Cost of living in Whitehorse: Complete guide for 2025

The capital of Yukon Territory, Canada, Whitehorse, allows for urban amenities and natural beauty to come mixed. It is the most friendly city in Canada, the most affordable one, and a paradise for outdoor lovers.
And if you want to plan (or have already planned) to move to Whitehorse, read this comprehensive Whitehorse cost of living guide, which lets you know how much things will cost. Once you know what the different costs of living in Whitehorse are, you can make decisions that affect your budget based on what you know.
Whether you are looking to relocate to Whitehorse for work, study, or a new lifestyle, this guide will give you the information you need to make a well-thought-out decision.
Whitehorse: An Overview
If you are coming up for some magnificent views, fun people, or great food – head on up to Whitehorse, a vibrant city that is in the middle of Yukon Territory, Canada. A high quality of life for residents and visitors is a characteristic of Whitehorse, as it’s a destination known for its stunning natural beauty – including mountains, forests and rivers. An outdoor activities hub with a great range of hiking, fishing, camping and a great cultural scene with a multitude of museums, galleries and festivals, the city is a great place to visit. Its friendly locals, costs of living that are very affordable, and good job opportunities make Whitehorse a place people want to live and work.
Housing Costs in Whitehorse
Whitehorse is typically a cheaper place to live than other Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto. But there is no fixed price; it depends on where the property is, what size it is, and how many amenities it has.
Apartment and House Rent
- One-bedroom apartment: It is approximately CAD 1 thousand - 1 three hundred per thirty.
- Two-bedroom apartment: You would pay about CAD 1,300 - CAD 1,600 a month.
- Three-bedroom house: CAD 1,600 - 2,000 approx per month.
Utilities and Home Insurance
- Utilities: About CAD 150 - 200 per month including electricity, heating, water and internet.
- Home insurance: Cost: roughly CAD 50 - 100 a month.
Transportation Costs in Whitehorse
Transportation costs in Whitehorse are low, with a well-developed public transportation system, and affordable car ownership options.
Public Transportation
- Bus pass: Close to CAD 70 - 90 a month.
- Taxi: CAD 5 - 10 per kilometre or more.
Car Ownership
- Car purchase: A used car is around CAD 15,000 - 25,000.
- Car insurance: CAD 1,000 - 1,500 per year.
- Gas prices: Around CAD 1.50 - 2.00 a litre.
Food Costs in Whitehorse
Whitehorse is a remote location so food is a bit more expensive than in most other parts of Canada. But there are still affordable options.
Grocery Shopping
- Weekly grocery bill: Less than CAD 120 to CAD 170 for someone on their own.
- Popular grocery stores: Sobeys, Co-op, Walmart.
Dining Out
- Casual dining: For about CAD 15 - 20 per meal.
- Fine dining: CAD 30 - 50 per meal.
Healthcare Costs in Whitehorse
Provincial Health Insurance
- Cost: Residents of the Yukon Territory get this for free.
- Coverage: It covers most medically necessary services (such as doctor's visits, hospital stays and prescription drugs).
Dental Care and Prescription Drugs
- Average cost per prescription: Depending on medication and insurance coverage, CAD 20-50.
- Government programs: Eligible residents in drug-related situations may receive assistance under the Yukon Prescription Drug Programme (YPDP).
- Private insurance: Prescription drugs may be covered by the private health insurance plans that many employers offer.
- The average cost for a general checkup and cleaning: is CAD 100-150.
- The average cost for a filling: is CAD 150-300.
- The average cost for a root canal: is CAD 500-1000.
- Dental insurance: Dental insurance is not mandatory on all plans, but it will greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental care. They offer many employers dental insurance as part of their benefits packages.
Education Costs in Whitehorse
The education costs in Whitehorse are competitive and different reputable colleges and universities are offering a variety of programmes.
Tuition Fees of International Students.
- Undergraduate programs: CAD 15,000 – 25,000 per year or so.
- Graduate programs: About CAD 18,000 - 30,000 a year.
Student Housing and Meal plan
- On-campus housing: This ranges from approximately CAD 7,000 - 10,000 per year including meal plans.
- Off-campus housing: That's approximately CAD 6,000 - 8,000 per year.
Entertainment Costs in Whitehorse
Whitehorse offers a variety of entertainment options, from outdoor activities to cultural events.
Leisure Activities and Attractions
- Museums and galleries: Approximately CAD 5 - 10 per admission.
- Sports events: Approximately CAD 20 - 50 per ticket.
- Outdoor activities: Free or low-cost.
Miscellaneous Costs in Whitehorse
In addition to the costs mentioned above, there are a few other expenses to consider.
Personal Care and Grooming
- Haircuts: Approximately CAD 20 - 30.
- Clothing: Approximately CAD 50 - 100 per month.
Taxes and Fees
- Income tax: Varies depending on income level.
- Sales tax: 5%.
Cost of Living in Whitehorse for International Students
Living Expenses for Students
- Monthly budget: For single students, it costs around CAD 1,500 – 2,000.
- Factors affecting costs: Personal preferences, accommodation, food and transportation.
International Students Universities in Whitehorse
- Yukon University: A large university with many courses to offer.
- Yukon College: Applies education community college which specialises in applied education and research.
Cost of Living in Whitehorse for Indian Students
- Monthly budget: About CAD 1,500 - 2,000 per student.
- Factors affecting costs: Personal preferences, accommodation, transportation and food.
Conclusion
Finally, Whitehorse provides a high quality of life and tremendous possibilities for personal and professional growth. Although the cost of living might be high, especially for housing and transportation, its energetic environment, strong economy and great educational institutions mean it is fully plausible for many.
If you plan on living in Whitehorse, then you must plan your budget correctly and research all of the costs of living here. It helps you to know the different expenses that you can choose wisely and have a smoother switch.
Whether you`re a student or young professional, or a family, Whitehorse provides a friendly, inclusive place to live. So what exactly does Whitehorse have to offer? Well, it advertises itself as being a city that offers affordable living and a strong job market, with a rich cultural scene.