Are you moving internationally and looking for an affordable place to call home without breaking the bank? Well, you’re in luck! Canada offers many places with a lower cost of living. We’ve done the research and we can help you discover the cheapest place to live in Canada. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore the most budget-friendly cities and towns in the Great White North.
What Makes a Place Cheap to Live In?
When looking for the cheapest places to live in Canada you should know that there are several factors that contribute to making a place affordable. That’s why before packing up your moving essentials as well as your furniture, check out some of the most important ones:
- Housing Prices – One of the biggest expenses for most people. If the cost of rent or real estate is lower in a particular area, it can significantly impact the overall cost of living.
- Cost of Goods and Services – The price of groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other essential services can vary greatly from one place to another. Keep that in mind when deciding where you’ll live.
- Job Opportunities – The availability and quality of job opportunities in a particular area can affect the cost of living. Places with a high demand for workers and a low unemployment rate tend to have a lower cost of living.
Lifestyle – Different people have different lifestyles and priorities. For example, some people may prioritize moving to a big city with access to cultural events and entertainment, while others may prefer a quieter life in a smaller town. Depending on your lifestyle and priorities, certain places may be more or less affordable.
Overall, expenses can vary greatly depending on these factors and many others. It’s important to do your research, crunch numbers, and then make an educated decision about your new home.
How to Find Affordable Living Options
Finding the most affordable place to live in Canada can take some time and effort, but there are several strategies you can use to help you. Here are some tips on how to find affordable living options.
One of the easiest ways to find affordable housing is to search online. There are several websites and apps that list available apartments, condos, and houses for rent or sale. Some popular websites include Zillow, Rent.com, and Apartments.com. Also, look in the classified section of local newspapers or on online classified websites like Craigslist for affordable housing options.
If traditional housing is too expensive, consider alternative living arrangements such as shared housing, co-living spaces, or tiny homes. This could be an ideal option if you are moving abroad alone. On top of that if you find a place you like but the rent is a bit out of your price range, try negotiating with the landlord or property manager to see if they would be willing to lower the rent or offer other incentives.
If you want to learn more about negotiating real estate prices, check out the video below.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Places to Live in Canada
Finding the most affordable places to live in Canada can have its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to weigh these factors when deciding where to settle. Let’s start with all the good things that finding the answer to the question of where is the cheapest place to live in Canada brings.
When moving internationally here are the pros of settling in one of the cheapest cities to live in Canada:
- Lower cost of living – This is perhaps the most obvious advantage. If you live in a cheap place, you’ll likely have more money left over for savings, travel, or other activities.
- More affordable housing – Cheap places often have lower real estate prices or rental rates, making it easier to find a place to live that fits within your budget.
- Reduced stress – If you’re not struggling to make ends meet, you’ll likely experience less stress and anxiety.
- Opportunity to save – Living in a cheap place can allow you to save money for the future, whether it’s for a down payment on a house, retirement, or other long-term goals.
Living overseas in some of the most affordable places can also have some downsides. Here are some of the cons of picking the cheapest city in Canada to call home:
- Fewer job opportunities – Cheap places may have fewer job opportunities or lower-paying jobs, which could limit your career options. Keep this in mind especially if you are moving without a job.
- Limited access to amenities – Settling in cheaper places means fewer amenities such as shopping centers, entertainment options, and public transportation.
- Lower quality of life – Some cheap places may have a lower quality of life due to factors such as crime rates, environmental pollution, or lack of access to healthcare.
Overall, living in a cheap place can have its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to carefully consider all of these factors before making a decision about where to live (especially when moving across the world).
Trois-Rivières in Quebec Is One of the Most Affordable Cities in Canada
The city is situated at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers and has a population of approximately 137,000 people. It is a dynamic place with a vibrant strong cultural scene. The city is home to a range of museums, and also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the FestiVoix music festival and the International Poetry Festival.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Trois-Rivières is also known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. It is also a great place to live for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Residents can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Check out the video below if you want to get the feeling of the city before the move.
Besides all of those outdoor activities and lovely year-round events, the overall cost of living is what makes this place one of the best to settle in. When looking for the cheapest city to live in Canada this might be it. So, let’s check the data from the website Numbeo and see just how much money you’ll need for utilities and housing.
| Expenses | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $85 |
| Rent Per Month 1 bedroom apartment | $555 |
| Rent Per Month 3 bedroom apartment | $960 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $165 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $90 |
In Thunder Bay, Ontario You’ll Get to Save Money and Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Thunder Bay is a city located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. With a population of approximately 110,000 people, it is the largest city in Northwestern Ontario and serves as a hub for the surrounding area.
Because it is located in a region of natural beauty, there are a number of parks, forests, and lakes nearby. This provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping. Thunder Bay is also home to several golf courses, as well as the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, which offers stunning views of Lake Superior.
The city has a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. The city is known for its large supply of affordable housing, making it a great option for those looking for a more affordable place to live. For example, here you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $840.
Settling in Lethbridge, Alberta Can Save You Some Money
When moving to Canada settling in Lethbridge, Alberta can be a great thing for your budget. The city is generally an affordable place to live, with a lower cost of living compared to other Canadian cities. Housing, food, and transportation tend to be more affordable than in larger cities, although the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. So, when looking for the cheapest city to live in Canada give Lethbridge a chance.
| Expenses | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $210 |
| Rent Per Month 1 bedroom apartment | $700 |
| Rent Per Month 3 bedroom apartment | $1,135 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $200 |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $185 |
You’ll Settle in a Place With a Vibrant Cultural Scene
A range of festivals, events, and museums throughout the year are what Lethbridge is known for. The city is also famous for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with many parks and trails for hiking, cycling, and skiing. However, the lifestyle in Lethbridge may be more relaxed compared to larger cities, and it may take some time to adjust to the slower pace of life. So if you are moving overseas from some faraway country get ready for the culture shock.
Moncton, New Brunswick Is a Bilingual City With Affordable Prices
Moncton is a city located in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is the largest city in the province, with a population of approximately 85,000 people. The city is a good choice for all people looking for the cheapest place in Canada to live (or at least a place you can settle in that is more affordable than living in Toronto).
Here monthly utilities are around $150, and you will need $700 a month to rent one bedroom apartment. For those that want to buy a place prices per square foot vary depending on the location and can go anywhere from $400 to $550.
Finally, before you hire an international moving company to start packing up your clothes, consider breaking the language barrier. After all, this is a bilingual city where both English and French are official languages.
Brandon, Manitoba Is a Great Place for People Seeking Higher Education and Affordable Housing
Brandon has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Canadian cities. Housing, food, and transportation are generally more affordable, making it a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly place to live. Here basic monthly utilities are around $60 while renting a one-bedroom apartment is around $650.
It is a great spot for people looking for higher education because Brandon has a strong education system. There are several primary and secondary schools, as well as two post-secondary institutions – Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College.
Besides education, Brandon has a diverse economy, with opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is also home to several large employers, including the provincial government, the Brandon Regional Health Centre, and Brandon University.
When You Pick the City Start Looking for an International Moving Company
International moving can be a complicated process, and hiring an international moving company can be a good choice for several reasons. For starters, international movers have experience in handling the logistics of moving goods across borders and are familiar with the rules and regulations of different countries.
International moving companies can provide a range of services to make your move easier, including packing, loading, unloading, and transportation of your belongings. This can save you time and effort, and reduce the stress of moving.
For example, Shepherd International Movers are a team of professionals that can help you with all relocation-related needs. Our team offers moving, packing, auto shipping, and storage services. All you have to do is give us a call, ask for a quote, and book the move.
Don’t Wait Up, Start Your Adventure ASAP
That’s it, we went over some of the most affordable places you can live in Canada. Now you should make a decision. Pick a spot and start figuring out how to immigrate to Canada. While you are gathering all the necessary documents to travel abroad our Shepherd International Movers can do all the heavy lifting.
Just give us a call, book your move and the rest will be up to us. We will handle your belongings with utmost care and ensure that international relocation goes without a hitch.
