Cost of living in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat, located in Canada, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.02 on average, with a range between $9.3 and $32.18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $71.51, with prices ranging from $53.63 to $143.02.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.87, with a range between $7.87 and $11.44.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.58 to $14.3, imported beer $3.04 to $7.15, cappuccino $2.5 to $5.14, and Coke/Pepsi $1.43 to $4.29.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.06 and $4.28 per liter, averaging $1.46.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.29 and $3.94, with an average price of $1.81.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.71 to $5.72, averaging $3.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.61 to $5.72 per kg, while oranges range from $1.53 to $6.29 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.72 and $4.65 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.12 to $4.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.32.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass is priced between $42.91 and $51.49.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.85 and $1.21 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.22, with a cost of $1.37 to $3.58 per km and $27.93 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $625.7 to $893.86, averaging $744.88.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $554.19 to $786.6, averaging $673.37.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1001.12 to $1430.18, averaging $1239.49.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $893.86 to $1287.16, averaging $1117.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $143.02 and $303.91, averaging $208.91.
- Internet - Internet services range from $42.91 to $92.96, with an average cost of $60.77.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Medicine Hat offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being quite affordable. Transportation costs are low, particularly for public transport.
Housing is accessible, with rental prices for apartments being lower than in many urban centers. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Medicine Hat provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to balance quality of life with cost savings. Whether you're moving for work, study, or retirement, Medicine Hat offers a welcoming and budget-friendly community.