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Skip Navigation LinksEveryday-Living-Costs Everyday Living Costs
Skip Navigation LinksImmigration Simcoe > Living > Financial Information > Everyday Living Costs

Everyday Living Costs

​​Everyday living costs and your monthly household expenses can vary depending on a number of different factors, such as where you live, housing type, family size, lifestyle and your income. In Canada, the majority of a household's expense is often housing​​​ costs, including services and utilities. However, it is important to consider other costs, such as food, clothing, health-care costs that are not covered under the Ontario Healt​h Insurance Plan (OHIP​)​ and transportation.

Financial assistance is available to people who are facing financial difficulties.  Visit the Financial Assistance section to learn more.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has detailed information about preparing financially when moving to Canada.

 

 

Housing CostsHousing Costs<p>According to the 2006 census conducted by <span lang="EN-CA"><a href="http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/ref/qa-qr-eng.cfm" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Statistics Canada</font></a></span>, the average monthly rent in Simcoe County is $844, and the average monthly costs for a homeowner (including utilities and taxes) are $1,142.</p><p>For more information about housing, explore the <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=484b7e38-2aa2-460a-a430-172adb04c57e&TermSetId=9072d593-bdd3-4146-9084-121d630c8dbd&TermId=6ac39e03-9ed6-4381-ae6e-4d2263c9758b" target="_blank">Housing section </a>of the Simcoe County Immigration Portal.</p><p><font color="#0066cc"><a href="/Pages/Rent-a-Home.aspx" target="_blank">Rent a Home</a>    </font><font color="#0066cc"> <a href="/Pages/Purchase-a-Home.aspx" target="_blank"> Purchase a Home</a></font></p><p>​</p>
Utilities (Heat, Electricity, Water)Utilities (Heat, Electricity, Water)<p>The utilities each household pays each month can vary, depending on personal requirements and community. For example, water and wastewater services are a municipal government service and will vary in each municipality. The amount of water, heat or electricity used by a household will also depend on the number of people living there. When you are renting, depending on your lease agreement, some of the utility costs will be included in your rent, and some you may be required to pay for separately.</p><p>Common utility costs include:</p><ul><li>Heat (gas, oil or electric)</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Water (municipal service or well and septic)</li><li>Telephone</li><li>Internet</li><li>Cable television</li></ul><p>When you move into a house or an apartment, be sure to ask the landlord or the real estate lawyer about how to connect to the necessary utilities. Local <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=484b7e38-2aa2-460a-a430-172adb04c57e&TermSetId=9072d593-bdd3-4146-9084-121d630c8dbd&TermId=3584625f-9c92-49ba-ae7a-844a6e8c42e3" target="_blank">settlement service agencies </a>can also provide assistance with questions about accessing local utilities.</p><p>In some cases, financial assistance is available to people who are facing difficulty with their energy costs and are at risk of having their energy disconnected. <a href="http://accesstohousing.simcoe.ca/default.aspx" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Housing Resource Centres in Simcoe County</font></a> will provide information and referrals to the appropriate community services.</p><p>To learn more about local utility companies in Simcoe County, dial 211, a free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual helpline that helps people find services in their community. 211 is accessible through TTY at 1-888-340-1001.  Visit <a href="http://www.infosimcoecounty.ca/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">www.infosimcoecounty.ca</font></a> or click here to learn more about 211.</p>
Transportation CostsTransportation Costs<p>Transportation is an important consideration in Simcoe County because of its large geographic area.  Communities in Simcoe County are connected by roadways, and public transit is not available in all areas. Common transportation costs can include cars and driving costs, public transit and/or taxis.</p><p>For more information about transportation in Simcoe County, explore the <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=484b7e38-2aa2-460a-a430-172adb04c57e&TermSetId=9072d593-bdd3-4146-9084-121d630c8dbd&TermId=8d983656-b620-49b0-a277-97c556902bf3" target="_blank">Transportation section</a> of the Simcoe County Immigration Portal.</p><p>The Canadian Automobile Association outlines the following important costs to consider with owning an automobile:</p><ul><li>Fuel </li><li>Maintenance</li><li>Tires</li><li>Insurance</li><li>Licence, registration, and taxes</li></ul><p>Download <a href="http://www.caa.ca/driving-costs/" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">the Driving Costs brochure</font></a> for more detailed information.</p>
Food CostsFood Costs<p>Food costs vary depending on family size, lifestyle, culture, and food choices. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit conducts an annual study called the <em>Nutritious Food Basket</em> to determine the average cost of purchasing nutritious groceries in the Simcoe County and Muskoka area. In 2011, the average monthly cost for nutritious groceries for a family of four was $745.</p><p><a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Home.aspx" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Visit the official Muskoka Health webpage</font></a> for more detailed information from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.</p><p>The Food in Simcoe County website provides a directory of <a href="http://www.foodinsimcoecounty.ca/home.index.42.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">healthy eating and food security services in Simcoe County</font></a>.</p><p>To learn more about local food programs and services in Simcoe County, dial 211, a free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual helpline that helps people find services in their community. 211 is accessible through TTY at 1-888-340-1001.  Visit <a href="http://centraleastontario.cioc.ca/?UseCICVw=72" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">www.infosimcoecounty.ca </font></a>or click here to learn more about 211.</p>