Cost of Living in Hamilton: Updated Prices [2024]

Hamilton is one of the best cities to study in Canada. The city offers a wide range of courses, suitable accommodation, expert teaching faculties, and several facilities for international students. Before relocating here you should understand the cost of living in Hamilton which is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning. But what is the cost of living in Hamilton?

Budgeting carefully and exploring different options is essential to maximising your Hamilton living experience. In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Hamilton, such as housing rent, transportation costs, healthcare costs, and overall affordability. It will help you make informed decisions if you consider relocating to this fantastic city and studying in Canada. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living in Hamilton.

Cost of Living in Hamilton

The average cost of living in Hamilton is around CAD 3057 per month, for a single person according to LivingCost Data. If we break down the average living expenses, the rent for a one-room apartment is around CAD 1700 per month. Food expenses are about CAD 759 per month, and transportation costs are around CAD 195 per month. The cost of living in Hamilton for a single person can vary based on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors.

The city comes under the list of the top 13% of the most expensive cities in the world, That is, it is ranked 18/153 cities in Canada for cost of living. To help expats planning to move to Hamilton, we have categorised the average Cost of living here into different categories. Here is the overview of the Cost of Living in Hamilton for various categories:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of Housing Rent in Hamilton

The major cost of living in Hamilton will go for the housing expenses of the student. Around CAD 1,700 is the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. You can locate apartments for a little bit less if you’re willing to live outside of the city centre. 

Students must conduct thorough research and compare apartment rents across various nearby locations to find options that align with their needs and budget. Below we have provided the monthly rent for apartments both inside and outside the city centre.

Apartment Type	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 bedroom	in the City Centre	CAD 1764
3 bedrooms	in the City Centre	CAD 2810
1 bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 1690
3 bedrooms	Outside of Centre	CAD 2419

Cost of a Utility in Hamilton 

For a one-bedroom apartment in Hamilton, the typical monthly utility expenses are around CAD 160. The utility cost can fluctuate based on the specific utilities required and the apartment’s size. It’s important to factor in these utility costs when budgeting for your overall cost of living in Hamilton, as they can significantly influence your budget.

Utility services in Hamilton include key amenities that enhance residents’ comfort and convenience. These services generally cover electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Here’s a brief overview of the average utility costs you might encounter in Hamilton:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, etc	CAD 160
Internet	50 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Monthly	CAD 74.1

Cost of Dining in Hamilton

The cost of food in Hamilton’s restaurants is comparable to those in other significant Canadian cities. Food at an inexpensive restaurant can cost you around CAD 20.2. Food is another expense that will add up to the cost of living in Hamilton. On average, students in Hamilton might spend approximately CAD 759 each month on food.

However, opting to cook at home can be a more cost-effective strategy for managing expenses. Preparing meals at home can lead to significant savings on the cost of living in Hamilton. Below is a general overview of the average cost of a meal at various types of restaurants in Hamilton:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Lunch Menu	CAD 20.2
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	CAD 101
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	CAD 14.2
Cappuccino	CAD 4.96

Cost of Grocery in Hamilton

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

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 Hamilton for individuals planning to prepare their meals at home:

Grocery Items	Average Cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	CAD 3
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	CAD 3.21
Rice (white), (1kg)	CAD 3.7
Eggs (regular) (12)	CAD 4.11
Local Cheese (1kg)	CAD 15.6
Apples (1kg)	CAD 4.31
Banana (1kg)	CAD 1.62
Oranges (1kg)	CAD 4.98
Tomato (1kg)	CAD 4.21
Potato (1kg)	CAD 2.63
Onion (1kg)	CAD 4.24
Lettuce (1 head)	CAD 2.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	CAD 1.72

Also Read: Cost of Living in Boston – A Guide on Expected Expenses

Cost of Personal Care in Hamilton

Basic personal care products like medicine, hair shampoo etc. often affordable in Hamilton, but it will not affect the cost of living in Hamilton that much. While these costs may vary based on individual lifestyles and preferences, they are important to keep in mind for effective budget management. The average costs of Personal Care in Hamilton are as follows:

Particulars	Approx Cost
Cold medicine for 6 days	CAD 7.3
Hair shampoo	CAD 6.01
4 rolls of toilet paper	CAD 3.2
Toothpaste, 1 tube	CAD 2.29
Short visit to a private doctor	CAD 63.8

Cost of Entertainment in Hamilton

The entertainment expenses also add up to the cost of living in Hamilton. The basis of entertainment expenses such as expenses of going out to the movies, gym membership expenses etc.

These expenses can arise when you need a break from a stressful life, and it’s important to know what to expect. a few costs are provided below:

Particulars	Approx. Cost
Movie ticket for one	CAD 18.1
1 month of gym membership	CAD 44

Cost of Transportation in Hamilton

Travelling expenses are a regular expense that a student must consider before moving abroad. On average, public transport costs around CAD 195 per month, and the good thing is that it comes under the overall cost of living in the Hamilton budget which we have mentioned above.

The mode of transportation in Hamilton includes trains, buses, and cabs. For students, regular commuting to and from college is an integral part of daily life, making transportation costs a significant factor in their overall cost of living in Hamilton. The potential travel expenses for a student are outlined below:

Particulars	Approx. Cost
Monthly ticket public transport	CAD 115
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	CAD 3.23
Normal Tariff for 8 km or 5 mi	CAD 28.5
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas	CAD 1.5

Cost of Living in Hamilton Compared to Other Cities

Hamilton is known for its relatively moderate living expenses, especially compared to many other Canadian cities. For students, understanding the cost of living in Hamilton and nearby urban centres is essential for making informed decisions about where to live based on their budget. Despite its affordability, Hamilton remains an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The city offers a unique blend of affordability and high quality of life, making it an appealing choice for many. To provide a clearer perspective, we’ve compared the cost of living in Hamilton with several other cities, including Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax, Mississauga and Ontario. This comparison will help you evaluate how Hamilton measures up against other locations, aiding 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 Hamilton
Cost of Living in Toronto	CAD 3510	Lower than Hamilton
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879	Lower than Hamilton
Cost of Living in Ottawa	CAD 2956	Lower than Hamilton
Cost of Living in Halifax	CAD 2941	Lower than Hamilton
Cost of Living in Mississauga	CAD 3494	Higher than Hamilton
Cost of Living in Ontario	CAD 3072	Similar to Hamilton
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782	Lower than Hamilton

Also Read: Cost of Living in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide

Average Tuition Fees in Hamilton

Along with the average cost of living in Hamilton, tuition fees are the main expenses the student incurs while moving to Hamilton. When considering higher education in Hamilton, prospective students should evaluate their educational goals alongside their financial resources. However, the average tuition fees for international and domestic students differ.

Tuition fees in the universities of Hamilton vary depending on the program and level of study, making it important to plan accordingly. The average tuition fees in Hamilton for international students are provided below. Do note that the fees also vary based on the course and university a student has taken.

Particulars	Average Fees
Undergraduate international student	CAD 29000 – CAD 46000
Postgraduate international student	CAD 31000 – CAD 45000

Why Choose Hamilton to Study Abroad?

Hamilton is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Along with the affordable cost of living in Hamilton, various prestigious colleges in the city have excellent facilities for international students. There are several reasons why a student should choose to study at Hamilton. There are as follows:

• The cost of living in Hamilton is cheaper than the cost of living in Toronto. That is, 25% cheaper than Toronto. The city is also Canada’s industrial centre due to its iron and steel industry.
• The universities in Hamilton are some of the best universities in the world. For example, the University of Waikato,  Lincoln University, etc
• Graduating from Hamilton-based universities can help students study at some of the best-renowned companies around the world 

Things to Know Before Moving to Hamilton

Before finalising the cost of living in Hamilton’s budget, there are several things to consider before moving to a new country. Here are some facts that a student should know before packing their bags.

• Hamilton weather includes 4 seasons- summer, winter, fall, and spring. Although the weather is similar to Toronto, winter lasts here from November to March
• The public transportation system relies on the Hamilton Street Railway bus system. The charges vary depending on the distance.
• The average housing prices add to the cost of living in Hamilton. The housing prices are on the rise in this city.
• Immigrants make up approximately 25.94 per cent of the population.
• English is the most spoken language. However, other languages such as Arabic, Italian, Spanish, PSerbian, Urdu, Portuguese, Polish, Punjabi, Mandarin, etc. are also popular.
• Some of the popular employers in the region include- FirstOntario Credit Union, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, and  Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd.

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FAQs Cost of Living in Hamilton

This was all about the Cost of Living in Hamilton, Canada. If you have further queries or need assistance with your study abroad journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at Leverage Edu. We are here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.