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.

An image showcasing the beauty of Charlottetown

A stunning outdoor scene in Charlottetown

People enjoying the surroundings of Charlottetown

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA 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

MilkMilk 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 PassA monthly public transport pass is available for $28.60.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.08 and $1.29 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi 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.
InternetInternet services range from $78.66 to $107.26, with an average cost of $87.72.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 28 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$14.30

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$53.63

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$8.58

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.01

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.01

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.79

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.44

Cappuccino (regular)

$3.52

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.89

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$2.76

Eggs (regular) (12)

$3.82

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.31

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.51

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$12.87

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.19

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$17.88

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.44

Apples (1kg)

$3.78

Oranges (1kg)

$3.75

Potato (1kg)

$2.08

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.62

Rice (white), (1kg)

$2.83

Tomato (1kg)

$5.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.60

Onion (1kg)

$1.55

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$8.44

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$1.43

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$28.60

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.18

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$24,297.27

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.72

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$2.15

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.91

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$18,954.24

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Affordable

About this index

Charlottetown Cost of Living

"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.

Charlottetown