Cost of Living in Winnipeg: A Guide

If you are planning to study abroad in Manitoba, Canada, then you must also be curious about the cost of living in Winnipeg. Being the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Winnipeg is home to several universities and colleges that attract students from around the world. But what does it cost to live there as a student? This blog will provide some of the essential living costs in Winnipeg so you can plan your funds accordingly. Read on to know more!

Also Read: Easiest Ways to Move to Canada in 2023: A Guide

Why Choose To Study in Winnipeg?

If you are looking for a study abroad destination that combines quality education, affordability, and livability, Winnipeg might be the perfect choice for you. Here are some reasons why you should consider studying in Winnipeg:

• Winnipeg has a variety of academic programs to suit your interests and goals. You can choose from over 500 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, Red River College, and other institutions.
• The cost of living in Winnipeg is 35.2% lower than in New York and 74.8% lower than in Toronto. You can save money on rent, food, transportation, and entertainment while enjoying a high quality of life.
• Winnipeg offers an experience of its multicultural heritage through its festivals, museums, art galleries, and cuisine. 
• You can access various resources and opportunities to develop your skills, network with professionals, and launch your career. 
• Labelled the city of four seasons, Winnipeg offers plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty to enjoy, such as Lake Winnipeg, Riding Mountain National Park, Whiteshell Provincial Park, and Churchill.

Also Read: Things You Should Know About Canadian Culture

Cost of Living in Winnipeg

The average monthly cost of living in Winnipeg for a single person is $1,604 CAD (without rent) or $2,462 CAD (with rent). The following table shows the average breakdown of the main expenses:

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Food	$486
Rent	$858
Utilities	$126
Transportation	$132
Entertainment	$153
Other	$749

Let’s take a closer look at each expense category:

Living Accommodation

The cost of rent in Winnipeg depends on the type, size, and location of the accommodation. Generally, apartments in the city center are more expensive than those outside of the center. The following table shows the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in Winnipeg:

Accommodation Type	Average Monthly Rent (CAD)
Apartment (1 bedroom) in Center	$976
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside	$681
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in Center	$1,310
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside	$1,092
Shared Room	$450
Homestay	$700

Food

The cost of food in Winnipeg varies depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits. You can save money by cooking at home, buying groceries from local markets or discount stores, and eating out occasionally. The following table shows the average monthly cost of some common grocery items in Winnipeg:

Grocery Item	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Milk (1 L)	$5.68
Bread (0.5 kg)	$6.64
Rice (1 kg)	$9.36
Eggs (12)	$12.48
Cheese (1 kg)	$48
Chicken Breast (1 kg)	$38.28
Beef Round (1 kg)	$54.80
Apples (1 kg)	$13.04
Bananas (1 kg)	$5.80
Oranges (1 kg)	$15.48
Tomatoes (1 kg)	$15.16
Potatoes (1 kg)	$8.36
Onions (1 kg)	$9.64
Water (1.5 L)	$2.94
Coca-Cola (2 L)	$7.28
Beer (0.5 L)	$11.04
Wine (0.75 L)	$48.40

Entertainment

The cost of entertainment in Winnipeg depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. You can find various options for entertainment in Winnipeg, such as cinemas, theatres, museums, parks, sports, and nightlife. The following table shows the average monthly cost of some common entertainment activities in Winnipeg:

Entertainment Activity	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Cinema Ticket	$12
Theatre Ticket	$40
Museum Ticket	$15
Park Entrance Fee	$10
Gym Membership	$33.80
Tennis Court Rent	$20
Nightclub Entrance Fee	$10
Drink at a Pub	$4.63

Utilities and Bills

The cost of utilities and bills in Winnipeg includes electricity, heating, water, garbage, internet, phone, and TV. The cost of utilities and bills depends on the size of your accommodation, the season, and your usage. The following table shows the average monthly cost of utilities and bills in Winnipeg:

Utility or Bill Type	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage (for 85 m2 apartment)	$175
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)	$55.70
Mobile Phone Plan (with Calls and 10 GB Data)	$56.25
TV Subscription	$50

Transportation

The cost of transportation in Winnipeg includes public transport, taxis, car rental, gas, and parking. The cost of transportation depends on the distance, frequency, and mode of travel. The following table shows the average monthly cost of transportation in Winnipeg:

Transportation Mode	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Public Transport Ticket (One-way)	$2.35
Public Transport Pass (Monthly)	$77.60
Taxi Ride (8 km)	$14.80
Car Rental (Economy, per day)	$40
Gas (1 L)	$1.27
Parking (Hourly)	$3

Also Read: Top Ways to Have the Best Study Abroad Experience

Conclusion

Winnipeg is known for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities. Housing expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, are generally lower. Transportation costs are reasonable, with efficient public transit options. Groceries and basic utilities are in line with national averages. Healthcare is publicly funded, covering most medical services. Education up to grade 12 is free for residents. Post-secondary education costs vary. Entertainment and dining expenses are generally manageable. Taxes are levied progressively based on income.

However, it’s crucial to note that economic conditions can lead to fluctuations in costs over time.

FAQs

We hope that this blog helped you discover the overall cost of living in Winnipeg. To discover more about student life abroad, subscribe to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!