8 of the cheapest places to live in Canada 2023

1. Regina

Regina is the capital city of the Saskatchewan region of Canada, and situated on Wascana Creek, in the south of the province. The area is rich in history; and while it’s now one of Canada’s fastest growing major cities, residents still enjoy relatively low living costs. Together with a high average income, this makes the city a particularly attractive place to call home.  

Regina delivers both thriving urban and natural settings – with First Nations reservations, and the Last Mountain Lake resort area just 20 miles northwest of the city. The beating heart of Regina is Wascana Centre: a landscaped development around Wascana lake, with some of the city’s most visited civic buildings, museums and galleries, and leisure areas. The city is also home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League – if you’re a sports fan, be sure to catch a game.

• Population: 249,432

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,187.6C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,126.7C$

• Avg. income: 93,719C$

• Avg. home value: 321,075C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,000C$

2. Québec City

Québec City is located where the Saint Lawrence and Saint Charles rivers meet, in Canada’s largely French-speaking Québec province. It’s one of the oldest cities in Canada, dating back over 400 years to when French settlers arrived, and possesses a distinct charm and character. As the only walled city in North America, north of Mexico, it’s also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is divided into several districts: Upper Town is home to refined boutiques and bistros, while the nearby Jean Baptiste neighbourhood is bohemian and eclectic. The Saint-Roch district is a hip area that’s home to bars, cafés and restaurants – as well as music venues, theatres, and contemporary galleries. If you’re living in Québec City during winter, you can hit the ski slopes at nearby Laurentian Mountains, and check out the city’s Winter Carnival.

• Population: 554,125

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,719.1 C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4117.4C$

• Avg. income: 53,507C$

• Avg. home value: 349,000C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,071.90C$

3. Saskatoon

Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, and occupies both sides of the South Saskatchewan River. Named after a local red berry, the city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes – and many residents enjoy the beaches of Beaver Creek, and the area’s cross-country ski trails which open in winter.

Saskatoon boasts one of the lowest costs of living of any major city in Canada – making it a great place to call home if you’re looking to live on a budget. And it doesn’t compromise on entertainment and culture, either. Each of its neighbourhoods offers a diverse range of urban attractions; while the city also has a symphony orchestra, many galleries and museums, and features the thriving Midtown Plaza.

• Population: 248,622

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,283.8C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,382.5C$

• Avg. income: 52,500C$

• Avg. home value: 376,800C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,261.11C$

4. Winnipeg

Winnipeg is the capital city of the Manitoba region; situated where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, 40 miles southwest of Lake Winnipeg. Bird Hill and Beaudry Provincial Parks are nearby spots of outstanding natural beauty.

Winnipeg is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, with sizeable populations of both French-speaking and native peoples. The Forks, marking the spot where the rivers meet, is a popular destination; with converted warehouses now home to shops and eateries, and green spaces dedicated to festivals, outdoor concerts, and exhibits. If you’re in Winnipeg during August, don’t miss the annual International Festival of Folk Art.

• Population: 767,945

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,268.9C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,481.6C$

• Avg. income: 47,500C$

• Avg. home value: 359,290C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,155.91C$

5. Red Deer

Red Deer is a small city in Southern Alberta, built up around the Red Deer River. Almost equidistant,, between the larger centres of Edmonton and Calgary, many choose Red Deer to commute from, via the Queen Elizabeth II Highway.  Not least because of its relatively low cost of living, but also its abundance of natural scenery and outdoor activities. And everyone will love Discovery Canyon, which turns into nature’s own waterpark come summer.

• Population: 109,489

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,269.8C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,390.5C$

• Avg. income: 94,500C$

• Avg. home value: 354,800C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,223.75C$

6. Windsor

Windsor is a small but vibrant and diverse city in Southwestern Ontario; it’s situated on the south bank of the Detroit River, and directly across from Detroit, Michigan, United States. Windsor is Canada’s most southern city, and provides easy access to the States via the Ambassador Bridge border.

Automotive afficionados will be pleased to hear that Windsor is widely known as the ‘Automotive Capital of Canada’. And those seeking culture, entertainment, and a lively nightlife will appreciate the short journey to Detroit: the birthplace of Motown, and a city that boasts an internationally acclaimed music scene.

• Population: 226,321

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,216.8C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,288.3C$

• Avg. income: 50,000C$

• Avg. home value: 258,000C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,377.27C$

7. Fredericton

Fredericton is a very small but intimate and lively capital city in the province of New Brunswick, situated on the majestic Saint John River. The city has a reputation as a charming artistic enclave; and hosts the annual Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, which draws big names on an international scale.

Creative types will want to explore the city’s artists’ studios, and the outdoor theatre. And the Fredericton Boyce Farmers’ Market, selling seasonal produce and crafts, is a thriving hub of community.

• Population: 61,134

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,247.5C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,449.6C$

• Avg. income: 40,020C$

• Avg. home value: 331,374C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,231C$

8. Montreal

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, and the largest city in the country’s French-speaking Québec province. Cosmopolitan, charming and eclectic, the city is truly an international destination – and yet remains a great choice for relatively low-cost living.

Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, the city is home to several boroughs and neighbourhoods. Each with its own character, ranging from the quaint cobble-stoned streets of French-colonial Vieux Montreal to the more bohemian and hipper Plateau. Beautiful galleries, museums and parks can be found throughout Montreal – as can all manner of eateries, bars and nightlife spots. All befitting a buzzing city rich in culture.

• Population: 4,360,000

• Cost of living: (Single person, without rent, per month) 1,215.8C$. (Family of four, without rent, per month) 4,456.9C$

• Avg. income: 88,598C$

• Avg. home value: 565,786C$

• Avg. rent: (1 bedroom apartment, city centre, per month) 1,472.31C$

WorldRemit makes living abroad easier

As we’ve learnt, Canada is a wonderful, cost-efficient destination if you’re an immigrant looking to live and work abroad. We hope this article has been helpful – for more insights head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of articles put together especially for people living and working abroad.

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