Average Monthly Expenses in Canada (2026 Breakdown)
By Wealthvieu · Updated
The average Canadian household spends approximately $5,700/month ($68,400/year). Housing is by far the largest expense, followed by transportation and food. Here’s the complete breakdown.
Average Monthly Expenses Breakdown
Category
Monthly
% of Total
Housing (rent/mortgage + utilities)
$1,850
32%
Transportation
$850
15%
Food (groceries + dining)
$750
13%
Insurance (all types)
$450
8%
Childcare/education
$400
7%
Healthcare/personal care
$250
4%
Phone/internet/streaming
$200
4%
Clothing
$175
3%
Entertainment/recreation
$250
4%
Savings/investments
$300
5%
Miscellaneous
$225
4%
Total
$5,700
100%
Expenses by City
City
Housing
Food
Transport
Total (est.)
Toronto
$2,400
$800
$700
$6,800
Vancouver
$2,600
$850
$650
$7,000
Montreal
$1,600
$700
$600
$5,200
Calgary
$1,700
$750
$800
$5,600
Ottawa
$1,900
$750
$700
$5,700
Edmonton
$1,400
$700
$800
$5,200
Winnipeg
$1,300
$700
$750
$5,000
Halifax
$1,900
$750
$700
$5,700
Single Person vs. Couple vs. Family
Category
Single
Couple
Family (2 kids)
Housing
$1,600
$1,900
$2,200
Food
$450
$700
$1,000
Transportation
$600
$850
$1,000
Other
$1,000
$1,400
$2,000
Total
$3,650
$4,850
$6,200
How to Reduce Each Category
Category
Best Strategy
Potential Savings
Housing
Roommate or downsize
$500–$1,000/mo
Food
Meal prep + store brands
$150–$300/mo
Transportation
Transit or carpool
$300–$600/mo
Phone/internet
Switch to Fizz/Public Mobile
$25–$50/mo
Insurance
Shop around annually
$50–$150/mo
Subscriptions
Audit and cancel unused
$30–$80/mo
Bottom Line
At $5,700/month, the average Canadian household spends the most on housing (32%), transport (15%), and food (13%). The biggest opportunity to save is in housing — even a $300/month reduction equals $3,600/year. Use the 50/30/20 rule as a target: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings.