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What is the Cost of Living in Halifax?
For those looking for a new place to live, Halifax is an amazing option. From its vibrant culture to its natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons to call this coastal city home. But, for those considering a move, one of the major concerns is the cost of living in Halifax.
With its oceanic setting, a booming economy and bags of character, Halifax is a much-desired destination. With an average monthly rent of $887 per month, it’s still relatively affordable in comparison to other major cities in Canada.
In this guide, we’ll outline the cost of living in Halifax in 2020 and beyond. From the price of food and rent to the price of gas and utilities, we’ll dive into each expense so you can decide whether Halifax is the right place for you.
Cost of Rent and Utilities in Halifax
As we mentioned, rent in Halifax costs an average of $887 per month. This may seem high for some coming from less sought-after towns or cities, but when you look at the average cost of rent per month for cities similar to Halifax – like Boston ($3,202) or Toronto ($2,264) – then it brings things into perspective.
The cost of utilities in Halifax varies depending on whether you rent or own. As a renter, you’ll likely be paying for gas, water, electricity and internet or television expenses as part of your usual bills. On average, utility costs around a one-bedroom apartment are approximately $101 each month.
If you own your property then you’ll be responsible for utility bills like the ones we’ve already discussed, along with municipal taxes and annual fees associated with ownership. With this in mind, monthly utility costs across the city vary depending on size, location and age of property.
Food Prices in Halifax
There are plenty of markets dotted around Halifax that offer good value fruit and vegetables and generic brand goods, but if you want to indulge in finer foods then be prepared to compromise on your budget. Generally speaking, groceries are usually expensive in all Canadian cities as they are subject to higher taxation compared to the US or other countries.
For a general insight into the cost of food in Halif,ax you can expect to pay $3.50 for a loaf of bread and $4 for a gallon of milk. Of course, it always depends where you shop and the brands that you choose, but overall food prices in this part of Canada are higher than elsewhere.
Below is a list showing some meal prices from popular restaurants in Halifax:
- Pizza from Italian restaurant – around $15
- Burger from fast food joint – around $7
- Two-course meal from mid-range restaurant – around $30
- Latte from cafe – around $4
Canada is known for its fine wine collections and Halifax is no exception – though prices can be high for this product too. A bottle of mid-range wine from a local grocery store will set you back approximately $14. Beer is slightly cheaper at around $10 for a six-pack from a local convenience store.
Transportation Costs in Halifax
For those looking to get around Halifax without having to purchase a car, there are plenty of transportation options available. First and foremost, there’s the public transportation system with buses running across the city at regular intervals throughout the day. An adult fare costs just $2 and free rides are also available to those over 65 years old or under 19 years old who can produce valid ID upon boarding.
Bike lanes have also been introduced across town to make getting around by bike safer and more convenient than it used to be. To access this, all you need an electric bike or bicycle and whatever gear applies, such as helmets and lights for added safety in low-light conditions.
Taxis are also available across Halifax and if you choose this option your fare will depend on the distance travelled, as well as any tolls or other fees incurred. As a general rule of thumb, expect to pay around $20 to get from A to B within the city limits.
What’s more, there are also ferry services which if you’re prepared to catch some stunning views over Halifax Harbour then it may be worth considering this option for at least a few of your trips! A single adult yield will cost approximately $11 each way.
There are also several ride-sharing services available in Halifax, such as Uber and Lyft, so be sure to factor these into your overall financial calculations if you’re looking to get around town on a budget.
Cost of Leisure Activities in Halifax
On the whole leisure activities such as movie tickets and theatre shows might cost more than expected. For instance, the average cinema ticket costs around $13 while the price of theatre tickets can range anywhere between $20 and $50 depending on show time, day of week and venue – so always check prices beforehand!
If you’re looking for some budget-friendly activities then there are plenty of options available. From visiting art galleries or checking what’s on at local libraries or festivals: these may cost little to nothing!
Final Word
In terms of cost comparison between different cities or towns in Canada, Halifax remains relatively affordable in comparison to other cities like Toronto and it maintains its status relative affluence even when it comes to weekly expenses such as food and leisure times out – which might be slightly pricier when you compare both tasks with other major cities in the region like Boston or Montreal.
Henceforth, if you’re pondering whether to book a flight ticket to Halifax or not have no worries: overall living costs in this fantastic city come at a good price compared with other similar destinations in Canada and beyond – so why not give this amazing place a try today? After all, life in Halifax comes at an affordable rate.
