Real Cost of Immigrating to Canada in 2025
Canada is one of the most desirable immigration destinations in the world — but before applying for permanent residence or moving here, you need to know what daily life actually costs. Government application fees are just the start. Rent, groceries, gas, childcare, and utilities often surprise newcomers far more than paperwork.
This guide provides a complete cost-of-living breakdown in 2025, with examples for singles, couples, and families across Canada’s major cities.
1. Housing (Rent)
Rent is by far the biggest expense for newcomers. Prices depend heavily on location:
Toronto: One-bedroom apartment: $2,400–$2,700/month; two-bedroom: $3,000–$3,400.
Vancouver: One-bedroom: $2,500–$2,800; two-bedroom: $3,200–$3,600.
Calgary: One-bedroom: $1,700–$1,900; two-bedroom: $2,200–$2,400.
Montreal: One-bedroom: $1,600–$1,800; two-bedroom: $2,000–$2,300.
Winnipeg: One-bedroom: $1,200–$1,400; two-bedroom: $1,600–$1,800.
Halifax: One-bedroom: $1,400–$1,600; two-bedroom: $1,900–$2,200.
👉 Landlords usually ask for first and last month’s rent upfront, meaning a Toronto newcomer renting a two-bedroom will need around $6,000 cash just to move in.
2. Utilities and Internet
Housing costs don’t end with rent. Utilities in Canada include electricity, heating (natural gas), water, and garbage collection.
Small apartment: $150–$250/month
Larger home: $250–$400/month
Internet: $70–$100/month
Mobile phone plans: $50–$80/month per line
👉 A family of four should budget around $400–$500/month for utilities and internet.
3. Transportation
Your choice depends on whether you rely on public transit or own a car.
Gasoline: $1.65–$1.90 per litre in 2025. Filling a small car = $70–$90.
Public transit passes: Toronto: $156/month; Vancouver: $120; Calgary: $112; Montreal: $97.
Car insurance:
Ontario: $2,000–$2,500/year (higher in Toronto).
Alberta & Manitoba: $1,200–$1,500/year.
Used car purchase: A reliable used car costs at least $8,000–$12,000 in 2025.
4. Food and Groceries
Food prices have risen sharply due to inflation.
Single adult: $400–$500/month for groceries.
Couple: $700–$900/month.
Family of four: $1,200–$1,500/month.
Dining out:
Fast food combo: $12–$15
Coffee: $3–$4.50
Restaurant dinner for two: $80–$100 (with drinks, closer to $120).
5. Childcare and Education
Public schooling is free, but childcare before school age is very expensive.
Daycare in Toronto or Vancouver: $1,100–$1,400/month per child.
Daycare in Calgary or Winnipeg: $900–$1,200/month.
After-school programs: $400–$600/month per child.
Private schools: $15,000–$25,000/year.
👉 For a family with two young kids in daycare, childcare can easily reach $2,500–$3,000/month.
6. Healthcare and Insurance
Canada has public healthcare, but it does not cover everything.
Dental check-up: $150–$250
Filling a cavity: $200–$400
Prescription medication: Often $50–$150/month without insurance.
Private health insurance: $200–$350/month for a family (covers dental, vision, drugs).
7. Clothing and Essentials
Winter coat: $200–$400
Winter boots: $100–$250
Monthly clothing budget for a family: $150–$250 if buying moderately.
👉 Newcomers underestimate winter costs. Proper gear is essential in most of Canada.
8. Entertainment and Extras
Gym membership: $60–$90/month
Movie ticket: $15–$20
Streaming subscriptions: $10–$20 each
Occasional weekend trips (gas, hotel, food): $300–$500 for a family.
9. Sample Monthly Budgets
Single in Toronto (1-bedroom apartment)
Rent: $2,500
Utilities + internet: $250
Food: $450
Transit: $156
Phone: $60
👉 Total: $3,400/month ($40,800/year)
Couple in Calgary (2-bedroom apartment)
Rent: $2,300
Utilities + internet: $300
Food: $850
Transit/car: $400
👉 Total: $3,850/month ($46,200/year)
Family of Four in Vancouver (2-bedroom apartment)
Rent: $3,400
Utilities + internet: $400
Food: $1,400
Transit/car + insurance: $700
Childcare (1 preschooler, 1 after-school): $2,400
👉 Total: $8,300/month ($99,600/year)
10. Key Takeaways
Canada is not cheap. Housing and childcare are the biggest expenses, especially in Toronto and Vancouver.
A single newcomer in a large city should budget at least $3,000–$3,500/month.
A family of four needs between $5,000/month in smaller cities and $8,000+/month in major cities.
Proof of funds for immigration is just the entry requirement — the real challenge is sustaining these living costs once you arrive.
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