The cost of living in any city can significantly impact individuals and families. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much is the cost of living in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is known for its affordable cost of living. According to Wowa, Winnipeg ranks 5th as Canada’s most affordable cost-of-living city (among the 13 major cities).
On average, the cost of living of a single-person household is around $2,500 – $,3000. That includes rent, utilities, transport, etc.
However, like any city in the world, the cost of living will vary depending on an individual’s lifestyle and spending habits.
Below are the summarized monthly costs of different expenses in Winnipeg.
Let’s look at Winnipeg’s average monthly housing prices, utilities, transport, groceries, and other expenses.
Housing
Housing in Winnipeg is remarkably affordable.
The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,020 per month, while the cost of renting a similar apartment outside the city center is around $975 per month.
For those looking for more space, the average cost of renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,610 per month, while a similar apartment outside of the city center can be around $1,465 per month.
For those looking to purchase a property, the average cost of a house in the city is around $290,000. This is significantly lower than the Canadian average of $489,000.
It is also worth noting that the cost of housing in Winnipeg has remained relatively stable over the past few years, with only a tiny increase, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
The housing costs can vary depending on the condition and size of the property. Moreover, they can also differ from one neighborhood to another within the city.
For example, areas considered more upscale or in a prime location may have higher housing prices.
Utilities
The average cost of utility services such as electricity, natural gas, water, and waste management for a residential customer in Winnipeg is around $220 per month.
The following costs are based on a three-bedroom apartment.
Electricity is provided by Manitoba Hydro, which is the leading supplier of electricity in the province. The average cost of electricity is around $100 per month.
Additionally, natural gas is also provided by Manitoba Hydro, with the average cost being around $60 per month. While water is provided by the City of Winnipeg, with the average cost being around $40 per month.
Lastly, waste management is also provided by the City of Winnipeg, with the average cost being around $20 per month. This can vary depending on the type of waste management service chosen.
All the abovementioned costs are average and may vary depending on the individual household usage, consumption, and the type of service they choose.
Transportation
Transportation fees in Winnipeg are relatively low compared to other major Canadian cities.
According to data from the Canadian Automobile Association, the average cost of gasoline in Winnipeg as of January 2023 is $1.29 per liter. While a single adult bus fare is $3.10 and $106 for a monthly pass.
The cost of gas is lower in Winnipeg than the national average of $1.38 per liter and significantly lower than prices in cities such as Toronto ($1.47 per liter) and Vancouver ($1.58 per liter).
There are also no toll roads in Winnipeg, so vehicle owners do not need to factor in toll costs when calculating transportation expenses.
Likewise, the cost of public transportation in Winnipeg is also relatively low compared to other Canadian cities. A single adult fare on Winnipeg Transit is $3.10 while a monthly pass is $106.
This is lower than the national average, which is $3.25 for a single adult fare and $122 for a monthly pass.
Entertainment
Prices of entertainment options in Winnipeg can vary depending on the day of the week, the event, and the ticket type. In general, the prices are relatively reasonable and accessible to most people.
Movie tickets are about $14, museum admissions are $15, and sports venues are $125 on average.
Movie Theaters
Movie theaters in Winnipeg offer a range of ticket prices depending on the day of the week and the type of movie being shown. On average, adult tickets cost around $11 and $14, while student and senior tickets cost about $9 and $12.
3D movies are slightly more expensive — adult tickets cost between $13 and $17, and student and senior tickets cost between $11 and $15.
Museums
Winnipeg has a variety of museums, each with its own admission fee. The Manitoba Museum charges adult admission of $15, senior admission of $13, and student and children admission of $9.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights charges adult admission of $18, student and senior admission of $14, and children admission of $8.
While admission to the Winnipeg Art Gallery is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and free for children.
Sports Venues
The Bell MTS Place, home to the Winnipeg Jets hockey team, has ticket prices that vary depending on the game and seating section. On average, tickets for regular-season games cost between $50 and $200.
While the cost of tickets for games at Investors Group Field, the home field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, varies depending on the game and seating section. The average price for regular-season games ranges from $35 to $95.
Education
The cost of education in Winnipeg is relatively low, especially for local students. International students will have to pay a higher fee, as the government and taxpayers do not pay for them.
Domestic students can pay about $8,000 at most, while an international student would be paying $19,000.
Primary and Secondary Education
Primary and secondary education in Winnipeg is provided publicly and accessible for residents. However, some additional costs are associated with attending public schools, such as school supplies and field trips.
Families may also enroll their children in private schools, which come with tuition fees. These fees vary depending on the school, but on average, private schools in Winnipeg charge between $5,000 and $15,000 per year.
Post-Secondary Education
Like any other university and college in the world, the costs of attending a college or university in Winnipeg can vary greatly depending on the institution and the program.
The tuition fees at the University of Manitoba range from $4,400 to $14,700 per year. While the tuition fees at the University of Winnipeg range from $4,200 to $19,000 per year, depending on the program.
Red River College, also a well-known institution in Winnipeg, has tuition fees that vary depending on the program. The annual cost ranges from $8,000 to $19,000.
It should be noted that domestic students are charged less because universities and colleges are funded by the government and taxpayers, and international students lack this privilege.
The increased cost of tuition fees for international students is because they are not eligible for government funding and, therefore, must pay higher rates.
Groceries
On average, a single person in Winnipeg might spend between $200 to $350 per month on groceries. This can include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, grains, and household/hygiene items.
Below are the average prices of grocery products in Winnipeg, according to Numbeo.
The cost of groceries and market products in Winnipeg are similar to other Canadian cities. The prices may vary among different types of stores and even among various locations in the city.
Additionally, supermarkets in Winnipeg offer a wide range of products at reasonable prices, while farmers’ markets provide fresh, locally-sourced products at higher prices.
Health
The cost of healthcare in Winnipeg, like the rest of Canada, is primarily covered by the publicly-funded healthcare system.
However, there are additional costs associated with healthcare, such as prescription drugs, dental care, etc.
This means that residents of Winnipeg (and Manitoba) do not pay directly for most healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and most surgeries.
Moreover, Manitoba Health (Winnipeg’s healthcare agency) covers more benefits than most Canadian cities, namely:
- Physician services
- Vision care
- Dental surgery
- Out-of-province care
- Personal home care
- Ambulance fees
- Chiropractic care
Some prescription drugs, like certain medications for people with specific conditions, are also covered by Manitoba Health. While others may be covered by private insurance plans or have to be paid out of pocket.
On average, prescription drugs can cost between $20 and $50 per month.
And when it comes to dental care, most concerns are not paid for by the agency. Basic dental check-ups and procedures can cost between $50 and $150 per visit.
However, dental surgery and other major dental procedures are covered by the insurance agency.
How much does it cost to live in Winnipeg per month?
On average, a single-person household in Winnipeg might expect to spend around $2,000 to $3,000 per month on living expenses. This includes rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other personal expenses.
Rent is around $1,000 to $1,200 per month. Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and waste management can cost about $200 per month.
Transportation costs can range from $150 to $300 per month. Groceries, on average, can cost around $200 to $350 per month.
All the given expenses are only the basic needs, which sum up to $1,500 to $2,000. If you were to sometimes eat out with friends, get a gym subscription, a phone plan, and other expenses, then it may reach up to $2,500 to $3,000.
What is the average salary in Winnipeg?
According to Statistics Canada, the average annual salary in Winnipeg for 2021 is approximately $51,000. This is slightly lower than the national average of $55,000.
However, it’s worth noting that the average salary can vary greatly depending on the industry and job type.
The highest-paying industries in Winnipeg are typically those in the professional, scientific, and technical services sectors, with an average salary of $73,000 per year.
The healthcare and social assistance sector also have relatively high average salaries, with an average of $66,000 per year. The retail trade sector has the lowest average salary at $40,000 per year.
The highest-paying jobs in Winnipeg typically require advanced education and specialized skills. For example, doctors and dentists have an average salary of $250,000 annually, while engineers get paid $80,000 annually.
Is it expensive to live in Winnipeg?
It is relatively inexpensive to live in Winnipeg compared to other major Canadian cities. The expenses are all reasonably priced and are similar to or lower than the national average.
According to Wowa, the average cost of living in Canada is around $4,087, while it is $3,701 in Winnipeg.
However, it all comes down to the individual lifestyle, preferences, and financial capacity. But with a bit of budgeting and planning, it’s possible to live comfortably in Winnipeg.