Cost of Living in Edmonton: Updated Prices [2024]

Are you planning to study in Edmonton? Understanding the cost of living in Edmonton, Canada, is crucial for effective budget management. As the capital of Alberta, Edmonton offers a vibrant academic and cultural environment. However, it’s essential to be aware of the expenses you might encounter before making the move to this beautiful city. Make sure you’re fully informed about the cost of living in Edmonton to ensure a smooth transition and manage your finances effectively.

This detailed guide provides an overview of the key expenses you can expect for the cost of living in Edmonton. This will help you in making an informed decision about relocating to Edmonton. Let’s dive into the details of the cost of living in Edmonton. This will help you prepare for a smooth transition to study in Canada.

Cost of Living in Edmonton

The average cost of living in Edmonton is around CAD 2360 per month for a single person, according to LivingCost data. Breaking down these expenses, rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from CAD 978 to CAD 1222 per month. Food costs are approximately CAD 710 per month, while transportation expenses are about CAD 193 monthly. The total cost of living in Edmonton can vary based on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors. See the overview of the cost of living in Edmonton in the given image.

In comparison to the world’s most expensive cities, the average monthly cost of living in Edmonton is about 27% lower. Edmonton ranks 96th out of 153 Canadian cities in terms of living expenses. Key factors such as housing, food, utilities, and transportation significantly impact the overall cost of living in Edmonton. This detailed overview provides valuable insights for those considering a move to Edmonton, aiding in effective financial planning.

Also read: Cost of Living in Abbotsford BC: Updated Prices

Costs of Accommodation in Edmonton

Before moving to Edmonton, students planning to study in Canada should carefully research accommodation options. It’s crucial to compare apartment rents across different neighbourhoods to find the best fit for their needs and budget. Edmonton’s rental market offers a variety of choices, from affordable apartments to more upscale options.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from CAD 978 to CAD 1222 per month. To give you a clearer picture of housing costs in Edmonton, we have compiled average price data for different types of apartments both within and outside the city centre.

Apartment Type	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 bedroom	in the City Centre	CAD 1222
3 bedrooms	in the City Centre	CAD 1978
1 bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 978
3 bedrooms	Outside of Centre	CAD 1589

Cost of a Utility in Edmonton

For a one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton, the average monthly utility costs are about CAD 187. These expenses can vary depending on the utilities you use and the apartment’s size. It’s important to include these utility costs in your overall budget, as they can have a big impact on your total cost of living in Edmonton.

Utilities in Edmonton provide essential services that make life more comfortable and convenient. These usually include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Below is a brief overview of the typical utility costs you might expect in Edmonton:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, etc	CAD 187
Internet	50 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Monthly	CAD 80.7

Also read: Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: Updated Prices

Costs of Dining in Edmonton

For those who enjoy eating out, Edmonton offers a wide variety of dining options that are both delicious and affordable. The cost of eating out can vary depending on the restaurant, the type of cuisine, and the overall dining experience. Regular dining at restaurants can affect your overall cost of living in Edmonton.

On average, students in Edmonton might spend around CAD 710 each month on food. However, cooking at home can be a more budget-friendly approach to managing expenses. Preparing meals at home can result in significant savings, helping to reduce the cost of living in Edmonton. Here’s a general overview of the average cost of a meal at different types of restaurants in Edmonton:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Lunch Menu	CAD 19.1
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	CAD 74.2
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	CAD 12.1
Cappuccino	CAD 5.03

Cost of Grocery in Edmonton

Grocery expenses are a substantial part of daily living costs in Edmonton, especially for those who prefer to cook their meals at home. Your grocery budget in Edmonton will largely depend on your meal preferences and dietary needs, which in turn affects the overall cost of living in Edmonton City.

To manage grocery expenses effectively, it’s advisable to compare prices at various stores and vendors. The cost of groceries can fluctuate based on factors such as product quality, quantity, and store location. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in Edmonton for individuals planning to prepare their meals at home:

Grocery Items	Average Cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	CAD 2.25
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	CAD 3.36
Rice (white), (1kg)	CAD 4.14
Eggs (regular) (12)	CAD 5.07
Local Cheese (1kg)	CAD 17.58
Apples (1kg)	CAD 5.85
Banana (1kg)	CAD 1.74
Oranges (1kg)	CAD 5.41
Tomato (1kg)	CAD 5.14
Potato (1kg)	CAD 3.31
Onion (1kg)	CAD 3.08
Lettuce (1 head)	CAD 3.84
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	CAD 2.5

Cost of Transportation in Edmonton

Edmonton has an established transportation network that ensures students can easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas. For students, commuting to and from college is a daily important and it makes transportation expenses an important factor in the overall cost of living in Edmonton.

Knowing the cost of transportation is essential for budgeting, as it can significantly influence your monthly living expenses in Edmonton. To help you estimate these costs, we’ve provided a detailed table below with average prices for a few transportation options in the city. Please check.

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport	CAD 101
Ticket for Local Public transport	CAD 3.47
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km	CAD 19.3
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol	CAD 1.38

Also read: Cost of Living in Alberta: A Comprehensive Guide

Miscellaneous Costs in Edmonton

The Miscellaneous costs are part of daily life and can come up during your studies in Edmonton, Canada. Miscellaneous expenses in Edmonton, such as gym memberships, movie tickets, clothing, and minor medical appointments, should be factored into your budget when planning your cost of living in Edmonton.

Although these expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences, it’s essential to consider them for effective budget management. Being aware of these costs will help you keep control of your finances and enjoy your experience in this charming city. Below is a table detailing these expenses.

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	CAD 16
Brand Jeans	CAD 71.8
Fitness Club	CAD 61.2
Brand Sneakers	CAD 109
Doctor’s visit	CAD 82.2

Cost of Living in Edmonton Compared to Other Cities

Edmonton offers an affordable lifestyle, especially compared to many other Canadian cities. To make informed decisions about where to live according to your budget, you need to understand the cost of living in Edmonton and nearby urban centres. Despite its lower cost of living, Edmonton attracts many people with its balanced lifestyle.

The city blends affordability with a high quality of life, making it an appealing choice for many. We compare the cost of living in Edmonton with that of Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Victoria, London Ontario, Halifax and Canada to provide a clearer perspective. This comparison helps you see how Edmonton stacks up against other locations and assists you in finding the best fit for your financial situation.

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Edmonton
Cost of Living in Toronto	CAD 3510	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Vancouver	CAD 3494	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Montreal	CAD 2481	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Regina	CAD 2079	Lower than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Winnipeg	CAD 2335	Lower than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Ottawa	CAD 2956	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Victoria	CAD 3011	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in London Ontario	CAD 2816	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Halifax	CAD 2941	Higher than Edmonton
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782	Higher than Edmonton

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 Tuition Fees in Edmonton

International students need to understand tuition fees at universities in Edmonton because these costs greatly affect their overall cost of living in Edmonton City. Tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. When considering higher education in Edmonton, students should match their educational goals with their financial resources.

The table below offers a clear view of the average tuition fees at universities and colleges in Edmonton. It helps you make informed decisions about your academic journey. Here’s a snapshot of the typical tuition fees at universities in Edmonton:

University	Tuition Fees
NorQuest College	CAD 17,000 – CAD 20,000
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)	CAD 19,000 – CAD 26,000
The King’s University	CAD 15,000 – CAD 20,000
Concordia Lutheran Seminary	CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000
MacEwan University	CAD 25,000 – CAD 30,500
Concordia University of Edmonton	CAD 16,000 – CAD 18,000
Vanguard College	CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000
Solomon College	CAD 13,000 – CAD 18,000
University of Alberta	CAD 29,192 – CAD 42,707

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. Now you have an idea of ​​the tuition fees at universities in Edmonton, let’s understand why you should choose Edmonton for higher studies.

Why Choose Edmonton to Study Abroad

After understanding the cost of living in Edmonton, let’s understand why you should study in this city in the first place. Edmonton is the largest city in northern Canada, providing students the opportunity to pursue education in a bustling metropolis set among thousands of kilometres of astonishing wilderness. Here are some of the main reasons why you should pursue education in Edmonton: 

Home to Top Universities

Edmonton is a popular choice for international students as it is home to some of the best universities in Edmonton. Here are some of the best universities in Edmonton:

• University of Alberta
• MacEwan University
• Concordia University of Edmonton

Easy Transportation

Edmonton has a stress-free transportation system. There are light rail network that connects different points across the city. Edmonton’s frequent buses ensure that you are never short of options.

Among the Cheapest Canadian Cities

Edmonton is among the cheapest Canadian cities to live in and is only a little more costly than Montréal while being significantly cheaper than places such as Vancouver or Toronto.

Availability of Education

There are numerous accommodation options for you to select from after you have obtained an offer of study from an Edmonton university.

Things to Consider When Moving to Edmonton

If you are planning to move to Edmonton, then you need to keep certain crucial things in mind before you actually go there. So, here are some of the important considerations you need to have before you move to Edmonton:

How To Get Around in Edmonton

You can use the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines to conveniently get around the city. The city’s easy transportation system will make it very convenient for you to explore the city without any hurdles.

Culture in Edmonton

Edmonton witnessed a number of celebrations and festivals throughout the year that commemorate its multiculturalism, such as the UFest Ukrainian Festival, Heritage Festival, The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival, and Chinese Lunar New Year Events. Edmonton is also known as Canada’s Festival City.

Snowy Climate in Edmonton

Edmonton witnesses a lot of snowfall. In fact, the city is covered in at least one centimetre of snow for the year. So, before you move to this city, make sure that you purchase some winter clothes.

Ideal Place to Raise Family

Edmonton can be a perfect place for you if you are moving there with your family. The city has an abundance of culture, food, community centres, and heritage.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Barrie: Updated Prices, Comparison	Cost of Living in Brampton: Updated Prices, Comparison
Cost of Living in British Columbia: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities	Cost of Living in Burnaby: Updated Prices, Comparison
Cost of Living in Edmonton: A Guide	Cost of Living in Mississauga: Updated Prices

FAQs on Cost of Living in Edmonton

So, this was all about the cost of living in Edmonton. 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.