Cost of living in Halifax
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant city known for its rich maritime history and bustling harbor. Understanding the cost of living in Halifax is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this Canadian city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.88 on average, with a range between $12.87 and $32.18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $67.93, with prices ranging from $53.63 to $92.96.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.61, with a range between $8.58 and $11.18.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.29 to $8.58, imported beer $4.4 to $8.58, cappuccino $2.15 to $5.72, and Coke/Pepsi $1.79 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.19 and $3.18 per liter, averaging $2.12.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.15 and $4.29, with an average price of $2.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.85 to $4.65, averaging $3.75.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.86 to $7.15 per kg, while oranges range from $2.14 to $5.01 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.61 and $4.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.96 to $3.22 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $2.15, with a monthly pass priced between $58.64 and $65.79.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.11 and $1.36 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.36, with a cost of $1.25 to $2.86 per km and $21.45 to $35.04 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1287.16 to $1787.72, averaging $1445.6.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1001.12 to $1430.18, averaging $1192.19.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2073.76 to $2860.35, averaging $2389.59.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1716.21 to $2431.3, averaging $1940.87.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6057.65 to $7262.79, averaging $6660.22.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1000.63 to $3848.57, averaging $2569.85.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $107.26 and $357.54, averaging $178.69.
- Internet - Internet services range from $53.63 to $100.11, with an average cost of $72.72.
Cost of Living Rankings
Halifax ranks 6th on the Cost of Living rankings in Canada. 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
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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Halifax offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants, while housing costs vary significantly depending on location.
Public transportation is reasonably priced, and utilities are generally affordable. Groceries and essential items are moderately priced, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and meats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Halifax presents a balanced cost of living with affordable options for dining and transportation. Housing costs can be a significant expense, particularly in the city centre, but there are more economical options available outside the centre.
Overall, Halifax is an attractive city for those seeking a blend of urban amenities and a manageable cost of living, making it a desirable place for both individuals and families.