How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Winnipeg? [2024]

When deciding where to move in Canada, Winnipeg often gets overlooked. So many people are drawn to more popular cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

However, Winnipeg has some gems making it a city worth looking into.The city’s highlights include (but aren’t limited to) a thriving arts and music scene, the historic Exchange District with its turn-of-the-century architecture, the resilience of Metis culture, and beautiful natural areas such as Assiniboine Park.

In general, Winnipeg is considered one of the more affordable medium-sized Canadian cities. Living expenses are lower than other major cities, and the Manitoba provincial sales tax rate is lower than the more populated provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

To help you gain a thorough understanding of the cost of living, we’ve compiled a guide to how much you need to earn to live comfortably in Winnipeg.

How much will I need to pay for rent in Winnipeg?

Rental costs are decent in Winnipeg; the median monthly cost to rent a 3-bedroom home is $2131. Rent is higher in both the downtown core and the more affluent neighbourhoods in the city, while rent in suburbs on the outskirts is lower.

You will find more expensive rentals in wealthy areas such as Tuxedo, Crescentwood, River Heights, Wellington Crescent, Linden Woods, Bridgewater Forest, Bridgewater Lakes. The areas of North End, West End, St. James, Elmwood, Brooklands, Fort Garry are where you can find cheaper rent.

If you live with a partner or are open to sharing your rental with roommates, expect to pay around $800 - $900 per month on rent.

Median monthly cost for rent: $850

What if I have a mortgage?

Once you’ve qualified for a mortgage, you can calculate your monthly mortgage payments based on the average price of a home in Winnipeg, which is $433,250. The estimated monthly mortgage payment for a home with that price tag, with a 20% down payment and a 6.49% interest rate over a 30-year term, would be approximately $2,188.47.

More affordable Winnipeg neighbourhoods have cheaper homes which average around $361,600. Using the same calculations as above, your monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $1,826.54.

Average monthly mortgage payment if you were splitting it with a partner: $1094

How much will I spend on food in Winnipeg each month?

Grocery costs depend on your own personal lifestyle choices. If you grow a vegetable garden, your expenses will be lower in the warmer seasons. If you eat only organic, things start to get a little more expensive.

In Winnipeg, a family of four averages around $1,800 per month on groceries. A single person can expect to pay approximately $420 per month. Couples typically spend around $840 per month.

Monthly food costs for one person: $420

How much will my electricity and household bills be?

Remember, Winnipeg has some of the coldest winters in Canada, with temperatures hovering between -15℃ to -25℃ for several months. Your utility bills will be significantly higher during the winter months.

Variables such as the size of your house factor into how much your bills will be. The average monthly cost in Winnipeg for utilities including electricity, heating, water, garbage collection, air conditioning and internet is between $380 for a family of four.

Monthly bills: $280

What does it cost to get around in Winnipeg?

Taking the bus is always an affordable and convenient way to go. In Winnipeg, you can ride the bus for $3.15 per ride, or get a monthly pass for $102.50. Seniors and youth get a decent discount, paying $73.05 and $81.65, respectively. The Peggo card is a reloadable smart card that makes riding the bus even cheaper.

Driving around Winnipeg will cost you around $80 - $100 per month, for fuel. This total will fluctuate a bit, depending on how much you drive.

Winnipeg has a lot of bike lanes and paths, and is considered a bike-friendly city. Besides occasional maintenance, cycling is essentially free!

Average monthly cost for transportation: $100

How much does it cost to eat out in Winnipeg?

Monthly dining costs will vary depending on how often you eat out, and the types of restaurants you prefer.

Fast food meals start at $10, while casual dining at a mid-range restaurant will be around $25 per person, including a drink.

A meal at a higher-end restaurant can range from $40 - $60, while upscale fancy venues can cost up to $80 per person for food and drinks.

Monthly restaurant costs: $150 - $250

What will I spend on entertainment while living in Winnipeg?

There’s something for everyone when it comes to entertainment in Winnipeg. Whether you are a history buff, art enthusiast, a sports fan, or love to dance the night away, there’s more than enough entertainment variety to choose from.

Museums and other attractions are a great way to spend a weekend day. Performing arts are big in Winnipeg, including Canada’s oldest ballet company, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Winnipeg has a lively music scene, where you can find anything from live bands to nightclubs to festivals such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival. The city’s sports teams offer regular games and tournaments. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many trails and beautiful surroundings of Assiniboine Park, FortWhyte Alive, and the Red River Mutual Trail.

Monthly entertainment costs: $100 - $150

How much can I expect to spend on basics?

Consider basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, groceries, transportation, and simple entertainment.

As a single person, you can expect to spend around $2,000 to $2,500 per month in Winnipeg. For small families living modestly, the monthly cost would be around $4,000.

To maintain a simple lifestyle in Winnipeg as a single person, you would need an annual income of about $30,000. This figure is slightly more than what you would earn on minimum wage, assuming you work full-time without taking any time off. However, this amount is before taxes, RRSP, and CPP deductions, and doesn't include savings, vacations, or unexpected expenses like replacing appliances, furniture, or vehicle repairs.

The average Canadian spends around $4,000 annually on their car. To cover basic expenses and own a car in Ottawa, you would need to earn roughly $40,000 per year.

If $30,000 covers the basics, how much do I need to earn to live comfortably?

To live comfortably as a single person in Winnipeg, you’d need to earn around $50,000 per year or more. This income would allow you to afford a rental apartment in the city centre while maintaining a budget that supports both recreation and financial security.

With a $50,000 salary, you could save or invest, spend on your well-being, purchase new clothes, and enjoy entertainment. You’d also have the flexibility to take time off and go on vacations occasionally. Most importantly, you would be able to beat the Winnipeg cold and keep your home warm and toasty all winter.

For a family of four to live comfortably in Winnipeg, the combined income of both earners would need to be around $95,000 per year.

How likely is it to earn $50,000 per year in Winnipeg?

Earning an annual salary of $50,000 in Winnipeg is totally realistic and can provide an attractive standard of living, especially because cost of living is relatively low.

Sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing offer $50,000 (and higher) salaries, depending on your credentials and level of experience.

While entry-level roles might start lower, most positions in most industries can reach this income level as you gain experience. With a $50,000 salary, you can comfortably cover essential expenses like housing, transportation, and groceries, with some room for savings or careful spending.