Cost of Living in Halifax: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

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!

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:

Cost of Living in Barcelona: Expense Insights 2024	A Guide on Cost of Living in the Czech Republic
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Expense Insights	Cost of Living in Regina: Food, Room Rent & Transportation
Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense	Cost of Living in Chelmsford: Is it Expensive to Live in Chelmsford, UK?

FAQs on Cost of Living in Halifax

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.