Cost of Living Comparison
Low Cost of Living, High Quality of Life
Edmonton regularly ranks as one of the top cities in Canada for high quality of life while also having the lowest cost of living out of any major Canadian city.
Edmonton has one of the lowest monthly rental rates in Canada, and Alberta has the highest salaries out of any Canadian province. These benefits plus the availability of quality healthcare, affordable housing, low traffic commutes and less pollution make Edmonton a great place for individuals and families to build a future.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Vancouver | Toronto | Edmonton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost of Living | 43% higher than national average | 30% higher than national average | 9% higher than national average |
| Metro Population | 2.6 million | 7 million | 1.4 million |
| Average Rent: 1 Bedroom | $2,631 | $2,315 | $1,332 |
| Average Rent: 2 Bedroom | $3,3762 | $3,099 | $1,662 |
| Sales Tax | 12% | 13% | 5% |
| Average Yearly Income by Province | BC: $68,509 | Ontario: $73,000 | Alberta: $76,612 |
| Average Cost to Buy a House by Province | BC: $951,365 | Ontario: $860,545 | Alberta: $524,755 |
On-campus and Off-campus Housing
On-campus Housing
Four residence buildings on campus have been designated for graduate students. These graduate residences have tailored support for students, including an on-site faculty member and thesis defense preparation sessions. Living options include furnished shared, studio and 1-bedroom units. Find out more about living in graduate student residences on North Campus.
Off-campus Housing
There are numerous nearby housing options that are also available for graduate students with families or who desire more living independence.