Regina is Saskatchewan’s capital city and one of Canada’s most affordable major cities. A single person needs $2,100–$3,100/month, driven largely by low housing costs, government employment, and oil sector jobs — with Saskatchewan’s separate GST/PST system rather than a blended HST.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $130 | $165 | $210 |
| Groceries | $310 | $420 | $540 |
| Transportation | $81 | $165 | $430 |
| Phone/internet | $85 | $115 | $150 |
| Health/gym | $40 | $70 | $150 |
| Entertainment | $70 | $180 | $380 |
| Dining out | $70 | $180 | $420 |
| Personal | $65 | $120 | $240 |
| Monthly Total | $1,901 | $2,715 | $4,120 |
| Annual Total | $22,812 | $32,580 | $49,440 |
Housing Costs in Regina
| Type | Cathedral/Downtown | South Regina | East/North Regina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $950 | $900 | $880 |
| 1-bedroom | $1,200 | $1,150 | $1,100 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,600 | $1,500 | $1,400 |
| 3-bedroom house | $2,100 | $1,900 | $1,750 |
Average home purchase price (2026): ~$390,000 detached; ~$265,000 condo.
Regina’s home prices are among the lowest of any Canadian city over 200,000 people.
Saskatchewan Tax Considerations
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| GST (federal) | 5% |
| PST (provincial) | 6% |
| Combined on purchases | 11% |
| Provincial income tax effective (on $48K) | ~9.2% |
| Health premium | None |
| SGI (government auto insurance) | Mandatory |
Take-home pay on $48,000 salary in Saskatchewan: ~$37,000/year ($3,083/month)
Transportation in Regina
| Option | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Regina Transit monthly pass | $81 |
| Car (SGI insurance + gas + financing) | $550–$850 |
Regina is car-dependent. Transit service is limited. All Saskatchewan drivers use SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance), a Crown corporation — rates are typically lower than private insurance markets in Ontario or BC.
Salary Needed to Live in Regina
| Lifestyle | Monthly Cost | Annual Need | Gross Salary Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,901 | $22,812 | ~$31,000 |
| Comfortable | $2,715 | $32,580 | ~$44,000 |
| Premium | $4,120 | $49,440 | ~$68,000 |
Major Employers in Regina
- Government: Province of Saskatchewan (largest employer), City of Regina, RCMP Depot (training academy)
- Crown corporations: SaskPower, SaskTel, SGI, SaskEnergy
- Healthcare: Saskatchewan Health Authority (Regina General Hospital, Pasqua Hospital)
- Education: University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Resources: Mosaic Company, Evraz steel mill, oil and gas producers
Government and Crown corporation jobs offer stability, defined-benefit pensions, and competitive wages — a major draw for Regina residents.
Regina vs Other Prairie Cities
| City | Avg 1BR Rent | Monthly Budget (Comfortable) | vs Regina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | $1,800 | $3,460 | +28% |
| Edmonton | $1,500 | $3,100 | +14% |
| Saskatoon | $1,400 | $2,890 | +6% |
| Winnipeg | $1,300 | $2,800 | +3% |
| Regina | $1,300 | $2,715 | — |
Is Regina Worth It?
Pros:
- One of Canada’s most affordable major cities
- Stable government and Crown corp employment
- Government-run car insurance (often cheaper)
- Wascana Centre — one of North America’s largest urban parks
- Strong community feel
Cons:
- Harsh winters (-30°C to -40°C)
- Flat landscape (limited outdoor recreation vs mountains)
- Smaller job market, fewer private-sector opportunities
- Car-dependent, limited public transit
- Economy tied to resource cycles (oil, potash)
Related Guides
- Cost of living in Saskatoon
- Cost of living in Winnipeg
- Cost of living in Calgary
- Cost of living in Canada
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