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Cost of living in Halifax, Canada
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Halifax.
One person, a month
CAD 1,539
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
CAD 5,384
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
CAD 2,181
A month
Gross salary, one person
CAD 51,000
to cover living costs in Halifax
Halifax's cost of living at a glance
Halifax is among the more expensive cities in Canada but among the less expensive cities in North America. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Halifax are CAD 1,539, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are CAD 5,384 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Halifax may need a gross salary of at least CAD 51,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in CAD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Halifax compares
One person's monthly costs in Halifax, excluding rent, are 1.6% higher than in the typical city in Canada and 21.5% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Halifax ranks
In Canada
19th of 67
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In North America
216th of 418
Cities in North America with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
82nd percentile
Costs the same as or more than 82% of 1,942 cities: a relatively expensive city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
18th of 67
Cities in Canada, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Halifax
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Halifax | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 2,181 | CAD 1,908 +14.3% | CAD 1,043 +109.2% |
| Groceries | CAD 526 | CAD 500 +5.3% | CAD 395 +33.4% |
| Eating out | CAD 254 | CAD 265 −4.3% | CAD 222 +14.3% |
| Transport | CAD 92.83 | CAD 96.96 −4.3% | CAD 56.18 +65.2% |
| Utilities | CAD 310 | CAD 289 +7.4% | CAD 245 +26.4% |
| Leisure | CAD 84.82 | CAD 87.68 −3.3% | CAD 87.04 −2.5% |
| Total excluding rent | CAD 1,539 | CAD 1,514 +1.6% | CAD 1,266 +21.5% |
| Total including rent | CAD 3,720 | CAD 3,376 +10.2% | CAD 2,350 +58.3% |
Typical = the median of 67 cities in Canada and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
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Explore prices in Halifax
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Halifax
Halifax is the 18th most expensive city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Canada is Canmore.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 2,181 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs CAD 1,820 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 20% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 2,181 | CAD 1,857– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 1,820 | CAD 1,545– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CAD 3,411 | CAD 2,888– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CAD 2,751 | CAD 2,424– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | CAD 4,665 | CAD 4,373– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | CAD 3,886 | CAD 3,239– |
Cost of everyday items in Halifax
Groceries in Halifax are around 6% more expensive than the average for Canada, while eating out is around 2% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs CAD 3.20.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs CAD 4.00.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs CAD 22.68.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | CAD 3.20 | CAD 1.91– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | CAD 4.00 | CAD 3.09– |
| Eggs, 12 large | CAD 5.45 | CAD 4.13– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | CAD 13.18 | CAD 8.25– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | CAD 17.71 | CAD 8.25– |
| Beef round, 1kg | CAD 20.06 | CAD 7.71– |
| Apples, 1kg | CAD 7.05 | CAD 3.40– |
| Oranges, 1kg | CAD 5.91 | CAD 4.44– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | CAD 4.35 | CAD 1.03– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | CAD 3.61 | CAD 3.06– |
| White rice, 1kg | CAD 5.76 | CAD 2.06– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | CAD 6.39 | CAD 4.13– |
| Bananas, 1kg | CAD 2.32 | CAD 1.97– |
| Onions, 1kg | CAD 4.10 | CAD 2.06– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | CAD 2.80 | CAD 1.78– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | CAD 21.66 | CAD 14.44– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | CAD 6.03 | CAD 3.61– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 6.84 | CAD 4.13– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | CAD 22.68 | CAD 19.07– |
Eating out in Halifax
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CAD 25.79 | CAD 20.63– |
| Three-course meal for two | CAD 86.13 | CAD 72.20– |
| Fast food combo meal | CAD 15.46 | CAD 13.92– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | CAD 8.25 | CAD 6.19– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 8.76 | CAD 6.35– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 3.24 | CAD 3.08– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | CAD 2.44 | CAD 2.06– |
| Cappuccino | CAD 5.97 | CAD 3.09– |
Transport in Halifax
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | CAD 3.09 | CAD 2.84– |
| Monthly public transport pass | CAD 92.83 | CAD 90.25– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | CAD 1.62 | CAD 1.45– |
| Taxi start | CAD 4.85 | CAD 4.85– |
| Taxi, per km | CAD 1.81 | CAD 1.81– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | CAD 30.94 | CAD 30.94–CAD 30.94 |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | CAD 40,824 | CAD 40,824– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | CAD 32,275 | CAD 25,951– |
Utilities in Halifax
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | CAD 223 | CAD 125– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | CAD 98.48 | CAD 71.17– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | CAD 57.48 | CAD 40.23– |
How is Halifax for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of CAD 125,000 a year in Halifax, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,289 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 3,411 a month.
Halifax scores 60/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 5,384 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CAD 8,795 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | CAD 1,289 | CAD 928– |
| International primary school Annual | CAD 22,444 | CAD 18,174– |
Leisure and clothing in Halifax
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | CAD 59.91 | CAD 29.92– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | CAD 24.93 | CAD 20.63– |
| Cinema ticket | CAD 15.98 | CAD 13.41– |
| Jeans | CAD 90.30 | CAD 61.89– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | CAD 46.18 | CAD 30.93– |
| Nike running shoes | CAD 144 | CAD 103– |
| Men's leather business shoes | CAD 167 | CAD 82.52– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Halifax?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Canada, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Halifax. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Halifax, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
CAD 51,134
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Halifax, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- CAD 40,307
- Living costs
- CAD 40,307
- Tax and contributions
- CAD 10,827
Where your salary goes
- Living costsCAD 40,30778.8%
- Income tax and contributionsCAD 10,82721.2%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | CAD 51,134 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | CAD 10,827 |
| = | Take-home pay | CAD 40,307 |
| − | Rent | CAD 21,841 |
| − | Groceries | CAD 6,317 |
| − | Eating out | CAD 3,048 |
| − | Transport | CAD 1,114 |
| − | Utilities | CAD 3,721 |
| − | Leisure | CAD 1,018 |
| − | Other estimated costs | CAD 3,248 |
| = | Left over: savings target | CAD 0 |
CAD 51,134 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 21.2% effective tax rate and CAD 10,827 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Halifax costs an estimated CAD 1,820 per month. CAD 1,820 per month × 12 months = CAD 21,841 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Halifax spends an estimated CAD 526 on groceries per month. CAD 526 per month × 12 months = CAD 6,317 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Halifax spends an estimated CAD 254 on eating out per month. CAD 254 per month × 12 months = CAD 3,048 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Halifax spends an estimated CAD 92.83 on transport per month. CAD 92.83 per month × 12 months = CAD 1,114 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Halifax spends an estimated CAD 310 on utilities per month. CAD 310 per month × 12 months = CAD 3,721 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Halifax spends an estimated CAD 84.82 on leisure per month. CAD 84.82 per month × 12 months = CAD 1,018 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. CAD 271 per month × 12 months = CAD 3,248 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Federal tax only, effective from January 1, 2026. Lowest bracket rate reduced to 14% (from 14.5% in 2025). Thresholds indexed by 2%. Excludes Provincial/Territorial tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Canada's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / CRA.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Halifax: common questions
Is Halifax expensive to live in?
Halifax is among the more expensive cities in Canada but among the less expensive cities in North America.
A single person spends about CAD 1,539 a month excluding rent, against CAD 1,514 in the typical city in Canada (the median of 67 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Halifax costs the same as or more than 82% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively expensive city.
What salary do you need to live in Halifax?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least CAD 51,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Halifax, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Canada's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Halifax?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CAD 2,181 a month, and CAD 1,820 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about CAD 3,411 a month in the centre and CAD 2,751 outside it.
Halifax is the 18th most expensive city in Canada for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Halifax?
A family of four spends about CAD 5,384 a month on living costs excluding rent, or CAD 8,795 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of CAD 125,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CAD 1,289 a month per child.
How does Halifax compare with Canada's other cities?
Halifax ranks 19th of 67 cities in Canada for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 1.6% more than in the typical city in Canada.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Canada 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Canada (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 67 cities in Canada in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Halifax's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Canada and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.