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Brandon, MB, is the second-largest city in Manitoba and offers a blend of urban convenience with a small-town feel. Known as the “Wheat City,” Brandon is a hub for agriculture and education, making it an amazing destination for students, professionals, and families alike. If you are moving here for work or study, estimating the cost of living in Brandon is essential for planning your budget effectively. So, what are the costs involved in the cost of living in Brandon, Manitoba?
This guide offers a clear overview of the main expenses that you can expect when living in Brandon, MB. It aims to help students to make an informed choice about moving to Brandon City. By examining the cost of living in Brandon, you’ll be better prepared for a seamless transition as you plan to study in Canada.
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Brandon, MB Overview
- Costs of Accommodation in Brandon
- Cost of a Utility in Brandon
- Costs of Dining in Brandon
- Cost of Grocery in Brandon
- Cost of Transportation in Brandon
- Miscellaneous Costs in Brandon
- Cost of Living in Brandon, MB Compared to Other Cities
- Average Tuition Fees in Brandon, MB
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Brandon
Cost of Living in Brandon, MB Overview
The average cost of living in Brandon for a person is about CAD 1892 per month, by LivingCost data. This amount covers essential expenses, including approximately CAD 730 for renting a single bedroom, CAD 652 for monthly food costs, and roughly CAD 75.40 for transportation. Your total living expenses in Brandon might differ based on your lifestyle, the neighbourhood you choose, and other preferences.
Brandon, MB, ranks 147th among 153 cities in Canada for living expenditures. Key factors that affect the overall cost of living in Brandon include housing, food, utilities, and transportation. This overview gives valuable insights for those planning to relocate to Brandon, helping you to plan your finances effectively.
Also read: Cost of Living in Abbotsford BC: Updated Prices
Costs of Accommodation in Brandon
When moving to a new city, one of the primary concerns is housing. Fortunately, Brandon offers a variety of housing options to suit different budgets. Understanding rental apartment costs is crucial for students seeking housing that matches their needs or budget. Brandon provides a variety of options, with budget-friendly apartments.
On average, a single-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Brandon costs about CAD 730 per month. In contrast, apartments closer to the city centre generally rent around CAD 1,083. Below is a summary of average rental prices for various apartments, in both areas the city centre and on the outskirts.
| Apartment Type | Location | Approx. Cost per month |
| 1 bedroom | in the City Centre | CAD 1083 |
| 1 bedroom | Outside of Centre | CAD 730 |
| 3 bedrooms | in the City Centre | CAD 1486 |
| 3 bedrooms | Outside of Centre | CAD 1445 |
Cost of a Utility in Brandon
In Brandon, basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around CAD 111 for a single-bedroom apartment per month. These utility expenses can vary based on the services you choose and the apartment or room size. When planning your budget, it’s essential to include these costs, as they can directly affect your overall cost of living in Brandon, Manitoba.
In Brandon, utilities encompass vital services that improve daily life, internet, including water, electricity, heating, and waste management. Here’s a quick look at the basic utility price you might encounter in Brandon:
| Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost per month |
| Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, cooling, Heating, etc | CAD 111 |
| Internet | Unlimited Data (50 Mbps speed) Monthly | CAD 76.8 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: Updated Prices
Costs of Dining in Brandon
If you enjoy eating outside, Brandon offers a variety of tasty and affordable restaurants. The expenses of eating out in Brandon, MB can vary depending on the type of restaurant, type of food, and quality of food. Regularly eating out can raise students’ overall cost of living in Brandon, Canada.
On average, international students in Brandon spend per month about CAD 652 on meals. However, preparing meals at home is a more affordable or budget-friendly option and can help you manage your expenses more effectively. Preparing your own meals can lead to significant savings and reduce your cost of living in Brandon.
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of food in Restaurant |
| Lunch Menu | CAD 16.1 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person | CAD 88.1 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | CAD 12.9 |
| Cappuccino | CAD 4.88 |
Cost of Grocery in Brandon
The cost of groceries in Brandon is fairly standard for Canada. A typical monthly grocery bill for a single person might range from CAD 300 to CAD 400, depending on students’ shopping habits and dietary preferences. Staples like bread, milk, and eggs are reasonably priced, and you can find fresh produce at local farmers’ markets or grocery stores. Grocery expenses play a crucial role in the daily cost of living in Brandon, especially for those who prefer preparing meals at their place.
To manage grocery costs effectively, consider comparing prices at numerous stores & vendors. Prices can vary or fluctuate based on product quality, quantity, and store location. Here’s a table showing the average grocery expenditure in Brandon for individuals who plan to cook at room:
| Grocery Product | Approx Price |
| Apples, 1 kg | CAD 5.59 |
| Banana, 1 kg | CAD 1.8 |
| Oranges, 1 kg | CAD 2.28 |
| Tomato, 1 kg | CAD 4.85 |
| Potato, 1 kg | CAD 3.26 |
| Onion, 1 kg | CAD 1.51 |
| Water, 1 L | CAD 1.69 |
| Milk, 1 L | CAD 1.93 |
| Bread, 0.5 kg | CAD 2.23 |
| Rice, 1 kg | CAD 4.41 |
| Eggs, x12 | CAD 3.57 |
| Cheese, 1 kg | CAD 14.1 |
Cost of Transportation in Brandon
Getting around in Brandon is convenient and relatively affordable. Brandon Transit offers bus services throughout the city. Students need to commute to and from college on a daily basis, so transportation costs play a significant role in the overall cost of living for students in Brandon.
It’s important to understand these costs for effective budgeting, as they can greatly affect your monthly expenses. To help you plan, we’ve provided the average transportation cost for various options in Brandon in the table below.
| Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
| Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport | CAD 97.5 |
| Ticket for Local Public transport | CAD 1.74 |
| Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km | CAD 20.2 |
| 1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol | CAD 1.49 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Manitoba: A Comprehensive Guide
Miscellaneous Costs in Brandon
When studying in Brandon, Canada, it’s essential to account for miscellaneous expenses as they form a significant part of your daily budget. These costs, such as fitness club memberships, apparel, movie tickets, and short doctor appointments, can impact your overall cost of living.
Your spending on these services or items will depend on your lifestyle and other preferences. However, it’s important to include these expenses in your budget planning. Tracking these costs will help you manage your finances more effectively and enjoy your time in this friendly city. Below is a table summarising these typical expenses.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 14 |
| Brand Jeans | CAD 80.5 |
| Fitness Club | CAD 44.4 |
| Brand Sneakers | CAD 112 |
| Doctor’s visit | CAD 107 |
Cost of Living in Brandon, MB Compared to Other Cities
Brandon is notable for its affordable living expenses, especially in comparison with many other provinces of Canada. Knowing the cost of living in Brandon can guide you in managing your budget and selecting suitable housing. Brandon City provides a balanced lifestyle, merging cost-effectiveness with a high standard of living.
To offer a clearer perspective, we have compared the cost of living in Brandon with cities such as Winnipeg, Montreal, and Canada. This comparison will help you assess how Brandon measures up against these cities, aiding you in getting the best financial match for your needs.
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Brandon |
| Cost of Living in Manitoba | CAD 2592 | Higher than Brandon |
| Cost of living in Winnipeg | CAD 2335 | Higher than Brandon |
| Cost of Living in Montreal | CAD 2481 | Higher than Brandon |
| Cost of Living in Canada | CAD 2782 | Higher than Brandon |
Further, use our Cost of Living Calculator to find out how much you’ll need in your desired city. Estimate your study abroad expenses customised as per your preferred course, university, country, accommodation, and lifestyle.
Average Tuition Fees in Brandon, MB
International students need to be aware of the tuition fees of the universities in Brandon, as these fees play a crucial role in determining their overall cost of living. Tuition fees can differ based on the level of education and preferred program, so it’s important to plan and budget accordingly. By matching your educational objectives with your financial resources, you can make informed decisions about pursuing studies in Brandon.
The table given below gives a clear summary of the average tuition fees of the colleges and universities in Brandon. This Tuition fee information will guide you in understanding the usual costs of UG and PG programs in the city and also, assist you in effectively organising your academic path.
| University Name | Tuition Fee |
| ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | CAD 15,000 – CAD 17,000 |
| BRANDON UNIVERSITY (old) | CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000 |
| BRANDON UNIVERSITY | CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 |
Students can maximise their opportunities for high-quality education without breaking the bank, by carefully planning their finances. Check the official websites of Canadian universities for financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Conclusion: Brandon, MB, offers a balanced lifestyle with a lower cost of living than other Canadian cities. Whether you’re a student, professional, or family, understanding the costs associated with housing, utilities, transportation, and other essentials can help you plan your budget effectively. With careful planning and smart spending, you can enjoy all that Brandon has to offer without breaking the bank.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Brandon
Answer: The cost of living for a single person in Brandon usually amounts to about CAD 1,892 per month. However, this figure can vary depending on personal choices and lifestyle. Most international students find these expenses reasonable and can live comfortably while enjoying life in the city.
Answer: To live comfortably in Brandon, plan to allocate between CAD 730 and 1,083 per month for room rent. Rental prices vary depending on the location, with city centre apartments typically being more expensive, while more affordable options can be found in the outskirts of the central area.
Answer: For students living in Brandon is more affordable in comparison to other provinces in Canada. A person usually spends about CAD 1,892 monthly on living expenses in Brandon. The city ranks 147th in terms of cost of living, offering a great quality of life, along with top-notch amenities and a lively cultural environment.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Brandon. 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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