Affordable living has always been a challenge, but it seems to be getting harder and harder to find. In major metropolitan areas, living costs have skyrocketed in recent years while wages remain stagnant.
This has caused many people to struggle, especially those already living paycheck-to-paycheck. But what if there were some affordable cities in Canada that you could move to?
According to a recent study by Numbeo, there are, in fact, several affordable cities in Canada. The study examined data from over 27 Canadian municipalities and ranked them based on affordability.
The Most Affordable Cities In Canada 2023
10. Saskatoon
Saskatoon is one of the most affordable cities in Canada. The cost of living index for Saskatoon is 64.40, making it the 10th most affordable city in Canada.
Saskatoon has a well-rounded economy with a strong focus on technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Saskatoon is also home to the University of Saskatchewan, which helps to fuel the city’s economy.
9. Brampton
Brampton was recently ranked as the 9th most affordable city to live in in Canada. This is based on the cost of living index, which measures the affordability of goods and services in a particular city. The index considers housing, transportation, food, utility costs and other incidentals.
Brampton’s cost of living index is 66.74, making it one of the most affordable cities in Canada. Housing is also incredibly cheap, with an average rent price of just $832 per month. This compares to Toronto’s average rent price of $1,304 per month.
Despite being more affordable than many other Canadian cities, Brampton still offers many amenities and attractions. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and cultural venues to enjoy, and the city is also home to several major employers.
8. Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, has the 8th lowest cost of living index in all of Canada at 66.59, just behind Windsor, Ontario. Despite being a smaller city, Kingston is home to several universities and colleges, which helps to drive down the cost of living.
Additionally, Kingston’s growing tech sector offers a wealth of job opportunities. The city also enjoys a low crime rate and ample green space, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals.
7. Surrey
Surrey was found to have the most affordable cost of living in Canada. With an index of 66.52, Surrey is well below the national average of 80.48. The study looked at housing, food, transportation, and utility costs.
Surrey’s low cost of living is attributed to several factors, including its proximity to Vancouver and the lower cost of housing compared to other major metropolitan areas.
In addition, Surrey has a diverse economy with a strong focus on manufacturing and technology businesses. This helps to keep food and transportation costs low while also providing employment opportunities for residents.
Although Surrey is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour Vancouver, it is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.
6. Burnaby
According to the latest Cost of Living Index from Numbeo, Burnaby is the most affordable city in Canada. The index measures expatriates’ comparative cost of living in over 450 cities worldwide.
The ranking is based on the cost of more than 200 items, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. For example, the average cost of an apartment in Burnaby is $1,266 per month, compared to the Canadian average of $1,538.
Housing is 37% cheaper in Burnaby than in Toronto, and transportation is 55% cheaper. Groceries are 14% more affordable, and restaurants are 20% cheaper than in Toronto. While Burnaby offers excellent value for money, it’s important to note that the cost of living can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle choices.
5. Kelowna
Kelowna is the most affordable city in Canada, with a cost of living index of 65.90, according to a study by The Numbeo. Kelowna was named the most affordable city in Canada, with a cost of the live index of 65.90.
CREA predicts that Windsor will be the most affordable city in Canada by 2022, with a cost of living index of 66.30. Kelowna is the 5th most affordable city.
4. Quebec City
Quebec City is the most affordable city to live in in Canada. The cost of living index is 64.64. This is mainly because the city has a low cost of housing.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $585 per month. Utilities are also relatively cheap, with an average monthly bill of $85. Food prices are also low, with the average grocery bill at just $75 per week.
3. Windsor
Windsor placed 3rd on the list of most affordable cities in Canada, with a cost of living index of 64.63. While it may not be the most affordable city in Canada, it is still considerably less expensive than other major metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Vancouver.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Windsor is $650, while the average price for a gallon of gasoline is just over $3.00.
The low cost of living in Windsor is due, in part, to the city’s robust manufacturing sector. Windsor has long been known as “The Auto Capital of Canada” due to several major automotive plants in the area. These plants have helped to keep unemployment rates low and wages relatively high.
2. Red Deer
According to the latest cost of living index released by Numbeo, Red Deer, Alberta, will be the most affordable city in Canada in 2022. The study found that the average family can expect to spend $63,600 a year on basic expenses in Red Deer,
While families in Toronto would need an annual income of $168,200 to cover the exact costs, the study found that the most affordable city in Canada was Red Deer, Alberta. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is only $650 per month.
1. Regina
Regina has been crowned the most affordable city in Canada for 2022. Regina’s cost of living index is 64.40, which is lower than all other Canadian cities. Regina’s low cost of living is due to its low housing and average consumer prices.
The average price of a house in Regina is $284,000, while the average consumer price is $362. Regina also has a low unemployment rate of 4.8%, which helps keep the cost of living down.
The Most Affordable Cities In Canada 2022
- Saskatoon
- Brampton
- Kingston
- Surrey
- Burnaby
- Kelowna
- Quebec City
- Windsor
- Red Deer
- Regina
