Cost of Living in Markham - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,797 monthly including rent, or $1,000 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,980 with rent, or $1,707 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,162 including rent, or $2,413 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.72 CA$20.38
$11.03 CA$15.27
$18.83 CA$26.07
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$81.6 CA$113
$51.9 CA$71.9
$111 CA$154
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.91 CA$12.34
$8.90 CA$12.32
$10.06 CA$13.93
Cappuccino
$3.20 CA$4.43
$1.25 CA$1.72
$5.82 CA$8.06
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 CA$2.89
$1.49 CA$2.06
$2.99 CA$4.14
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.40 CA$1.94
$1.11 CA$1.54
$2.24 CA$3.10
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.69 CA$5.12
$2.96 CA$4.10
$12.57 CA$17.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.83 CA$9.45
$5.30 CA$7.34
$15.17 CA$21.01
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.80 CA$2.50
$1.05 CA$1.45
$4.53 CA$6.28
White Bread (500g)
$2.32 CA$3.21
$1.86 CA$2.58
$2.61 CA$3.61
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.57 CA$2.17
$1.44 CA$2.00
$8.67 CA$12.00
Eggs
$3.28 CA$4.54
$2.16 CA$3.00
$4.33 CA$5.99
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.43 CA$21.37
$8.08 CA$11.19
$21.98 CA$30.43
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.14 CA$14.03
$5.96 CA$8.25
$14.78 CA$20.46
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.38 CA$10.21
$7.38 CA$10.21
$11.66 CA$16.14
Apples (1kg)
$4.38 CA$6.06
$1.14 CA$1.58
$7.18 CA$9.94
Banana (1kg)
$1.47 CA$2.04
$0.68 CA$0.94
$3.16 CA$4.37
Oranges (1kg)
$2.49 CA$3.45
$1.51 CA$2.09
$3.67 CA$5.09
Tomato (1kg)
$3.51 CA$4.87
$1.04 CA$1.43
$3.74 CA$5.17
Potato (1kg)
$2.37 CA$3.28
$1.14 CA$1.57
$2.86 CA$3.97
Onion (1kg)
$2.16 CA$2.99
$1.11 CA$1.54
$3.28 CA$4.55
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.16 CA$4.38
$1.22 CA$1.69
$3.72 CA$5.15
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.67 CA$2.31
$1.11 CA$1.54
$3.72 CA$5.15
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$14.24 CA$19.72
$14.24 CA$19.72
$14.24 CA$19.72
Wine (Bottle)
$15.36 CA$21.26
$13.16 CA$18.22
$23.75 CA$32.89
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.21 CA$3.05
$1.82 CA$2.52
$2.86 CA$3.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22 CA$3.07
$1.64 CA$2.28
$3.22 CA$4.46
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.05 CA$4.23
$2.30 CA$3.19
$3.05 CA$4.23
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$95.0 CA$131
$95.0 CA$131
$110 CA$152
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.04 CA$4.20
$3.04 CA$4.20
$3.04 CA$4.20
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.80 CA$3.88
$2.79 CA$3.86
$3.49 CA$4.83
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.86 CA$30.27
$21.86 CA$30.27
$21.86 CA$30.27
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 CA$1.59
$1.06 CA$1.46
$1.28 CA$1.78
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$25.3K CA$35.1K
$25.3K CA$35.1K
$25.3K CA$35.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.4K CA$28.2K
$20.4K CA$28.2K
$20.7K CA$28.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$204 CA$282
$148 CA$205
$297 CA$411
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.93 CA$46.98
$25.91 CA$35.87
$44.42 CA$61.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$60.5 CA$83.7
$44.95 CA$62.2
$101 CA$140
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$46.04 CA$63.7
$14.84 CA$20.55
$74.3 CA$103
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.12 CA$19.55
$5.84 CA$8.09
$21.91 CA$30.33
Cinema Ticket
$10.78 CA$14.92
$7.30 CA$10.11
$18.27 CA$25.30
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$910 CA$1,261
$910 CA$1,261
$1,165 CA$1,613
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$29.0K CA$40.1K
$28.2K CA$39.1K
$29.7K CA$41.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.35 CA$60.0
$28.89 CA$40.01
$75.9 CA$105
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$37.42 CA$51.8
$26.19 CA$36.27
$37.42 CA$51.8
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$61.7 CA$85.4
$41.11 CA$56.9
$97.2 CA$135
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.4 CA$110
$57.8 CA$80.0
$136 CA$188
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,694 CA$2,346
$1,463 CA$2,025
$1,902 CA$2,633
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,605 CA$2,222
$1,313 CA$1,818
$1,751 CA$2,424
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,969 CA$4,111
$2,797 CA$3,873
$3,313 CA$4,587
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,457 CA$3,402
$2,168 CA$3,002
$2,746 CA$3,802
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,961 CA$8,254
$4,867 CA$6,738
$6,814 CA$9,435
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,494 CA$7,607
$4,880 CA$6,757
$6,148 CA$8,513
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,206 CA$4,440
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.59
4.45
6.9

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,694 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,605 outside the center. At 53% of the average salary ($3,206), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,206, while typical expenses reach $2,797. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $4,196.

Expect to spend about $328 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $82.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $95.0 per month.

Cost Highlights

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

Rice is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Markham 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 Markham - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Markham compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads on a medium-term stay?
Markham offers a mix of modern conveniences and higher-than-average suburban prices compared to nearby cities. You’ll find a broad range of neighborhoods, from dense condo clusters near transit to quieter, family-friendly pockets with parks. Overall, the Cost of Living in Markham tends to be comfortable for daily needs, with reliable groceries, services, and dining options, but housing remains the biggest influence on your budget. If you’re budgeting as a traveler or long-term visitor, lean toward transit-accessible areas and consider sharing housing to keep daily costs predictable. Tip: set a flexible monthly plan that accommodates seasonal shifts and occasional weekend getaways.
What does daily life look like in Markham for housing, food, transport, and coworking?
Daily life revolves around practical choices: housing in Markham runs from high-rise rentals near major hubs to family-sized homes in quieter corners. For food, you’ll find a mix of large supermarkets and ethnic markets offering variety without sacrificing quality. Transit options include bus routes and nearby GO lines, with driving feasible in many seasons but winter snow can slow things down. For work or projects, consider coworking spaces in campuses or business districts. If you’re evaluating the Markham living cost, look at neighborhood clusters with good groceries and transit to keep errands efficient. Tip: schedule downtime to explore seasonal markets and local parks.
What strategies help maintain quality of life in Markham while staying within budget, especially seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Approach budgeting as a framework: separate fixed essentials (housing, utilities, transit) from discretionary spending (food, entertainment). In Markham, summer dining and fall festivals can offer affordable outdoor options, while winter costs often shift toward heating and transit planning. To maximize value, map neighborhoods by access to amenities, parks, and transit rather than price alone. Consider longer leases in stable areas to lock in steadier rent without sacrificing flexibility, or explore multi-month co-living setups if you travel. Tip: track a simple monthly ledger and reallocate funds after quarterly checks to stay aligned with your goals.
Why is Markham so expensive to live in?
Living in Markham doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,797, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
Is Markham expensive to live in?
Budget at least $2,797 per month to live in Markham once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
Can you save money on an average salary in Markham?
At $3,206 take-home, most residents in Markham can cover the $2,797 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,196 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Markham?
Where you live in Markham makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,694; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,605. Overall, the market runs from $1,605 to $1,694 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Markham?
At around $46.04 monthly, gym costs in Markham are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Markham?
Markham isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $328 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Markham?
At $2,797 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Markham. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
What is quality of life like in Markham?
Markham offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,797 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

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