New Brunswick, Canada is a hidden gem with a wealth of reasons to live and study. Its awe-inspiring natural beauty and culinary delicacies make New Brunswick a tapestry of unmatchable experiences that will exceed your expectations. In this blog, we’ll explore the cost of living in New Brunswick. This charming province strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality of life and makes it an appealing destination for international students.
This bilingual haven brews the promise of a fresh start considering New Brunswick’s living cost. In this blog, we’ll explore why this maritime gem is the ideal choice for those looking to study abroad. Let’s dive into what makes this province a perfect destination for your new beginning!
Average Cost Of Living In New Brunswick
Not only is housing more affordable in New Brunswick than in other Canadian provinces, but essential goods like electricity, gas, and water are also cheaper. And on top of that, New Brunswick offers extraordinary healthcare benefits through its Medicare programme. In the table below, you can easily read the average cost of living in New Brunswick, Canada:
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | CA $380 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | CA $1,035 |
| Transportation | CA $83 |
| Food Cost | CA $720 |
| Utility Cost | CA $205 |
| Entertainment | CA $60 |
| Groceries | CA $80 |
| Clothes | CA $142 |
| Health Insurance | CA $75 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation | CA $1,745 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation | CA $2,400 |
| Annual Cost of Living | CA $28,800 |
Cost Of Living Of Major Cities In New Brunswick
New Brunswick doesn’t have bustling metropolises like Vancouver or Toronto, but it has many charming and cosy small towns that offer a unique lifestyle. These smaller communities not only provide a strong sense of togetherness and excellent entrepreneurial prospects but also contribute to the overall appeal of New Brunswick. The cost of living in New Brunswick adds to its allure, allowing residents to enjoy a high quality of life without any money issues
Saint John
Saint John is the most productive city on Canada’s Atlantic coast and has recently embraced urban life. Redevelopment in many areas has brought new businesses and services to the city, which are homes to both French and English speakers. Moreover, this is the cheapest city to live in New Brunswick, with average living costs of CA$2,709 for one person.
Moncton
Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick, with average living costs of CA$ 1,581 to CA$ 2,541 monthly. Students studying at Université de Moncton usually decide to stay in this city. Moncton is the largest French-language university in Canada outside of Quebec and has a strong economy that tends to recover quickly from financial downturns. The city also has a low unemployment rate compared to the national average.
Fredericton
Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick and has a growing commercial sector led by IT. Students staying in the capital must expect an average between CA$ 2,399 to CA$ 2,650. The city creates thousands of job opportunities in the public sector and houses the infamous University of New Brunswick. Fredericton also has a fun side, hosting the annual Harvest Jazz Blues Festival which is a popular attraction for international students.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of Living In New Brunswick
Several factors influence New Brunswick, Canada’s, cost of living which include housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Let’s quickly get an idea of those!
Tuition Fees in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is dedicated to providing top-quality learning opportunities for its youth. They offer government-funded educational benefits to all residents up to the age of 20. Moreover, New Brunswick schools embrace modern Internet resources in their teaching methods, ensuring students have access to the latest educational tools. All of this and more is available and adds to the affordability of New Brunswick’s living expenses!
Tuition fees in New Brunswick fluctuate based on the institution and programme. Undergraduate domestic students can expect annual fees ranging from CA $6,000 to CA $9,000, while international students may face higher costs of CA $15,000 to CA $25,000. Let’s also dive into the top universities of New Brunswick and look at their fees while we’re at it:
| Name Of The University | Tuition Fees |
| Mount Allison University | CA $18,000 – CA $22,000 |
| Kingswood University | CA $13,000 – CA $18,000 |
| Maritown College of Forest Technology | CA $13,000 – CA $18,000 |
| New Brunswick College of Craft and Design | CA $13,000 – CA $18,000 |
| Saint Thomas University | CA $13,000 – CA $18,000 |
| Crandall University | CA $13,000 – CA $18,000 |
Navigating Transportation Costs in New Brunswick
New Brunswick provides reliable public transportation which features buses and ferries. The province also offers transit passes for low-income earners. Students can enjoy discounted monthly passes which are priced at CA $83. Additionally, owning a bicycle can be an economical and convenient mode of travel for short distances.
This is the most common route which buses follow in New Brunswick, which covers the top cities of Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton:
Source: Maritime Bus
Affordable Leisure and Recreation in New Brunswick
Students can also indulge in affordable entertainment and recreational activities in New Brunswick. Options include exploring national parks, hiking trails and engaging in local cultural events and festivals, often available at minimal or no cost.
- Explore the Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is a must-visit for any student visiting New Brunswick. The park is home to some of the world’s highest tides, as well as stunning coastline, forests, and waterfalls. There are plenty of activities to choose from in the park, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and whale watching.
- Visit the Hopewell Rocks
The Hopewell Rocks are a series of rock formations that are exposed at low tide. The rocks are located in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, and are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and explore the unique rock formations.
- Go whale watching
New Brunswick is a great place to go whale watching. Several companies offer whale-watching from different ports in the province. Some of the most common whales that can be seen in New Brunswick include humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales.
Student Accommodation in New Brunswick
Discovering the best student accommodation in New Brunswick depends on your preferences and budget. Housing options include on-campus facilities provided by universities and colleges, as well as off-campus choices such as apartments, shared houses, and homestays. Popular cities for student accommodations include Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton. Let’s learn more about the best neighbourhoods in these cities and the nearby universities there:
| City Name | Best Neighbourhoods | Nearby Universities |
| Fredericton | Downtown Fredericton | University of New Brunswick (UNB), St. Thomas University |
| Campus Area | University of New Brunswick (UNB), St. Thomas University | |
| Nashwaaksis | University of New Brunswick (UNB), St. Thomas University | |
| Saint John | Uptown Saint John | University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) |
| North End | University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) | |
| Milledgeville | University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus | |
| Moncton | Downtown Moncton | Université de Moncton |
| Hillcrest | Université de Moncton | |
| Sunny Brae | Université de Moncton |
Financing Tips To Manage Cost Of Living In New Brunswick
Budgeting is the process of making a plan for your money. Your finished plan is called a budget. By taking the time to create a budget, you’ll know how much money you have to spend on the things you need and want. Follow our top tips for budgeting your cost of living in New Brunswick:
- Track Your Income:
To build an effective budget, start by recording your total household income. Calculate your net income, which is the money you bring home after taxes. This figure will be your foundation for creating a budget.
- Monitor Your Expenses:
Before crafting your budget, gain insight into your current spending habits. Over a few months, meticulously track and categorise your cost of living in New Brunswick. Separate them into fixed expenses, such as regular accommodation bills, utilities, items like groceries, entertainment, and shopping.
- Set Clear Financial Goals:
Define both short-term and long-term financial goals. Understanding your financial goals will help you make informed decisions about adjusting your spending habits to align with these goals.
- Craft Your Budget:
Determine if you have any surplus at the end of the month. While fixed expenses are likely to remain constant, your budget should allocate variable expenses with your goals. Identify areas where you can cut back to boost savings and limit spending in line with your objectives. If your budget is still in the red, consider reevaluating fixed expenses or finding ways to increase your income.
- Commit to Your Budget:
Budgeting can be challenging but it’s important to stick to your plan. Show self-discipline and willpower by adhering to your new financial goals. Stay within your budget limits, keep your receipts and bills and regularly compare your actual spending to your budget. The cost of living in New Brunswick will be manageable if you follow our top tips!
Key Takeaways
Affordable Living: New Brunswick, Canada offers a balanced mix of affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for international students. You might have to average out between CA $1,380 – CA $1,035 each month.
Cost Breakdown: The blog provides a detailed breakdown of the average cost of living in New Brunswick, covering items like accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, and entertainment.
City Insights: Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton are highlighted as student-friendly cities with varying living costs and unique attributes.
Financial Management: Practical budgeting tips are offered to help students effectively manage their cost of living in New Brunswick, like tracking their income, setting clear financial goals, making spreadsheets and commitment to budget.
FAQs
Is it expensive to live in NB?
New Brunswick provides cost-effective living in comparison to numerous other Canadian provinces. Nevertheless, when preparing your budget as a student in New Brunswick, it’s crucial to take into account elements like rent, tuition fees, transportation, and essential expenditures.
How much money do you need to live in New Brunswick?
The cost of living in New Brunswick for international students is CA $1,745 to CA $2,400 which is 1.15 times less than the average living expense in Canada.
What is the average cost of housing in New Brunswick?
For on-campus accommodation you will require an average of CA $1,380 and for off-campus housing, you will need a minimum of CA $1,035 monthly.
Is it affordable to live in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick’s cities consistently rank among the most budget-friendly in Canada. Since 2020, the province has experienced an unprecedented surge in migration, leading to a continued increase in our population as more individuals opt for New Brunswick as their new home.
Where is the cheapest place to live in NB?
Saint John and Fredericton share the second position in Canada and hold the sixth spot worldwide for middle-income housing affordability. Meanwhile, Moncton secures the fifth spot in the list of Canada’s most affordable housing markets and ranks sixteenth globally.
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