For newcomers planning to move here in 2026, Halifax isn’t just another pin on Canada’s map. It’s a place where you can actually breathe — where rent won’t drain your entire paycheck, where community means something, and where the cost of living still feels fair compared to most of Canada.
But let’s be honest — “affordable” is relative. So what does it really cost to build a new life in Halifax? Let’s talk through it like a friend who’s been there.
Housing: Finding a Home That Feels Like Yours
When you first arrive, housing is the biggest question mark. Everyone asks: “Can I actually find a decent apartment without spending everything I earn?”
The good news? In Halifax, you can — with a bit of patience.
Downtown apartments can run around $1,700–$1,850 for a one-bedroom, while just outside the centre — places like Bedford or Dartmouth — you might find cozy spots for $1,400–$1,600.
A friend of mine, Thomas from Peru, moved here in 2024 under the Atlantic Immigration Program. He started out renting a small basement suite for $950 a month, but warm and close to a bus stop. A year later, once he and his wife both got stable jobs, they upgraded to a two-bedroom in Bedford for $2,100.
Halifax’s housing costs have risen, sure, but compared to Toronto or Vancouver? You’ll breathe easier. Here, your rent doesn’t swallow your life savings.
Utilities and Internet: Predictable, Like the Tide
After rent, utilities come next — power, heat, water, and Wi-Fi. Most newcomers spend around $200–$250 a month, depending on how much heating you use in winter.
Unlike the bitter cold of inland provinces, Halifax winters are gentler. You’ll still need to heat your home, but not to Saskatchewan levels! Some older apartments even include heating and water in the rent — a small win that makes budgeting easier.
Internet packages from Bell or Eastlink hover around $80/month, and most landlords are open to letting you set up your own plan once you move in.
Groceries and Food: Eating Well Without Overspending
The first grocery trip in a new country is always an adventure. You walk in thinking, “I’ll just grab a few basics,” and walk out wondering how bread costs $4.
But don’t panic — Halifax grocery prices are fairly reasonable. Expect to spend $400–$600 per month for one person, depending on your diet and how much you cook.
You’ll likely shop at Superstore, Sobeys, or Atlantic Superstore. And here’s a local secret — the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market has fresh vegetables, seafood, and baked goods that sometimes cost less than chain stores.
Many newcomers also find comfort in international grocery stores — like Global Mart or Almon Street Market — where you can grab lentils, spices, rice, or noodles that taste like home.
And if you like seafood, you’re in luck. Halifax is the real deal — fresh Atlantic salmon, mussels, or lobster at prices that make friends in Toronto jealous.
Transportation: A City That Moves at a Human Pace
Halifax isn’t a massive city — that’s one of its best features. You can get almost anywhere by bus or ferry, and you’ll rarely feel lost in a crowd.
A monthly transit pass costs around $82, or less if you qualify for low-income or student discounts. Most buses connect key areas like Bedford, Clayton Park, Dartmouth, and downtown.
If you do drive, gas prices in 2026 are expected around $1.90 per litre, and parking downtown can cost about $130/month. But many people don’t even need a car here — especially if you live close to work or school.
Walking by the harbour or taking the ferry home after work? That’s not a commute. That’s therapy.
Healthcare: Public, Practical, and Peace of Mind
Halifax’s healthcare system is one of the biggest reliefs for newcomers. Once you become a resident, you’ll be covered under Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI) — which means doctor visits, hospital stays, and most medical services are free.
You’ll need to wait about three months for MSI coverage to start, so getting private insurance in the meantime is a smart move. It usually costs about $80–$100/month.
Prescription drugs, dental care, and eye exams are not fully covered, but many employers offer benefits or you can get family plans for about $100–$150/month.
It’s not perfect, but compared to what many newcomers faced in their home countries, Canada’s healthcare feels like a blessing — no huge hospital bills, no impossible insurance jargon.
Childcare and Education: Good Schools, Manageable Costs
If you’re coming with kids, Halifax is actually one of the best Canadian cities to raise them affordably.
Daycare costs about $800–$1,000/month, depending on age and hours. Thanks to federal childcare subsidies, parents are paying much less than a few years ago.
Public schools are free and have a great reputation for diversity and quality. Immigrant families often mention how welcoming teachers are and how quickly kids adapt to the environment.
When you drop your child off at school and the teacher greets you by name — that’s when Halifax starts to feel like home.
Leisure and Lifestyle: A Little Joy Goes a Long Way
Life in Halifax isn’t about luxury; it’s about balance. You can grab a coffee at Cabin Coffee downtown for $4, take a long walk on the Waterfront Boardwalk, or spend a weekend exploring Peggy’s Cove — all without draining your wallet.
A gym membership runs about $60/month, a movie ticket around $15, and a decent restaurant meal about $25 per person.
But honestly? Some of the best Halifax moments don’t cost anything — catching sunset by the harbour, joining a local community event, or barbecuing with new friends in Point Pleasant Park.
Monthly Snapshot: What Life Really Costs in Halifax (2026)
Here’s what most newcomers roughly spend once they’ve settled in:
- Rent: $1,700–$2,200 (for singles or small families)
- Utilities + Internet: $250
- Groceries: $450–$1,000
- Transportation: $82 (per adult)
- Health Insurance (first 3 months): $90
- Childcare (if applicable): $800–$1,000
- Leisure/Other: $150–$250
That puts a single person around $2,800–$3,000/month, and a small family around $4,800–$5,000.
By contrast, the same lifestyle in Toronto or Vancouver could easily cross $7,000–$8,000. Halifax, simply put, lets your money — and your life — stretch further.
A Personal Take: What Newcomers Often Say
After a few months in Halifax, most newcomers say the same thing:
“It’s not about how cheap it is — it’s about how peaceful it feels.”
You’ll still budget, of course. You’ll still look for deals. But the pace of life here makes those financial adjustments easier. You can focus on building your career , exploring your new city, and spending time with people who actually have time for you.
That’s something money can’t buy.
Conclusion: A City That Feels Like a Fresh Start
If you’re planning your move to Halifax in 2026, expect costs that are fair — not perfect, but fair. Housing might take some searching, groceries might surprise you at first, but you’ll find your rhythm quickly.
The cost of living in Halifax is still one of the most newcomer-friendly in Canada. More than that, it’s a place where you can build a life that feels grounded, calm, and genuinely happy.
