Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
MovingWaldo, the Montreal-based moving company, recently crunched the numbers. They took into account elements like neighborhood safety, housing and rental costs, and the overall average cost of living to rank Canada’s provinces on affordability and quality of life in 2025.
Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the living expenses and average housing costs across the provinces, as analyzed by MovingWaldo.
Digging into Living Costs Across Canadian Provinces
For those contemplating immigration to Canada, understanding the living costs across different provinces is a must. Here’s a detailed juxtaposition of average monthly living expenses, rental charges, and property purchase costs across the provinces in Canada.
| Province | Typical Monthly Living Expenses | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | Typical Property Purchase Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,411.87 | $845 | $297,000 |
| New Brunswick | $2,341.21 | $1,274 | $308,800 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,531.25 | $1,228 | $344,800 |
| Manitoba | $2,696.70 | $1,381 | $376,770 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,718.14 | $850 | $365,600 |
| Quebec | $2,665.56 | $1,776 | $525,732 |
| Nova Scotia | $3,101.53 | $2,100 | $564,000 |
What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
- Newfoundland and Labrador boast the lowest average rent at $845 a month.
- Nova Scotia has the steepest average monthly living expense at $3,101.53, along with high rent and property costs.
- Quebec is notable for a high average property purchase price of $525,732, despite its moderate living and rental expenses.
- Prince Edward Island offers fairly low rental costs but a moderate cost for property purchase.
These stats are vital for potential immigrants to make informed choices about which Canadian province aligns best with their budget and lifestyle preferences.
Details about the top-ranking budget-friendly cities in Canada with a high standard of living, as per MovingWaldo's analysis, are provided below. Information on immigration pathways for each of these provinces is included as well.
Foreign individuals aiming to settle in provinces outside Quebec can seek permanent residency through Canada's federal Express Entry system, which allows them to settle anywhere.
For foreign individuals wishing to settle in specific provinces, the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) of those provinces may sometimes offer a smoother path to permanent residency for foreign individuals with lower scores in the Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Newfoundland and Labrador
This easternmost province of Canada clinched the top spot due to a combination of factors.
The cost of living in this province, taking into account housing prices and rent, is the lowest in the country.
The province's blend of city and countryside living, robust facilities, and lively culture, set against the backdrop of breathtaking nature, contributed to its high ranking. Thriving sectors like mining, hydroelectric power, and fishing, coupled with low tuition fees, boosted its attractiveness.
Immigration Pathways:
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), the province’s PNP, offers one enhanced category, the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category, and several base categories.
For those planning to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador, these options can be explored:
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker. Skilled Worker Category. International Graduate Category. International Entrepreneur Category. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category. Those considering Newfoundland and Labrador for immigration can
