Cost of Living in Halifax: Updated Prices [2024]

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 there for their higher education should plan a budget to manage their cost of living in Halifax 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!

What is the Cost of Living in Halifax?

The average cost of living in Halifax for a single person is approximately CAD 2941 per month, according to LivingCost data. This includes expenses such as rent, which ranges from CAD 1482 to CAD 1795 for a one-bedroom apartment, food costs of about CAD 829, and transportation expenses of approximately CAD 130 per month. The total cost of living in Halifax can vary depending on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors.

Compared to the world’s most expensive cities, Halifax falls within the top 15% of the most costly places to live. It ranks 26th out of 153 Canadian cities in terms of living expenses. 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 the most significant expense to consider while studying in Canada. Rental housing costs in Halifax can vary based on the location, size, and type of accommodation. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around CAD 1,795.

Before moving to Halifax for studies in Canada, it’s essential to thoroughly research and compare accommodation options. Also, it’s crucial to find housing that aligns 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 1795
Apartment of One-bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 1482
Apartment of Three-bedroom	in the City Centre	CAD 3253
Apartment of Three-bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 2628

Cost of a Utility in Halifax 

The monthly utility costs for a one-bedroom apartment in Halifax can be approximately CAD 153, 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.

Utilities in Halifax cover essential services that enhance daily life, such as electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. The table below provides an overview of the average utility costs in Halifax:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, and Garbage	CAD 251
Internet	Unlimited Data, 50 Mbps+ Cable/ADSL monthly	CAD 106

Consider these estimates to better manage your finances and ensure you account for all necessary living expenses in Halifax. Now that you have an idea of the average cost of utilities, let’s take a look at the cost of groceries in Halifax.

Cost of Grocery in Halifax

In Halifax, grocery prices can fluctuate depending on where you shop, the quality of products you choose, and your dietary preferences. These factors significantly impact the overall cost of living, especially if you prefer cooking at home. To manage your grocery expenses effectively, it’s wise to compare prices at different stores and vendors.

The cost of groceries in Halifax is relatively affordable compared to many other major Canadian cities. To get the best value for your money, it’s essential to shop around. Here’s a table that outlines the average grocery costs in Halifax:

Grocery Product	Approx Price
Milk, 1 L	CAD 2.83
Bread, 0.5 kg	CAD 3.65
Rice, 1 kg	CAD 6.32
Eggs, x12	CAD 5.15
Cheese, 1 kg	CAD 15.80
Apples, 1 kg	CAD 6.61
Banana, 1 kg	CAD 2.28
Oranges, 1 kg	CAD 5.44
Tomato, 1 kg	CAD 6.55
Potato, 1 kg	CAD 3.38
Onion, 1 kg	CAD 3.23
Water, 1 L	CAD 1.59

The table outlines the expenses for groceries. Now, let’s explore the cost of dining in Halifax.

Also read: Cost of Living in Chelmsford: Is it Expensive to Live in Chelmsford, UK?

Costs of Dining in Halifax

For those who enjoy dining out, Halifax offers a diverse range of delicious and affordable food. The cost of eating out in Halifax can vary based on the restaurant, cuisine, and dining experience. Regularly eating at restaurants can increase your overall cost of living in Halifax, Canada.

On average, students in Halifax might spend around CAD 829 per month on food. However, cooking at home can be a more budget-friendly way to manage expenses. Preparing meals at home can lead to significant savings, helping to lower the cost of living in Halifax. Here’s an overview of the average cost of a meal at different types of restaurants in Halifax:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	CAD 24
Meal for 2 person (in a Mid-range Restaurant)	CAD 100
Equal meal. to McDonald’s	CAD  12.50
Cappuccino	CAD 5.30

These estimates give you a general idea of dining out expenses in Halifax, helping you budget for the cost of living in the city. Now, let’s explore the transportation system and its costs.

Cost of Transportation 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. Commuting to and from college is a daily necessity, making transportation costs a significant part of your overall cost of living in Halifax.

Evaluating transportation costs in Halifax is crucial, as they significantly influence the overall cost of living in Halifax city. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of transportation expenses in the Halifax area:

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Local transport ticket	CAD 2.77
Monthly ticket local transport	CAD 82.7
Taxi Ride, 8 km or 5 mi	CAD 18.9
Gas / Petrol, 1 L or 0.26 gal	CAD 1.73

Also read: Cost of Living in Cardiff: House Rent, Food, Expenses [2024]

Miscellaneous Costs in Halifax

In Halifax, you’ll also encounter additional expenses beyond the basic cost of living. These include activities like going to the movies, joining a fitness club, buying clothes such as 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 inevitably arise. It’s crucial to budget for them to ensure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way in Halifax. Below is a table outlining these miscellaneous expenses:

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	CAD 14
Fitness Club	CAD 64.4
Brand Jeans	CAD 83.2
Summer Dress	CAD 50.50
Brand Sneakers	CAD 141
Doctor’s visit	CAD 100

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 3510	Higher than Halifax
Cost of Living in Vancouver	CAD 3494	Higher than Halifax
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879	Lower than Halifax
Cost of Living in Ottawa	CAD 2956	Higher than Halifax
Cost of Living in Edmonton	CAD 2360	Lower than Halifax
Cost of living in Mississauga	CAD 3542	Higher than Halifax
Cost of living in Edmonton	CAD 2360	Lower than Halifax
Cost of living in Victoria	CAD 3011	Higher than Halifax
Cost of living in Winnipeg	CAD 2335	Lower than Halifax

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 Halifax

Students can better manage their budgets by researching the average tuition fees at universities in Halifax, in addition to handling the cost of living in Halifax. Remember that tuition fees can vary based on the university, level of study, and field of study.

The table below provides a clear overview of the average tuition fees at universities and colleges in Halifax. This information will help you understand the typical costs associated with higher education in the city and assist you in planning your academic journey effectively.

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

By planning finances well, students can maximise 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.

How to Manage Cost of Living in Halifax

To manage the cost of living in Halifax effectively, start by creating and sticking to a budget. Save money by cooking at home rather than dining out. Opt for housing outside the city center to reduce rent costs and use public transportation to get around.

Seek out affordable entertainment options and consider getting a part-time job or applying for scholarships to cover expenses. With some planning, you can stretch your budget and enjoy life in Halifax without overspending.

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.