You’ll typically take home about $2,726 a month on Truro’s commonly cited average salary ($41,840), so plan rent around $992–$1,100 for a one‑bedroom, with utilities, internet and phone adding $200–$400 more. Expect low vacancy, upfront move‑in costs (deposit, first month, insurance) and limited public transit, so factor car or taxi costs. Groceries and modest leisure are affordable versus larger centres, and the rest of this guide breaks down specifics and planning tips.

What Is the Average Salary and Net Pay in Truro

Expect lower-than-average wages in Truro: the commonly cited mean annual salary is $41,840—about 23.2% below the Canadian average—translating to roughly $2,726 in monthly net pay.

You should plan around that average salary in Truro for baseline budgeting, while noting some sources report a higher figure near $64,125 (about $31/hour), so data variation exists across providers.

Compared with nearby centres, Truro sits mid-range: New Glasgow averages $45,280 (monthly net ~$2,911) and Wolfville $43,760 (monthly net ~$2,830).

Affordability indices reinforce this: Truro’s index is around 144.79% versus Halifax’s 90.89%, indicating relative affordability despite lower nominal wages.

Use the $41,840/$2,726 estimate for conservative monthly planning, but verify industry-specific salary data if you work in sectors where pay skews higher.

This lets you anticipate disposable income, savings potential, and realistic local spending limits without relying on a single data source.

Monthly Housing Costs: Renters Vs Homeowners

You’ll see renters in Truro typically face about $1,688/month on average, with one-bedrooms near $745 and two-bedrooms around $957, plus upfront costs like half a month’s rent, first month’s rent, and tenant’s insurance.

Homeowners’ average monthly cost is roughly $1,488, so the gap with renters is smaller here than in many larger cities, though utilities ($100–$150) and internet ($80–$110) push both totals higher.

Note CMHC samples show bachelors at $576 and 3+ bedrooms at $1,124 but vacancy is very low and some figures aren’t statistically reliable.

Renter Monthly Breakdown

Although renters in Truro often pay a bit more each month than homeowners, the difference is manageable for many: average rental housing costs run about $1,688/month versus $1,488/month for owned housing.

When you break down typical rents, expect bachelor units around $576, one-bedrooms $745, two-bedrooms $957 and 3+ bedrooms $1,124. Upfront cost will usually include half a month’s security deposit, first month’s rent and tenant insurance.

Monthly utilities add roughly $100–$150 for heating/electricity, $80–$110 for high-speed internet and $55–$60 for a basic smartphone, so plan $235–$320 extra if not included.

With Truro’s average net pay about $2,726/month and an affordability index near 145%, evaluate rent against your income.

Homeowner Cost Comparison

Having looked at renter costs, let’s compare what homeowners actually pay each month. You’ll see owned housing averages about $1,488 monthly versus rental at $1,688, so the basic cost of housing favors ownership on average. Factor in utilities and services: electricity/heating ~$100–$150, smartphone ~$55–$60, internet ~$80–$110. Upfront renter move-in costs (half-month deposit, first month, tenant insurance) can shift short-term comparisons.

• Average owned housing: $1,488/month
• Average rental housing: $1,688/month
• Typical utilities/services for owners: $235–$320/month total
• Sample rents by unit: bachelor $576; 1BR $745; 2BR $957; 3+BR $1,124
• Truro affordability index: ~144.79% (favorable vs Halifax)

Use these figures to assess your monthly housing choices.

Utilities and Monthly Service Expenses

When budgeting for utilities in Truro, expect basic costs for an 85 m² apartment to run about $318–$323 per month (with electricity and home heating usually $100–$150 of that total). Consider your Monthly Net needs: if you rent, check which utilities the landlord covers so you don’t double-count expenses.

Internet varies — high-speed plans typically $80–$110/month, though some averages report $30–$37, so factor provider and bundle differences into your plan. Add a basic smartphone plan at roughly $55–$60 per month.

Note that owned homes show much higher utility estimates (~$1,488/month), so compare owner vs renter scenarios when calculating cash flow. Arrange NS Power electricity setup 7–10 days before moving; expect possible one-time connection or activation fees.

Finally, budget for tenant insurance and any provider activation charges to avoid surprises during your first month. These elements give you a practical, data-driven view of monthly service expenses.

Transportation Costs and Options

If you live in Truro, plan on relying on a car or occasional taxis and rideshares, since public transit is effectively non‑existent and monthly transit costs are typically reported as $0. You’ll budget for car ownership or pay per trip for taxis/rideshares; comparable data show one‑way fares near $4–$5 and taxi rates around $1.61/km. Realistic monthly driving costs should include fuel (~$1.84/L), insurance, maintenance, parking and licensing.

• Expect monthly fuel and operating expenses based on ERI-style calculations.
• Factor insurance premiums, routine maintenance, and occasional repairs.
• Account for parking fees or permit costs if you work downtown.
• Use taxis/rideshares for occasional trips; price per km adds up quickly.
• Consider housing location relative to commute distances; CMHC advises this.

You’ll treat public transportation as functionally unavailable, so plan housing and budget choices around vehicle costs or higher per‑trip taxi expenses rather than relying on buses or trains.

Grocery and Food Spending Breakdown

You’ll find typical supermarket staples in Truro are relatively affordable—milk $1.31/L, bread $1.34 per 500g loaf, chicken breast about $8.65/kg, apples $2.25/kg and bananas $1.08/kg.

Eating out costs more: inexpensive meals average $14.57, coffee $4.13, and a three-course mid-range dinner about $74.44, so your choice between cooking and dining out will noticeably affect your monthly food budget.

Use these figures to compare grocery-focused weeks versus weeks with several restaurant meals when planning your monthly expenses.

Typical Grocery Costs

Typically, grocery prices in Truro lean toward the affordable side compared with larger cities: expect milk around $1.31/L, a 500 g loaf of bread about $1.34, chicken breasts roughly $8.65/kg, apples $2.25/kg, a dozen eggs near $2.49, and 1 kg of rice about $1.90.

You can use these unit prices to plan weekly shopping and compareagainst the broader average cost of living figures. A basic shopping basket shows modest food costs, and cooking at home will generally save you versus eating out.

• Milk $1.31/L
• Bread (500 g) $1.34
• Chicken breasts $8.65/kg
• Eggs (12) $2.49
• Rice 1 kg $1.90

Use these numbers to estimate monthly grocery spend and adjust for household size.

Eating Out Patterns

Having a handle on grocery unit prices helps you plan how often to eat out and what it will cost when you do. Use local item prices—milk $1.31/L, bread $1.34/500g, chicken $8.65/kg, apples $2.25/kg, cheese $9.01/kg—to estimate weekly shopping and decide when dining out makes sense.

In Truro you’ll find inexpensive meals around $14.57, coffee $4.13, beer $6.06, and mid-range dinners near $74.44; a McMeal averages about £7.10 and a three-course for two about £70. Leisure spending averages $45/month and miscellaneous $150, so out-of-home food is modest compared with larger cities. Factor these figures into your $1,883 baseline to plan how often you’ll live off groceries versus eating out.

Dining Out, Entertainment, and Leisure Expenses

Often you’ll find eating out in Truro is affordable: an inexpensive meal runs about $14.57. You’ll see average prices that help plan outings—$74.44 for a mid-range three-course dinner for two, $4.13 for coffee, and $6.06 for a beer—so you can estimate per-visit costs and frequency.

Leisure spending averages around $45/month, but many people allocate up to $150 for broader entertainment.

• Cinema ticket: ≈ $11.00
• Casual fast-food meal (McMeal): ≈ £7.10 equivalent
• Mid-range dinner for two: $74.44
• Coffee or drink per visit: $4.13–$6.06
• Monthly leisure range: $45–$150

Use these figures to forecast monthly eating-out and entertainment lines in your budget. If you go out weekly for coffee and a meal, you’ll trend toward the higher end; limiting outings to occasional dinners keeps monthly costs near the $45 average.

Budgeting Tips and Upfront Moving Costs

After you’ve estimated dining and leisure costs, plan the upfront and monthly expenses that actually get you moved in and running. Expect upfront costs to include a security deposit (typically half a month’s rent), first month’s rent and tenants insurance — for a ~$1,100 1‑bed that’s about $1,650. Add initial household purchases (furniture, kitchenware, linens) and an emergency buffer equal to at least one month’s net pay (roughly $2,726).

For monthly budgeting, track average rent for a 1‑bed ($992–$1,100), basic utilities ($100–$150), internet/phone ($80–$110) and a smartphone plan ($55–$60). Verify with your landlord which utilities are included to avoid double‑counting. Arrange electricity 7–10 days before move‑in to prevent service gaps and anticipate possible hookup fees for connectivity.

Factor in transportation: there’s no regular public transit in Truro/Bible Hill, so include fuel and vehicle expenses if you own a car. These steps give you a clear picture of the true costs to live in Truro.

How Truro Compares to Other Nova Scotia Cities

While your take-home pay in Truro averages about $2,726 monthly—roughly 23% below the Canadian average—the town’s Affordability Index (144.8%) shows that local wages still stretch farther here than in many places nationwide.

You’ll find Truro ranks fifth among Nova Scotia cities by salary but beats larger centres on purchasing power, especially versus Halifax (90.89%).

• Rent: sample Apartment Outside rents (bachelor $576, one‑bed $745, two‑bed $957, three‑bed $1,124) are generally lower than metropolitan averages.
• Affordability: Truro (144.79%) trails New Glasgow, Wolfville, Antigonish, and Port Hawkesbury but remains well above national baseline.
• Utilities: modest costs (heating $100–$150, phone $55–$60, internet $80–$110) reduce monthly overhead.
• Market variance: CMHC-style averages can show higher typical rents (~$1,688) when surrounding communities are included.
• Practical takeaway: you’ll get more living power per dollar in Truro than in Halifax, and competitive Apartment Outside options make it viable for tight budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cost of Living in Truro?

You’ll pay about $1,883 monthly on average in Truro, with renter housing near $1,688; Housing Affordability is relatively strong versus larger cities, so you’ll likely have better purchasing power and lower overall monthly strain.

What Is the Average Income in Truro?

You’re looking at an Income Snapshot: average annual income in Truro ranges around $41,840 (some sources up to $64,125), with average monthly net pay about $2,726, so expect variance across reports and roles.

Is Truro Nova Scotia a Good Place to Live?

Yes — you’ll find Truro affordable, with lower living costs, reasonable rents, Community Events and a tight-knit feel; you’ll likely need a car due to limited transit, so weigh commute and salary against lifestyle benefits.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Nova Scotia?

You’ll find Nova Scotia’s average monthly cost around $1,800–$1,900 for a single person, with Housing Affordability varying by city; Halifax rents rise costs while smaller towns lower overall expenses and improve affordability.

Conclusion

Thinking about moving to Truro? You’ll find moderate salaries matched by reasonable rents and lower groceries than Halifax, but utilities, transport, and upfront moving costs can add up—especially if you’re a renter. Want a practical tip? Track your fixed versus variable expenses for a month to spot savings, aim for an emergency fund covering three months’ costs, and compare neighborhoods to balance commuting and rent. Small adjustments can stretch your budget considerably.