Maple News reports that Calgary, Alberta now ranks as the most expensive major city in Canada when it comes to the cost of basic living needs, according to new figures released by Statistics Canada. The data, based on the Market Basket Measure (MBM), outlines the estimated expenses required to maintain a modest but acceptable standard of living for a reference family.
The MBM calculates costs for essentials such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and other necessary goods and services. In 2024, the MBM threshold for a family of four in Calgary stands at $55,771—an increase of nearly $4,000 from the previous year. This marks the highest cost among all major cities included in the analysis.
Close behind Calgary is Vancouver, British Columbia, where basic needs for a similar family are estimated at $55,727. Toronto, Ontario completes the top three most expensive major Canadian cities, with an MBM threshold of $55,262. These cities are consistently among Canada’s most populous urban centres, where rising housing prices and service costs have made affordability an ongoing concern.
On the other end of the spectrum, Montreal, Quebec is currently the most affordable major city for basic living expenses. Though the article does not specify Montreal’s exact MBM threshold, it confirms the city falls well below the three most expensive urban centres.
The MBM is Statistics Canada’s official poverty measure. It defines the minimum income a reference family—typically two adults and two children (or three children in Nunavut)—needs to afford basic necessities. While MBM data covers various population sizes and regions, the current report highlights only named major cities to provide a focused look at urban affordability across provinces.
These updated figures shed light on the growing financial pressures facing Canadians in different regions. For newcomers, students, and entrepreneurs considering relocation, understanding the cost of living in specific cities is essential to making informed decisions about where to settle or invest.
With persistent inflation and housing challenges in Canadian cities, monitoring these annual MBM updates helps track the evolving landscape of affordability for both residents and immigrants alike.