Living in Canada is a dream come true for those who wish to move overseas. While trying to move the North American country, one should consider affordable places to live.
However, there are factors that you should consider when considering moving to a province. Generally, you want a place where you can enjoy affordability and a great quality of life. Canada has lots of those places, all to be determined by individual priorities and preferences.
Therefore, if you are looking for the cheapest provinces to live in Canada, this article presents the top five as determined by factors such as the safest neighbourhoods, housing prices, rental costs and the overall average cost of living.
Top 5 cheapest provinces to live in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Cost of living: $1,959.82
- Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $906
- Average cost of property: $291,300
Newfoundland and Labrador is the cheapest province to live in Canada. The province is almost the same size as California or Paraguay, yet it offers some of the cheapest rents in the country. Located in the easternmost Canadian region, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the lowest taxes in the country – which makes it even more attractive if you are looking to save money while living in Canada.
Also, fishing is the main economy which goes as far back as 500 years ago. However, the province has since upgraded, with state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch culinary options, and a thriving culture. In addition, mining, hydroelectric power and oil and gas have become some of the mainstays of its economy.
Newfoundland and Labrador does not only offer the cheapest housing, but it also offers some of the cheapest tuition fees for any tertiary institution. This means the province is simply one of the best places to live, especially if you are hoping to put down roots in Canada.
New Brunswick
- Cost of living: $1,998.71
- Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,695
- Average cost of property: $287,900
Coming second is New Brunswick, home to approximately 760,000 people. Apart from affordable housing, New Brunswick offers some essential services like water, gas and electricity, which are considered noticeably cheaper than the national average. The only downside of this province is that there is low employment. Therefore, few demands for houses due to few buyers. However, New Brunswick does have stunning coastal views, charming towns and cities, and warm, welcoming locals who are proud of their cultural heritage.
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Saskatchewan
Photo credit: Prepare for Canada
- Cost of living: $2,177.40
- Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,152
- Average cost of property: $324,400
Saskatchewan is a province that is known for its vast prairies, stunning natural beauty and friendly people. You can also find rolling hills, grasslands, forests, lakes and rivers, which add to the province’s gorgeousness. The province is also home to several national parks and protected areas that offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife watching. Vibrant cities in the province, such as Saskatoon and Regina, offer a blend of modern amenities and small-town charm.
So, if you are looking for a sunny location where you can spend lots of time outdoors with your family, with budget-conscious housing and other essentials, Saskatchewan is the perfect place.
Manitoba
Photo credit: Prepare for Canada
- Cost of living: $2,135.10
- Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,303
- Average cost of property: $328,564
If you do not mind the cold, then Manitoba is the next cheap province you should consider. The cost of living is $2,135, which is way lower than most provinces due to its relatively low population density and smaller urban centres. Therefore, this generally means that housing, food, transportation and other daily expenses tend to be more affordable compared to larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Besides, Manitoba offers a range of government subsidies and tax credits that help reduce the financial burden on residents. For instance, the province has some of the lowest tuition fees in Canada and offers a generous tax credit system for families with children. Also, there are ample job opportunities with decent salaries, making the province a great place to live comfortably with less financial stress.
Prince Edward Island
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- Cost of living: $1,643.44
- Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $945
- Average cost of property: $361,800
Rounding up the list is Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada. Known for its low population, gorgeous sandy beaches, potatoes and lobster, Prince Edward Island offers a quiet life and a strong sense of community. This usually means everyone knows everyone and participates in all sorts of activities together.
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