Cost Of Living For a Couple in Nova Scotia 2025

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Nova Scotia

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: CAD
2,400 7,100 38,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $5,200 $28,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Nova Scotia

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Nova Scotia?

Couples in Nova Scotia spend around 7,100 CAD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 2,400 CAD or as high as 38,000 CAD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Nova Scotia


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Nova Scotia

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

7 CAD 14 CAD 23 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $10 $17

Restaurant meal for one

23 CAD 34 CAD 69 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $50

Fine dining meal for one

46 CAD 69 CAD 270 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $50 $200

Cappuccino or latte

5.8 CAD 9.3 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.8 $10

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

4.7 CAD 5.6 CAD 7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.1 $5.1

12 eggs

3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $5.1

Fresh whole chicken

7.9 CAD 10 CAD 15 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $7.6 $11

Pack of beef

9.3 CAD 14 CAD 28 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $21

Medium bag of rice

3.8 CAD 5.1 CAD 7.3 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.8 $5.4

Bag of tomatos

1.4 CAD 1.9 CAD 3.5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2.6

Bag of apples

2.5 CAD 3.3 CAD 5.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Nova Scotia


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

5.7 CAD 6.9 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5 $10

Average car full tank

35 CAD 47 CAD 93 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $34 $68

Average car 1-day rental

34 CAD 45 CAD 67 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $33 $49

Average car price

17,000 CAD 35,000 CAD 47,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $26,000 $34,000

Bus ticket one way

1.1 CAD 1.7 CAD 3.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.2 $2.5

Car Service

45 CAD 67 CAD 130 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $49 $99
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Nova Scotia


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

95 CAD 320 CAD 2,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $240 $1,500

Internet and cable

35 CAD 70 CAD 93 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $51 $68

Mobile phone charges

28 CAD 47 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $34 $100

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

17 CAD 23 CAD 35 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $26

One month gym membership

54 CAD 67 CAD 130 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $49 $99
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Nova Scotia


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

40 CAD 56 CAD 84 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $41 $62

Woman dress

37 CAD 52 CAD 170 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $38 $120

Woman shoes

35 CAD 48 CAD 110 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $82

Men's shoes

31 CAD 37 CAD 75 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $55

Men suit

34 CAD 42 CAD 220 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $31 $160

Regular t-shirt

17 CAD 22 CAD 67 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $49
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Nova Scotia


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

560 CAD 840 CAD 2,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment

840 CAD 1,300 CAD 3,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$620 $990 $2,500

2-bedroom apartment

1,100 CAD 1,700 CAD 4,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

110,000 CAD 170,000 CAD 340,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $250,000

1-bedroom apartment

130,000 CAD 220,000 CAD 840,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $160,000 $620,000

2-bedroom apartment

220,000 CAD 670,000 CAD 1.3M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $990,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Nova Scotia


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

700 CAD 870 CAD 1,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $640 $860

Double Bed

470 CAD 700 CAD 870 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $640

Single Bed

410 CAD 540 CAD 700 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $400 $510

Living Room

780 CAD 1,000 CAD 3,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570 $730 $2,600

Dining Table

350 CAD 470 CAD 870 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $340 $640

Sofa or Couch

470 CAD 640 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $470 $1,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Nova Scotia


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

470 CAD 700 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,000

Fridge or Freezer

410 CAD 640 CAD 870 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $470 $640

Washing Machine

540 CAD 780 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $570 $1,000

Stove or Cooker

500 CAD 640 CAD 870 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $470 $640

Mobile Phone

580 CAD 700 CAD 1,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $510 $730

Laptop or Computer

640 CAD 780 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $570 $1,000
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Nova Scotia

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Nova Scotia

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Nova Scotia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

77%

68% to 86%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Nova Scotia spend around 77% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 68% of their income while some as high as 86%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Nova Scotia

How do couples spend their money in Nova Scotia?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$590   810 CAD
AVERAGE$1,800   2,400 CAD
HIGH$9,500   13,000 CAD
Per Month

Couples in Nova Scotia typically spend from 23% to 40% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 2,400 CAD with expenditure ranging from 810 CAD to 13,000 CAD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$70   95 CAD
AVERAGE$240   320 CAD
HIGH$1,500   2,100 CAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Nova Scotia ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 320 CAD with 95 CAD and 2,100 CAD being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$210   280 CAD
AVERAGE$630   850 CAD
HIGH$3,300   4,500 CAD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 280 CAD to 4,500 CAD in a month on commuting with 850 CAD being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 11% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 16%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$240   330 CAD
AVERAGE$730   990 CAD
HIGH$3,900   5,300 CAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Nova Scotia is 990 CAD. The cost of groceries can range between 330 CAD to 5,300 CAD. Couples spend on average about 15% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 10% and 20% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$190   260 CAD
AVERAGE$570   780 CAD
HIGH$3,100   4,200 CAD
Per Month

Couples in Nova Scotia allocate 6% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 260 CAD to 4,200 CAD with 780 CAD being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$100   140 CAD
AVERAGE$310   430 CAD
HIGH$1,700   2,300 CAD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 140 CAD to 2,300 CAD with 430 CAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$35   47 CAD
AVERAGE$100   140 CAD
HIGH$560   760 CAD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 140 CAD per month with 47 CAD being the minimum spent amount and 760 CAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$300   400 CAD
AVERAGE$890   1,200 CAD
HIGH$4,700   6,400 CAD
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Nova Scotia

What percentage of couples in Nova Scotia are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
68%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 68% of surveyed couples in Nova Scotia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Nova Scotia

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

990 CAD
$730
3,000 CAD
$2,200
16,000 CAD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 14% to 34% of their monthly income to their savings, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 3,000 CAD with 990 CAD and 16,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Nova Scotia

Saving Challenges in Nova Scotia

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Nova Scotia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Nova Scotia

Typical saving choices for couples in Nova Scotia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Nova Scotia

Affordable living in Nova Scotia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Nova Scotia?


Yes
80%
No
20%

Around 80% of surveyed couples think that living in Nova Scotia is affordable with proper budgeting while 20% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Nova Scotia

Low-cost alternatives in Nova Scotia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the couples living in Nova Scotia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Nova Scotia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes78%

No22%


Based on the survey, 22% of the couples living in Nova Scotia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 78% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Nova Scotia

Financial Literacy in Canada

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy75%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Nova Scotia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 25% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 75% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Canada have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 21% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 79% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance21%

Easily manages finances79%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Nova Scotia

Financial goals of couples in Nova Scotia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Nova Scotia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction31%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 31% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Nova Scotia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Nova Scotia


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the couples in Nova Scotia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Nova Scotia

Debt-to-income ratio in Nova Scotia

Debt to income ratio

26%

17% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of a couple's monthly income in Nova Scotia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%10%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%20%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Nova Scotia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Nova Scotia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan24%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan35%

14% of debtors in Nova Scotia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 24% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Nova Scotia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Nova Scotia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Nova Scotia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Nova Scotia

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Nova Scotia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Nova Scotia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

560 CAD 840 CAD 2,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

840 CAD 1,300 CAD 3,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$620 $990 $2,500

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 CAD 1,700 CAD 4,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 CAD 2,200 CAD 6,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $1,600 $4,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,700 CAD 6,700 CAD 13,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,900

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,200 CAD 3,400 CAD 9,600 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,500 $7,100

House monthly rent cost

2,700 CAD 6,700 CAD 13,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,900

Villa monthly rent cost

3,400 CAD 8,400 CAD 13,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $6,200 $9,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Nova Scotia ranges between 560 CAD and 2,200 CAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 840 CAD to 3,400 CAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 CAD and 4,500 CAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,300 CAD to 6,100 CAD. The average rent of a townhouse in Nova Scotia is around 3,400 CAD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,700 CAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,400 CAD to 13,000 CAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Nova Scotia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

110,000 CAD 170,000 CAD 340,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $250,000

1-bedroom apartment price

130,000 CAD 220,000 CAD 840,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $160,000 $620,000

2-bedroom apartment price

220,000 CAD 670,000 CAD 1.3M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $990,000

3-bedroom apartment price

750,000 CAD 1.1M CAD 3.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $820,000 $2.5M

Townhouse price

960,000 CAD 2.2M CAD 8.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710,000 $1.6M $6.2M

House price

1.1M CAD 6.7M CAD 9.6M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.9M $7.1M

Villa price

1.3M CAD 7.5M CAD 11M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990,000 $5.5M $8.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Nova Scotia can range from 110,000 CAD to 340,000 CAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 130,000 CAD to 840,000 CAD. A villa can cost you 7.5M CAD on average with prices ranging from 1.3M CAD to 11M CAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Nova Scotia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


46 x135 monthly income 221
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Nova Scotia can be x135 to x221 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x135 multiples of the average monthly salary in Nova Scotia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 34% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Nova Scotia is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 44% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.5%
AVERAGE
3.5%
TO
4.6%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


9.5 CAD 120 CAD 1,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Nova Scotia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Nova Scotia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

95 CAD 320 CAD 2,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $240 $1,500

Internet and cable cost

35 CAD 70 CAD 93 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $51 $68

Mobile phone bill and charges

28 CAD 47 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $34 $100

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 320 CAD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 35 CAD to 93 CAD with 70 CAD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 47 CAD but can range between 28 CAD and 140 CAD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Nova Scotia is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Nova Scotia

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Nova Scotia

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

7 CAD 14 CAD 23 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $10 $17

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Nova Scotia is approximatly 14 CAD with meal cost ranging from 7 CAD to 23 CAD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

23 CAD 34 CAD 69 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $50

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 23 CAD and 69 CAD with 34 CAD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Nova Scotia.

Fine dining meal for one price

46 CAD 69 CAD 270 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $50 $200

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 46 CAD to 270 CAD with the average cost being 69 CAD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Nova Scotia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.8 CAD 9.3 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.8 $10

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Nova Scotia is around 9.3 CAD. Price ranges between 5.8 CAD and 14 CAD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.7 CAD 5.6 CAD 7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.1 $5.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Nova Scotia is 5.6 CAD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 7 CAD and the minimum being 4.7 CAD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $5.1

A dozen eggs costs around 4.7 CAD on average with 3.5 CAD and 7 CAD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

7.9 CAD 10 CAD 15 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $7.6 $11

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Nova Scotia is between 7.9 CAD and 15 CAD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10 CAD.

Pack of beef price

9.3 CAD 14 CAD 28 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $21

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14 CAD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.8 CAD 5.1 CAD 7.3 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.8 $5.4

A bag of rice in Nova Scotia costs around 5.1 CAD on average with prices rangeing between 3.8 CAD and 7.3 CAD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.4 CAD 1.9 CAD 3.5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.4 CAD to 3.5 CAD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.5 CAD 3.3 CAD 5.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $4

A bag of apples costs 3.3 CAD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
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The average grocery-to-income ratio in Nova Scotia is around 25%. This means that couples spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 330 CAD to 5,300 CAD with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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