Inuvik, located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, offers a unique living experience with its remote location and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Inuvik is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this northern town.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $24.19 on average, with a range between $23.33 and $25.05.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $87.67, with prices ranging from $67.99 to $107.35.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14.31.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $6.44, imported beer $7.87, cappuccino $4.29, and Coke/Pepsi $2.15.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3.58 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.86.
  • Cheese (Local, 1kg) - Local cheese is priced at $11.45 per kg.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost $12.88 per kg.
  • Fruits and Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are $4.29 per kg, lettuce $2.36 per head, and tomatoes $3.79 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.4.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass is priced at $111.65.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.54 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.65, with a cost of $1.43 per km and $22.9 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1431.35.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1359.78.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2268.69.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1932.32.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $17176.18.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $14313.48.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $114.51 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services average $189.65.
Worldwide
Canada

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$24.19
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$87.67
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$14.31
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.44
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.87
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.15
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.15
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.29
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.86
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.45
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$13.60
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.86
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$14.31
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.88
Potato (1kg)
$4.29
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.36
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.58
Tomato (1kg)
$3.79
Onion (1kg)
$2.86
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$14.31
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.40
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$111.65
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.54
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$41,239.29
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.65
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.43
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$22.90
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$37,353.90
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,431.35
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,359.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,268.69
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,932.32
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$114.51
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$189.65
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$46.52
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$53.68
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$21.47
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$14.31
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$64.41
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$42.94
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$100.19
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$121.66
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$17,176.18
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$14,313.48
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,800.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
4.94%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,123.61
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$17,891.85
Inuvik Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Inuvik presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and groceries, which are influenced by its remote location.

Dining out can be expensive, with both casual and mid-range restaurant prices above the national average.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.

Utilities and internet services are notably high, reflecting the challenges of providing these services in a remote area.

Conclusion

Inuvik's cost of living is shaped by its unique geographical location, leading to higher prices in several categories, especially housing and groceries.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, considering the higher costs of dining, utilities, and internet services.

Despite these challenges, Inuvik offers a distinctive lifestyle with its cultural richness and natural beauty, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure in Canada's north.

Inuvik

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Inuvik
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