Cost of living in Charlottetown
Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island, Canada, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Charlottetown is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this picturesque city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.30 on average, with a range between $10.73 and $21.45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $53.63, with prices ranging from $35.75 to $71.51.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.58, with a range between $7.87 and $13.59.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.29 to $6.34, imported beer $3.58 to $7.87, cappuccino $2.86 to $5.72, and Coke/Pepsi $1.42 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.32 and $2.70 per liter, averaging $1.89.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.14 and $3.94, with an average price of $2.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.68 to $5, averaging $3.82.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.85 to $5.52 per kg, while oranges range from $1.43 to $7.87 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.10 and $3.93 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.14 to $3.57 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.43.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass is available for $28.60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.08 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.72, with a cost of $2.15 per km and $24.31 to $53.63 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $858.11 to $1573.19, averaging $1090.51.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $858.11 to $1287.16, averaging $1072.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1430.18 to $2145.26, averaging $1802.02.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1215.65 to $1859.23, averaging $1448.05.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $89.39 and $214.53, averaging $113.22.
- Internet - Internet services range from $78.66 to $107.26, with an average cost of $87.72.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Canada are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Canada, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Charlottetown offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out can be budget-friendly, especially at casual restaurants, while transportation costs remain low with affordable public transit options.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like imported beer and certain fruits can be on the higher end.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charlottetown provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without the high expenses of major urban centers.
Potential residents should consider the moderate housing costs and affordable transportation options as key benefits, while also budgeting for occasional higher grocery and dining expenses.