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Barrie, located in Ontario, Canada, provides international students with a unique and welcoming environment. But, before relocating to Barrie, students should be aware of the average cost of living in Barrie to ensure they can budget appropriately and live comfortably there. But what is the cost of living in Barrie, Ontario?
Understanding the cost of living in Barrie helps students determine how much money they need to have in their accounts to enjoy a worry-free stay in Barrie. So, how much does it cost to live on average in Barrie? To find out the answer, keep reading this blog for essential insights. Let’s delve into the discussion!
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Cost of Living in Barrie Overview
The average cost of living in Barrie for a single person, including housing rent, is approximately CAD 1918, according to livingcost Data. For a one-bedroom apartment, individuals can expect to pay between CAD 740 and CAD 1080. Food costs are approximately CAD 685 per month, while transportation expenses are about CAD 98.2 monthly. The overall cost of living in Barrie can vary according to the standard of living, preferred area, and other essential criteria for students.
The cost of living in Barrie comprises various expenses, including utility bills, housing rent, travel passes, personal expenses, food, and grocery expenses. Below, we provide an overview of the average cost of living in Barrie across different essential categories for those considering residing in this vibrant city. Please have a look:
| Type Categories | Approximate Cost |
| Monthly Accommodation | CAD 740 and CAD 1080 |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | CAD 88.6 |
| Monthly Food | CAD 685 |
| Basic Utilities (Monthly) | CAD 125 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | CAD 320 (Changes from person to person depending on their lifestyle and preferences) |
Now that you have seen an overview of the essential categories of the cost of living in Barrie, let’s dive deeper into these areas. Check out the headings below for a more comprehensive understanding.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Calgary: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Costs of Accommodation in Barrie
The expense of accommodation in Barrie completely depends on the student’s preferences and the type of accommodation they are opting for. If you choose to stay in the hostel dormitory, your cost of living in Barrie for students can be lower, however, if you want a private space, your average rent for a room apartment can be around CAD 740 to CAD 1080 per month.
Before moving to Barrie it is essential to carefully research and compare the apartment rent of different areas to ensure whether they meet your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have compiled the average cost of housing data for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment Type | Location | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| 1 bedroom | in the City Centre | CAD 1080 |
| 3 bedrooms | in the City Centre | CAD 1801 |
| 1 bedroom | Outside of Centre | CAD 740 |
| 3 bedrooms | Outside of Centre | CAD 1550 |
Cost of a Utility in Barrie
Utilities in Barrie encompass a range of essential services that contribute to enhancing the quality of life for residents. The services that are included in utility are electricity, water, heating, internet, and garbage. Understanding the cost of basic utilities can help students to manage household expenses effectively there.
The basic monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Barrie could be around CAD 125. However, the cost of utility bills in Barrie depends on the type of services you prefer to use and the size of the apartment. However, planning your monthly cost of living in Barrie must include the utility expenses as they can affect your overall costs. The table below provides an overview of the average utility expenses in Barrie:
| Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
| Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, etc | CAD 125 |
| Internet | 50 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | CAD 54.30 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Restaurant Food Costs in Barrie
The average monthly food expenses for a person in Barrie are around CAD 685, according to LivingCost data. Students have the opportunity to explore Barrie’s diverse restaurant scene. Dining out in Barrie can be both affordable and delightful. However, food costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the restaurant’s location, type of cuisine, and the number of diners.
Eating out regularly can affect the cost of living in Barrie for students because dining can be more expensive than cooking at your residence. So cooking at home can be a good idea to save lots of money while studying in Barrie. Here’s an approx cost of a meal at restaurants in Barrie:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Lunch Menu | CAD 15.3 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person | CAD 59.60 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | CAD 8.13 |
| Cappuccino | CAD 3.67 |
Cost of Grocery in Barrie
The grocery expenses are the daily expenses for students if they prefer to prepare food at their residence and their meal preferences will decide the expenses of groceries there. However, the cost of groceries can influence the overall cost of living in Barrie.
It’s important to compare prices across different stores or vendors, to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Barrie. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in Barrie:
| Grocery Items | Average Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | CAD 3.95 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | CAD 3.62 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | CAD 6.25 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | CAD 4.16 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | CAD 15.14 |
| Apples (1kg) | CAD 7.14 |
| Banana (1kg) | CAD 2.65 |
| Oranges (1kg) | CAD 5.57 |
| Tomato (1kg) | CAD 6.01 |
| Potato (1kg) | CAD 4.62 |
| Onion (1kg) | CAD 4.03 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | CAD 3.33 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | CAD 3 |
Costs of Transportation in Barrie
Barrie has an established transportation network that ensures students can easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas. It is important to evaluate Travel costs in Barrie for you as a student because you will have to commute to and from college.
For your reference, we have given the average transportation cost in the table below so that you can estimate and add your transportation budget to your cost of living in Barrie accordingly. Take an overview so that you can hang around the Barrie area comfortably:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
| Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport | CAD 91 |
| Ticket for Local Public transport | CAD 3.50 |
| Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km | CAD 30.2 |
| 1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol | CAD 1.52 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Norway: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison
Miscellaneous Costs in Barrie
Apart from accommodation, food, and travel costs, you may need to consider a few miscellaneous expenses while living in Barrie, such as gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, and occasional doctor’s appointments. These miscellaneous expenses can add up over time, so it’s important to account for them in your budget.
These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences. Please refer to the table below for a detailed list of these miscellaneous expenses.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 12.8 |
| Brand Jeans | CAD 64.2 |
| Fitness Club (Gym Membership) | CAD 31.9 |
| Brand Sneakers | CAD 109 |
| Doctor’s visit | CAD 94.4 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Barrie vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Barrie to other cities in Canada, several factors come into play. Barrie is renowned for its affordable living expenses, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. Barrie remains an attractive option within Canada for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the cost of living comparison between Barrie and other cities is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or long-term stays. To give you a thorough understanding of how the cost of living in Barrie compares to other major cities like Toronto and across Ontario, we have compiled relevant data. Please take a look for more clarity:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Barrie |
| Cost of Living in Toronto | CAD 3510 | Higher than Barrie |
| Cost of Living in Ontario | CAD 3,072 | Higher than Barrie |
| Cost of Living in Ottawa | CAD 2956 | Higher than Barrie |
| Cost of Living in Canada | CAD 2782 | Higher than Barrie |
Further, use our Cost of Living Calculator to find out how much you’ll need in your desired city. Estimate your study abroad expenses customized as per your preferred course, university, country, accommodation, and lifestyle.
Average Cost of Studying in Barrie
Pursuing higher education in Barrie can be affordable, and it will not affect that much your cost of living in Barrie. So prospective students should carefully consider their educational goals and financial resources for universities if Barrie.
It’s essential to explore available scholarships or financial aid provided by universities when planning studies in Barrie. Careful financial planning enables students to maximize educational opportunities while managing costs effectively. Below is a table summarizing tuition fees at selected universities in Barrie:
| University Name | Tuition Fees for 1st Year |
| Georgian College | CAD 13860 – CAD 47270 |
By planning their finances well, students can maximize their opportunities to receive a high-quality education at an affordable price. It’s also advisable to check for financial aid or scholarships available on the official websites of Canadian universities.
Conclusion: Understanding the essential costs that contribute to the cost of living in Barrie, helps students budget wisely. This knowledge enables students to manage their finances effectively, enjoy the local culture, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle while studying.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Barrie
Answer: The average cost of living in Barrie for a single person is roughly CAD 1918 monthly. Whereas, the estimated cost of housing rent can range from CAD 740 to CAD 1080. However, these expenses can vary according to the preferred location and things.
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Barrie for a single person is approximately CAD 1,918, including rental costs. In contrast, the average monthly cost of living in Toronto for a single person is about CAD 3,510, also including rental costs. This comparison clearly illustrates that Toronto is more expensive than Barrie.
Answer: For one person, the average cost of living in Barrie, including rent is around CAD 1918 per month. This amount shows that Barrie is among the most affordable cities in Canada. It ranked 144th out of 153 of the most expensive cities in Canada according to livingcost. Despite its low cost of living, Barrie maintains a high quality of life with excellent amenities.
Ans: Barrie, Ontario, is known for its affordability, ranking 144th out of 153 for the most expensive cities in Canada. The average cost of living in Barrie, including rent, totals around CAD 2635 per month for one person, making it significantly lower compared to other Canadian cities.
Ans: The average rent for a one-room apartment in Barrie ranges from CAD 740 to CAD 1,080 per month. This is considered more affordable compared to many other areas in Canada.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Barrie. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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