cost of living

You’ve received an offer to work in Canada and you’d like to make a concreteassessment of the country’s quality of life? Here’s a starting point for your evaluation.

• In general, the cost of living in Canada is considered moderate compared to other developed countries. According to Numbeo data, the cost of goods and services in Canada is around 20-30% lower than in the U.S., but varies considerably from province to province.

• In 2022, the median salary in Canada was around 1,000 CAD per week, or around 52,000 CAD per year, according to Statcan. Salaries may vary by industry and region.

• Housing costs represent a significant portion of the budget. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), rents in Toronto and Vancouver can exceed CAD 2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while other cities such as Calgary and Halifax are more affordable.

• The average person spends between CAD 250 and 400 per month on groceries. Restaurant prices can vary, with an average meal costing between 15 and 30 CAD.

• Canada has a public health care system, but costs for care that isn’t covered can vary. Fees for private health insurance, dental and optical care can represent a significant proportion of the budget.

• Tuition fees for Canadian universities range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 29,000 per year, depending on whether the student is a resident or non-resident. More information on universities in Canada on University Rankings