Cost of Living in Dartmouth - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,119 per month with rent, or $839 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,202 per month with rent, or $1,438 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,286 per month with rent, or $2,036 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.71 CA$20.37
$11.03 CA$15.27
$25.74 CA$35.64
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$60.8 CA$84.2
$44.23 CA$61.2
$84.8 CA$117
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.65 CA$11.98
$8.65 CA$11.98
$10.80 CA$14.96
Cappuccino
$3.79 CA$5.25
$3.79 CA$5.25
$4.55 CA$6.30
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74 CA$2.40
$1.49 CA$2.07
$2.24 CA$3.11
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.32 CA$1.83
$1.12 CA$1.55
$1.87 CA$2.59
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.03 CA$8.35
$6.03 CA$8.35
$6.03 CA$8.35
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.02 CA$8.33
$4.52 CA$6.25
$8.28 CA$11.46
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.04 CA$2.83
$1.54 CA$2.13
$2.85 CA$3.95
White Bread (500g)
$2.51 CA$3.48
$1.80 CA$2.49
$3.97 CA$5.49
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.77 CA$5.22
$3.02 CA$4.18
$7.53 CA$10.43
Eggs
$3.49 CA$4.83
$2.64 CA$3.65
$5.27 CA$7.29
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.38 CA$14.37
$4.50 CA$6.22
$22.47 CA$31.11
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.44 CA$15.84
$5.89 CA$8.16
$19.53 CA$27.04
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.33 CA$21.22
$9.68 CA$13.41
$19.05 CA$26.37
Apples (1kg)
$3.62 CA$5.02
$2.56 CA$3.54
$4.43 CA$6.13
Banana (1kg)
$1.63 CA$2.25
$0.97 CA$1.34
$2.99 CA$4.14
Oranges (1kg)
$3.83 CA$5.31
$2.98 CA$4.13
$4.87 CA$6.75
Tomato (1kg)
$5.38 CA$7.45
$2.93 CA$4.05
$8.07 CA$11.17
Potato (1kg)
$2.03 CA$2.81
$0.79 CA$1.09
$3.58 CA$4.96
Onion (1kg)
$2.22 CA$3.08
$1.03 CA$1.42
$6.05 CA$8.37
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.70 CA$3.74
$1.23 CA$1.70
$4.38 CA$6.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.84 CA$2.55
$1.28 CA$1.77
$2.86 CA$3.96
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$14.66 CA$20.30
$14.66 CA$20.30
$16.12 CA$22.32
Wine (Bottle)
$11.41 CA$15.80
$8.56 CA$11.85
$21.39 CA$29.62
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.24 CA$4.49
$2.04 CA$2.83
$3.58 CA$4.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.26 CA$4.51
$2.93 CA$4.05
$3.65 CA$5.06
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.97 CA$2.72
$1.43 CA$1.98
$1.97 CA$2.72
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$61.2 CA$84.8
$59.6 CA$82.5
$62.8 CA$87.0
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$8.00 CA$11.07
$6.96 CA$9.64
$9.04 CA$12.52
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.42 CA$1.96
$1.29 CA$1.79
$2.02 CA$2.80
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$28.93 CA$40.05
$28.93 CA$40.05
$28.93 CA$40.05
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.20 CA$1.66
$1.08 CA$1.50
$1.31 CA$1.81
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.9K CA$34.4K
$24.9K CA$34.4K
$26.1K CA$36.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.8K CA$28.7K
$19.9K CA$27.6K
$20.8K CA$28.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$69.9 CA$96.8
$50.6 CA$70.1
$145 CA$200
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$37.93 CA$52.5
$29.60 CA$40.98
$111 CA$154
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$81.4 CA$113
$68.4 CA$94.8
$130 CA$180
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.35 CA$51.7
$22.41 CA$31.03
$52.3 CA$72.4
Cinema Ticket
$11.06 CA$15.31
$11.06 CA$15.31
$22.13 CA$30.64
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$165 CA$229
$147 CA$204
$184 CA$254
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.9K CA$16.5K
$8,921 CA$12.4K
$14.9K CA$20.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.16 CA$57.0
$14.75 CA$20.43
$81.1 CA$112
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.99 CA$48.45
$33.15 CA$45.90
$36.84 CA$51.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$69.5 CA$96.3
$55.1 CA$76.3
$110 CA$153
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$77.7 CA$108
$74.0 CA$102
$166 CA$230
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,295 CA$1,793
$1,195 CA$1,655
$1,344 CA$1,861
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,062 CA$1,471
$1,014 CA$1,404
$1,086 CA$1,504
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,081 CA$2,881
$1,932 CA$2,675
$2,229 CA$3,087
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,890 CA$2,617
$1,705 CA$2,361
$2,075 CA$2,874
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,657 CA$3,679
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.62
4.45
6.9

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,295, dropping to $1,062 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 49% of the average salary ($2,657) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,657. With monthly costs around $2,119, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,178.

Groceries cost around $368 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $61.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $61.2.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 96% of cities in North America

Internet is more expensive than 94% of cities in North America

Dartmouth Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Dartmouth - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Dartmouth for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger Canadian cities?
For many travelers and relocators, Cost of Living in Dartmouth, Canada sits in a balanced middle ground among Canadian urban centers. The city offers walkable neighborhoods, reliable services, and a college-town vibe that keeps daily life practical. You’ll find domestic options like groceries and dining that feel approachable, with some seasonal spikes tied to tourism and academic activity. Housing and utilities tend to be more affordable than larger metros, but exact costs vary by area and building type. Plan around transit access, local markets, and slow-but-steady lifestyle shifts between workdays and weekends. Tip: map your week to neighborhoods you like and walk or bike to errands.
What does daily life look like here in terms of housing, food, transport, and getting set up to work?
What you do day-to-day matters for staying within your means: housing search, groceries, transit, and coworking space. In Dartmouth, you’ll find a mix of options, from classic rental units near the water to newer condos a short ride from the downtown hub. For errands, markets and neighborhood bakeries add flavor without busting your budget, and you can rely on buses or bike routes for efficient commutes. When plotting a work setup, look for affordable shared offices or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi. Dartmouth, Canada living cost tends to tilt toward practicality if you focus on location, cooking, and transit connections. Tip: test a few neighborhoods on weekends to gauge vibe and noise.
How would you assess quality of life and manage a budget to stay flexible as seasons change and you explore new neighborhoods?
Quality of life in Dartmouth for a traveler or remote worker comes from a balance of pace, access, and neighborhood fit. Budgeting frameworks that work well include simple monthly outlines: housing, groceries, transit, health, and small leisure. Seasonality influences crowd levels and service hours, so plan around popular events and quieter shoulder periods. Neighborhoods with marina views feel more active in summer, while inland pockets offer quiet evenings. Look for neighborhoods with easy transit links, parks, and coffee spots to sustain a flexible routine. Tip: build a recurring monthly review to adjust your plans as seasons shift and you explore new corners.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Dartmouth?
All in, Dartmouth runs about $2,119 monthly with rent, or $839 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What are the monthly living expenses in Dartmouth as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Dartmouth should plan on about $2,119 per month with rent, or $839 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Dartmouth?
You'll want at least $3,178 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Dartmouth. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Dartmouth?
In Dartmouth's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,295 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,062. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Dartmouth per month?
Private kindergarten in Dartmouth costs about $165 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Dartmouth?
Expect to pay about $37.35 per month for a gym in Dartmouth – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Dartmouth?
$3,000 is below the $2,119 average in Dartmouth, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Why do remote workers choose Dartmouth?
Digital nomads flock to Dartmouth for good reason: fast internet. Monthly costs land around $2,119 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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