While some places in Canada have a high cost of living, there are still great affordable places where young people can thrive. Whether you’re a student, starting your career, or just looking for a budget-friendly place, we’ll help you find the perfect city where you can thrive without emptying your wallet. Join us as we explore the most affordable cities in Canada for young people.
Quebec City
Quebec City boasts a high quality of life, thanks to its pristine air quality and overall healthy environment. Compared to many other Canadian cities, buying a home in Quebec City is more affordable. For young people, there are plenty of affordable living options, with an average cost of CAD 2,026.57 per month for a single person, including rent. In the city center, a 1-bedroom apartment typically rents for about CAD 690 monthly.
In Quebec City, you’ll find a diverse range of studio and apartment options at reasonable prices. Monthly utility costs, covering electricity, heating, and water, are also manageable, alleviating financial concerns and allowing you to fully enjoy life.
The city’s day-to-day expenses, including food and transportation, are also reasonable. Monthly food expenses are around CAD 693.91, aligning with costs in other parts of the country. Additionally, Quebec City’s public transportation system, with its efficient buses and trains in select areas, offers budget-friendly commuting options, facilitating easy exploration of the city.
Overall, Quebec City stands out as a top choice for those seeking a high quality of life on a budget. However, when planning a move, such as moving from Ontario to Quebec, it’s essential to find a moving company specializing in cross-province relocations. So, once you’ve found your ideal home in Quebec, be sure to start searching for movers experienced in such moves to ensure a seamless transition.
London
Many young people are moving from Toronto to London Ontario attracted by its affordability and high-quality lifestyle, making it an ideal place for starting anew. In the city center, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 2,358.00 per month. However, opting to live outside the city center can significantly reduce your rent to approximately CAD 1,875.62 for the same 1-bedroom apartment. Monthly utility costs for essentials like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq ft apartment typically total around CAD 198, though this can vary based on usage and accommodation specifics.
Maintaining a healthy diet is important, even on a tight budget. Fortunately, groceries in London are reasonably priced:
- Gallon of milk: CAD 9.76
- Loaf of bread: CAD 2.96
- Dozen eggs: CAD 4.43
Moreover, over-the-counter medicine is affordable, costing around CAD 10 for a week’s supply.
In terms of transportation, getting around London is cost-effective. A one-way local transport ticket is priced at around CAD 3.05, while a monthly pass is approximately CAD 105. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs roughly CAD 5.91 per gallon, offering another economical option for commuting.
Brampton
For those eyeing Brampton as their next destination, affordability plays a pivotal role in decision-making. Housing costs vary significantly depending on location. In the city center, a single-bedroom apartment rents for approximately CAD 2,201, while opting for an area outside the center can bring the rent down to about CAD 1,785. Those in need of more space may find a three-bedroom apartment in the city center for around CAD 3,125, with similar-sized apartments outside the center averaging CAD 2,850.
When it comes to monthly utilities, anticipate spending around CAD 330, covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a standard apartment. It’s crucial to factor this into your budget, particularly during colder months.
Grocery shopping and dining out also contribute to monthly expenses, with prices aligning with national averages. For example, expect to pay about CAD 10.63 for a gallon of milk and approximately CAD 2.55 for a loaf of bread. Dining at an affordable restaurant typically costs around CAD 20, providing convenience for those with hectic schedules.
However, transportation expenses in Brampton tend to be higher than the national average. Public transit, including a monthly pass, amounts to around CAD 141. For car owners, additional costs such as insurance and registration should be considered when calculating overall living expenses.
If you are planning a move to or within Brampton, it’s essential to consider the logistics of relocating, including the services of movers. Finding reliable movers in Brampton can simplify the transition, ensuring that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently to your new home. This service is an important aspect of the moving process, contributing to the overall effort and cost of establishing a new residence in Brampton.
Windsor
One of the main reasons why so many people are moving from Toronto to Windsor is the affordable housing. Here, spacious three-bedroom apartments in budget-friendly areas are available at an average cost of CAD 1,582, making it easier for individuals seeking roomier accommodations without the hefty price tags of larger cities.
Utility costs, covering electricity, heating, water, and garbage, typically range between CAD 181 and CAD 225 per month, offering some flexibility in managing monthly bills based on usage and bundled services.
Transportation expenses in Windsor average around CAD 270 per month for car-related costs, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance. For those looking to save on transportation, Transit Windsor provides an affordable solution with single rides priced at CAD 3.25 and monthly passes available for CAD 130, catering to both occasional and regular commuters. Additionally, alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles and rideshare services offer economical and flexible options, promoting sustainability.
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay offers an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for young people. Renting a furnished 900 sqft apartment averages around CAD 1,201 per month, while smaller options like a 480 sqft furnished studio in an upscale area average around CAD 1,117. Monthly utilities for a two-person household in an 85 m2 flat typically average around CAD 348. For those living alone in a studio or larger apartment, utility costs can range between CAD 100 to CAD 250.
One of the main draws of Thunder Bay is its healthcare system, with most medical services covered by Ontario’s healthcare plan. This significantly contributes to Thunder Bay’s reputation as one of the most affordable cities in Canada for young people.
The city’s job market is thriving, offering opportunities across various sectors. The average monthly net salary after tax is approximately CAD 3,566.67, providing ample coverage for a single person’s cost of living.
Transportation options include a one-way ticket for local transport priced at CAD 3.00 and a monthly pass for public transport at around CAD 82.00. For drivers, the average cost of gasoline is approximately CAD 5.78 per gallon.
In terms of entertainment, Thunder Bay doesn’t disappoint. A basic dinner out for two at a neighborhood pub averages around CAD 61, while cinema tickets for two costs about CAD 20. This ensures that residents can enjoy leisure activities without breaking the bank.
For those considering a move to Thunder Bay, reaching out to residential movers in the Toronto area can facilitate a seamless transition, ensuring a hassle-free relocation experience.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg, home to over 700k residents, is a city teeming with opportunities for young people. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around CAD 1,241.87, slightly increasing outside the centre to about CAD 1,418.99. Those in need of more space can find a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre for around CAD 1,994.44, with prices outside the centre averaging CAD 2,102.50. Monthly utilities for a standard apartment are estimated at CAD 190.83, with internet services averaging CAD 90.89.
Public transportation in Winnipeg is affordable, with a one-way ticket priced at CAD 3.15 and a monthly pass at CAD 108.00. For drivers, gasoline costs around CAD 5.85 per gallon.
When it comes to dining options, Winnipeg offers a range of choices. Dining out at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CAD 22.00, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages CAD 87.50. Grocery prices are reasonable, with staples like a gallon of milk priced at CAD 7.32, a dozen eggs for CAD 4.18, and a pound of local cheese costing about CAD 5.86.
Diverse job market and leisure activities
Winnipeg boasts a diverse job market, with opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. The average monthly net salary after tax is approximately CAD 3,307.62, providing comfortable coverage for living expenses.
Moreover, Winnipeg offers various leisure activities and cultural events, making it an attractive city for young people. Gym memberships average around CAD 50.85 per month, while a cinema ticket for a movie night with friends costs about CAD 15.00.
Hamilton
Hamilton offers a cost-effective living environment, making it an appealing choice for young people seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Its housing, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities combine to provide a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle.
When it comes to dining out, Hamilton offers options to suit every budget. Eating at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around CAD 20, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages approximately CAD 100. Grocery prices are also reasonable, with essentials like milk priced at about CAD 10.06 per gallon and bread around CAD 3.02 per loaf.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages CAD 1,948.33, with slightly lower rates outside the center at CAD 1,866.67. Monthly utilities for a standard apartment, covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around CAD 259.84.
Public transport is reasonably priced, with a monthly pass that costs about CAD 114.40. If you prefer driving, gasoline costs around CAD 5.66 per gallon.
Leisure and personal care
Leisure and personal care options cater to young residents’ preferences. Fitness club memberships average CAD 43.75 per month, while a standard men’s haircut can cost around CAD 29. Fun activities are plentiful and affordable, with a cinema ticket priced at about CAD 18 per person.
Saint John
Moving to Saint John with the assistance of interprovincial movers offers more than just a change of address—it’s a transition to a city with low costs and high quality of life. Boasting pleasant weather and charming neighborhoods, Saint John welcomes newcomers with friendly communities and scenic beauty, making it an attractive destination for young people seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The city’s affordability shines through its housing market, with the cost of living being 5% below the national average. Apartments in the city center are available for around CAD 1,200, reflecting the overall low cost of living. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average around CAD 166.67 per month, further contributing to the city’s affordability.
Food and transportation costs
Food and transportation costs in Saint John are also budget-friendly. Dining out offers a variety of options, with an inexpensive meal at a restaurant averaging CAD 32.50, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about CAD 95. Grocery prices are reasonable, with essentials like milk, bread, and eggs available at competitive prices.
In terms of transportation, a one-way local transport ticket costs around CAD 2.70, with a monthly pass available for CAD 81. These affordable options make commuting within the city and its surroundings manageable, even for daily commuters. Whether you’re moving from afar or within Canada, long distance movers from Toronto can ensure a safe and smooth relocation to Saint John.
Get ready for a fresh start in one of the most affordable cities in Canada for young people
As you can see, finding the most affordable cities in Canada for young people is not a hard task. This country truly has it all – welcoming communities, great prices, and an overall high quality of life. Choose the ideal city for you, contact Toronto movers, and you’re all set to begin your fresh, more budget-friendly lifestyle.
