Question 1

Which Canadian province has the lowest cost of living?

Accepted Answer

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan are generally considered to have the lowest cost of living in Canada, particularly for housing. Alberta has no provincial sales tax (only 5% GST), making everyday purchases cheaper than Ontario (13% HST) or Quebec (14.975% GST+QST). Our tool compares sales tax differences across all 13 provinces and territories.

Question 2

What is the sales tax in each Canadian province?

Accepted Answer

Sales tax in Canada varies by province: Alberta=5% GST only, Ontario=13% HST, BC=12% (5% GST + 7% PST), Quebec=14.975% (5% GST + 9.975% QST), New Brunswick=15% HST, Nova Scotia=15% HST, PEI=15% HST, Newfoundland=15% HST, Manitoba=12% (5% GST + 7% PST), Saskatchewan=11% (5% GST + 6% PST), Yukon/NWT/Nunavut=5% GST only.

Question 3

Is it cheaper to live in Ontario or Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Alberta is generally cheaper to live in than Ontario for most expenses. Alberta has no provincial income tax on the first $148,000, no provincial sales tax (only 5% GST vs Ontario's 13% HST), and significantly lower average rents outside Calgary. However, Calgary and Edmonton have been seeing rent increases. Our cost of living comparator lets you input your actual spending to see the exact tax difference.

Expense Category	British Columbia Tax: 12.00%	Alberta Tax: 5.00%
Internet & TV	$112.00	$105.00
Phone Plan	$89.60	$84.00
Gas / Fuel	$224.00	$210.00
Groceries (Taxable)	$168.00	$157.50
Dining Out	$224.00	$210.00
Clothing	$112.00	$105.00
Other Taxable Spend	$0.00	$0.00
Total Cost	$929.60	$871.50 Winning

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