Blog 2 - The Cost of Living in Canada

The map of Canada

I've been living in Canada for over 15 years now and haven't gone back home since then. I can say that I can give you an idea of the cost of living here in Canada in case you're planning to move here.

First of all, you need to know how much is the minimum wage in Canada. Every province has its own minimum wage and here in Manitoba where I live (one of the provinces of Canada), is almost $12 per hour. Basically, this will give you a monthly net income of $1,400 to $1,500 per month. The deductions in your paystub will be roughly 30%. This will typically consist of employment insurance, taxes, pension and health insurance premium (if any) just to name a few.

Isn't health care in Canada is free? The answer to that is yes and no. Health care is not really free because you pay it somehow through your taxes. You don't need to worry about the doctor and hospital bills. But for your medications, dentists, vision health, these are not covered by health care. If you have health insurance, these expenses are typically covered.

Secondly, the typical apartment rent in Winnipeg (the capital of Manitoba) is around $800 to 1,400 and higher per month. Sometimes, rents include water and electricity but if not this will cost you $100 per month. You also need to pay extra for parking which can range from $50 to $100. This will depend on the location of your apartment. If it's in the downtown area, parking can be expensive.

Thirdly, is the food or groceries. For a family of 3, this can range from $500 and above per month.

Fourthly is the vehicle. If you'll get a new car, this will cost you $300 and above per month, plus insurance which is $150 per month and gas is another $150 per month. Also, it's a good practice to set aside at least 3% of your income for maintenance.

These expenses that I have mentioned will depend on where you live in Canada. Every province and territory in Canada has its own cost of living and minimum wage. Vancouver is notoriously known for the most expensive place in Canada especially the price of real estate there.

Of course, if you're planning to buy a house, that'll be a different story which I will try to explain in my next blog.

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