Winnipeg is one of the most culturally diversified cities in Canada. Thanks to its relative affordability and fast-growing economy, the “Gateway to the West” continues to attract numerous individuals and families from within and outside Canada.
If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, you can hardly go wrong by choosing to live in Winnipeg. And if you’re a Canadian yearning for a new experience, the city’s ultra-friendly and welcoming arms are open to all.
However, you’ll no doubt want to know more about the actual cost of living in Winnipeg to be sure of what you’re getting into. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of living in Winnipeg in 2022, from housing to groceries to transportation and healthcare and everything in between.
Salary Needed In Winnipeg
First, you might wonder what offer to accept if you consider living in Winnipeg. The average annual salary in Winnipeg is about 80,125 CAD, with most families earning between 50,000 and 60,000 CAD. Despite the low unemployment rate (5.5%), the job market remains a candidate’s market, with many companies looking to expand their workforce following post-pandemic economic recovery.
Plus, there’s more good news. The government of Manitoba plans to raise the minimum wage later in the year to match the current inflation and skyrocketing cost of living. As a new resident, most of your expenses would go towards rent, food, and utilities. The public transport network is extensive and relatively cheap, and the government takes a huge chunk of your healthcare bill.
Is Housing Expensive In Winnipeg?
The cost of housing in Winnipeg is quite affordable compared with other major cities in Canada. However, like many other cities all over the world, the cost of housing has been on a steady rise over the past few years. Sadly, the upward trend is likely to continue, especially with Winnipeg being one of the faster-growing municipalities in the country. Naturally, the cost of a housing unit will depend on its size, available amenities, location, age, as well as the condition of the house.
Cost Of Buying Vs Renting In Winnipeg?
Before buying a home, you should also carefully analyze your financial situation and vet your mortgage possibilities. The average house price in Winnipeg as of May 2022 is $351,100. Recently, there’s been a higher demand for homes in the South area, such as South St. Vital, Fort Garry, and South St. Boniface. You may want to avoid these areas if you’re looking for a cheap deal.
For most new migrants, renting will be the more cost-friendly option, at least in the meantime. The average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg is $1,019. If you do not need much space, a studio apartment may be ideal as that’ll save you some money. Standard studio apartments currently rent at a monthly average of $810.
For larger families, 2-bedroom apartments cost an average of $1,247monthly while a 3-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $1,605 per month. You may also need to factor in the cost of utilities, rental insurance, and available amenities before settling for a rental apartment in Winnipeg.
The Cost Of Utilities In Winnipeg
As mentioned earlier, Winnipeg is one of the more affordable cities in Canada. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that everything in Winnipeg is cheap. Here’s a summary of the average cost of utilities in Winnipeg.
Electricity
Manitoba’s average cost of electricity- 9.6CAD/kWh- is the second most affordable among Canadian provinces. Assuming an average consumption of 1000kWh per month, you can expect a monthly electricity bill of 96 CAD. Central air conditioning units and water heaters are typically the biggest consumers in residential apartments. So, if you want to reduce your electricity bill, you should take a shorter shower or use a programmable thermostat.
Phone And Internet
Canadian residents spend significantly more on cell phone and internet plans than in many other developed nations. For example, Cansumer reports, “Canadians pay 20% more than Americans and 170% more than Australians on their cell phone plans on average.” So, if you’re used to paying a paltry sum for phone and internet service, you should prepare to shelve a few more dollars when moving to Winnipeg.
There are diverse cellphone and internet service providers to match the varying needs of Winnipeg residents. On average, an unlimited talk and text plan, alongside 2GB of data costs $74 per month. An internet plan with 60Mbps connection and unlimited download costs between $80-$90. The average internet and phone costs do not differ significantly from province to province in Canada.
Entertainment In Winnipeg
If partying gets your adrenaline pumping, you should be ready to fork out at least $200 monthly for your exploits in Winnipeg. This would typically cover one restaurant visit with friends, two cinema visits, once-a-week regular restaurant meals, and about four visits to the pub across the month.
Of course, you should be ready to spend more if you have a wilder or more exquisite taste. However, you might want to take it easy in your first few months in Winnipeg, at least until you discover the best happening spots in the city.
Food And Groceries
Statistics Canada reports that Manitoban households spent about $10,000 on food in 2019. However, this estimate includes foods purchased from stores, groceries, non-alcoholic beverages, and restaurant meals and snacks. For individuals, a budget of $300 to $500 monthly should be adequate, depending on your eating habits and taste.
As always, cooking is a cheaper option than buying from a restaurant. Thankfully, numerous farmer’s markets can help ensure your fridge and fruit bowl remain stocked with fresh, locally grown produce.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of food and groceries for one person in Winnipeg is $214. This would include vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, milk, and other common food items. For households, the monthly spend on food is about $80
