What is the cheapest place to live in Canada in 2021? Well, there are many cities to choose from. This is a dream country for a lot of people, but it is often featured among the most expensive countries in the world. However, if you try to find some more affordable places, life can be great at a reasonable cost.
The country comprises ten provinces and three regions that are federally administered. The north areas are specific cases, and they do not reflect the mainstream standard of life here. That is because just around 3,000 Canadians are living there. But the one thing that is the same everywhere in the country is – free healthcare and free public schools. Overall, international moving to Canada, one of the friendliest countries in the world, could be more affordable than relocating to New York, Washington, or Los Angeles.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Canada?
In order to be financially secure when moving internationally to Canada, how much money do you need to make? The correct figure is $250,000 per year, according to Canadians. However, that is not really the case, as most people will get about $50,000, which is enough for a decent life. Depending on where you live, a wage between $40,000 and $60,000 per year is enough for a comfortable lifestyle. Based on where you decide to settle down, you should expect to earn this much:
- Alberta $60,000,
- Ontario $52,000,
- Saskatchewan $52,700,
- Quebec $47,300,
- British Columbia $49,000,
- Manitoba $47,500,
- Prince Edward Island $42,300,
- New Brunswick $46,600.
What Is Free in Canada?
International moving to the Great White North may be expensive in general, but what is definitely a plus are some free things that are available to its residents. Some of them are free health care and free public schools.
Free Healthcare
The free healthcare system is one of Canada’s major highlights since it ensures you don’t have to pay any direct charge for physicians’ appointments or to get to the emergency room. As in most nations with this form of healthcare, it is financed by taxpayers. While taxation may sound very high for immigrants, most people believe that paying for the nearly unlimited healthcare system is worth it.
Free Public Schools
Canadian residents enjoy a free public education system for children up to the age of 18. Prices for higher education are lower in CA when compared to universities in the US, but they are far less affordable than European universities, mostly government-subsidized. Look at the video below for all you need to know about public schools in this country.
Which Is Cheapest City in Canada?
Where is the cheapest place to live in Canada? Get out of Vancouver neighborhoods and Toronto neighborhoods, and you will find that in areas like Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, the cost of living is more affordable. Most of these communities are within driving distance of the major cities. Bigger cities are more costly, as well as places in the Prairie Provinces. Look at smaller areas, especially in Quebec and Ontario, if you want to find a cheaper place to live in. If you are a student with a limited budget, these areas are manageable. The only downside is a somewhat colder climate.
What Province in Canada Has the Lowest Cost of Living?
In terms of population, demographics, culture, and economy, ten provinces have significant disparities. This is a geographically large country, and it is very difficult to administer and sustain the same lifestyle in such a diverse country. There is a sizable economic difference between certain parts of the country, so it is challenging to tell what the average wage is and whether it offers a decent life. Let’s take a look at the cheapest cities to live in Canada divided by provinces.
Ontario – Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins
Although this province is home to some of Canada’s most expensive cities, there you can also find the cheapest place in Canada to live in, like Sault Ste. Marie. Come to one of the best places to live abroad, where all industries have a substantial number of workers, and where you can find rent for around $1,000 a month. Timmins is also one of the most affordable towns to settle in, as well as a perfect place if you love nature, so you should consider it if you are planning on moving to Ontario.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
In Sault Ste. Marie, a positive work-life balance is more than possible. You can receive high-quality education here, appreciate stunning and inspirational scenery, and learn why winter sports are an essential part of the lifestyle. It’s the third-largest place in Northern Ontario, with a population of over 73,000 residents. The sectors that offer employment for the residents of the region are steel, green energy, and tourism.
Timmins
If you are looking for jobs in Canada, most job offers here are related to mining or lumber, retail, engineering, but the IT industry is growing every year, which also attracts younger people. Timmins is a place for nature lovers who still want to be in an urban town. You can rent an apartment here for around $700 a month, and you can have beautiful nature right in your backyard. About 42,000 people live in this place, and the average cost of primary real estate is $211,000.
Alberta – Wetaskiwin
Located about 43 miles south of Edmonton, Wetaskiwin is a place with about 12,600 residents. Initially a railway siding town, Wetaskiwin’s local economy is now primarily based on oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism. In Western Canada, this place is famous for the slogan and jingle from the Auto Dealers Association, “Cars cost less in Wetaskiwin“. Since the middle of the 1970s, the commercials have appeared in the newspaper, radio, and television advertising. With an estimated price of $258,000, houses here are much cheaper than anywhere in Alberta.
New Brunswick – Saint John
Saint John is the next best city for singles after Regina. Located in the south-central region of the province, at the mouth of the Saint John River, near the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, the city is separated by the south-flowing river, and the east side is bordered on the north by the Kennebecasis River, where at Grand Bay it joins the Saint John River. With very low-priced homes accessible at the median price of $180,500 and with a high average income of $42,900, heading out to New Brunswick will be great for those who are uncoupled.
Manitoba – Winnipeg
This place was named after Lake Winnipeg, whose name stems from the words for muddy water from the Western Cree. Even before the arrival of Europeans, the area was a trade center for indigenous people. Winnipeg is an economic base and regional center. It has one of the most diversified economies in the country, with substantial jobs in the sectors of commerce, manufacturing, education, and health care and social assistance.
Compared to the cost of living in Canada, Manitoba has a relatively low cost of living. Not only is Winnipeg, the third cheapest city in Canada to live in, but it is also less expensive than 80 percent of all cities in North America. Winnipeg is among the most affordable places if you want to buy a house, and it has remained one of the country’s cheapest housing markets, amid the 1.5 percent rise in house prices last year.
Saskatchewan – Weyburn and Regina
In 2017, Weyburn was ranked in the top five best places to live in Canada, and in two following years, it took the first place as the best prairie city to live in. And above that, it is still close to the cheapest city to live in Canada. On the other hand, if you are among singles, maybe you should consider Regina.
Is It Worth Relocating to Weyburn?
While much of the economy is powered by oil, other enterprises, and job opportunities are booming. Besides, housing costs are low, and it is easy to find new houses at an affordable cost. Weyburn is also one of the warmest places in Saskatchewan all year long, unlike other areas in the country. Weyburn is located about 68 miles southeast of Regina and 43 miles north of the US border. It’s Saskatchewan’s tenth largest city, with a population of almost 11,000. These days, oil, grain, and gas are the backbone of the local economy. The median house price is about $302,000 in Weyburn.
Regina
The results show Regina is the most affordable place for singles. This Saskatchewan community achieves the perfect balance for singles with an average house price well below the national average at $285,000 and a median income for individuals twice the national average at $58,800.
Québec – Sept-Îles and Rimouski
Sept-Îles and Rimouski are some of the most affordable cities in the province. Check out these places with beautiful nature that will amaze you while being gentle on your wallet.
Sept-Îles, Canada Is Possibly the Cheapest When We Estimate All the Costs
Sept-Îles is a vast city with a population of 28,500, situated in Quebec’s Côte-Nord region on the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The local economy is mainly based on aluminum and iron, but Sept-Îles still has several service sector employment as a major cruise port. French speakers are the vast majority of the residents. The median house price is $205,000, so it’s considered one of the cheapest places to live in Canada.
You Don’t Need a Detailed Budget to Move Rimouski, Quebec
Rimouski people believe to be the happiest individuals in the province, so this could easily be one of the best places to live abroad with family. This may be due to the city’s location and the world’s largest estuary, which provides an excellent natural ecosystem that can be enjoyed by hikers, kayakers, and marine scientists. With a monthly rent of about $800, this certainly makes Rimouski close to the most affordable places to live in Canada. There are almost 47,000 residents, and the average price of a house is $228,000.
What Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Canada?
We hope we helped you find an answer to questions such as, are there cheap places to live in Canada or what are the most affordable cities in Canada. But you’ll have to figure out for yourself which city is best in Canada for living in 2021. If you are planning on living overseas in one of the best countries to live in, your choice of the place will depend on what you are looking for. Each one of these affordable places can be a perfect home for someone based on their preferences.
In any case, you won’t regret deciding on moving overseas to one of the friendliest countries in the world. If you are moving across the world, you should consider hiring a reputable international moving company to help you relocate. Professional overseas moving companies include services such as packing services or overseas vehicle shipping. They can do everything for you and reduce your moving stress while figuring out how to live in another country and dealing with breaking the language barrier when learning a language abroad.
