Cost of living in Canada, Canada cost of living

Canada lies to the North of the USA and, behind Russia, is the world's second largest country. It is one of the best countries in the world to live, learn and work. Canada ranks first among the G7 countries in providing equal opportunities for individuals, whether native-born or a new arrival.

Here are some typical costs for living in Canada:

Bus Fare One Way (local) $3.00
Utilities (one month) $20 - $30
Phone (one month not including long distance) $20 - $40
Cell Phone Package (one month) $40
Cable Television (one month) $25 - $50
Average Restaurant Meal $10.00 - $25.00 per person
Movie $8.50 - $12.00
Letter within Canada $0.50
International Postage (letter) $1.45

Main Banks in Canada

Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotia bank)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
National Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
TD Canada Trust

In general, banking in Canada costs money, either in monthly fees, or in lost interest through having to maintain a sufficiently large balance in a low interest daily account to have the fees waived. A regular day to day transaction "current" account is referred to in Canada as a chequeing (checking) account. Interest in a chequeing account will be very low, so most people operate savings accounts in parallel. You can also buy guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) from your bank. These offer higher rates of interest than savings accounts but your money is tied up for the term of the certificate.