In this article, you will find 10 of the most affordable cities in Canada. These cities may not be as the best places to live in Canada. Even so, they offer a quality of living, cheaper housing, better lifestyle and most importantly, affordability.
If you want to access our article on Affordable Housing in Canada, click here.
And for more tips on How to live cheap in Canada, click here.
What makes a city affordable?
Looking across Canada for places to move? There are some factors you need to consider depending on whether you are moving as a single person or as a family.
The factors that impact a city’s affordability in Canada include;
- Availability of proper and cheap housing
- Climate that is not too harsh
- Availability of good education
- Opportunities in the job market
- Low crime rates and fast response time
- Availability of proper transport and transit
- Availability of entertainment options
Cities in Canada that are affordable
There are many cities and 10 provinces in Canada. While it is the second largest country. It is also one of the most scattered populated countries. We at founderactivity have gathered the cheapest and affordable cities in Canada. The below includes the pros and cons of every city with the average amount a single person would need when living in these cities.
| City in Canada | Average for a single person (Canadian dollars) | |
| 1 | Montreal, Quebec | $2,200 |
| 2 | Edmonton, Alberta | $1,850 |
| 3 | Hamilton, Ontario | $2,400 |
| 4 | Quebec City, Quebec | $1,900 |
| 5 | Sherbrooke, Quebec | $1,900 |
| 6 | Ottawa, Ontario | $2,400 |
| 7 | Calgery, Alberta | $2,300 |
| 8 | Laval, Quebec | $2,000 |
| 9 | Kingston, Ontario | $1,800 |
| 10 | Abbotsford, British Columbia | $2,100 |
1. Montreal, Quebec
One of Canada’s most popular cities with many visitors. It would be surprising when Montreal is one of the cheapest cities among the largest cities in the country. Since this city has a strong economy, it is prone to have better job opportunities. Employment opportunities for engineering or technicians are highly available. At average $2,200 (Canadian dollars) would be sufficient as your living cost as a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,227.64C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,144.58C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Montreal, Quebec.
| PROS | CONS |
| Cheap rent | Taxes are higher |
| Availability of convenience stores | Cold and snowy winters |
| Great parks and cycling lanes | Language barriers |
2. Edmonton, Alberta
This city comes as the second ranked city in the list of the cheapest cities in Canada. This economy has a large rate of the younger population. This would be great for most youths. While it may have limited access to entertainment that would suit the young population, Edmonton International Fringe Festival is held every year. It is the most famous festival of the cultural calendar. At average $1,850 (Canadian dollars) is suitable to live decently as a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,488.35C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,267.43C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Edmonton, Alberta.
| PROS | CONS |
| Stable jobs | Harsh winters |
| Great quality of life | Crime Rates |
| Affordable housing | No entertainment or festivals |
3. Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is a city that growing into a commute. So that it can cater to everyone. It’s economy is now based mainly on agriculture, oil and gas and tourism. It is also known for its public transport giving you easy access to cities. At average $2,400 (Canadian dollars) is sufficient to live as a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,567.77C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,272.26C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hamilton, Ontario.
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordability | Traffic Jams |
| Transportation | Lots of tourists |
| Festivals | Negative impact from steel industry |
4. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City which also known as French Canada, famous for its usage of French as its language than English. It is also a city with beautiful greenery and its cultural charms. Using its old European architecture, this city is very rich is culture. In Quebec, the core industries are food manufacture, paper, transportation equipment, metals, chemical and pharmaceutical products, refined petroleum and coal products. At average $1,900 (Canadian dollars) would work well for a single person as living costs.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,994.08C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,081.35C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Quebec City, Quebec.
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordable Electricity | Language Barriers |
| Lower Housing Costs | Higher Taxes |
| Weather | Liquor is hard to purchase |
5. Sherbrooke, Quebec
A francophone city that is more suitable for local and international students. Catering to students because of its low costs making it cheaper. Quebec is a famous region known for its low costs for living. At average $1,900 (Canadian dollars) is the known living cost for a single person in Sherbrooke.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are C$3,589 without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are C$1,499 without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sherbrooke, Quebec.
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordable Electricity | High Income Tax |
| Affordable Housing | High Sales Tax |
| Outdoor Activities and Entertainment | Snow and Cold Winters |
6. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, a lively city and the capital of Canada. This city has 2 of the famous universities in Canada and also restaurants and café for business. It is also famous for its urban but rural structure making it an attractive city. Using its beauty, it holds year round festivals attracting visitors towards the city. At average $2,400 (Canadian dollars) making it suit your living costs as a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,493.00C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,236.94C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ottawa, Ontario.
| PROS | CONS |
| Job opportunities | Challenging weather |
| Wide range of opportunities | No subway |
| Good public transport | Competitive job market |
7. Calgery, Alberta
Calgery, one of the cities known for its rocky mountains with its jaw-dropping scenery. Using this, it can grow and be rich in tourism. It consists of the most young population at average. Making its famous university in the city a hub for the younger population. This city also prefers pubs over nightclubs and it is also open till late. Its economy is mainly focused on industries like petroleum industry and agriculture. With a diverse population, its an interesting city to live in. At average the living costs are $2,300 for a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,587.11C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,288.03C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Calgery, Alberta.
| PROS | CONS |
| Clean city | Traffic problems |
| Low cost of living | Unemployment |
| Good healthcare | Bad weather |
8. Laval, Quebec
This city in Quebec has the cheapest tuition expenses, making it the best choice for students. Also with the low costs of living. It is a city where a mix of entertainment, culture and nature is combined. Making it rich in entertainment and full of activities. Laval is a city growing its ways of commute on road and its railway. Making transportation an easy task throughout the city and beyond. At average $2,000 (Canadian dollars) would be sufficient for living as a single person.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,738.40C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,025.38C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages on Laval, Quebec.
| PROS | CONS |
| Diverse Economy | Language Barriers |
| Affordable Housing | High taxes |
| Education | Insufficient Healthcare |
9. Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, a city in Ontario which is quite small in size but consists of several universities. Therefore, making living costs lower so that students can find it affordable. The tech sector in this city has seen a growth. This city has a strong growth. Many job seekers in Kingston find employment in health care, higher education, tourism or in government offices. It also a great city to live in with families or as a single person with its attractive greenery. You can also enjoy a low crime rate. At average $1,800 (Canadian dollars) for a single person living in Kingston, Ontario.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,026.86C$ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,129.48C$ without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kingston, Ontario.
| PROS | CONS |
| Location | Cost of living |
| Sports | Job Market |
| Bike friendly | Student Population |
10. Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford happens to have a very affordable and cheap living cost since it also caters to budget friendly prices. Neighborhoods in Abbotsford can attract families because of its walkable and new developments for family homes. Moving onto the top 5 employment sectors in Abbotsford; Trade, Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Transportation. In a city like this, at average $2,100 (Canadian dollars) for a single person would be sufficient as living expenses.
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are C$4,843 without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are C$4,843 without rent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Abbotsford, British Columbia.
| PROS | CONS |
| Climate | High cost of living |
| Education | Could be boring |
| Skyline | Limited Jobs |
Lastly, to conclude this article we hope you find this article informative. Bringing you every city that is affordable, the pros with its cons and also its estimated costs for a family or a single person in Canada. Take every factor into consideration if you are deciding to move to a different city in Canada.
If you want to access our other articles available on Canada, click on the links below.
LIVE HAPPY AND SAFE.
