Moving to Canada comes with excitement and a new budget. Understanding your monthly expenses helps you plan wisely and avoid surprises as you settle in.

Housing will likely be your biggest cost. Rent varies by city, but newcomers often spend a large portion of their income on apartments or shared housing. Be sure to factor in utilities like electricity, water, and internet.

Table: Average rental cost in some major Canadian cities

Transportation is another key expense. If you live in a major city, a monthly public transit pass is usually more affordable than owning a car. However, if you need to drive, remember to include car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance.

Groceries and food costs depend on your household size and eating habits. Shopping at affordable stores such as Canadian Superstore, Food Basics, Walmart and cooking at home can help keep costs low.

Don’t forget cell phone plans, health insurance (if not yet eligible for public coverage), and childcare if you have kids.

Many immigrants also send money back home to support their families, which is another regular expense to plan for. Services like Switch Hub help make cross-border payments affordable and secure.

By understanding these common expenses, you can create a budget that supports both your life in Canada and your commitments back home.