Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, Canada, has a lot to offer. It’s famous for its beautiful coastline, environment and prestigious universities. The cost of living in Halifax is lower than in various other cities around the country. Students going to Halifax for their higher education should plan a budget to manage their living expenses effectively.
Halifax boasts a wonderful quality of life coupled with a cost of living that won’t break the bank when compared to other big cities in Canada. Students here enjoy a high standard of living, making it an attractive place to call home. If you’re curious about what it’s like to live in Halifax and want to learn more about the cost of living, you’ve come to the right place. Stick around till the end for all the details!
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Cost of Living in Halifax Overview
The average cost of living in Halifax for one person, excluding rent, is approximately CAD 1,506 per month according to Numbeo. When factoring in rent, apartment costs typically range from CAD 1,700 to CAD 2,400 per month. However, these expenses can vary significantly based on one’s lifestyle, the specific area of Halifax, and personal preferences.
The cost of living in Halifax covers various expenses, including housing rent, food, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Below, we provide an overview of the average costs in different categories for those considering living in Halifax. Take a look for a detailed understanding:
Also read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense
Costs of Accommodation in Halifax
When calculating the cost of living in Halifax, housing is undoubtedly the most significant expense to consider. The cost varies based on the location, size, and type of accommodation. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around CAD 1,970.
It is crucial to thoroughly research and compare housing options that align with your needs and budget. To assist you, we have compiled data on the average cost of apartments both in the city centre and outside the city centre.
Apartment | Location | Approx. Monthly Cost |
Apartment of One-bedroom | in the City Centre | CAD 1,970 |
Apartment of One-bedroom | Outside of Centre | CAD 1,617 |
Apartment of Three-bedroom | in the City Centre | CAD 3,218 |
Apartment of Three-bedroom | Outside of Centre | CAD 2,658 |
Cost of a Utility in Halifax
The monthly utility costs for a one-bedroom apartment in Halifax can be approximately CAD 251, though this amount can vary based on usage and apartment size. It’s crucial to factor in utility expenses when planning your monthly budget, as they are a significant part of the overall cost of living in Halifax. The table below provides an overview of the average utility bills in Halifax:
Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, and Garbage | CAD 251 |
Internet | Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | CAD 105 |
Monthly Plan Mobile Phone | including Calls and 10GB+ Data | CAD 81 |
By considering these estimates, you can better manage your finances and ensure you account for all necessary living expenses.
Cost of Grocery in Halifax
The price of groceries in Halifax can vary based on where you shop, the quality of the products, and your dietary preferences. These factors directly influence the overall cost of living in the city.
The cost of groceries in Halifax is quite affordable compared to many other major Canadian cities. To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s important to compare prices. Below is a table outlining the average grocery costs in Halifax:
Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
1 litre of Regular Milk | CAD 2.80 |
500g Bread (White) | CAD 3.69 |
1kg white Rice | CAD 6.25 |
1kg Apples | CAD 6.33 |
1kg Banana | CAD 2.22 |
1kg Oranges | CAD 5.40 |
1kg Tomato | CAD 6.33 |
1kg Potato | CAD 3.26 |
1kg Onion | CAD 3.25 |
Lettuce (1 head) | CAD 3.48 |
1 litre Water bottle | CAD 2.56 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Chelmsford: Is it Expensive to Live in Chelmsford, UK?
Restaurant Food Costs in Halifax
The cost of dining out in Halifax can fluctuate based on several factors, including the restaurant’s type, location, and cuisine. Dining out is generally more expensive than preparing meals at home, and it can significantly impact your overall budget. Below is an approximate breakdown of average meal costs at various types of restaurants in Halifax:
Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CAD 23 |
Meal for 2 person (in a Mid-range Restaurant) | CAD 100 |
Equal meal. to McDonald’s | CAD 13.81 |
Cappuccino | CAD 5.22 |
These estimates provide a general idea of what you might spend dining out in Halifax, helping you plan your budget accordingly for the cost of living in Halifax.
Transportation costs in Halifax
Halifax offers a comprehensive public transportation system that includes both buses and a ferry service. The fares in Halifax are integrated, allowing you to use both buses and ferries with a single ticket or pass, making it convenient and easy to get around the city.
Evaluating transportation costs in Halifax is crucial, as they significantly influence the overall cost of living in the city. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of transportation expenses in the Halifax area:
Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
Ticket for Local Public transport | CAD 2.75 |
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport | CAD 82.50 |
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 1 km | CAD 1.75 |
Normal Tariff of taxi for 1 hour Waiting | CAD 30 |
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol | CAD 1.75 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Cardiff: House Rent, Food, Expenses [2024]
Miscellaneous Costs in Halifax
Additional expenses beyond the essentials cost of living in Halifax also include some other essential things like going to the movies, joining a fitness club, buying clothes like jeans or a summer dress, getting a new pair of sports shoes, or visiting a doctor.
These miscellaneous costs are part of everyday life and will come up sooner or later. It’s important to budget for them to ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way in Halifax. Take a look at the table below for a breakdown of these miscellaneous expenses:
Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
Movie Ticket | CAD 15 |
Fitness Club | CAD 71 |
Pair of Jeans | CAD 81.60 |
Summer Dress | CAD 50.50 |
Pair of Sports shoes | CAD 141 |
Doctor’s visit | CAD 95 |
To effectively manage your finances in Halifax, it’s important to consider not only the major expenses but also these miscellaneous costs that can impact your budget. By budgeting wisely and planning ahead, you can ensure that you’re prepared for whatever expenses come your way.
The Cost of Living in Halifax Compared to Other Cities
Halifax is often seen as one of the more budget-friendly places to live in Canada when compared to other cities. But what exactly makes it so? Well, when you look at the cost of living in Halifax compared to other places, you’ll notice several key factors at play. These include housing prices, transportation costs, dining options, and entertainment expenses.
To help you understand how the cost of living in Halifax stacks up against other cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, and New York, we’ve provided a comparison of living expenses (excluding rent) in these places. Take a look:
Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Halifax |
Cost of Living in Toronto | CAD 1509 | Approximately equal to Halifax |
Cost of Living in Vancouver | CAD 1553 | Higher than Halifax |
Cost of Living in Calgary | CAD 1,593 | Higher than Halifax |
Cost of Living in Ottawa | CAD 1526 | Higher than Halifax |
Cost of Living in Edmonton | CAD 1423 | Lower than Halifax |
Cost of living in Mississauga | CAD 1,444 | Lower than Halifax |
Cost of living in Edmonton | CAD 1,423 | Lower than Halifax |
Cost of living in Victoria | CAD 1,593 | Higher than Halifax |
Cost of living in Winnipeg | CAD 1,423 | Lower than Halifax |
Average Tuition Fees in Halifax
In addition to handling the cost of living in Halifax, students can better manage their budgets by researching the average tuition fees at universities in the area. It’s important to keep in mind that tuition fees can vary depending on the university, level of study, and field of study. Below is a summary table showcasing the tuition fees at some selected universities in Halifax:
Name of University | Approx Tuition fees per year |
Dalhousie University | CAD 4050 – CAD 57410 |
Mount Saint Vincent University | CAD 8060 – CAD 20040 |
Saint Mary’s University | CAD 21150 – CAD 46500 |
Nova Scotia Community College | CAD 11690 |
Managing the cost of living in Halifax is about being smart with your money management. First, make a budget and stick to it. Look for ways to save, like cooking at home instead of eating out. Consider living outside the city centre to save on rent and use public transportation to get around.
Find affordable things to do for fun and see if you can get a part-time job or apply for scholarships to help cover expenses. With a little planning, you can make your money go further and enjoy Halifax without breaking the bank.
Relevant read:
FAQs on Cost of Living in Halifax
Answer: The monthly average cost of living in Halifax for an individual is approximately CAD 1,506, without including the rent. However, when factoring in rent, which can range from CAD 1,700 to CAD 2,400, the overall monthly expenses can vary significantly.
Answer: The average cost of living for one person in Halifax excluding rent is around CAD 1506. It is affordable compared to the rest of Canada and yet you can live a good quality of life here.
Answer: The monthly average monthly net salary in Halifax after tax is around CAD 3,673. This amount is sufficient to live comfortably in Halifax. However, the average cost of living for a single person in Halifax is around CAD 1,506 without rent.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Halifax. 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.