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

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Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s ten provinces, located on the east coast of the country. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence, diverse cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. This region is known for its friendly communities, strong educational universities, and affordable cost of living in Nova Scotia, making it an attractive destination for international students.

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The cost of living in Nova Scotia is more affordable than in other cities of Canada because it ranked 4th in the most expensive state and 3rd best state to live in the country. Due to this students in Nova Scotia enjoy the benefit of a high quality of life and excellent educational opportunities. If you are relocating here for higher studies and want to learn more about the average cost of living in Nova Scotia, this blog is perfect for you. Please continue reading to know more. 

Cost of Living in Nova Scotia Overview

The average cost of living in Nova Scotia for an individual including accommodation rent according to the livingcost is nearly CAD 2860. If we segregate further and consider the one-room apartment rent it is around CAD 1428 to CAD 1752. However, the living expenditures in Nova Scotia depend on the standard of living, area, and preference of things.

The cost of living in Nova Scotia includes a few costs such as utility bills, housing rent, transportation costs, entertainment costs, food costs, groceries costs, and a few costs. Here, we have given the average cost of living in Nova Scotia with diverse categories for someones looking to live here. Please take a glance at the overview:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Leeds: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Costs of Accommodation in Nova Scotia

Accommodation is a significant factor in the cost of living in Nova Scotia and constitutes a major portion of its living expenses. When calculating your overall budget, it’s important to account for this cost. Compared to other Canadian provinces, Nova Scotia generally offers affordable housing. The cost varies based on location, size, and type of room or apartment. For instance, a bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around CAD 1752.

While living in Nova Scotia is generally affordable, it’s essential to carefully research and compare different areas and apartment amenities to ensure they meet your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have compiled data on the average cost of housing for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre.

Apartment LocationApprox. Monthly Cost 
Apartment of One-bedroom in the City CentreCAD 1,752
Apartment of Three-bedroom in the City CentreCAD 3,182
Apartment of One-bedroom Outside of CentreCAD 1428
Apartment of Three-bedroom Outside of CentreCAD 2,577
Source:livingcost

Cost of a Utility in Nova Scotia 

Utilities in Nova Scotia encompass a range of essential services that contribute to the quality of life for residents. These include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Understanding the cost and availability of these utilities can help residents manage their household expenses effectively.

The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Nova Scotia could be around CAD 148. However, the cost of utility bills in Nova Scotia depends on the use and size of the apartment. When planning your monthly cost of living in Nova Scotia, budgeting for utility expenses is crucial as they represent a significant portion of your overall costs. The table below provides an overview of the average utility bills in Nova Scotia:

Utility TypeUtility NameApprox. Cost 
Basic Utility BillsWater, Electricity, Heating, etcCAD 148
InternetUnlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthlyCAD 104
Source:livingcost

Cost of Grocery in Nova Scotia

The cost of groceries in Nova Scotia is similar to that of Canada and can have a direct impact on the overall cost of living in Nova Scotia. It is a daily expense to prepare food at your place and your meal preferences are factors that can affect the price of groceries in Nova Scotia.

Moreover, grocery prices vary based on where you shop and the quality of the products. To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s important to compare prices across different stores. In the table below, we have provided a summary of average grocery expenses in Nova Scotia:

Grocery ItemApprox Cost 
1 litre of Regular MilkCAD 2.87
1kg white RiceCAD 6.12
500g Bread (White) CAD 3.65
1kg Banana CAD 2.22
1kg OrangesCAD 5.41
1kg Apples CAD 6.74
1kg OnionCAD 3.24
1kg TomatoCAD 6.27
12 EggsCAD 5.11
1kg PotatoCAD 3.26
1 litre Water bottle CAD 1.59
Source:livingcost

Also Read: Cost of Living in Iceland: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison

Restaurant Food Costs in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making dining out an exciting experience for residents, visitors and students alike. Although the cost of eating out in Nova Scotia is affordable and delightful, it can vary depending on the type of restaurant, the cuisine, and its location. Eating out in Nova Scotia can be more expensive than cooking in your place and can affect your average cost of living in Nova Scotia. Here’s an approx estimate of the moderate cost of a meal at restaurants in Nova Scotia:

Type of Restaurant Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant 
Lunch MenuCAD 22.8
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 personCAD 98.6
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’sCAD  12.8
CappuccinoCAD 5.07
Source:livingcost

Transportation Costs in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia boasts an extensive public transportation network that includes various modes such as city ferries, trams, taxis, shuttles, buses, metro services, and cycling routes. The province is well-equipped with a reliable public bus system, with numerous stops strategically spread throughout urban and suburban areas, ensuring convenient access for residents and visitors alike.

It is important to evaluate transportation costs in Nova Scotia because you will have to commute to and from college while attending college, and transportation costs can have a significant impact on the total cost of living in Nova Scotia. Take an overview of the following table for the cost of transportation around the Nova Scotia area:

Mode of TransportApprox Cost
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transportCAD 82.4
Ticket for Local Public transport CAD 2.71
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km CAD 19.1
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / PetrolCAD 1.72
Source:livingcost

Also Read: Cost of Living in Hungary: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison

Miscellaneous Costs in Nova Scotia

In addition to basic living expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries, there are various miscellaneous costs such as a gym subscription, movie tickets pair of dresses, small doctor’s appointments, etc that residents of Nova Scotia should consider when managing their budgets.

These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences but are important factors to account for in overall financial planning and you may need them in your ideal time after settling in Nova Scotia properly. These costs fall under miscellaneous costs. Please see the table below for a list of the miscellaneous charges we offer.

Miscellaneous Approx Cost 
Movie TicketCAD 13.8
Brand JeansCAD 84.9
Fitness ClubCAD 64.3
Brand SneakersCAD 140
Doctor’s visitCAD 99.9

Cost of Living in Nova Scotia Compared to Other Cities

Nova Scotia is generally considered a moderately inexpensive city to live in comparison to some states in Canada. When comparing the cost of living in Nova Scotia to other cities, several factors come into the picture, like housing, transportation, dining, entertainment, etc. For those seeking a balanced lifestyle with lower living expenses, Nova Scotia remains an attractive option within Canada.

So to give you an idea of ​​how the cost of living in Nova Scotia compares to other cities like Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, USA, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Canada. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City WiseAverage Cost of livingComparison with Cost of Living in Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in OntarioCAD 3072 (including rent)Higher than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in AlbertaCAD 2592 (including rent)Lower than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in QuebecCAD 2356 (including rent)Lower than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in the USACAD 3315 (including rent)Higher than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in British ColumbiaCAD 3096 (including rent)Higher than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in SaskatchewanCAD 2306 (including rent)Lower than Nova Scotia
Cost of Living in CanadaCAD 2782 (including rent)Lower than Nova Scotia
Source:livingcost

Average Tuition Fees in Nova Scotia

Tuition fees in Nova Scotia vary widely depending on the institution, program, and level of study. While some universities offer lower tuition rates, others, particularly for specialized or graduate programs, may have higher fees. Prospective students should consider their educational goals, financial resources, and available scholarships or financial aid when planning their studies in Nova Scotia. The university fees can impact the overall cost of living in Nova Scotia. 

Careful financial planning can help students make the most of the high-quality education opportunities available in Nova Scotia. Please note that tuition fees depend on the university you select, level of study and field of study. See the table below for a summary of some of the tuition fees at selected Nova Scotia universities:

Name of UniversityApprox Tuition fees per year 
Dalhousie UniversityCAD 4050 – CAD 57410
St. Francis Xavier UniversityCAD 16960 -CAD  21860
Cape Breton UniversityCAD 15050 – CAD 20500
Acadia UniversityCAD 14750 – CAD 20950
Mount Saint Vincent UniversityCAD 8060 – CAD 20040
Saint Mary’s UniversityCAD 21150 – CAD 46500
Nova Scotia Community CollegeCAD 11690

Students can plan their finances more effectively by understanding the average tuition fees at universities in Nova Scotia. Although tuition fees in Nova Scotia are generally lower compared to other cities’s universities.

Conclusion: Having a clear picture of all the above costs allows students to budget wisely and make informed decisions about their education and living area. Moreover, It allows students to better manage their average tuition fees, the cost of living and miscellaneous costs while maintaining a comfortable standard of living in Nova Scotia. Proper financial planning ensures that students can take full advantage of the high-quality education available in the province.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Nova Scotia

Q.1 What is the Cost of Living in Nova Scotia?

Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Nova Scotia for an individual is roughly CAD 2860, including the rent. The estimated cost of housing rent ranges from CAD 1428 to CAD 1752.

Q 2. How much does rent cost in Nova Scotia, Canada?

Answer: To live comfortably in Nova Scotia, the cost of housing rent typically ranges from CAD 1428 to CAD 1752. Rent may be higher in city centres but can be lower in areas outside the city centre of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Q3. Is Nova Scotia an expensive place to live?

Answer: The average cost of living in Nova Scotia, including rent for one person, is approximately CAD 2860 per month. Due to this, it is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada. Despite the average cost, Nova Scotia offers a high quality of life with excellent amenities, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant cultural scene.

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

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