How expensive is life in Canada? A 2019-2020 cost of living review by province and territory

Cost of living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba

If you want to experience a different side of Canada in a cheaper, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, head to the Prairies. Both provinces aren’t top destinations for WHV holders but frankly, they should be.

Average wages in Saskatchewan

As of October 1, 2019, the minimum wage is $11.32 per hour and it also applies to tipped employees.

Average wages in Manitoba

As of October 1, 2019, the minimum wage is $11.65 per hour and it also applies to tipped employees.

Cost of living in Saskatchewan

Cost of living in Saskatoon

Rent prices

According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment is $701 per month and a one-bedroom apartment is $912 per month.

Rent tends to be higher in the city centre, as well as on the west and north-east sides.

Public transportation

Saskatoon Transit operates the bus system:

• Go-Pass card one-time activation fee: $5
• Single trip cash fare: $3
• 10 single trips paid with the Go-Pass card: $25
• Monthly pass: $83
• Annual pass: $913

For more information, read Fares and passes.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back $15 (plus tax and tip). Fancier restaurants are around $45-$100.
• Bars: a beer is $5-$7 and your favourite cocktail $7-$9
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $14
• Cigarettes: $14 for a pack of 20

Cost of living in Regina

Rent prices

According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment is $700 per month and a one-bedroom apartment is $935 per month.

Public transportation

Regina Transit operates a bus system for the city:

• Single trip, cash fare: $3.25
• 10 single-trip tickets: $29
• 20 single-trip tickets: $55
• Monthly pass: $88

For more information, read Fares and passes.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back $16 (plus tax and tip). Fancier restaurants are around $40-$80.
• Bars: a beer is $3-$7 and your favourite cocktail $9-$12
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $13.50
• Cigarettes: $14 for a pack of 20

Food

Meat, fish and produce tend to be slightly more expensive than in most Canadian cities. However, dairy products and eggs are cheaper.

Cost of living in Manitoba

Cost of living in Winnipeg

Rent prices

According to the CMHC, a bachelor apartment is $697 per month and a one-bedroom apartment is $920 per month. For PadMapper, a bachelor apartment is $805 per month, a one-bedroom apartment is $970 per month and a two-bedroom apartment is $1250 per month.

Winnipeg is surprisingly affordable given the size of the city. Downtown, Lord Selkirk and Midland are usually very affordable while Fort Rouge and Centennial are more expensive.

Public transportation

Winnipeg Transit operates the city’s bus service:

• Reloadable peggo card: $5
• Single trip cash fare $2.95
• Single trip paid with the peggo card: $2.60
• Five-day pass (Monday to Friday): $23.40
• Seven-day pass (Monday to Sunday): $26
• Monthly pass: $100.10

For more information, read Transit fares.

Entertainment

• Restaurants: a meal and a non-alcoholic drink sets you back $15 (plus tax and tip). Fancier restaurants are around $50-$75.
• Bars: a beer is $4-$6 and your favourite cocktail $9-$13
• Movie theatre: a ticket is $11.75
• Cigarettes: $16 for a pack of 20

Food

Produce tends to be slightly more expensive than in most Canadian cities. However, dairy products and eggs are cheaper.