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I know Canadian cities are always more expensive than US cities but I want to know what major cities are considered to be relatively cheap or decent? I know Vancouver is out of the picture, and I hear Montreal is considered cheap, but I could be wrong. Thanks.
I know Canadian cities are always more expensive than US cities but I want to know what major cities are considered to be relatively cheap or decent? I know Vancouver is out of the picture, and I hear Montreal is considered cheap, but I could be wrong. Thanks.
No, it is considered relatively cheap, and is the best deal out of the bid six. Other options, if you consider them major cities, are Winnipeg and Hamilton, which are both old blue collar industrial cities that are starting to turn around. Of those two I'd choose Hamilton as it has a milder climate and is just a short train ride from Toronto, but as far I understand it isn't quite as cheap as Winnipeg. Halifax can also be a bit of a bargain. On paper it's a small city, but it feels like one that is much larger.
"All ways more expensive " and you know this how, exactly ?
How many cities in Canada have you lived in ? For that matter, how many US cities have you lived in ?
Give me a few examples of the US cities that you think are "cheap " ? Tell me what makes a city "cheap " in your estimation ?
Is it low property taxes ? Is it the amount that city workers are paid ? Is it the cost of using the public transit ?
Tell me , I am interested in your point of view.
Now folks , lets see how long this guy takes to come back and make an appearance, shall we ?
Jim B. In Toronto.
No, I totally agree with you. I know that the "cheap" cities in the US such as Houston or Atlanta or Phoenix are cheap because they're dirty and undesirable. I totally agree that cities that are more expensive are so for a reason.
No, it is considered relatively cheap, and is the best deal out of the bid six. Other options, if you consider them major cities, are Winnipeg and Hamilton, which are both old blue collar industrial cities that are starting to turn around. Of those two I'd choose Hamilton as it has a milder climate and is just a short train ride from Toronto, but as far I understand it isn't quite as cheap as Winnipeg. Halifax can also be a bit of a bargain. On paper it's a small city, but it feels like one that is much larger.
I liked Hamilton when I was there.
What about Ottawa?
And when I went to Toronto, I don't remember it being that expensive as people state. Most of the prices in terms of food, entertainment, etc. seemed pretty normal to me compared to California where I live.
I liked Hamilton when I was there.
What about Ottawa?
And when I went to Toronto, I don't remember it being that expensive as people state. Most of the prices in terms of food, entertainment, etc. seemed pretty normal to me compared to California where I live.
Some things in T.O will be more expensive.. Especially R.E... Car insurance is probably pricier than other Canadian cities simply because its a huge city so the number of accidents are higher.. Renting an apartment isn't too expensive, especially for a larger city and you'd probably be more likely to get a decent paying job. Can also go on Craigslist or Kijiji and find a roomie - there's billions of people looking for that.
One thing however that needs to be considered about a large city like Toronto is competition! There are all kinds of places to shop so naturally retailers big, small and in between are going to cut prices to compete! Additionally what you choose to buy.. I can buy a much nicer meal for less than 60 percent the cost of a McD's combo at a plethora of ethnic mom and pop restaurants in the city.. 5 Samosa's for a buck mmmm lol.. A big Honkin Chicken Shawarma for 4.99 mmmmmm.. Cheaper and MUCH better than a Quarter Pounder Combo yuuuuuck
I liked Hamilton when I was there.
What about Ottawa?
And when I went to Toronto, I don't remember it being that expensive as people state. Most of the prices in terms of food, entertainment, etc. seemed pretty normal to me compared to California where I live.
Ottawa is average to expensive compared to other Canadian cities. Makes sense, it's English speaking, one of the top 6, has lots of well paid government jobs, and is a pleasant, clean place to live with reasonably nice things to do.
Housing is really the only factor, far outweighing everyt o9ther consideration. The price of a $100 weekly bag of groceries will not vary by more than $10 from one city to another, for a $40 a month diffeence. The average driver uses 150 liters of gas a month, and that would vary by only about $30 a month. Everything else costs the same, new car, clothes, appliances, etc.
But the typical rental for an apartment or cost of buying a house can represent a difference of maybe $500 a month from the low to the high,so the housing market is where to look for comparison. Even then, if you really like an area, you can downscale your housing needs.
Tax is the only other thing that would be relevant, with a $250/mo difference between the provincial income tax in AB and QC on an income of $50K.
For what it's worth, here is a map showing the relative cost of living in Canadian cities.
The figures are based on reported costs by contributors to the website. The highest are Regina and Charlottetown,the lowest Windsor, Sarnia, Trois Rivieres. But may be based on a small sample of respondents.
The cheapest city in relation to job opportunities with a population over 500K would probably be Winnipeg.
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