North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Canada
The average cost of living in Canada ranges from $1,276 per month in Quebec-City to $2,149 per month in Vancouver, with a median monthly basket of $1,758 for a single person. We track 27 cities in Canada.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Canada at a glance | Headline numbers across 27 cities. |
| Cities in Canada | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Canada | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
27
Median monthly · single
$1,758
Average cost index
39
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Vancouver /
Quebec-City
Browse cities
27 cities shown
About cost of living in Canada
- How expensive is Canada?
- Canada has 27 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Quebec-City is among the most affordable, while Vancouver ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Canada?
- Budget anywhere from $1,276 per month in Quebec-City (the cheapest tracked city) to $2,149 per month in Vancouver (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Canada?
- Quebec-City typically offers the lowest cost of living in Canada, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Canada has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Canada up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.