Cost of Living in Saskatoon (2026)
Saskatoon offers lower rents than most large Canadian cities and $10 a day child care, balanced by cold winters and car-dependent suburbs. Here is what it costs to live there, with two sample budgets.
Get started free➜ Download the app➜
How much does it cost to live in Saskatoon?
The cost of living in Saskatoon for a single person renting a one-bedroom is typically about $2,400 to $3,300 a month, and about $5,200 to $7,400 for a family of four, based on CMHC rent data and typical household costs. Rent is below most large Canadian cities, while winter heating and car costs are the main extras to plan for.
The cost of living in Saskatoon is below the Canadian big-city average. A single renter usually spends about $2,400 to $3,300 a month on essentials and modest extras, and a family of four about $5,200 to $7,400. Housing costs much less than in Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver, although rents have climbed since 2022 as the population grew and vacancy fell.
Saskatoon's economy draws on mining, agriculture, the University of Saskatchewan and health care. The costs to watch are winter heating, vehicles and the long distances in newer suburbs such as Stonebridge, Evergreen and Brighton.
For the provincial picture, see our guide to budgeting in Saskatchewan, and compare with the provincial capital in our cost of living in Regina guide.
Average rent in Saskatoon
Average rent in Saskatoon for a purpose-built one-bedroom was in the range of about $1,150 to $1,350 a month in CMHC's recent Rental Market Surveys (October 2024 and 2025). Newly listed units usually ask more than the survey average, which includes tenants who have stayed in the same unit for years.
| Unit type | Typical range | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | $900 to $1,050 | Older buildings near downtown and the university |
| One bedroom | $1,150 to $1,350 | Heat is often included in older walk-ups |
| Two bedroom | $1,400 to $1,600 | Common for roommates and small families |
| Three bedroom | $1,600 to $2,000 | Mostly townhouses and suburban houses |
Broadway, Nutana and City Park near the river cost more for their location, while the west side and older suburbs usually offer more space for the money. Saskatchewan has no rent control, so landlords can raise rent with the notice required by provincial law. Check a unit against your income with our rent affordability calculator, and see average rent in Canada for national context.
Transit and getting around Saskatoon
Saskatoon Transit runs the city's bus network, and an adult monthly pass has cost roughly $85 to $100 at recent fares. University of Saskatchewan students generally get a U-Pass through their fees. The city is planning a bus rapid transit network to speed up the busiest corridors.
Most households own a car. Saskatchewan's basic auto insurance is provided by SGI, the public insurer, as part of vehicle registration. Insurance, fuel, parking, winter tires, a block heater and maintenance commonly add $550 to $850 a month for a financed vehicle.
Taxes in Saskatoon: income tax and sales tax
- Sales tax. Saskatchewan charges 6% PST on top of the 5% GST, so most purchases carry 11%. Basic groceries are exempt.
- Provincial income tax. Saskatchewan's lowest rate is 10.5%. The province is raising the basic personal amount by $500 a year for four years starting in 2025, which lowers tax for every filer. Our Saskatchewan salary calculator shows take-home pay.
- Federal income tax. The lowest federal rate is 14% for 2026, applied on top of the provincial amount.
- Graduate Retention Program. Eligible post-secondary graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan can receive up to $20,000 in tuition rebates as a non-refundable tax credit.
- Property tax. Homeowners pay City of Saskatoon and education property tax. Renters pay it indirectly through rent.
Budgets that update themselves
- Set monthly limits for every category
- See what is left to spend in real time
- Get a nudge before a category runs out
Utilities, phone and internet in Saskatoon
Electricity comes from SaskPower or, in the older core of the city, from Saskatoon Light and Power. Natural gas comes from SaskEnergy, and the City bills water, wastewater and waste services. Winters are long and cold, so heating is a real budget line from October to April.
For a one-bedroom apartment where the tenant pays power, utilities usually total about $130 to $220 a month, and less where heat is included. A detached house commonly reaches $250 to $420 in January. Add about $120 to $170 for internet and one phone plan.
Sample monthly budget for Saskatoon
These budgets are illustrative ranges built from CMHC rents, Saskatoon Transit fares and typical household costs. They are not an official statistic. The family budget assumes two adults, two children, one car and one transit pass.
| Category | Single person | Family of four |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,150 to $1,350 (1-bed) | $1,600 to $2,000 (3-bed) |
| Utilities | $130 to $220 | $250 to $420 |
| Internet and phones | $120 to $170 | $180 to $250 |
| Groceries | $350 to $450 | $1,200 to $1,500 |
| Transportation | $85 to $100 (transit pass) | $700 to $1,000 (car plus pass) |
| Child care | None | About $220 to $450 |
| Insurance (tenant, life) | $20 to $40 | $60 to $120 |
| Personal, clothing, household | $150 to $250 | $350 to $500 |
| Entertainment and dining | $150 to $300 | $250 to $450 |
| Savings | $250 to $400 | $400 to $700 |
| Total | About $2,400 to $3,300 | About $5,200 to $7,400 |
Child care assumes one or two children under six in regulated full-time care at Saskatchewan's $10 a day parent fee, which works out to about $217 a month per child. School-age care before and after school costs extra. See the cost of raising a child in Canada for the full picture.
Figures checked September 2026; confirm current numbers with CMHC, Saskatoon Transit and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Budgeting in Saskatoon: practical tips
- Ask whether heat is included before comparing rents, since it can be worth $100 or more a month in winter.
- Set aside $50 to $100 a month from late summer so January heating bills are covered.
- Budget for winter tires and a block heater cord if you are new to the Prairies.
- If you studied after high school, check whether you qualify for the Graduate Retention Program when you file.
- Track spending for a month before setting limits. EMOH Pay is free on iPhone, Android and the web, and a daily money digest keeps each category in view.
- Compare your plan with our guide to budgeting in Canada.
Plan your month in EMOH Pay
Put the numbers on autopilot
EMOH Pay tracks your spending, budgets and net worth on your phone and in the browser, always in sync. Free to start, made in Canada.
Get started free➜Cost of Living in Saskatoon (2026): frequently asked questions
Is Saskatoon cheaper than Regina?
The two cities are close. Rents in Saskatoon have tended to run a little higher than in Regina in recent CMHC surveys, while taxes, SGI insurance and child care fees are the same because they are set provincially.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Saskatoon?
A single renter spending about $2,800 a month needs roughly $45,000 to $55,000 a year before tax to cover costs and still save. A family of four with one car usually needs a combined household income of about $90,000 or more.
Does Saskatoon have rent control?
No. Saskatchewan does not cap rent increases, but landlords must give written notice before raising rent, as set out in provincial tenancy rules. Check the Office of Residential Tenancies for current notice periods.
How much are utilities in Saskatoon?
Expect about $130 to $220 a month for power and water in a one-bedroom apartment and $250 to $420 for a house in the coldest months. Heating is the main driver.
How much is child care in Saskatoon?
Regulated full-time child care for children under six costs $10 a day under Saskatchewan's agreement with the federal government, about $217 a month. Spaces are limited, so join waitlists early.
Sources and further reading
Related guides and tools
Budgeting in Saskatchewan: sales tax is 5% GST + 6% PST, minimum wage $15.00/hr, typical rent $1,150/month. Low housing…
Budgeting in Canada — Province GuideCost of living, sales tax and budgeting guidance for every Canadian province and territory. Free budgeting app made in…
Saskatchewan Salary Calculator 2026Free Saskatchewan salary calculator for 2026. See take-home pay after federal tax, Saskatchewan tax, CPP and EI, per month…
Cost of Living in Regina (2026)Cost of living in Regina for 2026: average rent, Saskatchewan taxes, home prices, $10 a day child care and sample monthly…
Average Rent in Canada by City (2026)Average rent in Canada for 2026: typical one-bedroom ranges in 20 cities, why survey and asking rents differ, and how to…
Rent Affordability CalculatorThe classic rule: keep rent at or under 30% of gross monthly income (35% of take-home in expensive cities). Enter your…
Start free today
Free on iPhone, Android and the web. Upgrade to EMOH Pro anytime for bank sync and advanced AI.
Download for iOS➜ Get it on Android➜