What are the most expensive cities in Canada? Although living in Canada is around 40% cheaper than live in NYC, Canada is still the 22nd most expensive country to live in the world for 2025. The average cost of living in some of the wealthiest cities like Vancouver and Toronto will usually exceed $4,000 per month. To give you more insights, we have compiled the top 10 most expensive cities to live in Canada with recent data. Read on to know more details!
Costliest City in Canada List
The most expensive city in Canada is Vancouver, with an average cost of living of $4,269 per month, about 45% higher than the national average. The richest province is usually British Columbia or Ontario, with some of the most expensive places like Vanvouver, Ottawa, Toronto, and London. According to the latest data from Canada for Newbies and WOWA, we have listed the top 1o Canada’s richest cities as below:
| City | Province | Monthly Costs Without Rent | Monthly Rent | Monthly Costs With Rent | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | British Columbia | $1,517 | $2,752 | $4,269 | $4,447 |
| Toronto | Ontario | $1,525 | $2,520 | $4,045 | $4,331 |
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | $1,482 | $2,070 | $3,552 | $3,531 |
| Calgary | Alberta | $1,584 | $1,965 | $3,549 | $4,244 |
| Ottawa | Ontario | $1,312 | $1,950 | $3,262 | $5,416 |
| Montreal | Quebec | $1,386 | $1,706 | $3,092 | $3,748 |
| Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | $1,528 | $1,469 | $2,998 | $3,471 |
| St John’s | Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,534 | $1,248 | $2,782 | $4,231 |
| Moncton | New Brunswick | $1,320 | $1,371 | $2,691 | $3,860 |
| Winnipeg | Manitoba | $1,440 | $1,241 | $2,682 | $3,514 |
Most Expensive Cities in Canada
No matter you’re a newcomer to Canada, or plan to relocate from one to another city, getting to know the latest news about some most expensive cities in Canada to make a better decision.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,517
- Monthly Rent: $2,752
- Average Monthly Salary: $4,447
The most expensive city in Canada and also one of the most populous cities in the country. Vancouver has Canada’s priciest housing market, where buying a house will cost an average of around $1.3 million and renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost more than $2,700 per month, thanks to the high land cost and 2.6 million people. The cost of electricity and communication services in BC is below the national average, and the cost of food in the Vancouver area will be much higher than in other BC cities. Public transportation will cost from $107.30 to $193.80 per month, while fuel costs here are among the highest in Canada.
Surrounded by beaches, ocean views, and mountains, Vancouver has long been the dream city for numerous Canadians. Green spaces like Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain provide wonderful opportunities to walk, bike, and hike. The Museum of Anthropology is also a world-renowned museum on the UBC campus, presenting Indigenous cultures and unique collections. For the past decade, Vancouver has also the fastest-growing economy in Canada, representing a robust job market for newcomers.
2. Toronto, Ontario
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,525
- Monthly Rent: $2,520
- Average Monthly Salary: $4,331
Widely known as the largest city in the country, Toronto is also the 2nd costliest city in Canada with its skyrocketing prices for housing, food, groceries, and transportation. Public transport can be cheaper with a monthly pass for $156, but the driving in Ontario can cost over $750 per month if you live on the outskirts. As for food, a lunch for one person can average a cost of over $10, and takeout will cost over $25.
Toronto features a multicultural landscape with over 50% immigrant population, leading to a diverse and welcoming melting pot. The city has been consistently ranked among the top cities in the world for quality of life, with of residents reporting satisfaction with city conditions.
3. Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,482
- Monthly Rent: $2,070
- Average Monthly Salary: $3,513
Halifax is also the most expensive place in Canada, and the most expensive one in Nova Scotia. According to a recent report, house prices in Halifax are 74% higher on average than what the typical household can afford, which represents the widest gap. Although housing in suburban areas can be cheaper than in the city, commuting and transportation costs can offset this advantage.
On the other hand, Nova Scotia also has some of the lowest income levels in all of Canada. In its capital, Halifax, the job market will be better, especially for graduates and individuals seeking job opportunities in the fields of tech, finance, and the government sector. Overall, Halifax provides a great balance of city life with scenic nature, great for the urbanites to escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
4. Calgary, Alberta
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,584
- Monthly Rent: $1,950
- Average Monthly Salary: $4,244
5. Ottawa, Ontario
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,312
- Monthly Rent: $1,950
- Average Monthly Salary: $5,416
Ottawa, the capital city, is without doubt one of the most expensive places to live in Canada. The cost of living in Ottawa has been rising steadily in recent years. The average home price is about $700,000, representing a 26% increase by 2020. However, the average rental rates in Ottawa are still about 15% lower than in Toronto. A single person will spend $315 per month on food, and $128.75 per month on a monthly adult public transportation pass.
Being a green, walkable, and affordable city with a stable job market and low crime, Ottawa has always been ranked the best place to live in Canada on different lists. It is the top city for work-life balance in all of Canada, together with good air quality, lots of outdoor spaces, easy access to wellness and fitness activities, and solid healthcare.
6. Montreal, Quebec
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,386
- Monthly Rent: $1,706
- Average Monthly Salary: $3,748
Although Montreal is typically not considered one of the most expensive cities in Canada, the cost of living can also be high due to the housing market. The average house price in Montreal currently sits at $610,000, and the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is about $1,400 – $1,700, much more affordable than in Vancouver and Toronto. Montreal ranks among the cities with the lowest driving costs in Canada, and public transportation is about $100 for a monthly pass.
Montreal attracts a lot of migrants and visitors for its European vibe with modern North American amenities. You will be astonished by its picturesque buildings and city streets, epic arts scene and vibrant nightlife. It is also a city for cyclists, where the bike-lane network separates the cycling and vehicle lanes.
7. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,528
- Monthly Rent: $1,469
- Average Monthly Salary: $3,471
8. St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,534
- Monthly Rent: $1,248
- Average Monthly Salary: $4,231
Though listed the top 10 richest cities in Canada, the cost of living in St John’s is generally 15-20% lower than major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. As the capital city of NL, the average monthly expenses for a single person in St. John’s can still range from $2,800 to $3,500. Housing is significantly more affordable than in major urban centers, while food costs can be higher due to transportation and import expenses.
St John’s is regarded as one of the most exciting, distinct, natural and livable cities in Canada, offering a distinct Newfoundland flavour in a large community. Residents will benefit from easy access to nature and a rich arts and cultural community, such as George Street, The Rooms, East Coast Trail, and more.
9. Moncton, New Brunswick
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,320
- Monthly Rent: $1,371
- Average Monthly Salary: $3,860
Moncton is much more affordable than other costliest cities in Canada. The average cost of rent per month in Moncton is about $1,000 to $1,300 for one person, with phone and internet about $135. The cost for food for one person will be around $443, varying greatly depending on how often you eat out or where you shop.
Moncton is the most populous city in New Brunswick. Apart from its affordable living costs than other major cities, it attracts newcomers mainly with its thriving multicultural community, strong job market, easy access to nature near the coast, and efficient healthcare system.
10. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Monthly Costs Without Rent: $1,440
- Monthly Rent: $1,241
- Average Monthly Salary: $3,514
Winnipeg is the last one on our list of the most affluent cities in Canada. As the only big city in a fairly rural province like Manitoba, renting a home will usually cost no more than $1,500 per month, with a cost of communication services for about $130 per month. A monthly pass for public transportation is about $111.65, while driving a car will cost $728. Food cost in Winnipeg is also among the lowest in Canada, which is $402 per month.
Winnipeg is often ranked as the best city for raising kids and the second best for young professionals, with its relatively affordable cost of living. Also, as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, the city is strong in manufacturing, aerospace, technology, and creative industries, with numerous job opportunities. You will find more than 10,000 lakes in Manitoba, providing opportunities for locals to enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Moving to Most Expensive Cities in Canada
While moving to one of the most expensive places to live in Canada will usually bring you an excellent quality of life if you have enough budget, there are also other factors to consider:
- Career Ambitions: Selecting your future city according to your career path, since different cities will be strong in different industries. For example, someone who wants to be in banking will need to live in Toronto or Calgary, while someone who wants to work for the government will need to live in Ottawa.
- City Activities: Opt for Vancouver if you want to enjoy nature, choose Toronto if you’re a sports fan, or live in Montreal in case you’re looking for a European vibe. Although big cities will generally bring more amenities than rural or smaller cities, the location and history will shape every city differently.
- Housing Affordability: Purchasing a home may not be a must at present for young people, but it will be a plan for most Canadians. House prices in many of the mentioned richest cities are too expensive or unstable. It is better to make a long-term plan.
Final Thoughts
The most expensive cities in Canada are usually the capital cities of some provinces, or fast-growing ones in recent years. The development of the economy brings more and more migrants, while high land cost leads to increasing housing prices. If you have enough budget and want to enjoy the best opportunities and resources, it might be a good idea to relocate to one of the mentioned cities. Remember to conduct comprehensive research and take time to experience local life since every big city in Canada provides a totally different taste.
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FAQ
Which city is more expensive, Toronto or Vancouver?
Vancouver is generally more expensive than Toronto, particularly for housing. While both cities rank among Canada’s costliest, Vancouver consistently has higher real estate prices, with benchmark home prices significantly surpassing Toronto’s. This makes housing affordability the most severe burden for Vancouver residents.
Which is the most affluent city in Canada?
Calgary is currently Canada’s most affluent major city. It boasts the highest median household income among major metropolitan areas, driven largely by its prosperous energy sector. This strong economic foundation results in high per-capita GDP and significant disposable income for its residents.
What is Canada's cheapest city?
Based on rental and real estate prices, Trois-Rivières, Quebec is consistently ranked as Canada’s cheapest city. It offers significantly lower housing costs compared to the national average. This affordability, combined with reasonable prices for daily essentials, makes it the most budget-friendly major urban centre.
Which Canadian province is the most expensive?
British Columbia is Canada’s most expensive province. This is primarily driven by the high cost of housing in Metro Vancouver, which elevates the provincial average. Additionally, costs for goods, services, and taxes in B.C. are consistently among the highest in the country.
Which Canadian city has the highest rent?
Vancouver has the highest average rent in Canada. As of recent data, its average one-bedroom apartment rent significantly surpasses all other major cities, including Toronto. This is driven by limited rental supply, high demand, and geographic constraints, making it the most expensive rental market.
