On a worldwide basis, Canada may not be the cheapest nation, but it is also not the priciest.
We identified the ten most affordable places to live in Canada, whether you’re a Canadian resident seeking a more affordable neighborhood or an outsider trying to relocate there.
List Of The Top 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Canada 2024
10. Halifax, Nova Scotia
A significant economic hub in eastern Canada is Halifax. With a population of about 431,479 and an average monthly expenditure of roughly $1900 for basics, it serves as the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. Halifax, however, is a great substitute for the more expensive cities if you’re seeking for the least expensive places to live in Canada.
The fact that Halifax’s fines are substantially less expensive than, say, Toronto’s, as well as daycare and transportation costs, is fantastic. However, when it comes buying groceries, the situation is different. So, we think we’ll eat out?
It’s also important to note that Dalhousie University, one of Canada’s top universities, is located in Halifax. The main job-producing industries of Halifax are centered on forestry, mining, agriculture, and fishing.
9. Edmonton, Alberta
Despite being the provincial capital of Alberta, Edmonton has more reasonable rental prices than the majority of North American cities, making it one of Canada’s more cost-effective cities. There are 982,280 people living there, with a monthly living expense of about $1850.
The youth of the population makes Edmonton a great city for young people, which is one of its greatest strengths. Edmonton, though perhaps not quite as entertaining as Toronto or Montreal, is nonetheless a major metropolis with about a million citizens.
When looking for a cheap area to live in Canada, or more specifically, Alberta, Edmonton is worth taking into account given the average incomes and robust economy. You won’t have any trouble finding work either because Edmonton’s main industries cover practically everything: energy, manufacturing, advanced technology, financial services, agriculture, and tourism.However, keep in mind that Edmonton is the northernmost city in Canada and that winters there are extremely cold.
8. Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is one of the greatest cities to live in Ontario if the cost of living in Toronto turns you off. It has a multicultural population, a developing culinary scene, cost-effective housing, and top-notch healthcare. Advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and food processing make up the bulk of Hamilton’s industry, but it also includes other areas including banking, insurance, real estate, IT, life science, and tourism.
With a population of about 580,200 and an average monthly expenditure of $1850, Hamilton easily ranks as one of Canada’s more affordable large cities, especially if you want to enjoy nearby places like the 6ix and Nia, which are only 70 km away by car.
7. Montréal, Quebec
With a metropolitan population of 4,291,732 people, Montréal is one of the biggest, most well-known, and most popular cities in Canada. Despite its prominence, it’s also Canada’s most reasonably priced city. A level of living would require about $1,800 per month, which is considerably less than in several other Canadian cities.
Montréal is regarded by many Canadians as the cultural center of French Canada. Furthermore, compared to other cities in North America, this one has more restaurants per resident. With a variety of pubs, clubs, and restaurants, it’s without a doubt one of the best places to live in Canada when it comes to a night out.
The traditional industrial backbone of Montréal is manufacturing, which today employs around one-fifth of the metropolitan workforce. Aerospace, electronic products, pharmaceuticals, printed goods, software engineering, telecommunications, tobacco, tourism, and transportation are additional sectors in Montréal.
6. Saint John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
One of the Canadian cities with the lowest rents is St. John’s. With a population of roughly 114,548 and an estimated monthly cost of living of $1800, it serves as the provincial capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. John’s served as a European fishing trading center. The City is the main service hub for the province’s offshore oil and gas industry, even if the fisheries is still vital. This location is perfect if you want to relocate around Canada because of its affordable housing and above-average wages.
Additionally, St. John’s makes it far simpler to acquire a home than other provinces do. It is not surprising that St. John’s has a somewhat higher average income when you consider that is one of the cheapest cities in canada
5. Quebec City, Quebec
With an estimated average living cost of around $1500 per month, Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec, ranks as one of the 15 largest cities in Canada that is also the most cheap.
The top industries in Quebec City’s manufacturing sector, which has a population of about 542,298 people, include food production, paper, transportation equipment, primary metals, chemical and pharmaceutical products, as well as refined petroleum and coal products.
Beyond being one of the most reasonably priced cities in Canada, its older European architecture and sporadic vegetation combine to create stunning views. Its social calendar also has a number of interesting festivals throughout the summer and winter, making the whole year enjoyable.
4. London, Ontario
Newcomers can find reasonable accommodation, top-notch education and healthcare options, culture, and lovely parks in London. Because of the trees and other vegetation that almost encircle the urban sections, it is also referred to as the “Forest City.” In addition to being one of the most affordable cities in Ontario, London, Ontario deserves to be on this list.
The metropolitan area is home to approximately 550,000 people, and the greatest part is that despite growing into a sizable metropolis, you may still $ a warm, small-town vibe. With an average monthly cost of $1450 for necessities, this city is a great alternative to large Ontario metropolises like Toronto and Ottawa.
An important economic driver in the area, IT and healthcare research are more prominent in London’s industry.
3. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Even though Winnipeg is the biggest and most expensive city in the province of Manitoba, it remains one of the most cost-effective places to live in all of Canada. With a population of about 750,534, it has an incredibly cheap cost of living for the provincial capital of Manitoba, coming in at about $1440 per month.
The city experiences extended snowfall in the winter, which makes it rather chilly, but it also becomes quite hot in the summer. Winnipeg is a place that everyone can appreciate, regardless of whether they prefer sunny days or gorgeous white scenery.
In addition to being one of the least expensive cities in Manitoba, many Canadians view Winnipeg as one of the country’s most significant industrial hubs. Its primary industries produce buses, mobile homes, fire trucks, semi-trailers, agricultural storage tanks, as well as oil and gas.
The primary drawback is that Winnipeg ranks quite highly when it comes to crime rates. However, numerous sources indicate that this rate has been steadily declining over time.
2. Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey is the second most populated city in British Columbia, with a population of around 519,467. Despite having a sizable number of rural and agricultural areas, it is primarily an urban area. Although Surrey may have slightly higher rents than some of the other cities on this list, the average resident of Surrey makes around $1200 per month. Not terrible at all, huh?
In addition to being one of Canada’s least expensive major cities, Surrey is also one of its fastest-growing. Construction, education, science, real estate, hospitality and food services, finance, insurance, and retail trade are the most prevalent businesses in Surrey, making it reasonably simple to obtain a job.
Although it may not be the most affordable city on our list, it is still worth considering because the cost of necessities is cheaper and rent is around 20% less expensive than in Canada’s largest cities. It’s also the warmest city on our list and one of Canada’s warmest locations.
1. Prince George, British Columbia
Despite having only about 74,000 residents, Prince George’s is one of the most well-known cities in the northern regions of British Columbia. Prince George is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for the most reasonably priced cities in British Columbia because the average monthly cost of living per person is $1100, and the rent is typically quite modest.
For quite a while, forestry was the main industrial sector when it came to manufacturing. But today, the service, education, and health sectors dominate the city’s economy. However, Prince George’s well-known cancer treatment facility and its stunning natural surroundings rank as among of the city’s biggest and most well-known monuments.
If you prefer being outside, consider exploring Prince George’s vast fields and lakeshores, where you can breathe in the crisp Canadian air and take in the breathtaking scenery.
