Last update: Oct 2026 Canada 183.3K

Cost of Living in Burlington

For one person, living costs in Burlington are estimated at $2,634 a month, including rent and utilities – 15% above the national average. Rent and utilities take more than half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Burlington

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Burlington actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,634 per month with rent, or $1,099 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,634 /mo

A couple spends around $3,790 per month with rent, or $1,883 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,790 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,946 per month with rent, or $2,667 without housing.

$4,946 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$21.10 CA$29.82
$14.06 CA$19.88
$42.20 CA$59.7
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$71.3 CA$101
$57.1 CA$80.7
$250 CA$353
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.70 CA$15.13
$10.70 CA$15.13
$15.29 CA$21.61
Cappuccino
$3.40 CA$4.81
$2.16 CA$3.05
$4.32 CA$6.10
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 CA$2.80
$1.44 CA$2.03
$2.15 CA$3.05
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 CA$2.16
$1.07 CA$1.51
$2.04 CA$2.88
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.52 CA$7.81
$4.14 CA$5.85
$7.59 CA$10.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.16 CA$8.71
$5.63 CA$7.96
$14.07 CA$19.89
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.63 CA$3.72
$1.51 CA$2.14
$4.65 CA$6.57
White Bread (500g)
$2.78 CA$3.93
$2.05 CA$2.90
$4.52 CA$6.38
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.71 CA$5.24
$2.03 CA$2.87
$5.99 CA$8.47
Eggs
$3.51 CA$4.97
$2.74 CA$3.87
$5.50 CA$7.77
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.94 CA$14.05
$6.98 CA$9.87
$23.38 CA$33.05
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.43 CA$14.75
$4.66 CA$6.59
$12.73 CA$18.00
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.22 CA$20.10
$10.30 CA$14.55
$30.27 CA$42.79
Apples (1kg)
$3.56 CA$5.03
$2.15 CA$3.04
$4.50 CA$6.36
Banana (1kg)
$1.51 CA$2.13
$0.72 CA$1.02
$4.73 CA$6.68
Oranges (1kg)
$2.72 CA$3.84
$1.43 CA$2.02
$7.88 CA$11.14
Tomato (1kg)
$3.53 CA$4.99
$2.08 CA$2.94
$6.94 CA$9.81
Potato (1kg)
$1.92 CA$2.71
$1.41 CA$2.00
$4.27 CA$6.03
Onion (1kg)
$1.84 CA$2.61
$0.53 CA$0.74
$2.78 CA$3.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.05 CA$2.89
$1.43 CA$2.02
$2.52 CA$3.56
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.47 CA$2.08
$0.69 CA$0.98
$2.76 CA$3.90
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$13.04 CA$18.44
$10.30 CA$14.56
$15.10 CA$21.35
Wine (Bottle)
$10.57 CA$14.94
$9.87 CA$13.95
$18.32 CA$25.90
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.61 CA$3.69
$1.36 CA$1.93
$3.10 CA$4.38
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.85 CA$4.02
$1.78 CA$2.51
$3.56 CA$5.03
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.55 CA$3.61
$2.04 CA$2.88
$4.07 CA$5.76
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$97.3 CA$138
$84.9 CA$120
$106 CA$150
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.96 CA$7.01
$3.90 CA$5.51
$6.38 CA$9.01
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.39 CA$3.38
$2.05 CA$2.90
$3.41 CA$4.83
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$42.21 CA$59.7
$38.70 CA$54.7
$63.3 CA$89.5
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 CA$1.63
$0.89 CA$1.26
$1.28 CA$1.80
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.2K CA$38.5K
$24.1K CA$34.0K
$27.2K CA$38.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.2K CA$28.5K
$17.8K CA$25.1K
$21.6K CA$30.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$143 CA$202
$107 CA$151
$213 CA$301
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$44.20 CA$62.5
$28.29 CA$40.00
$56.6 CA$80.0
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$66.7 CA$94.3
$55.7 CA$78.8
$83.6 CA$118
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.3 CA$72.5
$20.88 CA$29.52
$83.5 CA$118
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$29.46 CA$41.65
$17.68 CA$24.99
$35.36 CA$49.99
Cinema Ticket
$15.93 CA$22.51
$10.39 CA$14.68
$17.31 CA$24.47
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,151 CA$1,628
$914 CA$1,292
$1,406 CA$1,988
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$19.2K CA$27.1K
$10.6K CA$15.0K
$25.5K CA$36.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$68.0 CA$96.1
$24.10 CA$34.07
$138 CA$195
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$63.8 CA$90.1
$31.02 CA$43.85
$103 CA$146
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$97.1 CA$137
$59.8 CA$84.5
$141 CA$199
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$97.0 CA$137
$56.5 CA$79.8
$176 CA$249
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,617 CA$2,286
$1,396 CA$1,974
$1,885 CA$2,664
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,393 CA$1,969
$1,260 CA$1,781
$1,715 CA$2,424
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,558 CA$3,616
$2,278 CA$3,220
$2,847 CA$4,025
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,136 CA$3,019
$1,924 CA$2,720
$2,405 CA$3,400
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,013 CA$7,087
$3,550 CA$5,019
$6,287 CA$8,888
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,029 CA$5,696
$3,908 CA$5,524
$4,802 CA$6,788
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,161 CA$4,468
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.52
3.6
4.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Burlington $2,634
Accommodation & Living
$1.4K
Groceries & Markets
$338
Eating Out
$296
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$254
Clothing & Footwear
$147
Getting Around
$124
Sport & Entertainment
$83

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,617, dropping to $1,393 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 51% of the average salary ($3,161) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,161. With monthly costs around $2,634, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,952.

Groceries cost around $338 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $71.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $97.3.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
16:29 4:29 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
183,314
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to CAD – Canadian Dollar Converter

Canadian Dollar exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 1.41 CAD (1 CAD = 0.707 USD). 1 EUR = 1.59 CAD (1 CAD = 0.629 EUR).

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Burlington Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Burlington - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington, Canada a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared to other cities?
Overall, Burlington offers a balanced mix of affordability and quality. In the Canadian landscape, you'll find steady housing demand near the lake and along major transit routes, with practical options for short- or long-term stays. The city features a calm pace, reliable services, and easy access to parks and shops, saving time and travel costs. Cost of Living in Burlington, Canada tends to feel moderate compared with larger metros, while still delivering a safe, clean environment, comfortable neighborhoods, and a welcoming local scene. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods by proximity to transit and the lake for the best value.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Burlington for travelers and remote workers?
Daily life in Burlington centers on a walkable downtown, lakefront trails, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Housing search balances proximity to the water with access to transit and schools, with options from apartments to townhomes. Food choices range from farmers markets to diverse eateries; cooking at home helps manage the budget without sacrificing quality. Transit relies on GO Transit and local buses, plus bike lanes that invite healthy commutes. For remote work, several coworking spaces and cafe environments support focus time. Burlington, Canada living cost shifts with seasons and event calendars. Tip: Do a short three-neighborhood test stay to compare vibe and value.
What budgeting approach supports quality of life in Burlington, and how can you find the best neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Burlington comes from balancing outdoor access with practical daily routines. A simple budgeting framework centers on housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, with a buffer for seasonal activities by the lake. Consider renting in areas with easy GO Transit access to save on commuting, or choosing a bike-friendly neighborhood if you prefer active living. Seasonality matters: summers attract outdoor markets and festivals, winters bring indoor options. Neighborhoods near the waterfront tend to be pricier but offer scenic perks; inland areas can be calmer and more affordable. Tip: Build a short-term trial stay in a couple neighborhoods to feel the fit.
What drives the high cost of living in Burlington?
Burlington is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,634. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
How expensive is daily life in Burlington?
There's no getting around it – Burlington is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,634, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
How much do people earn on average in Burlington?
After taxes, the average worker in Burlington takes home about $3,161 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in Burlington?
Rent hits hard in Burlington – 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,393 to $1,617 per month, and housing is the biggest single expense for most residents. Competition for well-connected central apartments is fierce.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Burlington?
Groceries are expensive in Burlington – about $338 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
What is a monthly transit pass in Burlington?
Public transport in Burlington costs about $97.3 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Burlington?
$2,500 in Burlington is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,634, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What makes Burlington attractive for remote workers?
Burlington has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet. At around $2,634 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.

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