With amazing outdoor activities for the whole family, stunning landscapes, a friendly population, a safe reputation, great schools and lots of job opportunities, it’s no surprise Canada has become a popular destination to move to. Crunching numbers and finances is the first step in any big move, and knowing exactly what the cost of living is will be a determining factor in making such a big decision. From accommodation to your loaf of bread, this article will delve into the main expenses you will have if you do decide to move.
How much does accommodation cost in Canada?
Accommodation will be your main expense in Canada, as well as utility bills. Of course, not all homes will cost the same. If you choose a big city and want to be in the CBD, you can expect to pay more than a rural property. The most expensive cities are Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary, where a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back $1200 to $1400. A general rule of thumb is to allow 35% to 50% of your salary for your rent.
Despite being one of the most expensive cities, Montreal (as the others mentioned) has so much to offer. If you’re looking to spend less, you can search in areas a little further away from the center. The city has amazing public transport so you will only be a stone’s throw away from the action. A great way to find your perfect property is to use a property search engine. If looking for a house for rent in Montreal Quebec, you can easily filter by price, neighbourhood, size etc and access a large choice of listings. This will make your search easier and allow you to stay on budget. So, there are ways to spend less in the big cities on rent, by being flexible with proximity to the CBD.
How much do utilities cost in Canada?
Next you will have to calculate your fixed monthly expenses, after paying rent or mortgages. The usual costs tend to be electricity, water, gas, internet and phones. For electricity, the average bill is around $120 per month, similar to $104 for gas and $64 for water. As for internet, cable and phones, this depends on providers and speed, but you should budget around $40 for each. So, utilities aren’t too expensive in Canada and are well below the average for similar cities in the US or UK.
How much will my variable expenses cost in Canada?
Compared to the relatively high average monthly net salary, variable expenses aren’t too dear. Of course, eating at home instead of restaurants will significantly reduce your expenses. With a meal out for two people averaging at $85, you still have to be somewhat careful with your money. If you want to cook at home, Canada has plenty of fresh produce markets where you can get your hands on some great deals on ingredients, meaning you will spend less monthly.
A great advantage of Canada is the wide range of free activities you have at your doorstep for free. There are plenty outdoor routes to trek on and stunning landscapes. This means you don’t have to spend your money on fitness clubs if you don’t want to. The country also enjoys free universal health care, meaning you can rest easy and not worry about expensive medical bills.
In general, the average salary in Canada allows you to cover living costs and have some leftover. The great progressive system covers your basic health needs. The country is a fabulous option for expats, with a welcoming population, stunning nature, job opportunities and plenty of family friendly activities.
VANCOUVER – Environment Canada is warning about an intensifying storm that is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
Matt MacDonald, the lead forecaster for the BC Wildfire Service, says models predict “explosive cyclogenesis,” which is also known as a bomb cyclone, materializing Tuesday night.
Such storms are caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the centre of a storm system that results in heavy rain and high winds.
MacDonald says in a social media post that B.C. coastal inlets could see “hurricane force” winds of more than 118 km/h and create waves up to nine metres off Washington and Oregon.
Environment Canada posted a special weather statement saying the storm will develop off the coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy rain to some areas starting in the afternoon.
It says the weather system may cause downed trees, travel delays and power outages, adding that peak winds are expected for most areas Tuesday night, though the severe weather is likely to continue into Wednesday.
B.C. has been hit by a series of powerful fall storms, including an atmospheric river that caused flash flooding in Metro Vancouver in mid-October.
A lightning storm overnight and early Monday covered parts of Metro Vancouver in hail.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.
This will allow CBP to enhance border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions.
These adjustments formalize current operating hours that have been in effect for more than four years at 13 ports of entry across the northern border, with eight ports of entry expanding hours. A small number of ports will see reduced hours in an effort to continually align resources to operational realities. Travelers who use these affected crossing locations will have other options within a reasonable driving distance.
Importantly, these adjustments have been made in close coordination with CBSA, to ensure aligned operational hours that further enhance the security of both countries.
CBP continually monitors operations, traffic patterns and volume, and analyzes the best use of resources to better serve the traveling public. CBP will remain engaged with local and regional stakeholders, as well as communities to ensure consistent communication and to address concerns.
The vast majority of the 118 northern border ports of entry will continue to operate at existing hours, including many with 24/7 operations. Locate ports of entry and access border wait times here.
The following are the new permanent POE hours of operation for select New York POEs:
Chateauguay, NY new hours of operation – 6 am to 6 pm
Trout River, NY new hours of operation – 6 am to 6 pm
Rouses Point, NY new hours of operation – 8 am to 8 pm
Overton Corners, NY new hours of operation – 6 am to 10 pm
Again, these changes will go into effect beginning at midnight, January 6, 2025.
Below is a listing of each location with the closest border crossing that will remain open 24/7 for appropriate commercial and passenger traffic:
Chateauguay, NY – closest 24/7 port: Fort Covington – 27 miles
Trout River, NY – closest 24/7 port: Fort Covington – 11 miles
Rouses Point, NY – closest 24/7 port: Champlain – 8 miles
Overton Corners, NY – closest 24/7 port: Champlain – 5 miles
For additional information or to contact a port of entry, please visit CBP.gov.
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For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @CBPBuffalo @DFOBuffalo and @USBPChiefBUN
OTTAWA – An Ottawa man is pleading not guilty to charges of terrorism and hate-speech related to the promotion of a far-right group.
RCMP charged Patrick Gordon Macdonald in July 2023, alleging he took part in activities of a listed terrorist organization.
It’s the first case in Canada where the government laid charges for both terrorism and hate propaganda against someone for promoting a violent, far-right ideology.
As the trial opened Monday in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, Crown prosecutors alleged Macdonald helped produce propaganda for the Atomwaffen Division, an international neo-Nazi organization Canada listed as a terror group in 2021.
Prosecutors alleged he aided in the production of three propaganda videos designed to recruit new members and incite hatred against Jews.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.
