| Condo apartment | — | $771,000 | $631,000 | $435,000 | $299,000 | $420,000 |
| Price per sq ft, apartment in centre | $610 | $1,099 80% higher than Canada | $998 64% higher than Canada | $658 8% higher than Canada | $475 22% lower than Canada | $478 22% lower than Canada |
| Price per sq ft, apartment outside centre | $490 | $853 74% higher than Canada | $882 80% higher than Canada | $493 1% higher than Canada | $419 15% lower than Canada | $386 21% lower than Canada |
| Property tax rate | — | 0.31% | 0.77% | 0.76% | 0.63% | 1.18% |
| Annual tax on a typical home | — | $3,407 | $7,244 | $4,932 | $3,586 | $6,576 |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Home prices are MLS board figures, each on the basis shown in our city comparison tool (benchmark, median or average, so compare within a row with care). Price per square foot is Numbeo’s apartment figure.
Apartment prices average $610 per square foot in a city centre and $490 outside. See our city comparison tool and the first-time buyer guides for city-level prices.
See also: home prices in Toronto.
Groceries in Canada
A month of staples for one adult costs about $208 in Canada, 6% more than Toronto ($196). Scaled to a real shopping cart that is nearer $446 a month for one adult.
| Item | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | $3.12 | $3.12 | $3.50 12% higher than Canada | $3.20 3% higher than Canada | $2.88 8% lower than Canada | $3.29 5% higher than Canada |
| White bread (1 lb loaf) | $3.37 | $3.32 1% lower than Canada | $3.50 4% higher than Canada | $3.99 18% higher than Canada | $3.49 4% higher than Canada | $3.47 3% higher than Canada |
| White rice (1 lb) | $2.29 | $2.90 27% higher than Canada | $1.41 38% lower than Canada | $2.05 10% lower than Canada | $3.55 55% higher than Canada | $2.53 10% higher than Canada |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.98 | $5.82 17% higher than Canada | $5.01 1% higher than Canada | $5.12 3% higher than Canada | $5.27 6% higher than Canada | $5.38 8% higher than Canada |
| Cheese (1 lb) | $6.84 | $7.69 12% higher than Canada | $5.98 13% lower than Canada | $8.40 23% higher than Canada | $7.29 7% higher than Canada | $5.76 16% lower than Canada |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | $7.61 | $8.46 11% higher than Canada | $7.31 4% lower than Canada | $7.41 3% lower than Canada | $7.29 4% lower than Canada | $8.23 8% higher than Canada |
| Beef (1 lb) | $9.76 | $12.82 31% higher than Canada | $9.34 4% lower than Canada | $8.84 9% lower than Canada | $11.77 21% higher than Canada | $9.41 4% lower than Canada |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.59 | $2.58 | $2.35 9% lower than Canada | $2.05 21% lower than Canada | $3.04 17% higher than Canada | $3.32 28% higher than Canada |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.90 | $0.88 2% lower than Canada | $0.76 16% lower than Canada | $0.95 6% higher than Canada | $0.91 1% higher than Canada | $1.16 29% higher than Canada |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.45 | $2.49 2% higher than Canada | $2.25 8% lower than Canada | $2.19 11% lower than Canada | $2.70 10% higher than Canada | $2.76 13% higher than Canada |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $2.56 | $2.55 | $2.67 4% higher than Canada | $1.98 23% lower than Canada | $2.50 2% lower than Canada | $3.22 26% higher than Canada |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.68 | $1.73 3% higher than Canada | $1.19 29% lower than Canada | $1.22 27% lower than Canada | $1.75 4% higher than Canada | $1.74 4% higher than Canada |
| Onions (1 lb) | $1.59 | $1.84 16% higher than Canada | $1.05 34% lower than Canada | $1.16 27% lower than Canada | $1.73 9% higher than Canada | $1.91 20% higher than Canada |
| Lettuce (head) | $3.64 | $3.61 1% lower than Canada | $3.18 13% lower than Canada | $3.44 5% lower than Canada | $3.65 | $3.75 3% higher than Canada |
| Staples basket, one adult a month | $208 | $228 10% higher than Canada | $196 6% lower than Canada | $200 4% lower than Canada | $220 6% higher than Canada | $222 7% higher than Canada |
| Typical full grocery bill, one adult (basket x 2.14) | $446 | $489 10% higher than Canada | $420 6% lower than Canada | $428 4% lower than Canada | $471 6% higher than Canada | $476 7% higher than Canada |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | $18.72 | $20.00 7% higher than Canada | $20.00 7% higher than Canada | $15.00 20% lower than Canada | $22.00 18% higher than Canada | $24.00 28% higher than Canada |
| Domestic beer, store bought 16.9 oz | $4.02 | $3.71 8% lower than Canada | $3.09 23% lower than Canada | $3.21 20% lower than Canada | $3.42 15% lower than Canada | $6.58 64% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo supermarket prices, October 2026. The staples basket is the quantity of each item above a single adult eats in a month. Staples are about half of a real cart, so the full grocery bill scales the basket by 2.14, calibrated to the $420 Toronto single-adult figure used on our city comparison guides.
The national staples basket is $208 a month for one adult. Groceries are not taxed in most provinces, but prices vary: Victoria and Vancouver are the highest, and Hamilton and Toronto the lowest.
See also: grocery prices in Montreal.
Transportation in Canada
A monthly transit pass is $101 in Canada and gasoline is $1.70 a litre. Toronto is $156 for a pass and $1.76 a litre.
| Getting around | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single transit fare | $3.50 | $3.50 | $3.35 4% lower than Canada | $3.75 7% higher than Canada | $4.00 14% higher than Canada | $3.00 14% lower than Canada |
| Monthly pass | $100.50 | $117.20 17% higher than Canada | $156.00 55% higher than Canada | $110.00 9% higher than Canada | $126.00 25% higher than Canada | $90.00 10% lower than Canada |
| Taxi start | $4.40 | $3.80 14% lower than Canada | $4.25 3% lower than Canada | $4.50 2% higher than Canada | $4.50 2% higher than Canada | $4.70 7% higher than Canada |
| Taxi per mile | $3.38 | $3.67 9% higher than Canada | $2.82 17% lower than Canada | $3.30 2% lower than Canada | $3.09 9% lower than Canada | $2.82 17% lower than Canada |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.70 | $2.00 18% higher than Canada | $1.76 4% higher than Canada | $1.89 11% higher than Canada | $1.69 1% lower than Canada | $1.85 9% higher than Canada |
| New VW Golf or similar | $39,000 | $39,000 | $37,000 5% lower than Canada | $39,370 1% higher than Canada | $39,580 1% higher than Canada | $39,580 1% higher than Canada |
| New Toyota Corolla or similar | $29,636 | $30,009 1% higher than Canada | $30,251 2% higher than Canada | $29,935 1% higher than Canada | $29,685 | $31,014 5% higher than Canada |
| Driving 1,000 km a month: fuel plus insurance | — | $347 | $339 | $241 | $294 | $284 |
| Typical annual car insurance (published range; % uses the midpoint) | — | $1,800 to $2,200 | $1,700 to $2,650 | $700 to $1,000 | $1,500 to $1,900 | $1,000 to $1,800 |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo transport prices. Driving cost assumes 1,000 km a month at 9 L/100 km plus the midpoint of the typical annual insurance range, which is published as a range because sources disagree (WealthNorth, Rates.ca and others, 2025-2026) and depends on driver, vehicle and postal code. Excludes the car payment, parking and maintenance.
A national average transit pass is $101, ranging from $85 in Victoria to $156 in Toronto. Gas averages $1.70 a litre, from $1.61 in Edmonton to $2.00 in Vancouver. The federal consumer carbon price ended in April 2025.
Car insurance varies most: roughly $700 to $1,000 a year in Quebec, $1,500 to $1,900 in Alberta, $1,800 to $2,200 in BC, and $1,700 to $2,650 in Ontario. Canadian personal auto rates rose about 21.8% year over year in Q2 2026 (Applied Systems).
See also: transportation costs in Calgary.
Restaurants, coffee and drinks in Canada
An inexpensive restaurant meal is $25.00 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is $100 in Canada, against $25.00 and $110 in Toronto. A pint is $8.00 and a cappuccino $5.34.
| Eating and drinking out | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $26.50 6% higher than Canada | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for two, three courses | $100.00 | $100.00 | $110.00 10% higher than Canada | $102.00 2% higher than Canada | $99.01 1% lower than Canada | $102.50 3% higher than Canada |
| Fast-food combo | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Pint of domestic draught | $8.00 | $8.00 | $9.00 13% higher than Canada | $9.00 13% higher than Canada | $7.00 13% lower than Canada | $8.00 |
| Imported beer, 12 oz | $8.00 | $9.00 13% higher than Canada | $10.00 25% higher than Canada | $10.00 25% higher than Canada | $8.00 | $9.00 13% higher than Canada |
| Cappuccino | $5.34 | $5.60 5% higher than Canada | $5.70 7% higher than Canada | $5.45 2% higher than Canada | $5.30 1% lower than Canada | $6.14 15% higher than Canada |
| Soft drink, 12 oz | $2.94 | $2.97 1% higher than Canada | $2.94 | $2.80 5% lower than Canada | $2.78 5% lower than Canada | $3.26 11% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo restaurant prices before tax and tip. Add provincial sales tax (5% to 15%) and a 15% to 20% tip on a sit-down meal.
Dinner for two averages $100 nationally, from $99 in Calgary to $110 in Toronto. Tipping of 15% to 20% is customary.
See also: restaurant prices in Halifax.
Utilities, phone and internet in Canada
Electricity, heat and water for a 915 sq ft apartment, a mobile plan and home internet come to $352 a month in Canada, 23% more than Toronto ($286).
| Monthly bills | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, heat, water, garbage (915 sq ft) | $209.00 | $116.32 44% lower than Canada | $171.96 18% lower than Canada | $110.17 47% lower than Canada | $231.39 11% higher than Canada | $202.88 3% lower than Canada |
| Mobile plan, 10GB or more | $59.42 | $52.26 12% lower than Canada | $46.20 22% lower than Canada | $48.75 18% lower than Canada | $54.42 8% lower than Canada | $60.14 1% higher than Canada |
| Home internet, 60 Mbps or more | $83.69 | $73.59 12% lower than Canada | $68.31 18% lower than Canada | $60.45 28% lower than Canada | $72.09 14% lower than Canada | $95.03 14% higher than Canada |
| Total | $352.11 | $242.17 31% lower than Canada | $286.47 19% lower than Canada | $219.37 38% lower than Canada | $357.90 2% higher than Canada | $358.05 2% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Bills average $209 a month for utilities, $59 for mobile and $84 for internet, with Quebec cheapest and Alberta most expensive.
See also: utility bills in Ontario.
Hotels and travel in Canada
CoStar put Canada's national average daily rate at $257.76 in September 2026, up 8.5% on the year, with occupancy at 77.9%. Vancouver was the priciest major market at $373 and Montreal the strongest on occupancy.
| Hotels | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily rate, latest published | $258 | $284 10% higher than Canada | $261 1% higher than Canada | $234 9% lower than Canada | $188 27% lower than Canada | $279 8% higher than Canada |
| Two-night weekend stay | $516 | $568 10% higher than Canada | $522 1% higher than Canada | $468 9% lower than Canada | $375 27% lower than Canada | $558 8% higher than Canada |
| Basis | National average, September 2026, CoStar | 2025 full year, Avison Young (September 2026 monthly: $373, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $308, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $273, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young | 2026 CoStar outlook estimate (no published 2025 actual) |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average daily rate (ADR) is what hotels actually collect per occupied room across the whole market, not the cheapest listing, and the periods differ by city because published data does. Sources: Avison Young 2025 market review, CoStar (formerly STR) monthly releases, Destination Greater Victoria. Do not compare a 2025 average with a 2026 peak month.
Avison Young's 2025 city averages: Vancouver $284, Toronto $261, Montreal $234, Calgary $188 and Edmonton $153.
See also: hotel rates in Alberta.
Movies, entertainment and things to do in Canada
A new-release movie ticket is $16.00 in Canada, a gym membership $54 a month, and a night out for two (dinner, two movies, two pints) about $148, compared with $164 in Toronto.
| Leisure and shopping | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema ticket, new release | $16.00 | $17.50 9% higher than Canada | $18.00 13% higher than Canada | $16.00 | $20.00 25% higher than Canada | $16.00 |
| Monthly gym membership | $53.79 | $55.93 4% higher than Canada | $51.59 4% lower than Canada | $42.89 20% lower than Canada | $70.42 31% higher than Canada | $52.50 2% lower than Canada |
| Tennis court, 1 hour on a weekend | $27.20 | $17.59 35% lower than Canada | $33.20 22% higher than Canada | $27.44 1% higher than Canada | $25.88 5% lower than Canada | $25.62 6% lower than Canada |
| Night out: dinner for two, two movie tickets, two pints | $148 | $151 2% higher than Canada | $164 11% higher than Canada | $152 3% higher than Canada | $153 3% higher than Canada | $151 2% higher than Canada |
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar) | $76.57 | $81.66 7% higher than Canada | $74.21 3% lower than Canada | $82.00 7% higher than Canada | $82.13 7% higher than Canada | $84.70 11% higher than Canada |
| Summer dress, chain store | $55.64 | $46.87 16% lower than Canada | $56.33 1% higher than Canada | $54.37 2% lower than Canada | $56.38 1% higher than Canada | $46.73 16% lower than Canada |
| Nike running shoes | $123.36 | $134.00 9% higher than Canada | $139.86 13% higher than Canada | $131.94 7% higher than Canada | $129.41 5% higher than Canada | $141.25 15% higher than Canada |
| Men's leather business shoes | $144.63 | $134.65 7% lower than Canada | $174.28 21% higher than Canada | $153.85 6% higher than Canada | $157.08 9% higher than Canada | $161.54 12% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo prices. Cinema is a standard adult seat for an international release; premium and online booking fees are extra. Prices for museums, parks, festivals and sport vary by season and event, so check the venue before you budget a day out.
Things to do in Canada
- National parks: Banff, Jasper, Cape Breton Highlands and Gros Morne.
- Major league sports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa.
- Festivals: Stampede, TIFF, Montreal Jazz Festival and Edmonton Fringe.
- Free city parks, waterfronts and trails everywhere.
- Ski resorts from Whistler to Mont Tremblant.
A movie ticket averages $16.00 nationally, from $14.75 in Hamilton to $20.00 in Calgary. A gym membership is $54 a month.
Childcare, schools and raising a family in Canada
Private full-day preschool averages $993 a month in Canada in Numbeo's sample, versus $1,051 in Toronto; most families pay far less through regulated childcare.
| Family costs | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private full-day preschool, monthly | $993 | $1,500 51% higher than Canada | $1,051 6% higher than Canada | $723 27% lower than Canada | $779 22% lower than Canada | $1,344 35% higher than Canada |
| International primary school, yearly | $20,417 | $28,653 40% higher than Canada | $33,506 64% higher than Canada | $22,899 12% higher than Canada | $22,451 10% higher than Canada | $21,508 5% higher than Canada |
| 3 bedroom outside the centre, monthly | $2,484 | $3,506 41% higher than Canada | $3,015 21% higher than Canada | $2,303 7% lower than Canada | $2,340 6% lower than Canada | $2,755 11% higher than Canada |
| Family of four, monthly budget (no childcare or car) | $4,992 | $6,040 21% higher than Canada | $5,512 10% higher than Canada | $4,608 8% lower than Canada | $5,031 1% higher than Canada | $5,334 7% higher than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Private preschool and school fees are Numbeo samples. Most Canadian families use regulated childcare, whose fees are set by the province and are far lower than private preschool. Regulated fees: CCPA, The $10-a-day divide: child care fees in Canada in 2026.
Federal $10-a-day childcare is delivered province by province: Quebec's fee is $9.65 a day, Alberta about $15, Ontario about $22 for infants, and BC infant fees reach $52 in Richmond (CCPA 2026). The CCPA expects many parents in five provinces to still pay more than $10 a day after the 2026 deadline.
See also: childcare costs in Vancouver.
Income tax, sales tax and take-home pay in Canada
Federal income tax starts at 14% in 2026, and provincial rates stack on top. On $100,000, income tax runs from $20,295 to $27,060 depending on the province, and sales tax ranges from 5% in Alberta to 14.975% in Quebec.
| Salary | Ontario | British Columbia | Alberta | Quebec | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax on $60,000 | $9,417 (15.7%) | $9,015 (15.0%) | $9,171 (15.3%) | $11,200 (18.7%) | $12,205 (20.3%) |
| Income tax on $100,000 | $21,521 (21.5%) | $20,295 (20.3%) | $21,347 (21.3%) | $25,647 (25.6%) | $27,060 (27.1%) |
| Income tax on $150,000 | $41,626 (27.8%) | $38,433 (25.6%) | $38,410 (25.6%) | $47,596 (31.7%) | $47,872 (31.9%) |
| Take-home on $100,000 after income tax, CPP and EI | $72,709 | $73,935 | $72,883 | QPP and QPIP differ | $67,170 |
| Sales tax | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 5% GST only | 5% GST + 9.975% QST | 14% HST |
2026 federal and provincial brackets, basic personal amount only, single filer on employment income. Ontario includes the surtax and Ontario Health Premium; Quebec includes the 16.5% federal abatement. CPP and EI are approximated at 2026 rates ($5,770 at $100,000) and are not deducted from the percentages. Quebec uses QPP and QPIP instead, so its take-home is not shown. Sources: CRA, KPMG, TaxTips.ca.
Provincial minimum wages in 2026 range from $15.00 in Alberta to $18.25 in BC (as of June 2026), with Ontario at $17.60 to $17.95, Quebec at $16.60 and Nova Scotia at $17.00; check the province before payroll decisions. The federal GST is 5% everywhere.
See also: income tax in Toronto.
Average salary and minimum wage in Canada
The average Canada employee earned about $69,328 a year ($1,333.23 a week) in March 2026, and the minimum wage is $18.15 an hour (federal rate for federally regulated employers; provinces set their own), or $37,752 a year full-time. After tax that minimum-wage worker keeps about $2,538 a month, against $3,080 for a modelled single budget even outside the centre, a shortfall of $542.
| Earnings | Canada | Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Calgary | Halifax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings (province, March 2026) | $1,333.23 | $1,348.36 1% higher than Canada | $1,368.71 3% higher than Canada | $1,283.60 4% lower than Canada | $1,371.07 3% higher than Canada | $1,210.83 9% lower than Canada |
| Average yearly earnings (weekly x 52) | $69,328 | $70,115 1% higher than Canada | $71,173 3% higher than Canada | $66,747 4% lower than Canada | $71,296 3% higher than Canada | $62,963 9% lower than Canada |
| Average monthly net pay reported by Numbeo | $4,221 | $5,132 22% higher than Canada | $5,022 19% higher than Canada | $4,159 1% lower than Canada | $4,372 4% higher than Canada | $3,900 8% lower than Canada |
| Minimum wage per hour | $18.15 | $18.25 1% higher than Canada | $17.95 1% lower than Canada | $16.60 9% lower than Canada | $15.00 17% lower than Canada | $17.00 6% lower than Canada |
| Full-time minimum wage, gross a year (2,080 hours) | $37,752 | $37,960 1% higher than Canada | $37,336 1% lower than Canada | $34,528 9% lower than Canada | $31,200 17% lower than Canada | $35,360 6% lower than Canada |
| Hours of minimum-wage work to pay a city-centre 1 bedroom | 99 hours | 137 hours 39% higher than Canada | 126 hours 27% higher than Canada | 107 hours 8% higher than Canada | 116 hours 17% higher than Canada | 121 hours 22% higher than Canada |
| Full-time minimum wage, take-home a month | $2,538 | $2,575 1% higher than Canada | $2,515 1% lower than Canada | $2,302 9% lower than Canada | $2,192 14% lower than Canada | $2,326 8% lower than Canada |
Percentages show the gap from Canada: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average weekly earnings: Statistics Canada, Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours, March 2026 (all employees, including overtime, seasonally adjusted). These are means, so they run above what a typical worker earns; Statistics Canada’s city-level median is lower than the provincial mean. Minimum wages are the general adult rates in force on October 25, 2026 (Ontario $17.95 from October 1; verify before payroll decisions). The US and Australian minimums are converted at C$1 = US$0.702 and A$1.011; US states and some cities set higher rates. “Numbeo net pay” is a crowd-sourced sample.
See also: wages and minimum wage in Calgary.
Can you live in Canada on your salary?
On $60,000 a year a single person in Canada takes home about $3,854 a month. A city-centre one bedroom puts the modelled budget at $3,293, which leaves $561 (manageable). Moving outside the centre leaves $774 (comfortable). Adjust the calculator below to your own income, household and choices.
Household
Where you live
Getting around
Enter income as
Manageable in Canada
You cover the budget and keep a small cushion, but a surprise bill would hurt. After tax you keep about $3,854 a month against a modelled budget of $3,293, which leaves $561.
Take-home pay
$3,854/mo
$9,417 income tax and $4,340 payroll deductions a year
Monthly budget
$3,293/mo
Rent, bills, food, transport, fun, family
Left over
$561/mo
Before saving, debt payments and travel
Where the money goes
- Rent$1,799
- Utilities, phone, internet$352
- Groceries$446
- Transit$101
- Eating and drinking out$289
- Gym and movies$102
- Clothing and shoes$44
- Dental, vision, prescriptions$60
- Household, subscriptions, personal care$100
Rent is 36% of gross income here, above the 30% guideline lenders and landlords use. To keep 15% of take-home after this budget in Canada you would need roughly $61,000 a year.
How this works: take-home uses 2026 federal and provincial income tax plus CPP and EI (Quebec uses QPP and QPIP; the US figure adds Social Security, Medicare and a 4% state tax; Australia adds the Medicare levy). Couples and families are two equal earners. Expenses use October 2026 Numbeo prices with our assumptions for clothing, health costs ($60 an adult), household items, and a car financed over five years at 6%. It ignores the Canada Child Benefit, GST credit, RRSP deductions and employer benefits, so real take-home may be higher.
What each salary leaves you in Canada
| Gross income | Take-home (single, monthly) | Single left over | Couple left over | Family left over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | $2,672 | -$621 (Not enough) | -$1,431 (Not enough) | -$3,025 (Not enough) |
| $50,000 a year | $3,271 | -$22 (Not enough) | -$870 (Not enough) | -$2,464 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | $3,854 | $561 (Manageable) | -$259 (Not enough) | -$1,853 (Not enough) |
| $75,000 a year | $4,635 | $1,342 (Comfortable) | $644 (Manageable) | -$950 (Not enough) |
| $100,000 a year | $6,059 | $2,766 (Comfortable) | $2,137 (Comfortable) | $543 (Manageable) |
| $150,000 a year | $8,550 | $5,257 (Comfortable) | $4,864 (Comfortable) | $3,270 (Comfortable) |
Left over is monthly take-home minus the modelled budget, before saving, debt payments and travel. Single: one-bedroom in the city centre. Couple: the figure is household income from two equal earners, one-bedroom in the centre. Family: household income from two earners, three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare. Everyone uses transit.
Can you live on $3,000 a month in Canada?
Most searches for a monthly figure mean pay after tax. The table converts each monthly take-home into the gross salary that produces it in Canada, then shows what a single person has left after rent in the centre or outside it.
| Monthly take-home | Gross salary needed | Left over, outside centre | Left over, city centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 a month | $37,067 | -$580 (Not enough) | -$793 (Not enough) |
| $3,000 a month | $45,362 | -$80 (Not enough) | -$293 (Not enough) |
| $3,500 a month | $53,745 | $420 (Manageable) | $207 (Manageable) |
| $4,000 a month | $62,799 | $920 (Comfortable) | $707 (Comfortable) |
| $5,000 a month | $81,608 | $1,920 (Comfortable) | $1,707 (Comfortable) |
See also: what a salary buys in Halifax.
What salary do you need to live in Canada?
A single person in Canada needs about $47,000 a year to break even outside the centre and about $61,000 to rent in the city centre and still keep 15% of take-home. A couple needs $78,000 in household income and a family of four $109,000.
| Gross salary needed | Canada |
|---|---|
| Single, bare minimum (outside the centre, transit, break even) | $47,000 |
| Single, comfortable (city centre, transit, 15% left) | $61,000 |
| Single with a car (outside the centre, 15% left) | $75,000 |
| Couple, comfortable (household income, centre, transit, 15% left) | $78,000 |
| Family of four, comfortable (household income, outside the centre, one child in childcare, 15% left) | $109,000 |
| Rent at 30% of gross pay (single, centre one-bedroom) | $72,000 |
Gross pay before tax, rounded up to the nearest $1,000, from the same model as the calculator. “Comfortable” means 15% of after-tax income remains after the budget for saving, debt and travel. Couples and families assume two equal earners. A car adds a loan on a new compact (10% down, 6%, five years), fuel for 1,000 km a month, insurance and upkeep.
See also: salary needed in Ontario.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Canada?
$100,000 is about 144% of the canadian average of $69,328, which makes it above average in Canada. A single person renting in the city centre on $100,000 keeps about $6,059 a month after tax and has $2,766 left over after the modelled budget (comfortable).
| Salary | Versus the canadian average | How it ranks | Single left over (centre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | 58% of average | Below average | -$621 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | 87% of average | Around average | $561 (Manageable) |
| $75,000 a year | 108% of average | Around average | $1,342 (Comfortable) |
| $100,000 a year | 144% of average | Above average | $2,766 (Comfortable) |
| $150,000 a year | 216% of average | High | $5,257 (Comfortable) |
| $200,000 a year | 288% of average | Very high | $7,485 (Comfortable) |
The average is a mean from Statistics Canada (provinces) or implied by Numbeo’s net pay (countries), so a typical worker earns less than it. A salary that is “good” against the average can still be tight for one person who rents downtown or for a family on a single income; use the calculator above for your own situation.
See also: salary benchmarks in Alberta.
Why Canada costs what it does
- Housing supply and immigration drive the largest differences.
- Provinces set income tax, sales tax, rent rules and insurance.
- Climate affects heating and car costs.
- Supply management keeps dairy and poultry prices up nationwide.
- Distance raises costs in the north and Atlantic.
Is Canada right for your budget?
It suits you if
- You are open to moving to an affordable province.
- You work remotely.
- You value public health care and low-cost childcare.
Think twice if
- You must live in Vancouver or Toronto on a median income.
- You expect US-level wages.
- You dislike winter.
The bottom line
Canada's cost of living is moderate by wealthy-country standards and highly dependent on which city you choose.
Compare provinces on rent, tax and insurance together, not one at a time.