The Market Basket Measure (MBM) data by Statistics Canada shared the most & least expensive major cities in Canada based on the cost of basic needs. According to this data, the cost of basic needs among all assessed major cities across Canada is the highest in Calgary & lowest in Montreal.
As defined by Statistics Canada, MBM data is based on the cost of a specific basket of goods & services representing a modest, basic standard of living for a reference family.
For the provinces, Yukon & the Northwest Territories, the MBM reference family consists of two adults with two children. However, for Nunavut, the MBM reference family includes two adults & three children.
Please note that while this data is published based on figures of 2022, it also includes MBM data for regions in every province based on specific population thresholds, i.e., under 30,000 or from 30,000 to 99,999. This article will focus on the most & least major cities in Canada.
Where Is The Cost Of Basic Needs The Highest Across Canada?
According to this measure, basic needs cost the most in:
- Calgary, Alberta: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,771.
- Vancouver, British Columbia: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,727.
- Toronto, Ontario: The total MBM threshold in this city is $55,262.
Where Is The Cost Of Basic Needs The Lowest Across Canada?
According to this measure, basic needs cost the least in:
- Montreal, Canada: The total MBM threshold in this city is $46,027.
- Brandon, Manitoba: The total MBM threshold in this city is $46,779.
- Saint John, New Brunswick: The total MBM threshold in this city is $46,468.
The Cost Of Basic Needs In Other Major Cities Across Canada
The following will continue to highlight the cost of basic needs in Canada, focusing on one major city in each province & territory.
- St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador: $50,931
- Charlottetown, PEI: $51,033
- Regina, Saskatchewan: $51,101
- Halifax, Nova Scotia: $52,439
- Whitehorse, Yukon: $59,124
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: $66,991
- Iqaluit, Nunavut: $118,787
The Cost Of Living In Canada
Regarding the most & least expensive major cities in Canada, another report by Rentals.ca demonstrates that many of the same cities appear in a corresponding position with respect to where rental housing is most costly across the nation.
Rental housing is a key consideration for many recent immigrants to Canada, along with newcomers generally, making this a top priority for many of this nation’s newest inhabitants.
According to the Rent Report, Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive city to rent both a one-bedroom & two-bedroom apartment.
In addition, Toronto was given the title of Canada’s third most expensive city for property rentals. It included a one-bedroom costing an average of $2,607, while a two-bedroom was $3,424.
On the less expensive side, one city (Winnipeg) in the same province as Canada’s second-least expensive city for basic needs appeared in the top five cheapest cities to rent a one or two-bedroom apartment. According to the November Rent Report, rent for a one-bedroom residence in Winnipeg was $1,282. In addition, the rent for a two-bedroom was $1,692.