Canada is a wonderful place, home to the Niagara Falls in Ontario, Old Montreal in Quebec, and other scenic destinations. Canada’s proximity, beauty, safety, and other factors prompt Americans to move there. But is the move to Canada affordable?
If you’re thinking about moving north of the border, find out about the cost of living in Canada vs. the US. In this guide, we’ll break down how key expenses like housing, groceries, and utilities compare between Canada and the United States so you can plan a move with confidence.
Want to help friends and family in Canada with their everyday expenses? Learn more about ways to send money to Canada.
Average cost of living in Canada vs. the US
According to Numbeo, the typical monthly expenses for a family of four in Canada come to around $3,845 (5,231 CAD) excluding rent. For a single person, it’s around $1,055 (1,435 CAD).
Overall, the cost of living in Canada is 7.5% lower than in the United States. On average, rent is 19.5% lower, though prices can vary a lot by city. If you’re budgeting in Canadian dollars, it helps to use a currency converter to compare USD to CAD as you plan.
How the cost of living varies throughout Canada
If you’re planning future expenses in Canada, where you settle matters a lot. The cost of living in Vancouver is often higher than the cost of living in Montreal and many other Canadian cities, especially for housing.
Here’s a quick snapshot of typical rent and restaurant costs in a few major cities:
| Rent (1BR, City Center) | Mid-Range Meal for Two | |
| Vancouver | 1,961.44 USD | 88.21 USD |
| Toronto | 1,707.68 USD | 88.21 USD |
| Montreal | 1,287.63 USD | 73.51 USD |
| Ottawa | 1,478.65 USD | 69.83 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of housing in Canada vs. the US
Housing is typically the biggest monthly expense in any country you live in. In major hubs like Vancouver and Toronto, rent runs higher than in smaller Canadian cities—similar to how prices jump between large and mid-sized metro areas in the US.
On average, Canadian rent costs are slightly lower than the US.
| Costs in Canada | Costs in US | |
| 1-Bedroom (City Center) | 1,335.92 USD | 1,698.58 USD |
| 1-Bedroom (Outside City Center) | 1,174.54 USD | 1,379.61 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Just like in the US, prices creep higher if you want to live inside a city center. Keep in mind your neighborhood, commute, and must-haves (like parking or in-unit laundry) can shift rent costs quickly.
Cost of food in Canada vs. the US
Food costs in Canada are comparable to what many Americans are used to, with certain staples costing more and others costing less. For example, milk costs around $2.28 compared to $1.06 in the US.
Here’s a quick look at common grocery items:
| Item | Costs in Canada | Costs in US |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 2.45 USD | 3.31 USD |
| Milk (1 L) | 2.28 USD | 1.06 USD |
| Eggs (12) | 3.58 USD | 4.40 USD |
| Chicken (1 lb) | 5.58 USD | 5.56 USD |
Source: Numbeo
If you prefer takeout to a homecooked meal, it costs around the same as it would in the US. On average, an inexpensive meal in Canada will cost you $18 (compared to $20 in the US) and a mid-range dinner for two comes to around $73 (compared to $75 in the US).
| Costs in Canada | Costs in US | |
| Inexpensive restaurant | 18.38 USD | 20 USD |
| Mid-range restaurant (3-course) | 73.51 USD | 75 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of transportation in Canada vs. the US
If you’re moving to Canada, plan to purchase or bring a car with you. Public transportation is only available in urban areas, like Vancouver and Toronto. So, a car is your best bet for traveling long distances.
Average costs for both public transportation and gasoline are higher in Canada compared to the US. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Costs in Canada | Costs in US | |
| Public transport fare | 2.57 USD | 2.50 USD |
| Monthly local transport pass | 76.45 USD | 65 USD |
| Taxi (per km) | 2.48 USD | 2.82 USD |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 1.13 USD | 0.89 USD |
Source: Numbeo
How do healthcare costs in Canada compare to the United States?
Canada’s healthcare system may be alluring to many Americans for one reason: it’s free. Canada has a universal healthcare program. Any citizen or permanent resident can apply for public health insurance. Health insurance is funded through taxes, so it isn’t entirely free. But the public health insurance will fund most health care services and emergency medical services. So, more times than not, you won’t have to worry about paying a hospital bill after a visit! In contrast, the average annual healthcare premium in the United States costs $9,325 for single-person coverage.
Cost of key utilities in Canada vs. the US
Utilities are another consideration for the cost of living in Canada, and what you pay can shift depending on your city, building type, and even the season. For example, broadband internet may cost more in some large metro areas like Vancouver ($53/monthly) compared to others like Montreal ($42/monthly).
On average, many utility costs as well as phone and internet plans in Canada trend lower than in the US.
| Costs in Canada | Costs in US | |
| Utilities | 154.81 USD | 212.04 USD |
| Mobile phone plan (per month) | 44.56 USD | 61.22 USD |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | 62.76 USD | 72.67 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Median annual income in Canada vs. the US
Your income is a key part of deciding whether a move makes sense, since the cost of living in Canada vs. the USA can feel very different depending on your paycheck. In general, take-home pay tends to be lower in Canada than in the US, although the gap can vary by province, city, and profession.
Here’s a snapshot of average monthly net salary:
| Canada | US | |
| Average monthly net salary | 3,042.55 USD | 4,252 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Is moving to Canada worth it?
While some everyday expenses like rent and utilities may be lower on average than in the US, remember that the cost of living in Canada can vary widely by city and province. Ultimately, whether the move is worth it will depend on more than just the price tag.
Before you make the leap, consider your job prospects, visa or residency requirements, as well as your expected income, taxes, and how you’ll manage money across borders. Plan ahead by researching where to live and the best banks for expats. With a clear budget and a little preparation, you’ll be able to confidently decide if Canada is the right fit for your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Canada cost of living FAQs
Compared to the US, the cost of living in Canada is about 7.5% lower. However, where you live plays a big role in your total costs and big cities can still be pricey. For example, the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, is higher than in Saskatoon.
Consider what you’ll need for monthly essentials and rent. For example, the average cost of living in Canada for a single person is $1,055 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is $1,336. You’d need around $2,400 to comfortably cover these costs, but you should budget for more depending on your lifestyle and goals. And keep in mind that the city or province where you live can impact the cost of rent, groceries, transportation, and more.
You can usually visit for up to 6 months, but living long-term generally requires the right status. This might be a work permit, study permit, or permanent residency pathway. You’ll want to apply before you enter the country.
