The cost of living in Canada is a crucial factor for travelers, students, expats, and digital nomads while planning their stay in one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world. Canada boasts high living standards, excellent public health care, a truly multicultural society, and a strong economy-all positive factors that come with their various costs according to province and lifestyle. In contrast, living in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal is very expensive compared to living in cities such as Halifax, Edmonton, or Winnipeg. Growing immigration and population rates have also had an effect on rent prices, leading to housing shortages in major cities.
Within this guide, the real cost of living in 2025 will be broken down: accommodation, food, transport, mobile Internet, leisure activities, and the best value options to stay connected with a Canada eSIM or a Canada SIM Card. We also recommend ZetSIM, one of the well-known providers that offers budget-friendly and reliable connectivity across Canada for travelers.
Cost of Accommodation in Canada
Accommodation is the biggest contributor to the general cost of living in Canada, most especially in high-demand provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. Rents in Toronto and Vancouver have increased by over 25% in just five years due to unprecedented population growth and the inability of supply to keep pace. Demand outstrips supply, driving many new arrivals to explore suburban areas or secondary cities. The rental markets of Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax remain more stable, with much cheaper housing and a very good quality of life.
|
Accommodation Type |
Average Cost (CAD) |
Notes |
|
1-BR Apartment (Major Cities) |
$1,900–$2,700/month |
Toronto & Vancouver highest |
|
1-BR Apartment (Mid Cities) |
$1,300–$1,800/month |
Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax |
|
Furnished Apartment |
$2,100–$3,200/month |
Great for newcomers |
|
Coliving Spaces |
$850–$1,500/month |
Popular with students |
|
Hotel |
$150–$260/night |
Prices vary by season |
|
Airbnb (Entire Unit) |
$110–$220/night |
Cheaper for long stays |
Furnished rentals provide a straightforward solution for temporary residents who wish to avoid investments in furniture or long-term rentals. Coliving spaces are increasingly opening in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, an option for affordable rooms that share kitchens and amenities. Short-term residents find a wide variety of hotel options and Airbnb, although prices spike during the summer months, when Canada reaches peak tourist season. Knowing regional price differences will enable travelers and new residents to budget much more efficiently while selecting housing that is in line with their financial goals.
Cost of Food in Canada
Food expenditure constitutes a significant component of the Cost of Living in Canada, especially with the continuous rise in food inflation. Since 2022, grocery prices have been rising annually around 4–7% due to supply chain challenges, transportation costs, and climate-impact disruptions. Individuals residing in remote or northern areas pay considerably more because goods have to be brought over long distances. Eating out is costly, as tax rates in Canada are 5–15%, and this comes with an expectation for 15–20% tips.
|
Category |
Average Cost (CAD) |
Notes |
|
Monthly Groceries (per person) |
$350–$600 |
High in remote areas |
|
Fast Food Meal |
$11–$15 |
Affordable option |
|
Casual Dining |
$18–$30 per person |
Excluding tip |
|
Mid-Range Dining |
$35–$60 per person |
Common in big cities |
|
High-End Restaurants |
$70–$150+ per person |
Fine dining |
|
Coffee |
$3.50–$7 |
Higher downtown |
Grocery stores such as Costco, Walmart, No Frills, and Real Canadian Superstore have competitive prices for essentials. Specialized food stores such as Whole Foods or organic markets are usually quite a bit more expensive. Eating at home greatly lowers costs, especially for families and students. Tourists find that eating out often greatly raises the budget, with casual restaurant one-person meals often over $25 in Toronto or Vancouver. Visitors should also take into consideration expected gratuities, which often add $5-$15 per meal depending on the type of restaurant.
Transport Prices in Canada
Transportation costs vary widely depending on the city and personal lifestyle. Canada's bigger cities include Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, which have extensive public transit systems that encompass buses, streetcars, subways, and even light rail. In suburban and rural areas, car ownership is often necessary. Gasoline prices have steadily increased, with some variation between provinces because of added carbon taxes; however, electric vehicles are becoming more common, with charging stations popping up throughout major cities.
|
Transport Category |
Average Cost (CAD) |
Details |
|
Public Transport Single Ride |
$2.75–$3.70 |
TTC, TransLink, STM |
|
Monthly Transit Pass |
$90–$160 |
Toronto highest |
|
Taxi Base Fare |
$3.50–$4.25 |
Plus km/min charges |
|
Uber/Lyft |
$12–$28 |
Surge pricing applies |
|
Gasoline |
$1.56–$2.05/litre |
Highest in B.C. |
|
EV Charging |
$0.25–$0.50/kWh |
DC fast charging extra |
|
Car Insurance |
$1,300–$2,600/year |
Expensive in Ontario |
|
Parking |
$120–$350/month |
Higher in big cities |
Public transport, although efficient in major cities, has inconsistent coverage throughout smaller regions; therefore, many people rely on cars. Insurance is expensive and differs from province to province, with Ontario and British Columbia having some of the highest premiums. Gas prices change by the day but tend to remain considerably high compared with the United States. Monthly transit passes are a commuter's option for big city travel to avoid daily transportation costs.
Mobile Internet in Canada
Canada's telecommunications market is generally more expensive compared to other developed economies. This it owes largely to the country's wide geography, sparse population density, and limited competition between major carriers. Generally, home internet access is fast and reliable, especially with fiber access in urban areas. Mobile plans, however, remain expensive, especially unlimited data options. For tourists, short-term visitors, and digital nomads, using a Canada eSIM or Canada SIM Card is way cheaper than international roaming.
|
Service |
Average Cost (CAD) |
Notes |
|
Home Internet (100–300 Mbps) |
$55–$85 |
Standard speeds |
|
High-Speed Fiber |
$90–$140 |
Fastest tier |
|
Prepaid Mobile Plans |
$25–$45 |
Best for visitors |
|
Unlimited Mobile Data |
$60–$110 |
Big carrier pricing |
|
International Roaming |
$10–$15/day |
Very expensive |
Some promotional pricing for the first year is often available through telecom companies, but costs rise after this. Prepaid mobile services do remain the best option for a stay in town that's relatively short. That's why international travelers find eSIM technology appealing, offering instant activation, flexible plans, and often better pricing than physical SIMs or carrier roaming fees.
ZetSIM – Best Canada eSIM in 2025
ZetSIM, known globally for reliable telecom solutions, has become the top choice among travelers to get an eSIM for Canada due to its comparatively low price and good coverage. ZetSIM doesn't require physical SIM cards-no store visits, no waiting, no contracts. You simply purchase a plan online, scan the QR code, and instantly activate data upon arrival in Canada.
Unlike international carriers, ZetSIM offers transparent pricing, stable speeds, and nationwide access to 4G/5G networks. This makes it ideal for tourists, business visitors, students, and digital nomads in need of fast internet for navigation, work, content streaming, and social apps.
|
Feature / Plan |
Details |
|
Activation |
Instant QR code |
|
Coverage |
Nationwide 4G/5G |
|
Data Options |
5GB, 10GB, 20GB, Unlimited |
|
Compatibility |
All eSIM smartphones |
|
Contracts |
None |
|
Best For |
Travelers, remote workers, students |
What really sets ZetSIM apart from other Canada SIM Card options is its fast speeds, great network reliability, and how easy it is to activate-in other words, perfect for anyone who needs internet right after landing. If you are traveling across more than one province or into really remote regions, know that ZetSIM will keep you connected without the fuss of changing SIM cards or searching for some local telecom store.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities in Canada
In Canada, entertainment takes the form of natural beauty, cultural events, museums, nightlife, and athletics. The leisure cost varies depending on location and season. For example, Toronto and Vancouver have great entertainment scenes with many concerts, sporting events, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. Nature lovers appreciate the hiking trails, lakes, mountains, and national parks in every part of the country.
|
Activity |
Average Price (CAD) |
Notes |
|
Movie Ticket |
$14–$22 |
IMAX higher |
|
Gym Membership |
$35–$85/month |
Boutique studios more |
|
Theme Parks |
$65–$130 |
Canada’s Wonderland, etc. |
|
Museums |
$12–$30 |
Many free days |
|
NHL Games |
$70–$180 |
Premium seats higher |
|
Nightclubs |
$15–$40 entry |
Drinks cost more |
The diverse seasons of Canada have a nice bearing on options for entertainment, too. Summer is perfect for outdoor festivals, kayaking, camping, and hiking. Winter ushers in skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, and winter carnivals. Sports culture is great, especially hockey, with thousands jamming NHL games every season. Whether you like high-end entertainment or free/low-cost outdoor activities, Canada provides an endless number of ways to relax and explore.
FAQ
1. What is the average Cost of Living in Canada?
A single person typically spends $2,000 to $4,200 per month, depending on province, rent, and lifestyle. Toronto and Vancouver have the highest living costs, while Halifax, Winnipeg, and Edmonton are more affordable.
2. Where is rent the cheapest in Canada?
The cheapest rent can be found in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Quebec City, Moncton, and Halifax. These cities offer good infrastructure and lower demand compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
3. What is the best SIM or eSIM option in Canada?
The best option is ZetSIM, which offers fast setup, affordable plans, nationwide 4G/5G coverage, and no hidden fees—making it the top choice for anyone needing a dependable Canada eSIM or Canada SIM Card.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Canada runs the gamut from province to province, depending on demand for houses, food prices, transportation habits, and lifestyle. Major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are quite expensive, but many cities in Canada provide a very good quality of life at reasonable costs. Understanding the typical costs for housing, food, transportation, entertainment, and mobiles helps the traveller or newcomer to prepare accordingly.
For this, ZetSIM has the best Canada eSIM solution that can provide instant activation, transparent pricing, and truly reliable 5G coverage within the country. Be it a visitor, student, remote worker, or long-term resident, ZetSIM will ensure connectivity with ease.
