Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 10:09 am
Canada is a vast, beautiful country with a rich history, unique culture, and lots to offer.
As you search for the cheapest place to live in Canada with a low cost of living, at Remitly, we’re here to make the process easier.
Read on to discover some helpful tips and a list of some of the most affordable cities in Canada for immigrants with relatively low living costs.
Top affordable cities to live in Canada
Here are some of the cheapest places to live in Canada to help you determine the cost of living that works for you. Each of the Canadian cities listed below is based on the average house price and/or average rent costs, quality of life, and job opportunities.
1. Sept-Îles, Quebec
- Housing costs: This charming town near Canada’s capital city rests on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River with an average home price of $231,600. Rent and utilities are also affordable for individuals and families, which makes it one of the cheapest cities.
- Quality of life: Thanks to its location on the water, residents enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating. The town is one of the most affordable cities and is just an eight-hour drive from Quebec City, so there’s plenty to see and do.
- Job opportunities: The biggest job opportunities here include careers in metalwork, tourism (including hotels and a thriving cruise port), and public services. Since it’s one of the cheapest cities to live in, your money will go much further.
2. Regina, Saskatchewan
- Housing costs: The average home price in Regina is approximately $292,153. Rent is also quite affordable here, averaging around $1,000 per month, which is lower than the national average.
- Quality of life: Regina’s busy downtown area offers plenty to do, including theaters, shopping, dining, and museums. It also has an exciting events calendar with year-round activities.
- Job opportunities: Regina has plenty of excellent employment opportunities with a decent average salary. Major industries include steel and manufacturing, energy and environment, and agriculture, to name a few.
3. Windsor, Ontario
- Housing costs: Windsor’s affordable housing market is approximately 64% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Canada.
- Quality of life: Windsor is located on the south bank of the Detroit River, close to Detroit, Michigan. As Canada’s southernmost city, it’s easy to reach the United States via the Ambassador Bridge.
- Job opportunities: This vibrant and diverse city provides plenty of economic opportunities as it’s well-known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada.” Arts, culture, and entertainment are also thriving here.
4. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Housing costs: Housing is affordable in Winnipeg, and the average home price is $340,300.
- Quality of life: Outdoor activities are abundant here, with Bird Hill and Beaudry Provincial Parks nearby. This affordable city boasts many unique restaurants and green spaces bustling with activities like outdoor concerts, festivals, and special exhibits.
- Job opportunities: Because Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba, job opportunities are abundant. The largest industries include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries like arts and film.
5. Red Deer, Alberta
- Housing costs: The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Red Deer’s city center is approximately $1,162, making it one of Canada’s most affordable cities.
- Quality of life: Discovery Canyon is a popular place for outdoor activities, and during the summer, it transforms into a natural waterpark. Since the city of Red Deer is built around the Red Deer River, there are ample recreational opportunities.
- Job opportunities: Health care, retail trade, oil and gas, and construction are some key industries. Red Deer Polytechnic is a post-secondary school offering over 75 academic and career programs in applied degrees, certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and apprenticeships.
6. Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Housing costs: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom in Fredericton is approximately $1,250.
- Quality of life: The Fredericton Boyce Farmer’s Market is a popular activity in Fredericton. Music fans enjoy attending the annual Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, and there are ample museums and galleries to explore. An array of creative opportunities and its location on St. John River make Fredericton an excellent place to live.
- Job opportunities: University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus, St. Thomas University, and Yorkville University are just some of the institutions of higher learning located here.
Honorable mentions
The cheapest place in Canada to live may depend on your situation. Here are a few honorable mentions that are also known for their affordability:
7. Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province, with an average monthly rental price of $905 to $1,611 with utilities. Groceries cost less in this close-knit community thanks to a healthy agriculture industry. The beautiful natural landscapes make the quality of life here higher than big cities for many.
8. Sudbury, Ontario
While some major cities in Ontario have a high cost of living, the small Ontario town of Sudbury has an average price of $1,295 per month for a rental unit, on average. It also has a low unemployment rate of just 4.9 percent.
9. Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton, New Brunswick, has affordable housing prices and lots of opportunities. Its growing job market offers a plethora of careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and education.
Factors affecting the cost of living
Several factors influence a city’s cost of living, and housing and rental market affordability is one of the biggest. From single-family homes to apartments and condominiums, housing is one of the highest costs that individuals and families face.
Remember to consider the local and national average price of utilities into account, including power, natural gas, Internet and cable services, and more.
Transportation is another key factor in the cost of living and choosing the most affordable provinces. Transportation costs include everything from the price of new and used vehicles to mass transportation fees, gasoline per gallon, and vehicle maintenance.
How much you pay for healthcare will also play a big role in your total cost of living. Knowing the local average price of a standard doctor or emergency room visit and how much healthcare plans cost in different locations can help you make the right decision.
Finally, the price of food and other everyday essentials will also impact your cost of living. Grocery prices vary widely from city to city, and restaurants may charge more in certain areas than others.
Tips for living affordably in Canada
Here are some tips for living affordably in Canada and anywhere else you may choose to settle down.
- Research the cost of living in small and major cities carefully before deciding where to live.
- Consider renting before you purchase a home, in case you decide to move somewhere more affordable or wait for house prices to drop.
- Compare costs on a local and broader scale, looking at the national average to help you find the most affordable cities. Remember that the average home price and monthly rent will vary based on various factors.
- Draft a monthly budget that includes your net income (after taxes) and every expense you have to get a clear picture of how much money you take home compared to how much you can spend.
- Reach out to others who live where you’re interested to find out what it’s like to live there and don’t be afraid to ask questions about affordability.
- Buy food in bulk when possible and plan your meals to help cut food costs.
- Consider moving to an area with mass transit if you don’t mind city life. This way, you can avoid the high cost of owning a vehicle (which includes things like gas, insurance, and maintenance).
- Pay down debt as quickly as possible, and avoid using credit cards to keep your budget in check.
- Minimize the money spent on restaurants and prepare meals at home instead.
- Look for a place to live with plenty of free activities, including fun outdoor activities and community events.
- Put as much money as possible into savings or invest in a CD or money market account. Put your money in a high-yield savings account to create an emergency fund.
Conclusion
From Red Deer to Winnipeg, these beautiful areas are some of the most affordable cities in Canada with a reasonable cost of living. If you need to send money to friends and family after your move to Canada, Remitly can help.
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