vbybnCanada consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life, safety, and opportunity. For single immigrants planning to settle in Canada, however, understanding the cost of living is essential. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or permanent residence, having a clear idea of monthly expenses, housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs helps you plan realistically and avoid financial stress.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Canada for single immigrants in 2025, including average monthly expenses by city, budgeting tips, and savings strategies. It’s written for those looking to make Canada their new home and want to balance lifestyle quality with affordability.
1️⃣ Understanding Canada’s Economic Landscape
Canada is one of the world’s most developed economies, with a stable currency (the Canadian Dollar – CAD) and a strong job market. As of 2025, inflation has slightly stabilized after the 2022–2023 global cost spikes, but housing and food costs remain relatively high compared to other Western countries.
However, minimum wage increases across provinces and better immigrant integration policies have improved living standards, making Canada more welcoming than ever for newcomers.
2️⃣ Average Monthly Cost of Living for a Single Immigrant
While living expenses vary widely by province and city, below is an approximate monthly budget for a single person living modestly but comfortably in 2025.
Expense Category Average Monthly Cost (CAD) Description
Rent (1-bedroom apt) 1,300 – 2,200 Depending on city and location
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.) 150 – 250 Includes Wi-Fi and electricity
Groceries & Food 350 – 600 Home-cooked meals & basic groceries
Transportation 100 – 180 Monthly transit pass or fuel
Health Insurance 75 – 150 For private or provincial coverage
Mobile Phone Plan 50 – 90 Average cost of data + calls
Entertainment & Leisure 100 – 200 Movies, gym, outings
Miscellaneous 100 – 150 Personal care, small purchases
➡️ Total Average Monthly Cost: 2,200 – 3,800 CAD
This range will depend on your lifestyle and location. Let’s explore this city by city.
3️⃣ Cost of Living by Major Canadian Cities
Toronto (Ontario)
Rent: 1,900 – 2,400 CAD for a one-bedroom
Groceries: 500 CAD per month
Transportation: 156 CAD (TTC monthly pass)
Total Monthly Estimate: 3,200 – 4,000 CAD
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the economic hub, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to live. Rent and commuting costs take up most of a single immigrant’s budget. However, the job opportunities and cultural diversity make it worth the investment for many.
Vancouver (British Columbia)
Rent: 1,800 – 2,300 CAD
Groceries: 450 – 600 CAD
Transportation: 120 CAD (TransLink monthly pass)
Total: 3,000 – 3,700 CAD
Vancouver is beautiful but pricey. The cost of housing is among the highest in Canada, though utilities and food costs are slightly lower than Toronto’s. The city is ideal for nature lovers and tech professionals.
Calgary (Alberta)
Rent: 1,300 – 1,700 CAD
Groceries: 400 – 500 CAD
Transportation: 112 CAD monthly pass
Total: 2,200 – 2,800 CAD
Calgary has a strong energy and finance sector and no provincial sales tax, which makes it one of the most affordable large cities for immigrants.
Ottawa (Ontario)
Rent: 1,400 – 1,800 CAD
Groceries: 400 CAD
Transportation: 125 CAD (OC Transpo pass)
Total: 2,400 – 3,000 CAD
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, offers a balanced lifestyle, great public infrastructure, and stable employment opportunities—especially in government and tech.
Montreal (Quebec)
Rent: 1,100 – 1,500 CAD
Groceries: 350 – 500 CAD
Transportation: 97 CAD monthly pass
Total: 2,000 – 2,600 CAD
Montreal is one of Canada’s most affordable big cities, though French language skills are often needed for employment. It’s excellent for students and young professionals.
Halifax (Nova Scotia)
Rent: 1,200 – 1,700 CAD
Groceries: 400 CAD
Transportation: 82 CAD pass
Total: 2,000 – 2,600 CAD
Halifax offers a slower pace of life and lower rent, making it ideal for newcomers looking for affordable coastal living.
4️⃣ Housing Costs in Detail
Housing is typically the largest expense for a single immigrant. Here’s a quick breakdown of average rent prices across provinces in 2025:
Province/City 1-Bedroom Apartment (Downtown) 1-Bedroom (Outside City Centre)
Toronto, ON 2,300 CAD 1,700 CAD
Vancouver, BC 2,400 CAD 1,800 CAD
Calgary, AB 1,600 CAD 1,200 CAD
Ottawa, ON 1,700 CAD 1,400 CAD
Montreal, QC 1,400 CAD 1,000 CAD
Halifax, NS 1,500 CAD 1,100 CAD
Tips for Affordable Housing:
Share accommodation with roommates to cut costs by 40–50 %.
Live outside the city centre near good transit routes.
Use platforms like Kijiji, Rentfaster, or Facebook Marketplace for verified listings.
5️⃣ Food and Grocery Costs
Food costs in Canada vary depending on eating habits. Cooking at home remains the best way to save.
Item Average Price (CAD)
1 L milk 2.40
1 kg rice 4.00
Loaf of bread 3.50
Dozen eggs 4.50
Chicken breast (1 kg) 12.00
Apples (1 kg) 4.00
Coffee at a café 3.50 – 5.00
Monthly grocery budget: $400 – $600
Eating out occasionally: $15 – $25 per meal
Cooking in bulk and buying from wholesale stores like Costco, No Frills, or Walmart Supercentre can significantly reduce costs.
6️⃣ Transportation Costs
Most Canadian cities have reliable public transit systems. For a single immigrant without a car:
Monthly transit pass: 80 – 160 CAD (depending on city)
Single ride fare: 3 – 4 CAD
Gas price (2025 average): 1.65 CAD per litre
Owning a car increases expenses (insurance, maintenance, registration). Public transport is highly recommended during your first year.
7️⃣ Healthcare and Insurance
Canada’s public healthcare system is largely free for residents, but coverage depends on the province. New immigrants might need private insurance for the first three months before eligibility.
Private insurance: 75 – 150 CAD/month
Prescription medicine (if not covered): 30 – 100 CAD/month
Always register for a provincial health card as soon as you settle.
8️⃣ Other Personal and Entertainment Costs
Category Average Cost (CAD)
Gym membership 50 – 100
Movie ticket 15 – 20
Streaming subscription 10 – 20
Weekend outing 50 – 100
You can enjoy plenty of free activities—parks, libraries, hiking trails—to stay within budget while still experiencing Canadian life.
9️⃣ Internet, Phone, and Utilities
Internet (home): 60 – 100 CAD/month
Mobile plan: 50 – 90 CAD/month
Electricity/Heating: 100 – 150 CAD/month
Using budget carriers such as Public Mobile, Freedom Mobile, or Fido can save up to 25 %.
Tips for Saving Money as a Single Immigrant
1. Use newcomer programs: Many cities offer free settlement assistance and discounted transit passes.
2. Share accommodation: Housing costs can drop by half when you share an apartment.
3. Cook at home: Reduces your monthly food costs by 40 %.
4. Buy second-hand items: Use Facebook Marketplace or Value Village for furniture and clothing.
5. Get a student or newcomer bank account: Major banks like RBC and Scotiabank offer fee-free accounts.
6. Track your expenses: Apps like Mint Canada or PocketGuard can help you stay on top of your budget.
11️⃣ Taxes and Savings
As a resident, you’ll pay federal and provincial taxes that depend on your income. Average deductions range from 15 – 25 % for lower-income brackets.
Tax benefits for newcomers:
GST/HST credit (quarterly payments)
Climate Action Incentive Payment
Low-income tax relief programs
You can also open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to grow your savings tax-free.
12️⃣ Sample Monthly Budget Summary
Category Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Rent (shared apartment) 1,000
Utilities & Internet 200
Groceries & Food 450
Transportation 130
Health Insurance 100
Phone Plan 70
Entertainment & Misc. 150
Total Monthly Cost ≈ 2,100 CAD
So, a single immigrant can live comfortably in Canada on $2,000 – $2,500 CAD per month, depending on city and lifestyle.
13️⃣ Recommended Cities for Affordable Living
If you want to balance good jobs with low living costs, consider:
Winnipeg (Manitoba): Affordable rent, strong job market
Regina (Saskatchewan): Low utility costs and short commutes
Halifax (Nova Scotia): Great for coastal lifestyle on a budget
Quebec City (Quebec): Low rent, but French fluency is key
Conclusion
The cost of living in Canada for a single immigrant ranges from 2,000 to 3,800 CAD per month, depending on the province and lifestyle. While major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, smaller cities offer excellent affordability and a high standard of life.
With smart budgeting, access to newcomer programs, and an understanding of key costs, any immigrant can start a stable and comfortable life in Canada.
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