Are you looking for something that shows how much you’ll actually take home after expenses in Canada’s major cities? If you’re planning to move for work, this comparison of salaries and living costs will help you choose the right location to match your career and lifestyle goals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average salaries, typical expenses, and cost-of-living differences in top Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal — so you can plan smartly before making your move.
1. Toronto – High Salaries, High Costs
Average Salary: CAD 70,000 – 85,000/year (varies by industry)
Average Rent (1-Bedroom Downtown): CAD 2,300 – 2,700/month
Public Transport: CAD 156/month (TTC monthly pass)
Groceries: CAD 350 – 500/month (single person)
Toronto offers some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada, especially in finance, tech, and healthcare. But housing prices and rent are among the steepest in the country.
- Good for: High-income professionals, career growth in finance, IT, media.
- Challenge: Rent eats a large chunk of salary — over 35% for many professionals.
💡 Internal Link Suggestion: Link “Toronto job market” text to your “Top Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies in Canada” article.
2. Vancouver – Scenic Lifestyle, Expensive Housing
Average Salary: CAD 65,000 – 80,000/year
Average Rent (1-Bedroom Downtown): CAD 2,200 – 2,600/month
Public Transport: CAD 120 – 140/month (TransLink)
Groceries: CAD 350 – 480/month
Vancouver offers a balanced mix of outdoor lifestyle and urban job opportunities, especially in film, tourism, and tech. However, it’s also one of the most expensive housing markets in the world relative to local salaries.
- Good for: Those who value lifestyle over savings.
- Challenge: Home ownership is nearly out of reach for newcomers without significant savings.
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3. Calgary – High Salaries, Affordable Living
Average Salary: CAD 70,000 – 90,000/year
Average Rent (1-Bedroom Downtown): CAD 1,500 – 1,800/month
Public Transport: CAD 112/month
Groceries: CAD 300 – 450/month
Thanks to the oil and gas industry, Calgary has one of the highest median household incomes in Canada. The cost of housing is significantly lower compared to Toronto and Vancouver, making it one of the most affordable big cities for professionals.
- Good for: Families, engineers, and finance professionals seeking high savings potential.
- Challenge: Job opportunities are more concentrated in energy and related sectors.
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4. Ottawa – Government Jobs, Stable Economy
Average Salary: CAD 65,000 – 80,000/year
Average Rent (1-Bedroom Downtown): CAD 1,700 – 2,000/month
Public Transport: CAD 125/month
Groceries: CAD 320 – 450/month
Ottawa is ideal for those seeking stable government or tech-related jobs. The city has a relatively balanced cost-to-income ratio compared to Toronto and Vancouver, plus high-quality public services.
- Good for: Government workers, IT professionals, bilingual candidates (English/French).
- Challenge: Private sector opportunities are more limited than in larger cities.
💡 Internal Link Suggestion: Link “government jobs” to your “Top Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies in Canada” article.
5. Montreal – Affordable Lifestyle, Lower Salaries
Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 70,000/year
Average Rent (1-Bedroom Downtown): CAD 1,500 – 1,800/month
Public Transport: CAD 94/month
Groceries: CAD 280 – 400/month
Montreal offers affordable housing and lower overall costs, but salaries here are also lower than in most major Canadian cities. The city has a strong creative, cultural, and startup scene, but knowing French is essential for most jobs.
- Good for: Creative professionals, students, and those who prefer an affordable urban life.
- Challenge: Language barrier for non-French speakers.
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6. Salary vs. Cost of Living: Quick Comparison Table
| City | Avg Salary (CAD) | Avg Rent (CAD) | Groceries (CAD) | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 70K – 85K | 2,300 – 2,700 | 350 – 500 | Low – Medium |
| Vancouver | 65K – 80K | 2,200 – 2,600 | 350 – 480 | Low |
| Calgary | 70K – 90K | 1,500 – 1,800 | 300 – 450 | High |
| Ottawa | 65K – 80K | 1,700 – 2,000 | 320 – 450 | Medium – High |
| Montreal | 55K – 70K | 1,500 – 1,800 | 280 – 400 | Medium |
7. How to Decide Where to Live and Work in Canada
When comparing salaries and living costs, consider:
- Your Industry: Some cities have better job markets for specific fields.
- Lifestyle Goals: Urban nightlife vs. quiet suburbs vs. outdoor adventures.
- Savings Priority: Choose cities with lower housing costs if saving money is a priority.
- Language Skills: French is important in Quebec; bilingualism can boost salary prospects in Ottawa.
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Final Thoughts
Moving to Canada can be a big financial and career step. While Toronto and Vancouver offer higher salaries, Calgary and Ottawa provide better savings potential, and Montreal is perfect for affordable city living.
Before making your decision, research job opportunities in your field, compare housing costs, and evaluate how your lifestyle preferences align with the city’s offerings.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair this article with your “Top Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies in Canada” guide to see where to start applying based on your city choice.