The Real Cost of Living in Edmonton You Need to Know
Someone asked me the other day if it’s expensive to live in Edmonton, and I thought, “That’s a great question!” If you’re considering moving here, retiring, or studying, it’s definitely something to think about.
From my experience, the cost of living in Edmonton is quite reasonable, especially compared to other major Canadian cities. On average, a single person spends around $1,785 a month before rent.
Your lifestyle choices will affect your monthly expenses, of course. If you’re looking to be prepared for your move, I’ll break down the details of the cost of living in Edmonton.
Cost of Living in Edmonton vs. Other Cities
Edmonton is considered affordable compared to larger cities like Calgary and Vancouver. The cost of living here is relatively lower, especially for a single person.
While Edmonton’s cost of living is lower than cities like Toronto and Mississauga, it’s still more expensive than smaller cities like Winnipeg.
If you want specific numbers, here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of living in various Canadian cities:
| City | Population | Cost of Living (Single) |
| Toronto | 2.79M | $2,575 |
| Montreal | 1.76M | $1,954 |
| Calgary | 1.31M | $2,149 |
| Ottawa | 1.02M | $2,236 |
| Edmonton | 1.01M | $1,785 |
| Winnipeg | 750K | $1,754 |
| Mississauga | 718K | $2,472 |
| Vancouver | 662K | $2,650 |
| Brampton | 656K | $2,127 |
| Hamilton | 569K | $2,154 |
Housing Costs in Edmonton
Housing is one of the biggest costs you’ll have in Edmonton, whether you’re renting or buying. The city is still one of Canada’s more affordable places to live, but prices have been going up.
The table below, from WOWA.ca, gives you an idea of what homes cost in Edmonton.
| Home Type | Average Price |
| Detached | $540,232 |
| Semi-Detached | $408,823 |
| Townhouse | $292,640 |
| Apartment | $203,920 |
| Benchmark Price | $403,900 |
| Median Price | $421,500 |
Remember, there are extra costs besides rent or home price. Renters may need to pay a security deposit, while homeowners should account for insurance, property taxes, and maintenance.
If you’re buying your first home, Edmonton’s First Place Program can help by lowering the cost of land and making homeownership more affordable. Also, keep an eye on mortgage rates, like the current 3.99% for a five-year fixed rate.
Utilities and Internet Costs in Edmonton
Utility costs in Edmonton can change depending on the season and the type of service. For example, gas and electricity are higher in winter due to heating needs, and electricity costs rise in summer with air conditioning use.
Water costs stay consistent year-round, but other utilities like gas and internet can fluctuate. It’s worth comparing providers to find the best deal.
To lower your utility bills, use energy-efficient appliances, seal drafts, and install low-flow fixtures. Simple habits like adjusting your thermostat and turning off lights when not in use also help.
Here’s a summary of the average monthly costs for utilities and internet services in Edmonton:
| Utilities | Average Price |
| Electricity | $121.33 |
| Natural Gas | $72.40 |
| Water | $38.00 |
| Internet | $61.29 |
Grocery and Food Expenses in Edmonton
Edmonton has relatively affordable groceries, with the province’s low 5% sales tax and many essentials like dairy and meat being tax-free.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a breakdown of average grocery and eating-out costs in Edmonton:
| Item | Average Price |
| Milk (1 L) | $1.76 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.75 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg) | $12 |
| Round Steak (1 kg) | $15 |
| Bread (0.5 kg) | $2.4 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $2.93 |
| Water (1 L) | $1.25 |
| Fast Food Meal | $10.5 |
| Dinner for Two (Restaurant) | $54.3 |
To save on your grocery bills, it’s helpful to compare prices between stores and keep an eye on discount days when stores offer savings on total bills. Also, be mindful of unit prices for comparing similar items, which helps you pick the best deal.
When shopping, consider buying in bulk or larger packages, especially for non-perishable items.
Transportation Costs in Edmonton
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Edmonton is convenient and easy to navigate, with buses and LRT services available across the city. You can pay using an Arc card or buy a day pass, which makes it simple to travel without worrying about exact change.
There are also affordable options for seniors and youth, including discounted fares.
Other ways to get around the city include taxis, car rentals, and even electric scooters, providing flexibility for different preferences and needs.
Below are the current fares for public transportation in Edmonton:
| Fare Type | Cost |
| Arc Card Pay-As-You-Go (90 minutes) | $3 |
| Arc Card Monthly Fare Cap | $102 |
| Cash Fare | $3.75 |
| Seniors Monthly Fare Cap | $36 |
| Youth Monthly Fare Cap | $66 |
| Family/Day Pass | $10.25 |
| Adult Ticket Strip (10 strips) | $27.75 |
| Youth/Senior Ticket Strip (10 strips) | $19.75 |
Owning a Car
Owning a car in Edmonton means dealing with costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking. While fuel is relatively inexpensive, other expenses like insurance can vary depending on your car and driving history.
Here’s a sample breakdown of the annual costs for a 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, offering a glimpse into the typical expenses of owning a passenger car:
| Expense | Average Annual Cost |
| Fuel | $1,080 |
| Insurance | $1,200 |
| Maintenance | $300 |
| Parking | $300 |
| Depreciation | $1,000 |
| Total | $3,880 |
To lower the cost of owning a car, consider buying a used vehicle, bundling your home and auto insurance, or using ride-sharing services when possible. Regular maintenance and finding cheaper parking options can also help keep costs down.
Healthcare Costs in Edmonton
Edmonton offers public healthcare through the Alberta Healthcare Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for permanent residents. If ineligible, private insurance is available for around $100 annually.
For services like hospital stays and ambulance rides, additional costs may apply depending on your situation. Some medical services, such as eye exams or checkups, may also come with extra fees.
While Alberta’s public health system covers most primary services, certain treatments or specialist care may require payment. Naturopathic care and some specialized services may be covered under extended insurance plans.
Dental care is a separate expense, with routine exams and cleanings typically not covered by AHCIP.
Check out the table below for a quick look at the costs of various healthcare services in Edmonton:
| Service | Cost |
| Hospital Stay (average) | $7,992 |
| Ambulance (non-transport) | $250 |
| Ambulance (transport) | $385 |
| Eye Exam (adult) | $90 – $160 |
| Dental Exam (adult) | $137.65 |
| Dental X-Ray (single panoramic) | $106.61 |
| Dental Cleaning (15 mins) | $74.40 (polishing) |
| Mouthguard | $115.49 + lab costs |
Education Costs in Edmonton
In Edmonton, public elementary and high schools are free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but international students need to pay tuition. Private schools cost more, with boarding schools being the most expensive.
Some schools also charge extra for activities like sports or field trips. College, vocational, and university costs depend on the program, with some including work placements to help with living expenses.
Scholarships and financial aid may be available, especially for international students.
In this table, you’ll find a summary of education costs in Edmonton:
| Type of School | Cost Range (CAD) |
| Public Elementary/Secondary (Intl) | $9,500 – $17,000 per year |
| Private Day School | $15,000 – $30,000 per year |
| Private Boarding School | $63,000 – $83,000 per year |
| College/Vocational School | $7,000 – $22,000 per year |
| University (Undergraduate Intl) | $36,100 per year |
| University (Graduate Intl) | $21,100 per year |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Edmonton
Entertainment and leisure costs in Edmonton vary depending on what you’re doing.
Concert tickets can range greatly based on the venue, with some going for under $30 while others reach several hundred dollars.
Gym memberships also differ, with prices depending on the gym and the type of membership you choose, from basic access to premium features.
For attractions, admission fees vary depending on the park or museum you visit, and some even offer free access (free museums edmonton) to certain groups.
Here’s a quick summary of the prices:
| Activity | Price Range |
| Concert tickets (Commonwealth Stadium) | $28.71 – $34.65 |
| Concert tickets (Union Hall) | $59.40 – $880.65 |
| City of Edmonton Gym Membership | $33 – $132 per month |
| Planet Fitness Gym Membership | $15 per month |
| Fort Edmonton Park Admission | Varies by age |
| John Janzen Nature Centre Admission | $8 (children/adult) |
| Art Gallery of Alberta Admission | $14 for adults, free for children |
| Alberta Aviation Museum Admission | $9.50 – $15 |
| Royal Alberta Museum Admission | $10 – $21 |
| Neon Sign Museum | Free |