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The Great White North offers a wealth of opportunities, with some cities offering a lower cost of living than other cities. If you are looking to live and work in Canada, you are on the right track as you can explore an abundance of jobs with decent salaries, depending on the province's labour market needs. On the flip side, some provinces may have a higher cost of living and higher salaries.
In this article, we break down the factors that influence the cost of living in Canada, median income in Canada, the cheapest places to live in Canada and suitable immigration pathways.
Median Household Income in Canada
If you are looking to live and work in Canada or want to travel temporarily in Canada before you officially settle, it would be good to have an idea of your living expenses so you can budget accordingly.
We have given you a breakdown of the median income in Canada, as per the data on Numbeo.
The table below represents the median income in some of Canada’s main cities:
| City | Median Income |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $4,325.27 |
| Montreal | $3,782.36 |
| Calgary | $5,137.28 |
| Ottawa | $4,479.13 |
The table below represents the the median income in some of Canada’s provinces:
| Provinces in Canada | Median Income |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick | $4,553.80 |
| Ontario | $,3,960.96 |
| Quebec | $4,106.24 |
| Nova Scotia | $2,450.00 |
As you can see, based on the above information, the provinces and cities highlight a reasonable median income, which suggests that households within those communities have sufficient resources accessible. However, a low median household income indicates a lack of income and increased poverty - which is associated with a higher risk of chronic disease, low quality of life and many other high risking factors.
Cost of Living in Canada
The table below considers several factors that influence the median household income of Canadian citizens. According to the data on Numbeo, these are as follows:
| Category | Average Monthly Costs |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,183.30 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | Yearly, for 20 years fixed-rate: 5.26% |
| Apartment (one bedroom) in City Centre | $1,591.72 and apartment (one bedroom) outside of Centre: $1,348.25 |
| Childcare - Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for one child | $1,092.11 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for one Child | $17,249.43 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | $180.16 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | 20.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | $12.00 |
| Milk (regular) 1 liter | $2.63 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $3.11 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $3.98 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.97 |
Note: Because the economic condition of any country, city or province is constantly evolving, the factors influencing the median income in Canada will be subject to change. However, we have broken down the current expenses one could look out for.
To minimize your expenses, you want to ensure that you settle in a place or city where the cost of living is within your capacity. For your convenience, feel free to explore our resources on the cheapest places to live in Canada. Additionally, you may want to check out our full breakdown of cost of living in Canada.
Suppose you are an international student looking to pursue your studies in Canada; you would be pleased to know that Canada is highly accommodating and inclusive of international students who want to further their careers while keeping the expenses minimal. In that case, there's a wealth of colleges and universities that offer scholarships and internationally recognized qualifications. Learn more about the cheapest universities that won't break the bank and the well-renowned cheap colleges in Canada.
Furthermore, we have our knowledgeable immigration experts on board who can assist international students with the following:
- Curating your application to maximize your chances of success.
- Constant support and guidance on your application process.
- Show you how to increase your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS )through a course, enhancing language ability.
- Do an online English course that aims to upskill yourself.
- Get access to an English tutor to prepare you for your International English Language Training System (IELTS) exam and improve your CRS score.
Once you’ve completed your studies, you need to target the right industries that offer in-demand occupations in Canada. You can find out more about the top NOC A jobs in Canada and how to apply.
Additionally, learn more about the top NOC C jobs in Canada and how to apply here.
Furthermore, international students can explore our resources on how to apply for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
For the right support and guidance, contact our immigration experts today.
Immigration Pathways to Canada
If you want to immigrate and settle in Canada, you need to apply for permanent residence and ensure you are informed about the suitable programs you can apply to. Below we highlight one of the most popular permanent residence pathways.
What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry is an online points-driven system that manages immigration applications - this is one of the fastest systems, highly accommodating systems due to its versatile nature. The system comprises three flexible immigration programs under the Express Entry.
These are as follows:
You can learn more about how to go from temporary residence to permanent residence.
Additionally, you should know more about the processing times and what to expect once you submit your application.
The Application Process
While the steps may vary from program to program, the steps below are standard for most points-driven programs. They are as follows:
- Step 1: Ensure that you meet the requirements (including your job offer) and that you are eligible to meet the program criteria.
- Step 2: Secure a valid job offer to improve your chances of being successful in your application for permanent residence - explore our resource on how to create an Express Entry profile.
- Step 3: Check your CRS score under the Express Entry or other points-driven programs.
- Step 4: Gather the necessary supporting documents in advance.
- Step 5: Apply to the program of your choice, pay your application fee and submit your application.
Note: We advise students to exercise honesty and accuracy in the information they provide on their applications. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected or returned to you, which will cause a delay in processing times.
FAQs
Is the Cost of Living in Canada Higher than in the UK?
The cost of living for countries may vary since it depends on many factors. Furthermore, feel free to learn more about the cost of living in Canada vs the UK.
How much Money do you Need to Live Comfortably in Canada?
The median income in Canada can vary from one household to another. However, our immigration experts are well-informed about the current trends and economic conditions that can influence the living cost.
Which Province in Canada has the Lowest Cost of Living?
As you may know, the different provinces have different challenges, and the economic condition is constantly changing. However, you can find out more about the cheapest provinces and cities to live in in Canada.
