Before you finally decide to work in Canada, we would like to give you a guide on how much it will cost you living there.
Here is some useful information regarding costs and what type of outgoings you will have when living in Canada.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Places to Live in Canada
It is generally cheaper to live in Canada than the USA and Europe but like any other country, cost of living here varies in your location.
In the last decade prices have shot up, with the most expensive cities being Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. You can find better value for money in places like Charlottetown, Winnipeg and Edmonton which are much cheaper.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Canada depends on the location, apartments in cities are more expensive than rural areas.
Rent for a two-bedroom luxury apartment per month in Vancouver costs around $1,500-$2,500+. Alberta has one of the lowest cost of living while others disagree since there are some areas which accommodation is astronomical.
In most cases for Toronto and other major Canadian cities, the closer you’re house to the city center the higher rent will be. In Toronto, average rental prices are:
• Rent for a one- bedroom apartment range from $800 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month, depending on the proximity to city center and the amenities included
• Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment range from $1500 CAD to $2,500+ CAD, depending on the proximity to city center.
For some working holiday jobs, employers do include accommodation at no extra cost.
Food
Food in Canada is much cheaper as compared in Europe, typical food allowance is US$5-10. Eating out is affordable, dining for two in restaurant would only cost you for only $20.
Transportation
The cost of transportation depends on how far you need to travel. Buses are the cheapest means, which cost around $3 CAD for one way. Trains are also available and it will cost you some $2.25 CAD per ticket. If you are thinking about taking a gap year in Canada to explore the country, you might like to view tours of Canada where you will be guided to the best locations in the country.
Other
Other expenses such as gasoline and cars are cheaper. The prices of gasoline also depend on the location/province of the service station. Electric bill comes costly during winter since you need to heat your house during this season.
If you want to spend time watching movie after a long workweek, it would cost you around $8.50 – $12.00 CAD. Sending an international postage (if you still prefer this type of communication with you love ones although there’s email and text messaging) costs $1.45 CAD.
Canada really is an amazing country to visit and if you do get the chance to live here you should take it. If you are looking to boost your career you can apply for internships in Canada, or there are lots of temporary, seasonal and professional jobs available to foreigners.