Cost of living in Canada in 2026
What it really costs to live in Canada: rent, groceries, utilities, transport and a realistic monthly budget. Generate a free plan below with a budget tailored to your city and household.
A Big Mac costs about $5.54 and the average advertised salary is around CA$71,306 a year.
Planning the move itself? See the Canada relocation guide.
Canada costs at a glance
Country-wide indicators, each with its source. City-level figures below where available.
Big Mac price
$5.54
The Economist, January 2026
Inflation (annual)
2.1%
World Bank 2025
Avg advertised salary
CA$71,306 / yr
Adzuna, June 2026
Employment taxes (tax wedge)
32%
OECD 2025
Currency
CAD
ISO 4217
Monthly costs in Canada
Typical monthly figures shown in USD (local currency in parentheses). Ranges, not exact prices — reviewed July 2026. Always confirm current prices before you budget.
Ottawa
Capital- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,100–$1,600(CA$1,500–CA$2,200)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $880–$1,300(CA$1,200–CA$1,800)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $1,700–$2,500(CA$2,300–CA$3,400)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $95–$145(CA$130–CA$200)
- Home internet
- $45–$70(CA$60–CA$90)
- Mobile plan
- $37–$60(CA$50–CA$80)
- Groceries · one adult
- $260–$370(CA$350–CA$500)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $13–$18(CA$18–CA$25)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $60–$95(CA$80–CA$130)
- Monthly transit pass
- $88–$118(CA$120–CA$160)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$660–$950
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$2,200–$2,950
Toronto
Major city- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,400–$2,050(CA$1,900–CA$2,800)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $1,100–$1,600(CA$1,500–CA$2,200)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $2,050–$3,100(CA$2,800–CA$4,200)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $110–$170(CA$150–CA$230)
- Home internet
- $52–$75(CA$70–CA$100)
- Mobile plan
- $45–$70(CA$60–CA$90)
- Groceries · one adult
- $280–$400(CA$380–CA$550)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $15–$21(CA$20–CA$28)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $66–$103(CA$90–CA$140)
- Monthly transit pass
- $103–$132(CA$140–CA$180)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$700–$1,030
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$2,360–$3,150
Cost index vs USA
80/ 100
USA = 100, excluding rent; Numbeo puts Canada slightly below the USA on day-to-day costs.
Income tax
Federal and provincial progressive income tax, together roughly 20–50% at the top brackets.
VAT / GST
5%
Federal GST 5% plus provincial PST/HST (combined 13–15% in most provinces).
- High mobile and internet costs are a distinct line item compared with Europe.
- In big cities (Toronto, Vancouver) rent approaches US levels; smaller cities are noticeably cheaper.
- Public healthcare covers basics, but specialist waits can be long; private insurance speeds access.
- The climate adds heating and winter-clothing costs worth planning into the overall budget.
Sources: Numbeo Cost of Living Canada · Expatistan — Cost of Living in Toronto · PwC Canada — Personal Income Tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to live in Canada?
In Ottawa, expect roughly $660–$950 a month in living costs for a single person, and about $2,200–$2,950 for a family of four, excluding rent (July 2026). Add rent from the table below — a one-bed typically runs $1,100–$1,600 in the centre. Costs vary by district, so generate a free plan above for a budget matched to your exact city, household and priorities.
What is the inflation rate in Canada?
Annual inflation was about 2.1% (World Bank 2025). High or volatile inflation can change rents and grocery prices quickly, so treat older figures with caution.
What is the average salary in Canada?
The average advertised salary is about CA$71,306 a year (Adzuna job listings, June 2026). Advertised salaries skew toward roles posted online, so treat this as a signal, not a guarantee.
How current is this cost data?
Prices and taxes were refreshed 7 July 2026; inflation and the Big Mac index 12 July 2026. Every figure on this page shows its source. Always confirm current prices locally before you budget.