When I first started looking into moving to Canada as a single person, I was drawn by the promise of a country that seemed to have it all.
A strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a quality of life that few places could match.
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The amazing facts I read about Canada made me understand why the country attracts people from all over the world – with over 24% of its population being immigrants.
Then, a lot of things stood out for me about living in Canada, however, I understood from my research that most of them don’t come cheap.
When I first read this, it was a bit daunting, but I quickly learned that not all areas of Canada are equally pricey.
There are plenty of places where you can live comfortably without breaking the bank.
And, if you’re considering moving to Canada as a single person, let me walk you through what you can expect about the cost of living.
What is the cost of living in Canada for single person with rent?
As someone who has lived here myself, I can tell you that your cost of living in Canada will largely depend on where you choose to live, your lifestyle, and the decisions you make.
On average, the cost of living in Canada for a single person with rent is between CAD 1500 to CAD 4,000 monthly.
Without rent, the cost can go as low as CAD 800 to CAD 1500 monthly.
If you live in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the price tag will be higher.
If you’re like me and enjoy the buzz of city life, you’ll likely find yourself spending more on rent and daily expenses.
On the flip side, if you prefer a quieter, more serene atmosphere, smaller towns will be more your speed.
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Living in these areas (small towns) will save you money on rent and other daily expenses, but they’ve fewer opportunities and a slower pace of life.
I spent my first few months in a small town in Alberta and while I enjoyed the less expensive nature of the town, I missed the buzz of big cities.
In addition to where you live, your lifestyle and choices will also play a big role.
For instance, I love cooking my meals at home – it’s a great way to save money and enjoy healthy food.
But if dining out is more your style, you need to budget a bit more for your food expenses.
Similarly, your entertainment choices will affect your monthly costs.
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If you’re like me, you enjoy free or low-cost activities like hiking or visiting national parks, you’ll spend less on entertainment.
Monthly expenses in Canada for a single person with rent
Let me break it down for you. Each month, you’ll spend money on rent, groceries, utilities, phone plans, transportation (whether or not you own a car), and possibly insurance.
On average, a single person in Canada can expect to spend between CAD 2,000 (in cities like Quebec City) to CAD 4,000 (in more expensive places like Toronto) per month.
Here’s a quick look at the average monthly expenses in some Canadian cities:
| Cities in Canada | Average Monthly expense for a single person in Canada |
| Toronto | $3,860 |
| Vancouver | $3,4o2 |
| Ottawa | $2,754 |
| Montreal | $2,432 |
| Calgary | $2,401 |
| Halifax | $2,355 |
| Quebec City | $2,204 |
These differences come down to the cost of rent and other essentials, which are higher in bigger cities than in smaller ones like Quebec City.
Rent
Rent is likely to be your biggest monthly expense, it was my biggest as well.
Where you live and the type of housing you choose will determine how much you’ll pay.
For example, if you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver, it could set you back around CAD 1,600 per month.
Another thing is the size and location of your apartment – they also matter – bigger apartments or those in central locations cost more.
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As a single person like me, a two-bedroom apartment is more than enough space for you.
You need to be mindful of the location and type of housing you choose, as these factors will impact your rent.
Here’s some data from Springfinance.ca to give you an idea of what to expect:
| Province | Average monthly rent |
| British Columbia | $2024 |
| Alberta | $1676 |
| Saskatchewan | $1502 |
| Manitoba | $1511 |
| Quebec | $1301 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1343 |
| PEI | $1305 |
| Ontario | $1854 |
| New Brunswick | $1323 |
| Nova Scotia | $1567 |
If you’re living in a smaller city, your monthly expenses in Canada as a single person with rent will be cheaper compared to someone living in a big city
Utilities
Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal will also add to your monthly expenses.
During my time in Alberta, utilities weren’t a big deal, because the price for everything wasn’t much.
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However, if they’re high where you live, there’s not much you can do to reduce these costs since they’re essential.
You can expect to spend between CAD 100 to CAD 200 monthly if you use these utilities wisely.
Groceries
Groceries are another necessary expense.
If you’re like me and prefer cooking at home, you’ll shop for groceries regularly, at least every couple of weeks.
Your grocery bill will depend on your dietary preferences and eating habits.
On average, as a single person, you should expect to spend between CAD 200 to CAD 500 per month on groceries.
Transportation
Canada’s public transport system is efficient and widely used, especially by single people.
I used it a lot while in the country.
A monthly public transport pass will cost you around CAD 100 or less.
If you decide to own a car, you need money for fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
All of this could cost you between CAD 300 to CAD 500 monthly.
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the reasons I fell in love with Canada.
The public healthcare system here is incredible.
You’ll get free medical services if you’re a citizen and permanent resident.
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However, if you’re like me and not yet a permanent resident, getting private health insurance is a must.
I had mine while in the country and it worked great for me.
The only thing I didn’t like about the healthcare system in Canada was the long wait time.
As a single person, you can get health insurance between CAD 50 to CAD 100 per month, depending on the coverage you choose.
Interestingly, many permanent residents also go for private health insurance for added peace of mind and coverage.
Additional monthly expenses in Canada for a single person
Below are other expenses you should expect as a single person.
Phone and internet
As a single person, staying connected is a must, so you’ll get a phone plan with data and a home internet connection.
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If you’re a data enthusiast like I am, you’d prefer a premium plan, which could cost you between CAD 30 to CAD 150 per month.
Entertainment and dining out
Your entertainment and dining-out expenses will depend on your lifestyle.
As a single person in Canada, this wasn’t a problem for me, I hardly went out and I cooked my meals at home.
However, if you enjoy going out frequently, you have to budget more for social activities.
On average, you can expect to spend between CAD 200 to CAD 400 per month on leisure activities.
Emergencies
I always recommend setting aside a portion of your monthly income for emergencies – around 20% of your savings.
Life is unpredictable, and it’s always good to be prepared.
Average monthly expenses in Canada for a single person
Here’s a table summarizing the monthly expenses in Canada for a single person:
| Expense Category | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,301 – $2,024 (depending on province) |
| Utilities | $100 – $150 |
| Groceries | $200 – $300 |
| Transportation | $100 (public transport) – $500 (car owner) |
| Healthcare | $50 – $100 (private insurance) |
| Phone and Internet | $100 – $150 |
| Entertainment and Dining Out | $200 – $300 |
| Emergency Savings | Varies (e.g., 20% of savings) |
The table above clearly shows the expected monthly expenses for a single person living in Canada.
How much is house rent in Canada per month for a single person?
The table below shows the cost of rent per month for a single person in each province in Canada.
| Province | Average Monthly Rent (CAD) |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | $2,024 |
| Alberta | $1,676 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,502 |
| Manitoba | $1,511 |
| Quebec | $1,301 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,343 |
| Prince Edward Island | $1,305 |
| Ontario | $1,854 |
| New Brunswick | $1,323 |
| Nova Scotia | $1,567 |
What is the average cost of living in Canada for a single person?
The average cost of living in Canada for a single person, including rent, ranges from CAD 2,000 to CAD 4,000 per month, depending on the city you live in.
It can go higher if you live in an expensive neighbourhood.
Is 3000 CAD per month enough for a single person to live in Canada?
Yes, CAD 3000 per month is enough for a single person to live in Canada, but it depends on where you live and how you manage your expenses.
If you choose a less expensive area, like a small town, and are mindful of your spending – like opting for home-cooked meals and using public transport – CAD 3000 is sufficient.
Generally, if you spend carefully, CAD 3000 per month is enough for you to live in Canada as a single person.
What is a good salary for a single person in Canada?
A good salary for a single person in Canada is CAD 50,000 or more per year. This range will comfortably cover your living expenses, including rent, transportation, and other essentials, depending on the city you live in.
Summing it up
When it comes to the cost of living in Canada for a single person, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Your average monthly cost of living depends on where you live, your lifestyle, and your daily choices.
On average, you can expect to spend between CAD 750 to CAD 1,000 per month, excluding rent.
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With rent, your monthly expenses will likely fall between CAD 2,204 to CAD 3,860.
Before you decide where to live, I highly recommend checking the monthly rent and cost of living in that area.
It will help you budget wisely and ensure that you’re making the best choice for your situation.
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