According to Market Basket Measure (MBM) data released by Statistics Canada in late November, Calgary (Alberta) stands out as the most expensive major city in Canada for basic needs, while Montreal (Quebec) holds the title for the lowest cost.
Statistics Canada states that MBM data comes from the expenses associated with a specific basket of goods and services. Representing a modest, basic standard of living for a reference family.
For the provinces of Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the MBM reference family comprises two adults with two children. In contrast, for Nunavut, the MBM reference family consists of two adults with three children.
It’s worth noting that the StatsCan data, based on 2022 figures, includes MBM data for regions within each province categorized by population thresholds such as “under 30,000” or “30,000 to 99,999.” However, this article will solely focus on major provincial cities explicitly named in the dataset.
Which Canadian Cities Have the Lowest Cost of Basic Needs?
According to this measure, the least expensive cities are:
- Montreal, Quebec: The total MBM threshold in this city is $46,027.
- Brandon, Manitoba: The total MBM threshold in this city is $46,779.
- Saint John, New Brunswick: The total MBM threshold in this city is $48,468.
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Which Canadian Cities Have the Highest Cost of Basic Needs?
According to this measure, the most expensive cities are:
- Calgary, Alberta: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,771.
- Vancouver, British Columbia: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,727.
- Toronto, Ontario: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,262.
Examining the Cost of Living in Canada
Another November 2023 report from rentals.ca indicates a correlation in the ranking of cities regarding the highest rental housing costs nationwide.
For many recent immigrants and newcomers in Canada, rental housing is a crucial factor. Making it a top priority for those settling in the country.
As per the Rent Report, Vancouver claims the title of Canada’s most expensive city for renting both one-bedroom ($2,872) and two-bedroom ($3,777) apartments.
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Toronto secures the position of Canada’s third most expensive city for property rentals. With an average cost of $2,607 for a one-bedroom and $3,424 for a two-bedroom.
Contrastingly, on the more affordable side, Winnipeg, located in the same province as Canada’s second-least expensive city for basic needs (Brandon, Manitoba), ranks among the top five cheapest cities to rent both one and two-bedroom apartments. According to the November Rent Report, the rent for a one-bedroom residence in Winnipeg was $1,282, while a two-bedroom was $1,692.
Exploring Other Major Cities Basic Needs Costs
The exploration of basic needs costs in various major cities across Canada continues. Focusing on one major city in each province and territory not previously discussed in this article.
- Iqaluit, Nunavut: $118,787
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: $66,991
- Whitehorse, Yukon: $59,124
- Halifax, Nova Scotia: $52,439
- Regina, Saskatchewan: $51,101
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: $51,033
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: $50,931
