Cost of living in Saskatchewan: Complete guide for 2025
If you are thinking of starting a new life in a new province, is Saskatchewan your choice? This Canadian prairie province is rich in natural resources, has a reasonably low cost of living and welcoming residents. Nevertheless, it is important to know the cost of living so that people can make the right decisions regarding their finances.
This article will help you understand the common costs you are likely to face when in Saskatchewan. Whether it’s accommodation, transport, food, or even healthcare, we will explain how much it will cost you. This is a useful resource for students, young workers, or families thinking about moving to Saskatchewan and want to know more about finances.
Find out the average prices for food, shelter, bills, and fun. Find out the different ways of getting around and the expenses of having a car. We will also discuss the costs of education such as the cost of tuition and other living expenses of students. When you complete this guide, you will know the expenses of living in Saskatchewan and make a wise decision in your life.
Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: An Overview
The price for goods and services in Saskatchewan is still lower than in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver. This is especially the case for house and transport expenses. However, the cost may differ with the city and region you are to live in, your lifestyle, and expenditure.
Saskatoon and Regina are the two largest cities in Saskatchewan which provide a fairly comfortable life with a touch of big city life at reasonable costs. Housing and other general expenses are also likely to be lower and the cost of living in smaller towns and rural areas is even cheaper.
Housing Costs in Saskatchewan
Housing is one of the largest expenses in the cost of living. There are also many types of houses in Saskatchewan which include apartments and condominiums, single detached homes.
Rent Prices in Saskatchewan
The average rent of an apartment in Saskatchewan is cheaper compared to other options in the rest of Canada. However, the cost per square metre will vary by city, by the size of the apartment, and by the services included.
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: It is between CAD 1000 to CAD 1500 per month
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: From CAD 1200 to CAD 1800 per month
Buying a Home in Saskatchewan
When it comes to buying a house in Saskatchewan, you will realise that the cost of houses is relatively cheaper than the rest of Canada. However, the cost will be different depending on the area, the area of the house, and the taxes on the property.
Food Expenses in Saskatchewan
Food costs in Saskatchewan are generally comparable to the Canadian average. However, you can save money by cooking at home and taking advantage of seasonal produce.
Grocery Costs
The cost of groceries can vary depending on your dietary needs and shopping habits. Buying in bulk, using coupons, and taking advantage of sales can help you save money.
- Milk (1 gallon): CAD 4.00 - $5.00
- Loaf of bread: CAD 2.50 - $3.50
- Rice (1 kg): CAD 2.00 - $3.00
- Eggs (dozen): CAD 3.50 - $5.00
- Chicken breasts (1 kg): CAD 8.00 - $12.00
- Beef (1 kg): CAD 12.00 - $18.00
- Apples (1 kg): CAD 2.50 - $4.00
- Bananas (1 kg): CAD $1.00 - $1.50
Eating Out
Dining out can be expensive, especially in restaurants and cafes. However, there are many affordable food options available, such as food trucks, ethnic restaurants, and grocery store deli sections.
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: CAD 15 - $25
- Mid-range restaurant meal for two: CAD 50 - $80
- Fast food combo meal: CAD 10 - $15
Transportation Costs in Saskatchewan
Transportation costs may differ greatly based on your life choices and where you live.
Public Transportation
- Both Saskatoon and Regina have public transport but it is not as developed as that of the bigger cities. If you depend on public transportation, you have to prepare to be charged on a monthly or weekly basis.
- Monthly bus pass: CAD 60 - $80
Car Ownership
- Having a car is important and having one is almost mandatory if you live beyond the urban area. The expenses that come with owning a car include the cost of paying for the car, Insurance, fuel, repair and maintenance and parking fees respectively.
- Average car price: CAD 20,000 – $30,000 (used)
- Car insurance: CAD 100 – $200 per month (on average)
- Gasoline: The price range is CAD 1.30 – $1.50 per litre (Approximately).
Utilities in Saskatchewan
Utility costs can fluctuate based on factors like location, season, and personal consumption.
Estimated Average Monthly Costs
Electricity: CAD 100 - $150
Water: CAD 50 - $80
Internet: CAD $60 - $100
Healthcare Costs in Saskatchewan
Healthcare is free in Saskatchewan, as it is in all of Canada; the government pays for most medically necessary services. There are some out-of-pocket expenses like prescription drugs and dental and vision care.
- Prescription drugs: Although some of the medications are covered by the provincial drug plans others may need additional costs to be borne by the patient. The monthly expenses for prescription drugs can be quite different depending on the number of required drugs and their prices and usually can start from CAD 50 up to $200 or even more.
- Dental care: Dental treatment is not included in the provincial health insurance plan. Dental procedures and cheque-ups or cleaning may cost from CAD 50 to several hundreds of Canadian dollars per visit.
- Vision care: The provincial healthcare plan does not include vision services, just like dental care. Prices for eye examinations, frames, and lenses can be quite different.
Education Costs in Saskatchewan
Tuition fees in the Saskatchewan province can be expensive and the amount depends on the level of study and the institution that offers it.
- Average tuition fees for undergraduate programs: CAD 6,000 - $8,000 per year
- Average tuition fees for graduate programs: CAD 10,000 - $15,000 per year
Cost of Living for Students
Living costs can be minimised by choosing to live in halls of residence and eating meals prepared in the accommodation, as well as taking a student card to get student discounts.
- Average monthly rent for a shared accommodation: CAD 300 - $500
- Average monthly food budget: CAD 200 - $300
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities to suit different interests and budgets. Costs can vary depending on your choices.
- Movie tickets: CAD 12 - $15 per person
- Gym membership: CAD 30 - $60 per month
- Concert tickets: CAD 50 - $150 per ticket
- Dining out: CAD 15 - $30 per person
Tips for Reducing Living Expenses in Saskatchewan
- Room for rent with other occupants
- Avoid taking meals in restaurants and instead, prepare your meals at home.
- Take the bus or subway, or share a ride with another person and or their vehicle.
- Reduce energy consumption
- Contrived to buy products during the sale or when there is a discount.
- Find out about cheap or free things to do
Conclusion
Saskatchewan has a good combination of pricing and life standards. The cost of living is somewhat lower than in other Canadian provinces, but it is highly advisable to be conscious of expenditure and take into account individual requirements and habits. Learning about the different categories of expenditure such as house rent, food, transport, electricity, medical, learning, and leisure etc will help you in decision-making on your budget.
Remember that the cost of living also depends on the city of your choice, your lifestyle and habits, including your spending. While travelling, it is wise to move around the city, and maybe even consider splitting the rent or car expenses with someone. It is for this reason that the potential for a quality and reasonably priced lifestyle in Saskatchewan is substantial and, with the right measures in place, you can optimise your experience in this wonderful province.
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