Your budget will be spent on:

1. Food
2. Clothing
3. Transportation
• bus fare
• car (payments and gas)
• car insurance
4. Health insurance. You may get supplementary insurance to anticipate health issues not covered by Manitoba Health.
5. Child care
6. Occasional expenses:
• prescription drugs/medicine
• school supplies
• entertainment
• alcohol and cigarettes
• long distance calls

Cost of living in Manitoba compared to other cities in Canada

1. Living in Manitoba is cheaper compared to other cities in Canada.
2. Affordable living is due to:
• lower housing costs
• lower cost of utilities
• affordable university or college tuition
• free quality health care

Rent or mortgage

1. Many newcomers stay with family or friends.
2. Some newcomers stay at a hotel.
3. They move out to rent or buy a home after a short period.
4. Rent or mortgage and utilities will be your biggest expense.
5. Rental rates
• It can be as low as $563 a month (for a room). A five-bedroom apartment can have an average rate of $1,695.
• Individuals and families may avail of Rent Assist.
• Rent assist helps low-income private renters.
6. House cost
• House costs are comparatively low in Manitoba.
• Average prices in January 2020 (National House Map, Canadian Real Estate Association):

• $277,670 in MB.
• $338,091 in Quebec
• $728.044 in BC

Taxes and supports

1. There are taxes on goods and services in Manitoba:
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5%
• Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is 7%
2. People with low or modest incomes can get GST/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit (HST).
• This pays back part or all of the GST/PST paid by residents.
3. Employees pay income taxes. It can be:
• Provincial
• Federal
4. See tax brackets and rates on this page: Manitoba Individual Income Taxes.
5. File an income tax return even if you are not working yet.
6. You must file to receive government benefits such as:
• GST/HST credit
• Canada Child Benefit Program

• Monthly payment for eligible families.
• It helps with the cost of raising children under 18 years old
• Other benefits you may be eligible for.

 
Article updated Feb. 2020