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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Burlington 2024
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Cost of Living in Burlington

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Burlington, understanding the the cost of living in Burlington helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Burlington - Cost of Living in Burlington

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington is around $1,400 per month. Two-bedroom apartments typically cost around $1,600 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington is around $400,000. Two-bedroom apartments typically cost around $500,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Burlington is $2.50 per ride. Monthly passes are available for $90.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Burlington is around $200 per week.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Burlington is around $15.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Burlington is around $150 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Burlington is around $10,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around $15,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is around $20,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is around $25,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Burlington

"The cost of living in Burlington is generally considered to be high. This is mainly due to the city's proximity to Toronto and the fact that housing costs are quite high. Prices for groceries, gas, and other basic necessities are also higher than in other parts of Canada and may put a strain on a household's budget. In addition, the tax rate in Burlington is relatively high compared to other parts of the country," said one expat living in Burlington, Canada.

Can I live in Burlington on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Burlington for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a basement suite in a residential neighborhood, as these tend to be more budget-friendly. Some areas to consider are Palmer, Mountainside, or Brant Hills. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. I'd avoid areas like Downtown Burlington, Aldershot, or Orchard, as these tend to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you can, try to find a place close to your work or use public transportation. Burlington Transit offers monthly passes for around $100, which can help you save on transportation costs. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so if you can avoid it, that would be best.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at discount grocery stores like No Frills or Walmart can help you save on your grocery bill. Eating out can be quite expensive in Burlington, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do want to eat out, look for more affordable options like fast food or casual dining restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in this area as well. Look for free or low-cost activities like going for walks or hikes in the many parks and trails around Burlington, or taking advantage of community events and festivals. If you enjoy going to the movies, consider going on discount days or using coupons to save on ticket prices.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Burlington is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and budgeting. By being mindful of your spending and looking for more affordable options in housing, transportation, and entertainment, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Burlington.

Can I live in Burlington on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Burlington for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Roseland, Shoreacres, and Millcroft. These areas have beautiful homes and great amenities, but the cost of living is much higher.Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods like Palmer, Brant Hills, or Mountainside. These areas still have access to modern amenities, but the cost of living is more reasonable. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.One sacrifice you might have to make is relying on public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car. Gas prices and car insurance can be quite expensive in Canada, so using public transit can help you save a significant amount of money. Burlington has a decent bus system, and you can also use the GO Train to commute to nearby cities like Toronto if needed.Another thing to consider is cutting back on eating out and entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of great restaurants and activities in Burlington, they can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try cooking at home more often and look for free or low-cost events and activities in the city.Lastly, you might have to be more mindful of your utility usage, as the cost of electricity and water can be quite high in Canada. Make sure to turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics, and be conscious of your water usage to help keep your utility bills down.Overall, living in Burlington on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being conscious of your spending on utilities and entertainment, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that Burlington has to offer," said one expat living in Burlington.

Can I live in Burlington on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Burlington for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most upscale neighborhoods, like Roseland or Shoreacres, where the cost of living is higher. Instead, you could consider more affordable neighborhoods like Brant Hills, Palmer, or Mountainside. These areas still offer a good quality of life, with access to parks, shopping centers, and public transportation, but at a more reasonable cost.When it comes to housing, you might have to opt for a smaller apartment or a townhouse instead of a large, detached home. This will help you save on rent or mortgage payments, as well as utilities. You could also consider sharing a place with a roommate to further reduce your housing costs.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in insurance, gas, and maintenance costs. To save money, you could consider using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. Burlington has a decent transit system, and many areas are quite walkable or bike-friendly.Eating out and entertainment can also add up quickly, so you might have to be more mindful of your spending in these areas. Instead of dining out at expensive restaurants, you could try cooking at home more often or exploring more affordable dining options. For entertainment, you could take advantage of free or low-cost activities in the city, like visiting parks, attending community events, or enjoying the beautiful waterfront.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Burlington is achievable, but it might require some adjustments to your lifestyle and spending habits. By being mindful of your expenses and prioritizing what's most important to you, you can make it work and still enjoy a good quality of life in this lovely city," commented an expat living in Burlington.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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