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cost of living in canada for newcomers

the cost of living in canada is a concern for many newcomers. canada's high standard of living and diverse economy mean expenses can add up quickly. this article explores the costs associated with living in canada, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and education.

what to expect when it comes to cost of living in canada

costs in canada vary depending on the city, province, and lifestyle. newcomers can expect to pay certain expenses, such as housing and food. for example, a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, depending on the location. eating out can cost $15-$25 per person for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

housing costs are a significant expense for newcomers. renting or buying a home can be expensive, and costs vary depending on the location. in toronto, a one-bedroom apartment can cost $1,800 to $2,500 per month, while in vancouver it can cost $1,600 to $2,200 per month. in montreal, the cost is lower, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

food and transportation costs are also important to consider. the cost of food varies depending on the type of cuisine and location. a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost $15-$25 per person, and a grocery basket can cost $50-$75 per week. transportation costs vary as well, with a monthly public transportation pass costing $90-$130 per month.

healthcare and education costs are other expenses newcomers should be aware of. healthcare costs vary depending on the province and type of coverage. a health insurance plan can cost $50 to $200 per month, depending on the provider and level of coverage. education costs vary too, with tuition for international students ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.

to manage costs in canada, newcomers can consider sharing an apartment with roommates to reduce housing costs. cooking at home instead of eating out can also help, as can using public transportation instead of driving a car. researching different healthcare and education options can help newcomers find the most affordable choices. i think it's also important to prioritize needs over wants, and to be mindful of exchange rates when sending money back home.

newcomers to canada can visit the immigration, refugees and citizenship canada website for more information on the cost of living in canada and other related topics. our other articles on work permits, express entry, and study permits provide more information on immigrating to canada.

for more information on the cost of living in different provinces, newcomers can check out our articles on provincial nominee programs and family sponsorship. the canada visa refusal and canada biometrics pages provide more information on the immigration process.

official current rules are at canada.ca; this guide is independent reference content. canada.ca is not responsible for the content of this guide

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 14, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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