Cost Of Living in Northwest Territories 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Northwest Territories

Whether you're living in Northwest Territories or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

6,600 CAD

per month
$4,800

510 CAD   $370
$48,000   66,000 CAD

Single

4,600 CAD

per month
$3,400

1,500 CAD   $1,100
$22,000   30,000 CAD

Couple

7,600 CAD

per month
$5,600

2,500 CAD   $1,900
$30,000   41,000 CAD

Family

10,000 CAD

per month
$7,500

3,500 CAD   $2,600
$41,000   56,000 CAD

Student

3,200 CAD

per month
$2,400

1,300 CAD   $950
$4,300   5,800 CAD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Northwest Territories is 4,600 CAD. Expenses can range from 1,500 CAD at the minimum level to 30,000 CAD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Northwest Territories is 7,600 CAD. Expenditure can range from 2,500 CAD to 41,000 CAD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Northwest Territories is 10,000 CAD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,500 CAD to 56,000 CAD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Northwest Territories is 3,200 CAD. Students spend from 1,300 CAD to 5,800 CAD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Northwest Territories


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.83 CAD 0.94 CAD 1.1 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.61 $0.69 $0.80
Fast food combo meal
7.1 CAD 14 CAD 24 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $10 $17
Restaurant meal for one
24 CAD 36 CAD 71 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $26 $52
Fine dining meal for one
47 CAD 71 CAD 280 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $52 $210
Soda or Soft Drink
1 CAD 1.2 CAD 1.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.74 $0.86 $1
Cappuccino or latte
5.9 CAD 9.4 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.9 $10

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.7 CAD 5.6 CAD 7.1 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.1 $5.2
Loaf of bread
0.85 CAD 0.97 CAD 1.1 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $0.71 $0.82
12 eggs
3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 7.1 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.5 $5.2
Fresh whole chicken
8 CAD 10 CAD 15 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $7.6 $11
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
9.4 CAD 14 CAD 28 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $10 $21
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.8 CAD 5.2 CAD 7.3 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.8 $5.4
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.4 CAD 1.9 CAD 3.5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2.6
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.5 CAD 3.3 CAD 5.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $4

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5.9 CAD 7.1 CAD 14 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.2 $10
Average car full tank
35 CAD 47 CAD 94 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $69
Average car 1-day rental
36 CAD 48 CAD 72 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $53
Average car price
18,000 CAD 35,000 CAD 47,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $26,000 $35,000
Bus ticket one way
1.2 CAD 1.8 CAD 3.6 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.3 $2.6
Car Service
48 CAD 72 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $53 $110

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
91 CAD 270 CAD 1,800 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $200 $1,300
Utility Bill - Couple
130 CAD 380 CAD 2,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93 $280 $1,500
Utility Bill - Family
110 CAD 300 CAD 1,700 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $220 $1,200
Internet and cable
35 CAD 71 CAD 94 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $52 $69
Mobile phone charges
28 CAD 47 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $35 $100

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
18 CAD 24 CAD 35 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $26
One month gym membership
58 CAD 72 CAD 140 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $53 $110

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
42 CAD 60 CAD 90 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $44 $66
Woman dress
40 CAD 55 CAD 180 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $41 $130
Woman shoes
38 CAD 51 CAD 120 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $38 $88
Men's shoes
33 CAD 40 CAD 80 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $29 $59
Men suit
36 CAD 45 CAD 240 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $33 $180
Regular t-shirt
18 CAD 24 CAD 72 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $53

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
600 CAD 900 CAD 2,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $660 $1,800
1-bedroom apartment
900 CAD 1,400 CAD 3,600 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,100 $2,600
2-bedroom apartment
1,200 CAD 1,800 CAD 4,800 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,300 $3,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
120,000 CAD 180,000 CAD 360,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88,000 $130,000 $260,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 CAD 240,000 CAD 900,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $180,000 $660,000
2-bedroom apartment
240,000 CAD 720,000 CAD 1.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $530,000 $1.1M

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
710 CAD 880 CAD 1,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $650 $860
Double Bed
470 CAD 710 CAD 880 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $520 $650
Single Bed
410 CAD 540 CAD 710 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $400 $520
Living Room
780 CAD 1,000 CAD 3,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580 $740 $2,600
Dining Table
350 CAD 470 CAD 880 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $350 $650
Sofa or Couch
470 CAD 640 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $470 $1,000

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
470 CAD 710 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $520 $1,000
Fridge or Freezer
410 CAD 640 CAD 880 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $470 $650
Washing Machine
540 CAD 780 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $580 $1,000
Stove or Cooker
500 CAD 640 CAD 880 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $470 $650
Mobile Phone
590 CAD 710 CAD 1,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $520 $740
Laptop or Computer
640 CAD 780 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $580 $1,000

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Northwest Territories

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.


Spending to Income Ratio

86%

77% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Northwest Territories is 86% This means that on average, people spend around 86% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
87%

Couple
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
92%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
100%

How do people spend their money in Northwest Territories?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW$110   150 CAD
AVERAGE$1,500   2,000 CAD
HIGH$15,000   20,000 CAD
Per Month

People living in Northwest Territories typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,000 CAD with expenditure ranging from 150 CAD to 20,000 CAD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$19   25 CAD
AVERAGE$240   330 CAD
HIGH$2,400   3,300 CAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Northwest Territories ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 330 CAD with 25 CAD and 3,300 CAD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$37   51 CAD
AVERAGE$480   660 CAD
HIGH$4,800   6,600 CAD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 51 CAD to 6,600 CAD on commuting with 660 CAD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$93   130 CAD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,600 CAD
HIGH$12,000   16,000 CAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Northwest Territories is 1,600 CAD. The cost of groceries can range between 130 CAD to 16,000 CAD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$26   35 CAD
AVERAGE$340   460 CAD
HIGH$3,400   4,600 CAD
Per Month

People in Northwest Territories allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 35 CAD to 4,600 CAD with 460 CAD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$15   20 CAD
AVERAGE$190   260 CAD
HIGH$1,900   2,600 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 20 CAD to 2,600 CAD with 260 CAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$22   30 CAD
AVERAGE$290   400 CAD
HIGH$2,900   4,000 CAD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 400 CAD per month with 30 CAD being the minimum spent amount and 4,000 CAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$48   66 CAD
AVERAGE$630   860 CAD
HIGH$6,300   8,600 CAD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Northwest Territories every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Northwest Territories manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
74%
Not Saving
27%

Almost 74% of the surveyed people in Northwest Territories said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 27% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Northwest Territories

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles78%22%
Couples73%27%
Families68%33%

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.


Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 CAD
$160
2,800 CAD
$2,000
28,000 CAD
$20,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 35% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 23% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,800 CAD on average with savings ranging from 210 CAD to 28,000 CAD.

78% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 73% of couples said the same. 68% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Northwest Territories?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 28% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

640 CAD
$470
1,900 CAD
$1,400
13,000 CAD
$9,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 28% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,900 CAD with 640 CAD and 13,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 26% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 CAD
$780
3,200 CAD
$2,300
17,000 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%18%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 36% of their monthly income, with 26% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,200 CAD with 1,100 CAD and 17,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 CAD
$1,100
4,200 CAD
$3,100
23,000 CAD
$17,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Northwest Territories can save anywhere between 13% to 32% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,200 CAD with 1,500 CAD and 23,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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.

Affordable living in Northwest Territories

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Northwest Territories?


Yes
85%
No
15%

Around 85% of surveyed residents think that living in Northwest Territories is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Northwest Territories

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options66%

Few low-cost options34%


Based on the survey, 66% of the people living in Northwest Territories have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 34% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Northwest Territories whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes83%

No17%


Based on the survey, 17% of the people living in Northwest Territories said that they don't have an emergency fund while 83% said that they do.

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 residents of Canada 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 residents of Canada have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the 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 of people in Northwest Territories

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Northwest Territories, 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 Reduction30%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 30% 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 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Northwest Territories

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Northwest Territories. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people 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. 20% 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% 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 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Northwest Territories

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Northwest Territories

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Northwest Territories and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Canada is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Northwest Territories:
AgeAmount
2519,000 CAD
3037,000 CAD
3565,000 CAD
4093,000 CAD
45140,000 CAD
50200,000 CAD
55230,000 CAD
60290,000 CAD
65350,000 CAD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Northwest Territories about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job8%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Northwest Territories

1,100 CAD
$800
3,300 CAD
$2,400
22,000 CAD
$16,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Northwest Territories


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in Northwest Territories have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Northwest Territories

Debt to income ratio

28%

18% to 38%

( 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 28% of the people's monthly income in Northwest Territories goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%10%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%20%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Northwest Territories 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. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Northwest Territories

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan35%

15% of debtors in Northwest Territories confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 25% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Northwest Territories.


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 Northwest Territories

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Northwest Territories 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
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Northwest Territories

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


Rent Cost in Northwest Territories

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
600 CAD 900 CAD 2,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $660 $1,800
1-bedroom apartment
900 CAD 1,400 CAD 3,600 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,100 $2,600
2-bedroom apartment
1,200 CAD 1,800 CAD 4,800 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,300 $3,500
3-bedroom apartment
1,400 CAD 2,400 CAD 6,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,800 $4,800
Furnished apartment
2,900 CAD 7,200 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,300 $11,000
Townhouse
2,400 CAD 3,600 CAD 10,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $2,600 $7,600
House
2,900 CAD 7,200 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,300 $11,000
Villa
3,600 CAD 9,000 CAD 14,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $6,600 $11,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Northwest Territories ranges between 600 CAD and 2,400 CAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 900 CAD to 3,600 CAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 CAD and 4,800 CAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 CAD to 6,500 CAD. The average rent of a townhouse in Northwest Territories is around 3,600 CAD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,200 CAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,600 CAD to 14,000 CAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Northwest Territories

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
120,000 CAD 180,000 CAD 360,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88,000 $130,000 $260,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 CAD 240,000 CAD 900,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $180,000 $660,000
2-bedroom apartment
240,000 CAD 720,000 CAD 1.4M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $530,000 $1.1M
3-bedroom apartment
800,000 CAD 1.2M CAD 3.6M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590,000 $880,000 $2.6M
Townhouse
1M CAD 2.4M CAD 9M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760,000 $1.8M $6.6M
House
1.2M CAD 7.2M CAD 10M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880,000 $5.3M $7.6M
Villa
1.4M CAD 8M CAD 12M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1M $5.9M $8.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in Northwest Territories can range from 120,000 CAD to 360,000 CAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 CAD to 900,000 CAD. A villa can cost you 8M CAD on average with prices ranging from 1.4M CAD to 12M CAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Northwest Territories 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


49 x145 monthly income 236
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Northwest Territories can be x145 to x236 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x145 multiples of the average monthly salary in Northwest Territories.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


26% 36% of income 47%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Northwest Territories is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 26% to 47% 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
34%

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
3.6%
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.


10 CAD 130 CAD 1,300 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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Northwest Territories

Housing34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$400   550 CAD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,600 CAD
HIGH$8,100   11,000 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$67   91 CAD
AVERAGE$200   270 CAD
HIGH$1,300   1,800 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$89   120 CAD
AVERAGE$270   370 CAD
HIGH$1,800   2,400 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$180   240 CAD
AVERAGE$540   730 CAD
HIGH$3,600   4,900 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$100   140 CAD
AVERAGE$300   410 CAD
HIGH$2,000   2,700 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$56   76 CAD
AVERAGE$170   230 CAD
HIGH$1,100   1,500 CAD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$22   30 CAD
AVERAGE$67   91 CAD
HIGH$450   610 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$200   270 CAD
AVERAGE$600   820 CAD
HIGH$4,000   5,500 CAD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Northwest Territories

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$620   840 CAD
AVERAGE$1,800   2,500 CAD
HIGH$9,800   13,000 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$93   130 CAD
AVERAGE$280   380 CAD
HIGH$1,500   2,000 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

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

LOW$220   300 CAD
AVERAGE$670   910 CAD
HIGH$3,600   4,900 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

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

LOW$260   350 CAD
AVERAGE$780   1,100 CAD
HIGH$4,200   5,700 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare12%

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

LOW$210   280 CAD
AVERAGE$620   840 CAD
HIGH$3,300   4,500 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

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

LOW$110   150 CAD
AVERAGE$340   460 CAD
HIGH$1,800   2,400 CAD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$37   51 CAD
AVERAGE$110   150 CAD
HIGH$600   810 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$320   430 CAD
AVERAGE$950   1,300 CAD
HIGH$5,100   6,900 CAD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Northwest Territories

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW$830   1,100 CAD
AVERAGE$2,400   3,200 CAD
HIGH$13,000   18,000 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$210   280 CAD
AVERAGE$600   810 CAD
HIGH$3,300   4,500 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$470   640 CAD
AVERAGE$1,300   1,800 CAD
HIGH$7,400   10,000 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$210   280 CAD
AVERAGE$600   810 CAD
HIGH$3,300   4,500 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$130   180 CAD
AVERAGE$370   510 CAD
HIGH$2,100   2,800 CAD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$370   500 CAD
AVERAGE$1,000   1,400 CAD
HIGH$5,700   7,800 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$310   430 CAD
AVERAGE$890   1,200 CAD
HIGH$4,900   6,700 CAD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Northwest Territories

Housing22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW$230   310 CAD
AVERAGE$570   780 CAD
HIGH$1,000   1,400 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$38   52 CAD
AVERAGE$95   130 CAD
HIGH$170   230 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$67   91 CAD
AVERAGE$170   230 CAD
HIGH$300   410 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$190   260 CAD
AVERAGE$480   650 CAD
HIGH$860   1,200 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$57   78 CAD
AVERAGE$140   190 CAD
HIGH$260   350 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$48   65 CAD
AVERAGE$120   160 CAD
HIGH$210   290 CAD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$180   250 CAD
AVERAGE$450   610 CAD
HIGH$810   1,100 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$140   190 CAD
AVERAGE$360   490 CAD
HIGH$640   870 CAD
Per Month
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