Living in CanadaFree calculator
Cost of Living Calculator Canada: Compare 16 Cities
Rent varies more between Canadian cities than almost any other cost. Estimate your monthly budget in 16 major cities, for your household and lifestyle, and compare it with your take-home pay.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Data as of July 2026
Figures are city averages, not guarantees — actual rent depends heavily on the specific neighbourhood, building, and unit. Groceries and “other spending” are national estimates lightly adjusted by city, not city-specific surveys. Use this to compare cities relative to each other, not as an exact budget.
Key facts
- Rent is the biggest difference between Canadian cities.
- Winnipeg, Québec City, Regina, Edmonton and St. John’s have rents roughly 35% to 45% lower than Toronto or Vancouver.
- The estimate covers rent, utilities, internet, transit, groceries and a discretionary allowance.
- Childcare and car ownership are not included.
- Compare the result with your take-home pay from the salary calculator.
What does the cost of living estimate include?
Average rent for your household size and neighbourhood type, utilities, internet, transit, groceries and a discretionary spending allowance for your chosen lifestyle.
| Cost | How it is estimated |
|---|---|
| Rent | City averages by unit size and neighbourhood type, from rentals.ca and Numbeo |
| Utilities and internet | Typical monthly bills for the city |
| Transit | Monthly pass or typical commuting cost |
| Groceries and other spending | National estimates, lightly adjusted by city, scaled to your household and lifestyle |
A specific unit can easily cost 15% to 25% more or less than the city average, depending on the building and neighbourhood.
What is the cheapest big city to live in Canada?
Among major cities, Winnipeg, Québec City, Regina, Edmonton and St. John’s are consistently among the most affordable, with rent roughly 35% to 45% lower than Toronto or Vancouver.
Québec City combines low rent with relatively low utility and grocery costs. For more on choosing a city, read the best Canadian cities for newcomers.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Toronto or Vancouver?
For a single person, a take-home income of roughly $4,000 to $4,500 a month (about $60,000 to $70,000 gross, depending on province) is typically needed for a one-bedroom outside the downtown core.
A family needing three bedrooms often needs a combined household income of $120,000 or more before tax. Use the salary calculator first, then enter your monthly take-home pay in the tool above.
What costs are not included?
Childcare, car ownership and insurance, phone plans and one-time moving costs are not included. Budget for them separately.
- Childcare varies by province; some have $10-a-day programs: $10-a-day child care guide.
- Car insurance: estimate it with the car insurance estimator.
- Phone plans: best phone plans for newcomers.
Figures are city averages from Numbeo and rentals.ca as of July 2026, not guarantees. Use them to compare cities, not as an exact budget.
Questions
Cost of living FAQ
What is the cheapest big city to live in Canada?
Winnipeg, Québec City, Regina, Edmonton and St. John’s are consistently among the most affordable major cities, with rent roughly 35% to 45% lower than Toronto or Vancouver.
Does this include childcare costs?
No. Childcare varies widely by province and child’s age, so budget for it separately.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is a planning-level estimate based on Numbeo and rentals.ca data as of July 2026. Use it to compare cities rather than as an exact budget.
