35 Cheapest Places to Live in Canada (2024): Lowest is $1,300/Month

Canada is often in the top 10 of those “best countries to live in the world” lists.

Thankfully, we aren’t in the top 10 of the priciest countries in the world, as Canada hovers between the 15th – 30th most expensive country to live in at any given time.

I’ve lived in many different cities in Canada and worldwide and have seen how drastically different living costs can be from one place to another.

This article lists the cheapest places to live in Canada. Some of the results will surprise you!

Median Income by Province

Before we head into the cheapest place to live in Canada discussion, let’s see how provinces line up based on the median income. The income below is the median of Canadian families and unattached individuals combined. Here is the latest data provided by Stats Canada:

Province	Median Income (2019)
Alberta	$72,500
British Columbia	$65,700
Manitoba	$61,300
New Brunswick	$56,400
Newfoundland and Labrador	$56,500
Nova Scotia	$53,300
Ontario	$66,600
Prince Edward Island	$60,300
Québec	$55,600
Saskatchewan	$62,700

For reference, the national median income = $62,900

• Related Reading: Net Worth By Age In Canada: How Do You Stack Up?

The Cheapest Places In Canada To Live In

Canada has over 1,100 cities and towns spread throughout its ten provinces. If you want to save money, one of the best things that you can do for your wallet is to spend some time living in a city where the cost of living and expenses are low.

Below, I’ve ranked the cheapest cities to live in Canada so that you can see for yourself.

35. Niagara Falls, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,578
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,360
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $100
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $305

Niagara Falls, a famous tourist attraction, is also one of the cheapest cities in the country to live in. Tourism is the bread and butter of the city, and most of the 82,184 population is associated with the service industry.

The city used to be home to many hydroelectric power producers, but they went away in the 70s and 80s.

The city had to lean toward tourism to provide employment for the population of the city. They also incorporated gambling into the mix, which attracted a lot of tourists. Apart from utilities, the city is substantially cheaper compared to Toronto.

34. Moncton, New Brunswick

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,403
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,202
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $95
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $220

Moncton has a population of about 85,000 and serves as a commercial hub for the Maritime provinces. A significant portion of its workforce is in the retail, healthcare, and logistics sectors.

It’s often regarded as a city of contrasts, combining urban life with the serenity of natural landscapes like Centennial Park. Housing is affordable, and the cost of living is generally low, making it attractive for newcomers.

Moncton is also home to Magnetic Hill, an area of the town where optical illusions in the landscape create the illusion that water is flowing in the opposite direction. This attraction brings in a fair amount of tourists, and there are parks and even a small zoo located around these hills.

33. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,400
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,270
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $87
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $202

With a small population of close to 36,000, Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island. Its economy is primarily driven by the public sector, healthcare, and tourism.

If you enjoy maritime culture and the idea of living somewhere with vibrant scenic beauty, Charlottetown is definitely worth looking into. It offers a quaint, mid-sized, brick-style downtown that’s positioned right on the water by the marinas.

A local favourite is to eat fish and chips, grab a drink, and watch the sunset over the water.

Overall, Charlottetown retains a quaint, small-town charm while offering amenities like affordable housing and utilities. It’s a great blend of urban and rural lifestyles, making it ideal for anybody looking for a balanced lifestyle.

32. Thunder Bay, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,310
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,225
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $63
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $275

With a population of around 110,000, Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. Nearly half of its residents work in the healthcare, education, and service industries.

Despite being a hub for these sectors, the city hasn’t lost its roots in forestry and manufacturing. Affordable housing and low-cost groceries make the city a go-to for budget-conscious families. Nature lovers will also find a haven here with over 100 parks and numerous hiking trails.

31. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,287
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,585
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $236

Like other towns and cities in Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw is relatively affordable (especially when compared to the Toronto Metro Area). Moose Jaw has a small population of just under 34,000 individuals, which makes it a small, quiet town.

Moose Jaw is best known for being home to NATO’s world-class flight training school. It also serves as the home base for Canada’s Snowbirds, the famous aerobatic flight squad that’s been known to rival the USA’s Blue Angels.

While the city is mostly known for its military presence, it also boasts a local casino as well as an advanced geothermal spa. Both of these attractions, along with the Snowbirdstraining performances, bring in a fair amount of local tourism.

30. Sault Ste. Marie, Quebec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,221
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,291
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $253

Sault Ste. Marie is home to approximately 73,000 people and is a gateway between Canada and the United States via the St. Marys River. The town’s key industries include steel manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.

The city also has a campus for Algoma University, which offers specialization programs and degrees in arts, cooking, and other trades. Living expenses, especially housing, are markedly low, making it a great place for both young professionals and families.

29. Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,156
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,208
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $55
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $187

Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, has a growing population of just over 43,000 Canadians. This small city is best known for its mining and refining operations, as copper and gold are Rouyn-Noranda’s top exports. The region also features large amounts of farmland and is home to multiple dairy farms.

If you’re looking for a bustling city, Rouyn-Noranda probably isn’t the right place to live in. The city centre is relatively small, and there aren’t many local events or attractions. However, if you’re looking for somewhere calm and quiet, then this could be just the spot for you.

28. Shawinigan, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,150
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,644
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $85
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $128

If you’re looking for a small city with ample access to the outdoors and lots of local events, then Shawinigan, Québec is definitely worth consideration. It currently has a small population of just under 50,000 residents, which makes it relatively small compared to other Québecois cities.

It’s positioned right by the Saint-Maurice River, which is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Kayaking, boating, fishing, and other watersports are the primary source of entertainment in the warm summer months.

It’s also the birthplace of Jean Chretien, who is the former Prime Minister of Canada.

It’s about a two-hour drive west of Québec City and is positioned just north of Trois-Rivières. Despite the city’s small size, its central location makes it a great place to settle down. The cost of living is steadily rising, thanks to the growing young population.

There is a wide range of activities available to residents, though. There are museums, national parks, and a vibrant city centre where locals can congregate and socialize at pubs, restaurants, and local parks.

27. Victoriaville, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,150
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,468
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $101

Victoriaville, Québec, has a current population of just over 45,000 people and is located in the centre of the province.

The region is best known for its accessibility to beautiful local parks, hiking trails, and scenic highways. It’s a great place to drive through, enjoy some fun in the outdoors, and have a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Victoriaville was once known for being a major industrial hub that produced the textile and lumber industries. Although small lumber mills and textile factories are still present in Victoriaville, the city has since become home to a number of other industrial factories.

The cost of living is pretty average compared to other cities in Québec, and it’s a fairly safe city to reside in, featuring a low crime index.

26. Lethbridge, Alberta

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $1,008
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,125
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $82.50
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $276

Lethbridge has a population of about 92,729, and it’s the transportation, industrial, and financial leader of Southern Alberta. About 50% of the population is associated with hospitality, retail, healthcare, and the education sector, which is quite a contrast to its agricultural and industrial heritage.

However, the major sector in the city is still agriculture.

The small city has over 130 parks and other major attractions like Lethbridge Viaduct, the continent’s highest and longest steel trestle bridge.

25. Laval, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $998
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,100
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $101

Laval is the largest suburb of Montreal and the 13th most populous city in the country, with over 437,413 people living in it.

The average price for a home in Laval is just over $709,000, which is slightly above the national average home price of $662,437. Despite this, rental rates in the city are still quite affordable, and the average rent for a single-bedroom apartment in the city is just a monthly cost of $1,100.

The economy in the city is driven by the retail, industrial, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors. The city has four major industrial parks, each with its individual collection of industries and businesses.

Prominent employers in the city include SAP, Intact, and the University of Montreal. It’s also a relatively very safe city to live in.

24. Nanaimo, British Columbia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $983
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,559
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $95
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $214

Nanaimo, also known as the harbour city, is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island across from the west coast of British Columbia. Aboriginal people still make up about 8.4% of the 104,836 inhabitants of the city.

It had a coal-driven economy, which was augmented by forestry in the 60s. Currently, the most prominent employer is the provincial government.

Even apart from the monthly rent, it’s a very cheap city to live in. It also has the main campus of Vancouver Island University, which attracts a lot of international students.

23. Edmonton, Alberta

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $961
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,204
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $90
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $239

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and the second-most populous city (1,519,000+ people). It’s home to the sixth-best university in the country, i.e., the University of Alberta (ranked 136 in the world), which is also one of the largest employers in the region. Thanks to its rich heritage and cultural festivals, the city is nicknamed the festival city of Canada.

The city is home to major oil and gas reserves, some of the largest in the world. Naturally, petrochemical industries in the city are some of the most prominent employers. It’s also the regional financial centre. Despite a lot of employment opportunities and a decent-sized population, the city is very cheap to live in.

22. Prince George, British Columbia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $927
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,300
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $80
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $187

Despite just a population of 84,809, it’s one of the largest cities in northern BC. The economy of the city is driven mostly by the service industry, which means there are some good job opportunities here.

The local administration has invested nearly $100 million in infrastructure. The city traditionally relied upon forestry for most of the revenue generation.

It’s also one of the 15 most dangerous cities in the country, with a CSI score through the roof. Despite its small population, it’s home to the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), the 29th-best university in the country.  

21. Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $920
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,576
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $90
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $165

Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and houses a population of about 417,000. The city acts as a major economic centre in eastern Canada and has a generous allocation of both government services and private businesses. Most of the city’s population is made up of natives.

Major industries in the city include agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry. It’s also home to the 11th best university in the country, i.e., Dalhousie University. If you frequently eat out, you will find Halifax significantly cheaper than Toronto, though not so much for groceries. Childcare and transportation are also cheaper. 

20. Surrey, British Columbia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $906
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,694
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $160

With a population of about 568,000, Surrey is the second most populated city in the province. It’s mainly an urban area but also houses a decent portion of agricultural and rural areas.

There are six communities in the city. The majority of the population is made up of minority ethnicities, with South Asians forming the largest piece of the pie.

The city is a major industrial hub in the province, as well as a major logistics centre point in the region, which means jobs are relatively easy to come by.

19. London, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $895
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,618
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $100
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $175

Apart from the name, London doesn’t share a lot with the capital of the UK. It’s the regional centre of healthcare and education, and the two largest employers in the city are Western University and TD Canada trust. The population of the city is over 515,000

It had a manufacturing-focused economy before 2009, but now it’s more oriented toward IT and research. Healthcare research – a major economic driving factor in the region, mostly comes under the scope of the eighth-best university in the country, i.e., Western University.

18. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $895
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,183
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $70
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $283

Saskatoon is the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan. About 330,674 people live in the city. It’s also considered one of the sunniest cities in the country and has a lot of bridges. The city houses a decent number of aboriginal inhabitants (First nation) that have been in the city for about 6,000 years.

Despite being the coffee capital of the country, the bulk of the city’s economy rests upon wheat. Two other pillars of the city’s economy are Potash and Oil. Out of these two,

Potash is more important since about two-thirds of the world’s recoverable potash reserves are in the city. The corporate headquarters of the world’s largest Potash company, Nutrien, are also in Saskatoon.

17. Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $885
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,054
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $75
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $181

Winnipeg, the capital and the largest city in the province, boasts a population of 705,244, which is the 7th largest in the country. The city remains covered in snow for about one-third of the year, but it also gets quite hot in the summers.

About half the population is employed in the trade, manufacturing, educational and healthcare sector, and about 14% in the public sector.

The city’s name is partly the inspiration for the famous character Winnie the Pooh. It also has the longest skating rink in the world.

16. Windsor, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $883
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,294
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $79
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $184

Windsor is known as the automotive capital of the country. It’s home to FCA Canada, and also has two Ford company engine plants. The other major sectors in the city are tourism, education, and government services. Windsor has a population of 233,763.

It’s home to one of the largest distilleries in North America (JP Wiser) and about 180 parks. As the most southern city in the country, it’s literally five minutes away from Detroit – another automotive city, or at least it used to be. 

15. Montreal, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $882
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,380
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $90
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $109

The most populous city in Québec is home to over 1.7 million people. Most of the people living in Montreal have European roots, primarily French and Italian. Downtown Montreal is also known as the “indoor city,” and it is the largest underground complex in the world.

Montreal has the second-largest economy among Canadian cities. Major industries in the city include electronic goods, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and telecom.

It’s also the province’s major entertainment and media centre. It’s also home to the fifth-best university in the country (University of Montreal), and the corporate headquarters of two of the big five banks: Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank of Canada.

14. Baie-Comeau, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $873
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $934
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $75
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $190

Baie-Comeau is a small town in Québec, located on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River. It has a very small population of just under 27,000 Canadians, which makes it one of Québec’s smallest villages.

The town’s economy is primarily based around its paper mill, which was originally one of the main suppliers of the United States’ paper, The Chicago Tribune. Today, there are still multiple lumber mills in operation that supply the paper mill.

As far as local attractions go, there aren’t that many. However, there are lots of hiking trails and outdoor parks for those who enjoy an afternoon out in the woods.

If you’re into water sports, then you’ll also enjoy the beautiful bay positioned along the Saint Lawrence River, where the current is slow and accommodating to small kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft.

The population of Baie-Comeau isn’t as “young” as other cities in Québec. This is due to the fact that there are no major universities here. Many of the younger residents move to Montreal to attend university and find higher-paying jobs.

The upside of this is that the cost of living is very low, which is great for digital nomads and remote workers.

13. Kingston, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $867
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,474
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $90
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $187.50

The “Limestone” city situated at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, is home to 123,798 people. It shares its name with the capital city of Jamaica, and weirdly enough, it was briefly one of the first capitals of the United Canadas. The city has a strong military history.

Most important employers in the city are public sector institutions: healthcare, public education, government, and tourism. It’s substantially cheaper than Toronto in terms of restaurants, transportation, and leisure activities, though childcare and utilities in the city are unusually expensive.

12. Thetford Mines, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $862
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $938
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $65
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $153

As the name implies, Thetford Mines was originally a mining town. Despite its small size, Thetford Mines was responsible for turning Canada into one of the largest asbestos-producing countries in the entire world.

Asbestos was commonly used in construction and building materials throughout the 20th Century, which turned the small city into a powerhouse of industry.

Given the decline of that particular material, though, Thetford Mines is no longer an asbestos-producing city. Instead, the city has become more of a residential area. It’s home to lots of apartments and affordable housing and has a vibrant town centre, along with some shopping centres.

While the city is no longer a major mining hub, it’s become a destination for those seeking affordable housing and low-profile living. For the most part, it’s a quiet town. If you want to see some action, though, Montreal is just a three-hour drive away, and Trois-Rivières is just over an hour away!

11. Regina, Saskatchewan

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $862
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $920
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $90
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $237

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan and home to over 215,106 people. Like the larger city of Saskatoon, Regina’s economy and most of the jobs also revolve around Potash, oil, and natural gas.

Some of the major employers are 3S health services, Access communications, and Cornerstone credit union.

Though tourism isn’t the main contributor to the city’s economy, the city has various parks and attractions. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

10. Red Deer, Alberta

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $861
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $948
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $72
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $256

Red Deer has a population of just 108,564. It’s a major hub of oil, cattle, and agriculture in the region.

Most of the population lives in the urban areas of the city. It doesn’t have a university, and many of the students who stay in the city have to make do with Red Deer College, which is the largest post-secondary institution in the city.

Despite being home to just over 100 K people, Red Deer has a high crime index. It’s still one of the top-ten most dangerous cities in the country (it used to be the sixth most dangerous).

9. Kelowna, British Columbia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $856
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,731
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $80
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $130

Kelowna is named after the word for Grizzly bear in Okanagan. It’s the third-largest metropolitan area in the region, with a population of 153,148, which is rapidly growing. The service industry is the largest employer in the city.

Tourists come for boating, golf, hiking, and biking in summer, and winter traffic is dominated by skiing and snowboarding. It’s also famous for its vineyards. 

Average salaries in the city are on par with large metropolitans like Toronto, but the cost of living is significantly cheaper. According to Maclean’s Crime Severity Index (CSI), Kelowna, unfortunately also has one of the higher crime rates in the country.

8. Quebec City, Quebec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $835
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $942
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $80
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $92

Quebec City has a population of about 705,103, and it’s the capital city of Quebec. In addition to being an affordable city also considered one of the safest cities in the country, especially among such heavily populated cities. A part of the city (the oldest) is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Major employment sectors in the city are defence, local services, public administration, and tourism. Manufacturing only makes up about 10% of the jobs.

7. Kitchener, Ontario

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $819
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $1,642
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $98
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $198

Kitchener is the twin city of Waterloo and home to 233,222 people. It was called Berlin up until 1916. It has one of the strongest German heritage among the cities in the Waterloo region.

It has the eighth-best university in the country (University of Waterloo). Kitchener also hosts the largest music event in Ontario, the KOI music festival.

The city’s economy is driven mostly by manufacturing. Major employers in the city include Research In Motion, Toyota Manufacturing, Manulife, and Sunlife Financial.

• Not sure if you can afford these prices? Learn some ways on how to make money online in Canada.

6. New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $795
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $800
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $87.50
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $202

New Glasgow is one of the smallest towns in Nova Scotia, with a population of just over 9,000 people. It’s a small riverfront town located on the East River banks of the Pictou. In recent years, it’s become a popular retirement destination, thanks to its marinas, quiet life, and quaint town centre.

Despite its small size, New Glasgow features a growing town centre that offers plenty of local restaurants, antique shops, and other small businesses. If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you’ll also find plenty of activities in the deeply-wooded regions surrounding New Glasgow.

Historically, New Glasgow is known for being an industrial hub and is home to a large Michelin tire factory. It also features a large Wal-Mart Supercentre. Today, it’s mostly home to retirees, factory workers, and local business owners.

If you’re into the arts and culture, you’ll enjoy the revitalized town centre as well as the Glasgow Square Theatre, which features Canadian theatrical performances and hosts concerts year-round.

The cost of living is very affordable, which makes this an excellent town to live in if you want to save money. The only downside is that New Glasgow is pretty far away from larger cities and industrial hubs.

5. Sherbrooke, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $788
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $613
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $75
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $151

One of the cheapest cities to live in Canada is the city of Sherbrooke, home to about 161,323 people. It’s an educational powerhouse in the region, and the University of Sherbrooke is the largest employer in the city. It’s very well located and ideally connected by major railways and highways.

As one of the cheapest cities in the country, its prices present a striking contrast to Toronto. Rent, property prices, childcare, even utilities cost a mere fraction of what they do in Toronto. Plus, it’s relatively very safe, which adds to its charm.

4. Saguenay, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $756
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $500
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $100
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $118

If you’re looking for a beautiful, quaint area to live in in Québec where the cost of living is lower than the national average, then you can’t go wrong with Saguenay. The small city boasts some of Québec’s most iconic villages that feature original French architecture, small streets, and lots of local, family-owned businesses.

The city is currently home to just over 146,000 residents. The traffic isn’t too bad, and there are just enough people to keep things lively and interesting. As a non-tourist city, most of the people you’ll meet here are full-time residents.

Saguenay also scores very high in regard to safety ratings, so it’s a great place to raise a family. Given the inexpensive cost of rent, it’s also a good place for young professionals (especially those who work remotely) to live and save money.

House prices typically range between $200,000 and $400,000, depending on the size and type of house.

It rests in the northern region of Québec and is about a three-hour drive north of Québec City. The only downside of this small town is how far away it is from larger cities. However, if you’re looking for something quiet, then this might be the perfect place for you!

3. Saint John, New Brunswick

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $698
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $873
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $95
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $202

The small city of Saint John boasts a population of 69,895 and is the oldest incorporated city in the country. It’s the second-most populous city in the province. The economy traditionally relied quite heavily on the shipbuilding industry, one of the world’s largest (and oldest).

Now, the city is focused on IT, tourism, and educational institutions. The city has a decent industrial heritage, with facilities like the country’s largest oil refinery and dock. But the economic trend is shifting.

2. Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $695
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $750
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $68
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $227

Lloydminster is best known for being a “border town” that sits on the edge of both Saskatchewan and Alberta. It’s a fairly rural area and doesn’t feature a large city centre, shopping malls, or other attractions that you’ll find in some of Canada’s larger cities.

The population is currently just over 20,000 and has been on the decline for several years now as younger community members flock to the larger cities in search of better jobs and education.

Given the rural location of Lloydminster, though, it’s a great place to save money on the cost of living. The average cost of a single-room rental is right around $750, which is less than half of what you’ll pay in larger cities.

Because of this, Lloydminster has become a popular retirement destination. It has a slightly older population compared to other Saskatchewan towns. The upside of this is that it’s a very safe town to live in. Not a lot goes on here, so there’s little to worry about in regard to crime.

The biggest local attraction in Lloydminster is the Gold Horse Casino. If you’re not into gambling, you’ll also find several local parks that offer disc golf, watersports, and nature trails.

1. Trois-Rivières, Québec

• Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (without rent): $670
• Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in City Centre: $560
• Average Cost of a Meal for 2 People: $75
• Basic Utilities For 85m2 Space: $118

If you’re a fan of the arts, then Trois-Rivières is a destination worth considering! It’s about a two-hour drive Northeast of Montreal and is about two hours directly north of Sherbrooke. It is perhaps the cheapest city in Canada to live in, with rock-bottom living costs.

The city’s historic district is home to some of Québec’s best traditional theatres, art galleries, and historic homes. If you’re into architecture, then you’ll really appreciate the traditional French village style of the downtown historic district as well.

Trois-Rivières currently has a growing population of over 140,000 residents. There are several notable bridges across the local waterways, which offer scenic views (especially during the sunset). Local photographers and landscape painters can often be found by the water during Québec’s warmer months.

That being said, there are also lots of local art museums in the city centre that feature Québecois art. The city may not have a strong industrial culture, but it’s a great place for young artists, remote workers, and those who are looking for the perfect combination of a growing, forward-thinking city that features quaint historical aspects.

Conclusion

I hope this list of the cheapest cities to live in Canada will help you in your quest for affordable living.

If you aren’t able to move away from big (and expensive) metropolitans, you may want to adopt some of these frugal living habits to lower the cost of your living.