Cost of Living Calculator — Canada
Moving to a new city? Find out what salary you need to maintain your current lifestyle. Based on cost of living indices for major Canadian cities.
Compare Cities
Cost of Living Index — Major Canadian Cities
Toronto = 100 (base). Higher = more expensive. Indices are approximate composites of housing, food, transportation, and services.
| City | COL Index | vs. Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, BC | 108 | 8% more expensive |
| Toronto, ON | 100 | Baseline |
| Victoria, BC | 92 | 8% cheaper |
| Ottawa, ON | 88 | 12% cheaper |
| Calgary, AB | 87 | 13% cheaper |
| Edmonton, AB | 80 | 20% cheaper |
| Montreal, QC | 78 | 22% cheaper |
| Halifax, NS | 74 | 26% cheaper |
| Saskatoon, SK | 70 | 30% cheaper |
| Winnipeg, MB | 69 | 31% cheaper |
Source: Composite estimates based on Numbeo, Statistics Canada housing data, and CMHC rental reports. Indices updated 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver or Toronto more expensive?
Vancouver is slightly more expensive than Toronto overall, primarily due to higher housing costs in desirable areas. However, Toronto's commuter suburbs have seen significant price increases. Both cities are substantially more expensive than the Canadian average — plan for roughly 30–50% higher housing costs than mid-sized cities like Calgary or Ottawa.
Should I take a lower salary to move to a cheaper city?
Use this calculator to find your break-even point. If Calgary's cost of living is 87% of Toronto's, a $75,000 Toronto salary is equivalent to $65,250 in Calgary. If your employer is offering more than that, you're ahead. Don't forget to factor in provincial income tax — Alberta has no provincial sales tax and lower income tax rates, which significantly improves take-home pay.
How accurate are these cost of living estimates?
These indices are useful for ballpark comparisons but your actual cost difference depends heavily on your lifestyle — especially housing choices. Someone who rents downtown Toronto vs. owns a house in suburban Winnipeg will see very different numbers. For a precise comparison, research specific rental/housing costs, groceries, and transportation in your target neighbourhood.