Cheapest Place to Live in Canada: 2023 Comprehensive Guide

Cheapest Place to Live in Canada: 2023 Comprehensive Guide of Affordable Cities

Are you looking for an affordable place to live in Canada? Or are you a newcomer or immigrant looking for information on the cheapest place to live in Canada?

cheapest-place-to-live-in-canada

This article will provide you with information on the cheapest place to live in Canada. These towns and cities offer good value for your money.

From small towns to larger metropolitan areas, we have something for everyone. So whatever your budget is, there is sure to be a great place for you to call home in Canada.


29+ Cheapest Places to Live in Canada: Complete List of Cities with Lowest Cost of Living

  1. Lévis, Quebec
  2. Brockville, Ontario
  3. St Catharines, Ontario
  4. Longueuil, Quebec
  5. Prince George, British Columbia
  6. Weyburn, Saskatchewan
  7. Thunder Bay, Ontario
  8. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
  9. Moncton, New Brunswick
  10. Surrey, British Columbia
  11. Halifax, Nova Scotia
  12. Kelowna, British Columbia
  13. Edmonton, Alberta
  14. Kitchener, Ontario
  15. Montreal, Quebec
  16. Kingston, Ontario
  17. Niagara Falls, Ontario
  18. Nanaimo, British Columbia
  19. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
  20. London, Ontario
  21. Red Deer, Alberta
  22. Regina, Saskatchewan
  23. Sherwood Park, Alberta
  24. Saint John, New Brunswick
  25. Lethbridge, Alberta
  26. Winnipeg, Manitoba
  27. Laval, Quebec
  28. Windsor, Ontario
  29. Quebec City, Quebec
  30. Sherbrooke, Quebec

Keep reading to find out more!


Lévis, Quebec

First on the list of cheapest place to live in Canada is Levis.

It is a town in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Longueuil-Saint-Hubert borough of Quebec. Levis had a population of 10,703 as of the Canada 2011 Census.

The town has an area of 3.68 square kilometres and a population density of 11 people per square kilometre. The main economic activities are health care and manufacturing.

Brockville, Ontario

Brockville is a city in south-central Ontario, Canada. It is located at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 6, approximately 100 kilometres east of Toronto.

Brockville was founded by United Empire Loyalists in 1793 and named for Sir John Brock, 1st Baronet, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 1785 to 1794.

It has a population of approximately 22,000, and primary real estate here costs $294,524 on average. The housing market is diverse, with options ranging from condos to townhouses.

The city has excellent schools, outstanding restaurants, fantastic shopping opportunities, and beautiful hiking trails. Brockville’s economy is based on agriculture (mainly dairy products), processing and trade (especially with the US), health care services, tourism and manufacturing industries.

St Catharines, Ontario

If you’re looking for an affordable place to call home, St. Catharines is a great choice. With its low cost of living and convenient location, the city offers something for everyone.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, St. Catharines is home to some of the most affordable housing in the country. In addition, the city’s low cost of living makes it a great place to live on a budget.

Here are some of the reasons why St. Catharines is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada:

  • The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $750 per month, making it one of the most affordable cities in the country.
  • The average cost of living here is $1329
  • The cost of groceries and other basic necessities is also very low, making it easy to keep your expenses under control.
  • Public transportation is affordable and convenient, making it easy to get around the city without spending a lot of money.
  • The job market is strong, with a variety of jobs available in both the private and public sectors.
  • St. Catharines has its own attractions and year-round events

So if you’re looking for a place to live that won’t break the bank, St. Catharines is definitely worth considering.

Longueuil, Quebec

If you’re looking for a cheap place to live in Canada, Longueuil, Quebec, is a great option. The city is located on the south shore of Montreal. In the region, many individuals work for companies involved in aerospace or at John H. Chapman Space Centre.

Longueuil can be called a “commuter town” because a lot of its residents go to work in Montreal.

  • Longueuil has a population of over 230,000 people.
  • The median property price in Longueuil, Quebec, is $315,177.
  • Residents also have a median household income that is above the national average.
  • The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Longueuil is $550 per month.
  • The cost of living in Longueuil is 39% lower than the national average.

There are many reasons why Longueuil, Quebec, is one of the cheapest place to live in Canada.

For starters, the cost of living in Longueuil is relatively low when compared to other Canadian cities.

Additionally, the city has a strong economy, which helps to keep housing costs and other expenses down. There is a wide variety of affordable housing options in Longueuil, from apartments to townhouses to single-family homes.

Finally, Longueuil is a great place to live, with plenty of amenities, services and recreational opportunities available.

For example, Longueuil has a number of large shopping centres where residents can find everything they need, from groceries to clothes to electronics.

The city also has numerous parks, libraries, and recreational facilities, which are all free to use. And lastly, Longueuil’s public transit system is one of the most affordable in the country.

Prince George, British Columbia

Prince George is next on the list of cheapest places to live in Canada. It is Northern British Columbia’s largest city, with a population of about 74,000 people.

Forestry was formerly the major industry here, but nowadays, the service and education industries are among the most important employers in Prince George.

There is a huge cancer treatment facility, one of the most prevalent health problems in Canada. The average price of a primary property in Prince George is $289,507.

Prince George was first settled in 1858 by an American fur trader named Charles Morris and his group of Canadian Pacific Railway employees.

The original settlement was called Morrisburg after its founder, but it was renamed Prince George in 1860 in honour of the future king of England, who had recently ascended to the throne.

In 1870-71, during the Klondike Gold Rush, many prospectors moved into Prince George to take advantage of the rapidly growing mining industry.

Prince George is home to a number of important institutions, including the University of Northern British Columbia, which has a campus located in nearby Prince George City, and Queen Elizabeth II Regional Health Centre, one of Canada’s largest healthcare facilities.

Weyburn, Saskatchewan

Weyburn is a city with a population of nearly 11,000. The economy is based on grain as well as oil and gas, and the median real estate price is $302,000.

The city of Weyburn has consistently been recognized as one of the finest place to live in Canada, and one reason for this is Weyburn’s affordability.

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay is a city located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. It has a population of more than 100,000 and is home to Lakehead University and the famous company Resolute Forest.

The average cost of living here is $1281, and the average cost of 1 bedroom apartment is $505.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is a city in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. It is predominantly French-speaking and home to more than 92,000 people.

The average house price is $315,632. The city’s history stretches back to 1635, when it was founded by Jesuit missionaries as part of their efforts to convert New France to Christianity.

Saint-Jean has been home to many notable Canadians, including Sir John A Macdonald and Jean Drapeau. Saint-Jean is known for its agricultural products, such as maple syrup and ice cream.

In recent years, the city has undergone significant redevelopment, with new businesses and residential developments being established. Saint-Jean is served by the Université de Sherbrooke and the Université du Québec à Montréal

The city is home to several cultural institutions, including the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel and La Maisonnette.

There are a number of parks and recreational areas in the city, including Parc Jean Drapeau, Parc des Sources et Lac Des Deux-Montagnes, Parc André Morin et Jean Drapeau Park and Épicerie Fineurs de Beauport.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton is a bilingual city consisting of French and English as its major languages. Moncton sits between national parks and breaches.

The average cost of living in Moncton is $1,194, and the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $469.

Surrey, British Columbia

Surrey is the second most populated city in BC, with a population of about 588,490. Surrey is an urban area with a mix of agriculture and rural area.

The majority of the population is made up of minority ethnic groups, with South Asians taking the largest section. Employment drivers include advanced manufacturing, supply chain, clean energy, and healthcare.

  • The Cost of living for a single person is $1,148.89, not including rent.
  • Annual median income is $77,494

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia and has a population of about 431,479 people. The city’s majority is made up of natives.

The city acts as a major economic centre in eastern Canada and has a generous allocation of both government services and private businesses.

Major industries in the city include agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna is a city in south-central British Columbia. It has a population of 217,214 and is rapidly growing.

The service industry is the largest employer in Kelowna.

Tourism plays an important role in the city’s economy, with recreational activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding attracting visitors during the summer and winter seasons.

The cost of living is cheaper than in larger cities in Canada, although crime rates are high relative to other Canadian cities.

Edmonton, Alberta

best places to live in alberta edmonton

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and the 5th largest urban area in Canada and the 2nd largest in Alberta.

  • Average Monthly Cost of Single Person: $1,194.
  • Average Monthly Cost of 1-bedroom in City Centre: $1,183
  • Cost of Living Family of four: $4,191
  • Cost of Living Single Person: $1,183

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, and it is an affordable place to live in Canada.

The average monthly rent is only $1,100, and the cost of living, in general, is much lower than in other provinces. This makes Montreal a great place to call home for families and individuals alike.

In addition to its low cost of living, Montreal offers many other benefits. For example, the healthcare system is top-notch, and the city has some of the best schools in Canada.

There are also plenty of job opportunities available in Montreal, making it an attractive destination for those looking to start their career or move to a new city.

If you’re looking for an affordable city with a high quality of life, Montreal is definitely worth considering!

Kingston, Ontario

Kingston is one of the cheapest cities to live in Canada. Climate is cool in the winter, and Kingston comes alive during the summer.

Previously, the average house price was $463,993. Currently, Kingston has a very low vacancy rate because a lot of people from Toronto are moving there. This has driven up the price of rent for single-dwellings to over $2,000, and anything with an extra room has gone up even more.

Also, the typical semi-detached property is advertised for more than $500,000, with them selling for $100,000-$150,000 over the asking price on a regular basis.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is a cheap city to live in relative to other Canadian cities.

The city’s economy is largely based on tourism and the service industries. The average cost of living here is $1,483 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Nanaimo, British Columbia

best places to live in bc nanaimo

Nanaimo is a city in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is located on Vancouver Island east-southeast of the City of Vancouver and west-northwest of the City of Victoria.

The city is well known for its coal-fired economy, which was augmented by forestry in the 60s. However, Nanaimo’s economy has diversified in recent years and now includes the technology, education, and tourism sectors.

The most prominent employer is the provincial government, which employs a significant number of people in the area. Other major employers include health care, education, and retail trade.

In fact, Nanaimo is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada when you take monthly rent into account. It’s also a beautiful city with plenty to do, making it an ideal place to call home.

Nanaimo is home to the main campus of Vancouver Island University. It’s also home to the Bastion, a National Historic Site that was built in 1853.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Next on the list of cheapest places to live in Canada is Saskatoon, the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan, with a population of about 330,674 people.

The city is located on the South Saskatchewan River and has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, mining, energy production, and government services.

London, Ontario

London, Ontario, is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. London is the 11th largest urban area in Canada, with a population of 383,822.

It is located halfway between Toronto and Detroit and has an hour’s drive to each. The city is the regional centre of healthcare and education for the area.

The average price for a primary residence in London is $450,140. The city has a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, and technology.

Additionally, the cost of living is low when compared to other major Canadian cities.

Red Deer, Alberta

red deer alberta.

Red Deer is the third most populous city in Alberta, Canada. It has a population of 107,646 and is situated near the Red Deer River.

The cost of living for a single person without rent comes out to $1,166, and the average home costs are $369,000, with an annual median income of $95,630.

The city has a population of over 100,000 and continues to grow. It offers plenty of amenities and attractions for its residents while maintaining a small-town feel.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and its largest city, located in the center of the province. The city has a population of over 215,106 people and is home to a variety of businesses and attractions.

The economy of Regina is based largely on Potash production, oil production, and natural gas extraction. As a result, most of the jobs in Regina are in those industries.

Though Regina may not be the first destination that comes to mind for tourism, it still has a lot to offer visitors. There are various parks and attractions available, such as the Wascana Centre, which is home to a lake, gardens, and walking paths.

Sherwood Park, Alberta

Sherwood Park is located just east of Edmonton, and it’s often referred to as the bedroom community of Edmonton.

It’s important to note that while the cost of living is slightly higher than in other places in Canada, the salaries are also much higher. The unemployment rate is lower, and the crime rate is significantly lower. If you’re looking for a safe and affordable place to live, Sherwood Park is a great option.

  • The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment falls at $600/month, while the cost of living is just around $14,000/year.
  • The unemployment rate in Sherwood Park stands at 6.5%, while the median household income is estimated at $107,000/year.
  • The crime rate is also quite low in Sherwood Park, with just 116 incidents per 100,000 people.

Sherwood Park is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada because of the many benefits that it offers its residents. These benefits include a variety of recreational activities, affordable housing, and a low crime rate.

The recreational opportunities in Sherwood Park are endless. There are numerous parks, trails, and playgrounds for residents to enjoy. In addition, there are several recreation centres that offer a variety of programming for all ages. The facilities include an arena, a pool, a waterpark, and several fitness centres.

Housing is also very affordable in Sherwood Park. The average price for a detached home is around $375,000. This is much cheaper than the average price of a home in Edmonton, which is around $480,000.

Finally, the crime rate in Sherwood Park is very low. There were only 179 reported crimes per 100,000 people in 2016. This is much lower than the crime rate in Edmonton, which was reported as being 808 per 100,000 people in 2016.

Sherwood Park is a great place to live for families, singles, and retirees. It offers something for everyone. And, best of all, it is one of the cheapest place to live in Canada.

Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is the second-most populous city in the province of New Brunswick, with a population of 130,000. However, job prospects are not high in Saint John due to the declining economy and lack of industry.

Saint John, New Brunswick, is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada. The average house price is lower than in Alberta and Calgary, but the average income is higher.

This makes it a desirable place to live for those who want to be close to nature and have a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Kitchener, Ontario

cheapest place to live in Canada

Next on the list of cheapest places to live in Canada is Kitchener, Ontario. It is a city located in Ontario.

Kitchener’s economy is driven mostly by manufacturing. Major employers include Research In Motion (Blackberry Limited – the software company that developed the BlackBerry smartphone), Toyota Manufacturing, Manulife, and Sunlife Financial.

The average cost of living in Kitchener is $1,348 a month.

Kitchener-Waterloo is smaller than London, Ontario, but less expensive to live in.

Lethbridge, Alberta

Lethbridge is the transportation, industrial, and financial leader of Southern Alberta.

It has a diversified economy with a strong manufacturing base. The city is home to several large companies in these industries, including TransAlta Corporation, Suncor Energy Inc., Gossner Foods LP, and Shaw Communications Inc.

Lethbridge is one of the cheapest places to live in Canada.

It has very cold winters and hot summers in a dry climate. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $600/month.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba in Canada. With a population of over 800,000, it is the eighth-most populous municipality in the country.

Winnipeg is known for its cold winters and for being the birthplace of Louis Riel, one of the key figures in Canadian history.

Winnipeg is truly one of the cheapest places to live in Canada. It is known for its diverse culture, and the economy is driven by the manufacturing, trade, healthcare, and educational sectors.

The cost of living in Winnipeg is low, making it a great place to live on a budget.

If you’re looking for a place to live on a budget, Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of the cheapest place in Canada. The average monthly cost of living is $1425, and the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $608.

Laval, Quebec

Laval is a city in eastern Quebec, Canada. It is the most populous suburb of Montreal and the sixth-most populous municipality in Quebec after Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Lévis, and Longueuil.

The population of Laval was 157,599 as of the 2011 census.

Laval, Quebec, is close to Montreal and has many of the same amenities but at a fraction of the cost.

In Laval, Quebec, the average monthly cost of living without rent is $988. This breaks down to $8 for a meal at a restaurant, $3 for a litre of gasoline, and $1.50 for a movie ticket. While these prices are affordable, keep in mind that the cost of rent is not included in this calculation.

Laval is home to two major universities: Université de Montréal and Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal. The Université de Montréal is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, while the Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal is one of Canada’s leading engineering schools.

Windsor, Ontario

Windsor, Ontario, is the southernmost city in Canada and has a population of 217,188. It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Canada.

It is situated on the southern shore of the Detroit River, directly across from Detroit, Michigan (USA), and it is a major contributor to the Canadian economy and is home to many businesses and industries.

Windsor is known as the automotive capital of Canada. It’s home to FCA Canada (formerly Chrysler) and two Ford company engine plants. And what’s more, it’s only minutes away from Detroit, Michigan (USA) – another automotive city.

In addition, Windsor boasts a low cost of living and plenty of job opportunities in the automotive industry.

The other major sectors in Windsor are tourism, education, and government services. Windsor also has one of the largest distilleries in North America (JP Wiser) and about 180 parks.

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is the capital city of Quebec, located in eastern Canada. It is one of the safest cities in Canada and a popular tourist destination.

It is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America and is also very affordable, making it a popular destination for families or individuals looking to escape the big city rush.

The city has a population of about 531,902 and employs sectors such as defence, services, public administration, and tourism.

Quebec City is a great place to live on a budget. The monthly costs for a 1-bedroom apartment range from $775 to $1,022. Additionally, the city has a rich culture and history that make it an attractive place to call home.

Quebec City is the most affordable city to live in Canada for a single person, and it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

Sherbrooke, Quebec

Last but not least of the cheapest place to live in Canada is Sherbrooke, Quebec. It is a city located in the Montérégie region of Quebec.

It is the fourth-largest urban area in Quebec and the 22nd largest urban area in Canada. It is roughly two hours drive east of Montreal and two and a half hours south of Quebec City.

Sherbrooke, Quebec, is a great place to immigrate to Canada for french speakers because it has a low cost of living, plenty of job opportunities, and excellent public schools.

It’s also close to Montreal, which means you’ll have access to all the cultural attractions that the city has to offer.

Sherbrooke, Quebec, is a great place to learn French and find employment. The city has many universities which offer French courses, and there are many job opportunities available in the region.

With a population of approximately 165,000, it is home to several universities, such as Université de Sherbrooke, École Nationale d’Ingénieurs du Québec (ENIQUES), Université Laval and HEC Montréal.

It is also known for its cultural and economic activity.

  • The Cost of Living Family of 4 is $29,715.
  • The Cost of Living Single Person is $19,445.
  • The Average Annual Income in Sherbrooke is $41,060.

Cheapest Place to Live in the World

  1. Vietnam
  2. Costa Rica
  3. Bulgaria
  4. Mexico
  5. South Africa
  6. China
  7. South Korea
  8. Thailand
  9. Peru
  10. Poland

FAQS: Canadian Cities that are Cheap to Live in and Offer a High Quality of Life

Which City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Canada?

Southern Quebec’s Sherbrooke is the most affordable city to live in, and it is part of the province. It is 20.81% cheaper to reside here than in Toronto. On average, rents are 68.36% lower than in Toronto, according to Numbeo.

Is Canada Cheaper than US?

Overall, Canada is less costly than the United States, but the US has a higher median salary. Living expenses differ significantly throughout cities, making a direct cost-of-living comparison difficult. When comparing living costs, it’s vital to consider hidden expenditures and savings from public services and amenities.

Will Canada Pay You to Move There?

Canada will pay you to reside there for ten years while filing taxes. The only condition is that you must have graduated from an institution on their list of acceptable schools.

Do I Own the Land under My House in Canada?

In Canada, because English common law is mostly used, the actual possessors of the property have land tenure (permission to keep land from the Crown) rather than absolute ownership. The Indigenous people of Canada granted the Crown permission to retain territory by treaty.

Where Is the Warmest Place in Canada Year-Round?

Victoria, British Columbia, is the country’s warmest city. Victoria – the province of British Columbia’s capital – holds the distinction of being Canada’s warmest city.

Can Americans Buy Property in Canada?

Residents of the United States can buy real estate in Canada without becoming a resident of Canada. However, they must report income or sales proceeds to both countries’ tax authorities. Canadian banks provide mortgages and home equity loans with comparable terms to those offered in the United States.


Conclusion: Cheapest Places to Live in Canada

While there are many factors to consider when choosing a place to live, the cost of living is an important consideration for many people.

The cities on this list offer residents a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to other Canadian cities.

If you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in Canada, consider one of these affordable options.

Of course, your own personal budget and needs will dictate which of these locations is right for you, but we hope this guide has given you a good starting point.


AUTHOR

founder-canadawiz

Charee Oisamoje is the founder of CanadaWiz. She leads the editorial team, which is comprised of subject matter experts that aim to create well-researched, highly detailed content related to studying, working, immigrating, and settling/living in Canada as a newcomer.

Charee's personal experiences as a Canadian immigrant and her professional competencies make her uniquely qualified on the subject matter.

With extensive educational credentials, she is an expert at collecting details, verifying facts, and making complex subjects easy to understand. ✔️MBA in Finance ✔️MScIB ✔️CCEA (#CCG 271) ✔️CPA Candidate ✔️CIP ✔️BSc Accounting

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