While picking a place to live, you must consider several factors, including the cost of living that you will have to bear. Canada offers various cities at affordable prices, each with its beauty and warmth.

It’s important to note that the affordability of a city or place depends on the individual lifestyle and needs. Many factors, such as employment opportunities, transportation costs and personal preferences, should be considered while selecting a place to live. So it is essential to do thorough research and evaluate one’s circumstances before choosing a city to live in Canada.

1. 10 Cheap Places to Live in Canada

1.1 Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke, located in the province of Quebec, is often considered a more affordable place to live in Canada for several reasons. One key factor is the cost of housing.

Compared to major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Sherbrooke offers more affordable housing options, including lower home prices and rental rates. This is particularly attractive for individuals and families looking to stretch their budget without compromising on living conditions.

Additionally, Sherbrooke’s size and population density play a role in its affordability. As a smaller city, it tends to have lower demand for specific services and goods, which can help keep prices in check. The local economy, while diverse, may not face the same level of competition and inflationary pressures as larger urban centres.

1.2 Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is the capital city of the French-dominated province of Quebec. It also falls on the list of one of Canada’s cheapest places to live. Quebec City has a population of about 549k, which makes it the 10th largest city in Canada.

According to livingcost.org, on average, a single person’s living cost in Quebec can go up to $1330, including rent. However, excluding rent, it is around $722 per person. So, you need around $607 to cover the cost of rent and utility. The average cost of living for a family of four is around $2237, excluding rent.

The median after-tax salary is $2826. It secured rank 141 in the list of best places to live in the world and 17th in the list of best cities to live in Canada.

1.2.1 Why Live in Quebec?

Apart from being one of the most preferred places to live in Canada, it also offers a lot of cultures to experience. Quebec is one of the oldest European former colonies, with a rich history and culture.

It won’t be wrong to call it a cultural hub of Canada as it has a lot more in the store and a historical touch that you won’t find in the rest of Canada. 

Quebec is popular for celebrating festivals throughout the year,  especially in winter and summer, when the city’s calendar is packed with festivity.

Another important thing to note is that if you are already acquainted with the French language, you will have the upper hand if you wish to move here. Even if you do not know the language living in the countryside or less touristy places might be difficult, but it should be fine for you, and you can overlook this as the pros of living here outnumber the cons.

1.3 Montreal, Quebec

Situated in the east of Canada, with an estimated population of 1.76 million, Montreal is the second largest city in Canada.

Montreal is one of the most famous and prominent places in Canada. But what is surprising is that it is counted as one of Canada’s cheapest cities despite being amongst Canada’s biggest cities.

According to livingcost.org, on average, the cost of living in Montreal for a single person goes around $1,688, including rent. However, excluding rent, it is around $844 per person, so you need somewhere around $843 to cover the rent and utility expenses.

The average cost of living for a family of four is around $2577, excluding rent.

Not only is Montreal, Canada’s most popular and most visited destination, but it is also the cheapest as compared to the other big cities in the country. The average cost of living in Montreal is $1688.

The median after-tax salary is $2858, ranks 27th in the list of best places to live in the world, and is ranked as the 2nd best city to live in Canada’.

1.3.1 Why Live in Montreal?

Being a part of the Quebec province, The city is also another center of French culture in Canada, providing an insight into Quebec’s diverse and rich culture. One of its main attractions includes the tradition of rich and flavourful cuisine and is home to a plethora of restaurants and cafes that serve some of the best food you can find in Canada.

The city offers one of the best street foods and is known for its exquisite fine dining. If you are a foodie, then it’s like hitting the jackpot, as this place is no less than a paradise for food lovers. 

Montreal checks all the boxes for a fun city that offers an excellent street night, including a wide range of clubs, bars, and music venues.

Montreal is essentially an industrial city and serves as the entertainment center for all entertainment-related activities. The University of Montreal, regarded as the fifth best, is also situated here.  It is also home to the corporate headquarters of some of the top banks.

1.4 Hamilton, Ontario

You should consider moving to Hamilton if you live in Toronto or somewhere near.

The reason is that Toronto and Hamilton are at a distance of just 70 km with good connectivity, which makes it easier for you to travel back and forth, and you can easily rent a house in Hamilton and live. You can get the best of both worlds here.

The average cost of living in Hamilton, excluding rent, is $2,014 for a single person. With rent included, it is around $1,400 extra, which adds up to a total of $3,414. Rental prices are approximately 25% lower in Hamilton than in Toronto. Thus, Hamilton might be a better option if you prefer to live in a relatively smaller city.

1.4.1 Why Live in Hamilton?

Different from its counterparts, Hamilton is not really an industrial city, nor is it well known for the excitement that it has to offer.

Still, it is gradually developing at a considerably fast pace and, at present, is facilitating a large number of commuters who have their office in Toronto along with students.

Hamilton also offers easy access if you wish to plan a trip to the very famous Niagra Falls on the u.s border, as it is situated near the lakeside. You can have many memorable trips here with your family or friends.

1.5 Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta provides plenty of employment opportunities that help you make a handsome salary, as there are plenty of job opportunities in its regional finance center and oil and gas industry.

It also offers a lot of cultural activities and heritage festivals and serves as an entertainment hub. According to numbeo, the cost of living in Edmonton is 3% lower than in Toronto, and rent places are also low at 47.5%.

According to livingcost.org, on average, the cost of living in Edmonton for a single person goes around $1660, including rent. However, excluding rent, it is around $806 per person. So, you need around $855 to cover all your expenses, including rent and utility costs.

The average cost of living for a family of four is between $2455, excluding rent. The median after-tax salary is $3096.

Edmonton offers better rental rates than most places in Canada and is known to have a young population, making it a better option for young people.

1.5.1 Why Live in Edmonton?

Edmonton is famous for its cultural festivals, such as the Edmonton International fringe festival. The Edmonton international film festival is an 11-day event where local, national, and international artists showcase their talents. It is the oldest fringe festival in the continent of North America. 

Edmonton is also famous for its renowned education system, green cover, and easy access to the world-famous rocky mountains.

1.6 Lethbridge, Alberta

Lethbridge is one of the cheapest cities to live in Alberta. Lethbridge has a population of approximately 984k and is the 53rd largest city in Canada.

Some sources of employment here include industries, finance sectors, and agriculture.

According to livingcost.org, on average, the cost of living in Lethbridge for a single person is around $1619, including rent. It is around$775 per person, excluding rent, so you need somewhere around $844 to cover the rent and utility expenses. The average cost of living for a family of four is between $2,455, excluding rent.

The median after-tax salary is $2734. As of June 2023, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lethbridge, Alberta, is $1,155.

1.6.1 Why Live in Lethbridge?

The lower rent and housing prices in Lethbridge are some of the factors that make it all the more affordable compared to other cities in Canada. Also, it has many parks adding to its greenery and nature.

Some of Lethbridge’s main attractions include the trestle bridge, the largest airshow in western Canada.

In Lethbridge, you get to witness art and history through a number of festivals and exhibition centers. If you are a nature enthusiast, you are bound to fall in love as it offers lots of parks and greenery along with the rigid and magnificent Canadian rocky mountains and the Canadian badlands.

1.7 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is an Atlantic Ocean port in eastern Canada and is the provincial capital of nova scotia. A major business center, it is also known for its maritime history. It has a population of around 480,523.

According to livingcost.org, the average cost of living in Halifax for a single person is around $1877, including rent.

Excluding rent, it comes down to around $766 per person, so you need somewhere around $1101 to cover all your rent and utility expenses. The average cost of living for a family of four is $4256, excluding rent, and the average home cost is $484400.

1.7.1 Why Live in Halifax?

One thing that sets it apart from the other affordable cities is that it is known to have the 11th-best university in Canada, called Dalhousie University.

As the capital city of nova scotia, the city serves as a primary economic center in Canada, precisely in eastern Canada. Employment mainly revolves around activities such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry.

1.8 Weyburn, Saskatchewan

Weyburn is a very small city with a population of approximately 12,247 people and is the 10th largest city in Saskatchewan. It is situated in the southeast region of Saskatchewan.

A single person’s living cost is $968.43, excluding rent.

The average home cost is  $279,000. On average, a single person’s living cost in Edmonton is around $1535, including rent.

The cost of living is almost similar to other regions in areas in Saskatchewan, yet lower than the national average, Making weyburn a comparatively cheaper city to live in.

1.8.1 Why Live in Weybrun?

Weyburn has recently gained popularity as a city of opportunities. In recent years, the economy of Weyburn has boomed and created opportunities for business for people from across the world.

The Weyburn public library is also one of its main attractions, along with the soo line historical museum, which provides a glimpse of the history of the Weyburn region.

Their economy is primarily based on oil and gas. The value of Primary real estate in Weyburn is around  $301,846.

1.9 Laval, Quebec

Laval is a city in the southwest of the Quebec province. It is also the third largest city in Montreal, mainly French-speaking, with French as its official language.

The cost of living for a single person in Laval is around $1049.9, excluding rent, and the average home cost is $440,742.

1.9.1 Why Live in Laval?

Laval is a paradise for nature lovers, with some of the best nature centers with gardens, ponds, farm animals, and waterfall trails. It is a historic district that boasts neoclassical cafes and buildings.

And if you are a science nerd, you will fall in love with the exciting Cosmodome museum, a one of its kind museum that is Canada’s only world-class science museum that lets you explore space in depth, making it a unique experience altogether.

Laval is also lauded for its convenient and efficient public transportation system with highways, bridges, and highways, which provide easy and hassle-free access to other cities, such as the Montreal region. It is also known to have one of the most affordable housing. 

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and multiple metro stations, has made commuting easy and convenient.

1.10 Saint John

Another very famous place and cheap place to live in Canada is saint john. Located in the east of Canada, saint john is a city on the Bay of fundy in new brunswick, Canada.

With an estimated population of around 70,063, saint john is the largest city in the province of new brunswick. It is also the oldest city in new brunswick.

The cost of living in saint john is relatively low, at around $1800 per person, which is enough to cover all the bills, including rent, transportation, and food. The cost of living in the city is less than $950, excluding rent. For a family of four, you will need just around and less than $4500 to pay all your bills.

1.10.1 Why Live in Saint John?

Saint John is primarily known for the Bay of fundy, rockwood park, and the relaxing urban parks which help you take a break from the busy city lives and relax. The Bay of fundy, in particular, is simply a work of art by nature. It is famous for its high tides, shoreline cliffs, and beaches.

Another interesting fact is that saint john also has a history of being the happiest city in Canada. Sounds amazing, right? The people are also known for their warm, friendly, and hospitable nature. You will fall in love with the people and the city.

2. Conclusion- Which are the Cheap Places to Live in Canada?

There are plenty of options, but it all depends on your priorities. If you are someone who loves the busy nightlife of cities that offer more opportunities, then cities like Montreal would be best for you. 

If you want to live somewhere where you can live in peace without worrying about the city’s fast-paced life of the city, then a small city like Weyburn will do the work for you. Similarly, if your areas of interest are culture and festivals, you should go for Quebec, which offers a plethora of festivals and rich history.

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by soubhik