19+ Cheapest Places to Live in Canada For Families and Singles

Being able to live and experience a first world country is a blessing. Canada, a beautiful country with great economic stability and quality of living. In this article, we at founderactivity have put together the cheapest places to live in Canada. We have categorized them from provinces to the cities that are inexpensive and a great place to settle down.

Canada has over a 1000 cities spread across its 13 provinces and it is the second largest country. It is considered as a bilingual country in English and French. Canada officially has a population of 38,510,369 million as of 2022.

To learn more about Canada and what this great country has to offer, we have other articles you can look at. You can use the following articles to broaden your knowledge. For your reference and ease we will link them below.

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What is the cost of living in Canada?

Canada is a country that offers great quality of life and has a stable economy. By earning an average income, it is possible to live comfortably in this economy. Canada is situated at the 17th position as the most expensive country. Mid year of 2022, there has been a significant and continuous rise in prices and average costs. Yet, there has been no decline in the economic stability. As the population of Canada have adapted to the inflation in the country and manage their expenses likewise.

• Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,317.57C$ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,199.39C$ without rent.

As a person who is living or who is looking forward to living in Canada, do you know the cost effective ways to live in this country? To find out where and how, keep reading this article and you will come across facts that would be of great use when moving to Canada.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Canada?

Taking the rising inflation in Canada into consideration, finding the cheapest place to live in Canada would be your ideal thought. We have complied the best and most affordable places in Canada.

The indices provided in the table below are the costs of living in Canada. The table depicts the information of the costs with relation to the Canadian Inflation Rate of 7.01% as at August of 2022.

In order to calculate your living cost to the current inflation rate, you can use an inflation calculator.
Click here.

Cheapest provinces in Canada

Canada’s provinces that good quality of life and breath taking scenery. But finding the right place for the right price can be a tough nut to crack. Therefore, we have listed down the provinces of Canada from the cheapest to the least cheap province.

	Province	Average Cost (without rent in Canadian dollars)
1	New Brunswick	$1,415.65
2	Newfoundland and Labrador	$1,494.18
3	Quebec	$1,568.73
4	Prince Edward Island	$1,602.13
5	Manitoba	$1657.73
6	Nova Scotia	$1,689.6
7	Alberta	$1,797.99
8	Saskatchewan	$1,805.22
9	British Columbia	$2,212.75
10	Ontario	$2,244.46

To further discuss each province;

1. New Brunswick

One of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories is New Brunswick. It is one of the four Atlantic provinces and one of the three Maritime provinces. Both French and English are the official languages in this province.

Several cities in New Brunswick are now growing with rising opportunities. It is a great place to settle down for families.

Physicians, nurses, delivery and courier drivers are rising with employment opportunities.

New Brunswick is the cheapest province to live in all of Canada.

• Cost of living per month in New Brunswick is $994 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in New Brunswick is $3136 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $5176.

2. Newfoundland and Labrador

The most easterly province of Canada is Newfoundland and Labrador. It is known as the most welcoming province of Canada. The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s consists of many writers, actors, musicians and comedians.

• Cost of living per month in Newfoundland and Labrador is $988 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in New Brunswick is $2962 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3534.

3. Quebec

Located in Eastern Canada and also a world heritage treasure. Quebec is a province that is historic and friendly with attractive locations that makes it a popular travel destination. It is safe with cobblestone streets rich in history and great outdoors.

• Cost of living per month in Quebec is $1014 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Quebec is $3135 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4260.

4. Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island a province in Canada in the smallest land area and population. It has the perfect combination of beaches and old towns. With so many tourist attractions, it will be interesting and andd adventurous activities for everyone.

• Cost of living per month in Prince Edward Island is $1018 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Prince Edward Island is $3316 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $2233.

5. Manitoba

Manitoba is one of the under visited provinces in Canada. It is know for being the “Heart of Canada”. Manitoba is also known for its highest level of culture and exceptional biodiversity.

• Cost of living per month in Manitoba is $995 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Manitoba is $3059 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3129.

6. Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is the founding province in Canada. Surrounding almost completely by water, where it would be described as a mainland peninsula. It is famous for the high tides, seafood and berries.

• Cost of living per month in Nova Scotia is $1064 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Nova Scotia is $3291 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4519.

7. Alberta

Alberta, a western province that is situated in between British Columbia and Saskatchewan. It is a province rich in natural resources. It has build a strong economy but relying mainly on the oil industry.

• Cost of living per month in Alberta is $1112 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Alberta is $3447 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $5150.

8. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, a province with ample amounts of forests and over 100,000 lakes. It is also home to Aboriginal people like most Canadian provinces.

• Cost of living per month in Saskatchewan is $904 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Saskatchewan is $2786 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4389.

9. British Columbia

British Columbia, abbreviated to BC is a western province in Canada. The capital of British Columbia is Victoria. But Vancouver, a world class famous city is more known for holding the Winter Olympics in 2010.

• Cost of living per month in British Columbia is $1029 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in British Columbia is $3263 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4785.

10. Ontario

Ontario, places itself as the second largest province of Canada. It is known to being home to the nations capital, Ottawa. A world-class city Toronto is also situated in Ontario.

Ontario is also known for being categorized to north and south. North Ontario is not populated but very rich in natural resources. Therefore, its economy largely relies on forestry and mining. Whereas, South Ontario is developed and urbanized for trade within Canadian Borders and also the U.S.

• Cost of living per month in Ontario is $1062 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Ontario is $3457 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4745.

Cheapest cities in Canada

Most Canadian provinces have so much to offer such as job opportunities and attractive views of nature. People immigrate to Canada seeking to settle for the economic stability. Canada is famous for its high quality of life and safe cities. We at founderactivity have compiled a list of cities that would be perfect to settle in.

All cost of living data is in Canadian dollars (CAD).

1. Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay located in Ontario has a population of 113,216. It is known for its several lakefronts and offers a variety of outdoor attractions. It consists of historical landmarks such as Lake Superior, historic Mount McKay, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Mount McKay offers a breathtaking scenery.

• Cost of living per month in Thunder Bay, Ontario is $864 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Thunder Bay, Ontario is $2798 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4513.

2. Kingston, Ontario

Kingston in Ontario hosts a population of 594,531. Known for its beautiful city and great healthcare, it would serve as a great city to live in if you are looking quality healthcare. Kingston is famous for historic highlight such as Limestone city on Lake Ontario and military history.

• Cost of living per month in Kingston, Ontario is $1,129 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Kingston, Ontario is $4,028 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4,194.

3. London, Ontario

London, Ontario populated by a 515,000. A variety of museums, many parks, and greenways are available to be enjoyed. Its also close to the US border, home to the University of Western Ontario, museums, parks, Thames River.

• Cost of living per month in London, Ontario is $990 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in London, Ontario is $3288 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4773.

4. Winnipeg, Manitoba

With a population of 833,000 Winnipeg is a costly city but it is also one of the least expensive cities to live in all of Canada. Famous for Historic intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, plenty of green space, festivals in the summer and longest skating rink in the world, Winnipeg is a great place for entertainment.

• Cost of living per month in Winnipeg, Manitoba is $1006 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Winnipeg, Manitoba is $3086 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3164.

5. Edmonton, Abbotsford

1,519,000 people residing in Edmonton, Abbotsford is the cheapest place to live in Canada. In Edmonton, there are many opportunities for you to earn. Industries like oil and gas will help you make a lot of money. Famous highlights of Edmonton in Abbotsford would be Capital of Alberta, University of Alberta and festival city of Canada.

• Cost of living per month in Edmonton, Abbotsford is $879 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Edmonton, Abbotsford is $2857 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3822.

6. Abbotsford, British Columbia

With a population of 168,773, Abbotsford is the cheapest and largest city in British Columbia. It is famous for being close to the US border and its farm country. Employment opportunities are solely based in the agriculture industry.

• Cost of living per month in Abbotsford, British Columbia is $879 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Abbotsford, British Columbia is $2857 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3822.

7. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal consisting of a 1.8 million population is the most populated city in Quebec. It has an European feel and has the largest underground complex in the world. There are many entertainment venues, art and culture. Young people would find this city as one of the best places to live in Canada.

• Cost of living per month in Montreal, Quebec is $1209 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Montreal, Quebec is $3719 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $3908.

8. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia has a population of 417,000. It consists of the 11th best university in Canada, Dalhousie University. It is an epicenter in Eastern Canada. Its got a great public sector and private business sector that caters to people who live in Halifax.

• Cost of living per month in Halifax, Nova Scotia is $1064 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Halifax, Nova Scotia is $3291 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4519.

9. Saint John, New Brunswick

Consisting a population of 71,541 and one of the cheapest places to live in Canada is Saint John, New Brunswick. It is mostly famous for the Bay of Fundy and has the fastest tide change in the world. People also visit the Bay of Fundy for whale watching.

• Cost of living per month in Saint John, New Brunswick is $994 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Saint John, New Brunswick is $3136 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $5176.

10. Sherbrooke, Quebec

With 176,222 people residing is this city, Sherbrooke is also known to be the cheapest city to live in Southern Quebec. Its famous for its nature and heritage sights.

• Cost of living per month in Sherbrooke, Quebec is $860 for a single person (without rent).
• Cost of living per month in Sherbrooke, Quebec is $2684 for a family of four (without rent).
• The average monthly salary after tax is $4290.

Other factors

When thinking of moving to Canada, there are more factors that you need to take into consideration. Every province and city will have its pros and cons. But what do they entail? To help you find the cheapest place to live in Canada at your convenience, we have listed these factors below;

1. Education
2. Healthcare
3. Transportation
4. Family
5. Weather
6. Retirement
7. Crime rate

The video below will further help you to educate you on the best cities to visit or live in Canada.

Key Takeaways

Moving to Canada can have its perks of giving you a good quality life. But how do you use the maximum of these advantages? Such as effective cost of living, good access to education or proper healthcare? To find out more on what is the most cheapest place to live in Canada that would suit your needs. We have categorized it for your ease.

Where is the cheapest place for a single person to live in Canada?

The cheapest place to live in Canada for a single person would be Sherbrooke, Quebec. The reasons for this would be adequate to cost of living minus the expenses a single person would have bear is to be quite reasonable.

• The total rent for a single person would costs around $1515.
• Total costs for food would cost you $625.
• Costs for transportation would cost $84.

Where is the cheapest place for families to settle in Canada?

In Montreal, Quebec, it is known for having the most affordable childcare. Parents can pay an average $168 for a month for full time childcare which is cost effective. Compared to Toronto which is known for the most costly city for childcare.

Calgary Alberta is known for its high family earning power. The total cost of living in Calgary, Alberta for a family of 4 inclusive of rent is $6230.

To find out the Most Affordable Housing in Canada, click here.

Where is the cheapest place for students to study in Canada?

Montreal, Quebec offers the most affordable place for students to study in Canada. There are many universities in Montreal making it an attractive city to students. With limited budget available on students, this city has turned into a student hub. This has eased the expenses for students. The best ranking university in Montreal is McGill University.

• Total cost of living is $1,145 inclusive of rent for a single person.
• Transportation expenses for a single person would costs $243.

To find out more on how to live cheap in Canada with tips, click here.

Where is the cheapest place for seniors to retire in Canada?

Retiring in Canada does not have to be costly or expensive. The cheapest place to live in Canada where you can enjoy your retirement as a senior is Quebec City. They offer housing at reasonable prices and also there are many senior facilities available in Quebec City.

Quebec City

If you are looking to retire, Quebec City would be an excellent choice. They have many of the top hospitals and medical facilities to suit your needs. You will full access to equipment during a medical emergency with the best nursing care and services.

How to plan your monthly budget?

To live cost effectively, it is always best to plan your budget every month. This will monitor all your income and how your expenses occur. Making it easy to track your spending patterns. You can download a template of a monthly budget free of charge to begin your budget planning journey.

To wrap it all up, Canada is a great country to settle down. Despite the rising inflation, a good quality of life can be assured. Taking all the factors above into consideration, you can decide what province or city would be perfect for you.

Canadian weather is snow joke.