Cost of Living in Thunder Bay - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Thunder Bay
Address: Thunder Bay, CA

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,143 (excluding rent), and $2,419 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,002 (excluding rent), and $4,722 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.35 CA$25.69

$8.81 CA$12.34

$36.7 CA$51.4

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.3 CA$81.6

$43.71 CA$61.2

$109 CA$153

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.34 CA$17.28

$9.43 CA$13.21

$14.52 CA$20.33

Cappuccino

$3.77 CA$5.28

$2.25 CA$3.16

$4.69 CA$6.57

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.8 CA$2.52

$1.07 CA$1.5

$2.87 CA$4.02

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 CA$2.07

$1.45 CA$2.03

$2.18 CA$3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.37 CA$7.52

$3.7 CA$5.18

$6.66 CA$9.33

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.02 CA$7.03

$4.31 CA$6.03

$7.53 CA$10.55

Milk (1 liter)

$2.54 CA$3.56

$1.43 CA$2.01

$4.53 CA$6.34

White Bread (500g)

$2.56 CA$3.58

$1.51 CA$2.12

$3.03 CA$4.24

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.34 CA$4.67

$1.07 CA$1.5

$6.44 CA$9.02

Eggs

$3.66 CA$5.12

$2.06 CA$2.88

$5.17 CA$7.24

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.09 CA$23.93

$5.42 CA$7.59

$34.28 CA$48

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.5 CA$23.11

$7.33 CA$10.26

$27.45 CA$38.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.17 CA$25.44

$11.29 CA$15.8

$23.76 CA$33.27

Apples (1kg)

$3.42 CA$4.79

$1.43 CA$2.01

$4.74 CA$6.64

Banana (1kg)

$1.27 CA$1.78

$0.72 CA$1.01

$1.44 CA$2.01

Oranges (1kg)

$4.12 CA$5.77

$3.02 CA$4.23

$5.21 CA$7.29

Tomato (1kg)

$3.74 CA$5.23

$2.24 CA$3.13

$6.56 CA$9.19

Potato (1kg)

$2.62 CA$3.67

$0.8 CA$1.12

$5.09 CA$7.13

Onion (1kg)

$2.14 CA$3

$1.44 CA$2.01

$2.98 CA$4.18

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.01 CA$4.21

$1.44 CA$2.02

$5.06 CA$7.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 CA$3.07

$0.75 CA$1.05

$3.73 CA$5.22

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.06 CA$15.48

$10.62 CA$14.87

$13.27 CA$18.58

Wine (Bottle)

$7.67 CA$10.74

$3.49 CA$4.88

$9.76 CA$13.67

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.07 CA$2.89

$1.82 CA$2.55

$2.18 CA$3.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.84 CA$3.98

$2.2 CA$3.07

$3.72 CA$5.21

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.34 CA$3.28

$2.17 CA$3.03

$2.53 CA$3.54

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$65 CA$90.9

$61.2 CA$85.7

$67.2 CA$94.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.26 CA$4.56

$2.9 CA$4.05

$4.35 CA$6.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.02 CA$2.83

$1.6 CA$2.24

$2.43 CA$3.41

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$25.58 CA$35.82

$21.93 CA$30.71

$32.14 CA$45

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.11 CA$1.55

$1 CA$1.4

$1.24 CA$1.73

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.2K CA$35.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$19.8K CA$27.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$203 CA$284

$111 CA$155

$369 CA$516

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$58.6 CA$82.1

$46.91 CA$65.7

$86.6 CA$121

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$98.8 CA$138

$73.5 CA$103

$110 CA$154

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.14 CA$42.2

$10.89 CA$15.25

$49.38 CA$69.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.62 CA$26.07

Cinema Ticket

$13.16 CA$18.43

$8.78 CA$12.29

$21.94 CA$30.72

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$735 CA$1,030

$368 CA$515

$1,103 CA$1,544

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.8K CA$16.6K

$8,867 CA$12.4K

$14.8K CA$20.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.9 CA$83.9

$33.19 CA$46.47

$88.5 CA$124

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.89 CA$51.6

$26.13 CA$36.58

$59.7 CA$83.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$75.5 CA$106

$43.84 CA$61.4

$110 CA$153

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$136 CA$190

$72.4 CA$101

$145 CA$203

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,022 CA$1,431

$876 CA$1,227

$1,168 CA$1,635

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,060 CA$1,485

$901 CA$1,261

$1,239 CA$1,734

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,826 CA$2,556

$1,663 CA$2,328

$2,530 CA$3,543

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,845 CA$2,584

$1,715 CA$2,401

$1,939 CA$2,714

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,897 CA$4,056

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.19

4.45

6.9

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Thunder Bay - Frequently Asked Questions

Thunder Bay, Canada tends to offer a thoughtful balance of value and accessibility for long stays. Cost of Living in Thunder Bay, Canada tends to trail bigger metros, reflecting slower price growth and a calmer shopping scene. You’ll notice that everyday groceries, dining, and errands can feel more budget-friendly when you compare to major urban centers, while still enjoying reliable services and a welcoming, close-knit community. Seasonal demands shift, but you’ll find a steady rhythm, outdoor recreation nearby, and neighborhoods where you can stretch a dollar without sacrificing quality. The best value tends to go to those who prioritize transit access and proximity to parks. Tip: map out base areas near transit and green spaces to maximize value.

Daily life in Thunder Bay centers on practical living without city-scale hustle. For housing, expect a mix of older duplexes, mid-rise apartments, and newer rentals, with neighborhoods offering different vibes – from near the waterfront to quiet residential blocks inland. Grocery stores stock familiar brands and local produce seasonally, with farmers' markets adding value in warmer months. Public transit covers the main routes, and cycling is pleasant in milder seasons. Co-working spaces and library labs provide quiet work nooks for remote work; errands are easy with reliable services within reach. Thunder Bay living cost is generally reasonable, especially outside peak tourist months. Tip: visit areas at different times to gauge commute times and noise.

Quality of life here blends outdoor access, a slower pace, and a tight-knit community that supports small businesses and local culture. A simple budgeting framework helps you stay flexible: split essentials (housing, groceries, transit) from discretionary spending (activities, dining). Seek neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle – downtown for walkability, waterfront areas for scenery, or quiet residential pockets if you value peace and longer commutes to nature. Seasonality shapes activities – winter sports and summer festivals offer free or low-cost options you can budget around. Consistently compare services, use public libraries, and shop locally to stretch every dollar while enjoying a balanced routine. Tip: set a monthly baseline and track small recurring expenses to spot saving opportunities.