You’ll typically need about CAD 2,791 per month to live in Peterborough, with rent, transport and food driving most costs. Expect one-bedroom rents around CAD 1,279 on average (city-centre CAD 1,537–1,729), utilities about CAD 148, internet CAD 27–54, and a monthly transit pass near CAD 66. Groceries plus dining average CAD 787. If your take-home pay is below CAD 1,894, you’ll likely face shortfalls — keep going to see practical ways to adjust.
Overview of Living Costs in Peterborough
Although Peterborough can feel affordable compared with larger Ontario cities, you should plan a realistic monthly budget: a single person’s average cost runs about CAD 2,791, with housing, transportation, and dining as the biggest line items.
Although Peterborough seems affordable, expect realistic monthly costs around CAD 2,791—housing, transport and dining lead the budget.
When you’re evaluating living in Peterborough, compare that figure to a typical net monthly salary near CAD 1,894 to spot shortfalls.
Average rent is a major driver—city‑centre one‑bedrooms sit around CAD 1,537–1,729, while on‑campus room-and-meal plans commonly run CAD 800–1,200.
Expect utilities near CAD 148 and internet between CAD 27–64.
For daily mobility, a monthly transit pass costs about CAD 64–67; single fares or fuel (CAD 1.40–1.47/L) shift your totals if you commute by car.
Given these numbers, you should map fixed costs first, then allocate to groceries, dining and discretionary spending. Additionally, understanding average construction costs in your area can help you make informed financial decisions regarding housing.
If your take‑home pay falls short, plan for subsidized housing, part‑time work, or financial aid to close the gap.
Housing and Rent Breakdown
Now that you’ve sketched a monthly budget, housing will take the largest slice: one‑bedroom rents in Peterborough’s city centre typically range from about CAD 1,537 to 1,729 per month, while units outside the centre often list around CAD 720–806.
You’ll see an average reported rent of CAD 1,279/month for a one‑bedroom apartment (about 508 sq ft), up roughly CAD 18 year‑over‑year (≈1.4%).
If you’re a student, on‑campus room plus meal plans usually run CAD 800–1,200, which can be more economical than many off‑campus options.
For planning, note affordability guidance: aim for monthly income near CAD 4,263 so rent stays at or below 30% of earnings.
When hunting for an apartment in Peterborough, factor location, size and recent market trends; centre units cost more but save commuting time, while outskirts offer lower rent.
Use the average and ranges to model scenarios and set realistic search criteria. Regular maintenance can help prolong hose lifespan and reduce unexpected repair costs.
Utilities, Internet and Home Services
Plan on basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment averaging about CAD 153.46/month (typical range CAD 146.93–300), with many one‑bed estimates near CAD 148.
For internet, unlimited plans with 60+ Mbps generally run CAD 27–54/month (local estimates often CAD 30–64).
Expect home services to vary—fitness clubs ~CAD 28.75/month and cleaning help roughly CAD 10–30/hour depending on provider. Additionally, investing in long-term savings through a home gym can further enhance your fitness routine and minimize ongoing monthly expenses.
Monthly Utility Costs
When you budget for monthly household costs in Peterborough, expect basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment to run about CAD 153.46 per month (typical range CAD 146.93–300.00).
You can also expect slightly lower averages for smaller units—around CAD 148 per month for a one‑bedroom—so factor unit size into projections.
For connectivity and mobile service, typical costs are modest: unlimited internet plans (60+ Mbps) run about CAD 27.33 per month and mobile plans with 10+ GB are roughly CAD 10.50 per month.
Don’t forget optional home services that add to recurring expenses—fitness club memberships average CAD 28.75/month.
Add these line items to your monthly budget to get an accurate household cost estimate.
Internet Plans and Speeds
Frequently, you’ll find that unlimited home internet suitable for streaming and remote work (50–100 Mbps) runs about CAD 27–64 per month in Peterborough, though some local estimates put a common midrange price near CAD 63.90/month. You’ll pay roughly CAD 27.33–53.70 for typical 60+ Mbps plans; faster or business-grade connections cost more. Mobile plans with 10+ GB commonly run near CAD 10.50. When budgeting, separate internet from basic utilities (about CAD 153.46/month). Look for bundled deals to lower combined bills.
| Service | Typical Price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50–100 Mbps Unlimited Data | 27–64 | Streaming, remote work |
| 60+ Mbps | 27.33–53.70 | Market range |
| Mobile (10+ GB) | ~10.50 | Often bundled; no Interest Rate impact |
Home Services and Cleaners
You’ll usually budget about CAD 153.46 a month for basic utilities (electricity, heating/cooling, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment, plus roughly CAD 27–64 for unlimited home internet at 50–100 Mbps (common midrange CAD ~27–54) and about CAD 10.50 for a mobile plan with 10+ GB; add optional services like a gym membership (~CAD 28.75/month) or hourly domestic help (~CAD 10–15/hour) depending on your needs.
You’ll find that combining utility awareness with efficient internet and selective home services keeps monthly costs predictable. If you hire cleaners occasionally, budget CAD 10–15/hour and expect variation by agency. Compare bundles and check provider reputations to optimize service and cost.
- Relief knowing bills stay stable
- Pride in a tidy, functional home
- Confidence from fast internet
- Comfort from predictable costs
- Ease when hiring reliable cleaners
Food, Groceries and Dining Out
Although food costs can vary by shopping habits, you can expect a single person in Peterborough to spend about CAD 787 per month on groceries and dining out. If you live in a small apartment and want a realistic budget, split that between home cooking and occasional meals out.
Groceries show predictable unit prices: milk 1 L ≈ CAD 2.55, a 500 g white bread loaf ≈ CAD 3.30, 12 eggs ≈ CAD 4.37. Produce runs: apples 1 kg ≈ CAD 4.55, bananas 1 kg ≈ CAD 1.42, tomatoes 1 kg ≈ CAD 3.99, potatoes 1 kg ≈ CAD 1.47.
For dining choices, a fast-food meal is roughly CAD 15, a dinner for two averages CAD 92.70, and a regular cappuccino costs about CAD 4.89. A mid-range bottle of wine is around CAD 6.88. Implementing a repair budget can help manage unexpected expenses, just as with food budgeting.
Use these figures to plan weekly shopping lists, control takeout frequency, and adjust your living budget to fit rent and other apartment expenses.
Transportation and Commuting Expenses
You’ll find a monthly transit pass in Peterborough costs about CAD 66.90 (typical range CAD 60–87) while a single fare is roughly CAD 2.74, and many residents report average monthly transport spending near CAD 55.80 excluding taxis or fuel.
If you drive, budget for gasoline at about CAD 1.47/L plus parking and occasional taxi fares (an 8 km ride is roughly CAD 13), which can push your variable monthly costs above transit.
Cycling is a common, bike-friendly alternative that can cut your monthly transport bill markedly compared with regular transit or driving. Regular inspections can help identify signs of a failing blowing hose and prevent unexpected repair costs.
Public Transit Costs
Frequently, public transit is the most cost-effective way to get around Peterborough: a single one-way local fare runs about CAD 2–2.74 while a monthly pass averages roughly CAD 64 (reported range CAD 60–86.96), so regular riders who commute daily will usually save compared with paying per ride or driving.
You’ll find public transit costs align with similar mid-sized Canadian cities, and a monthly public transit pass (≈CAD 64, sometimes CAD 66.90) makes commuting predictable and affordable.
Compare that to a typical 8 km taxi (~CAD 13); transit is cheaper for routine trips. If you commute daily, the pass usually beats fuel and parking costs. You can also bike for short trips given Peterborough’s trails and lanes.
- Relief from daily fare anxiety
- Pride in cost-savvy choices
- Confidence in budgeting monthly expenses
- Ease of predictable commuting costs
- Satisfaction from greener travel
Fuel and Driving
Driving in Peterborough is affordable compared to larger cities: gasoline runs about CAD 1.47 per litre (roughly CAD 1.40–1.50). You’ll pay about CAD 73.50 for a 50‑litre fill-up, so fuel is predictable for short commutes. Average monthly transportation costs (excluding car payments) sit near CAD 55.80, reflecting occasional transit, fuel, or taxis. A single transit ticket is CAD 2.74; a monthly pass is CAD 66.90. Taxi fares are roughly CAD 13 for an 8 km trip.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 50 L fill-up | CAD 73.50 |
| Monthly transit pass | CAD 66.90 |
Use these figures to budget Gasoline and other transportation costs without surprises.
Cycling and Alternatives
While Peterborough’s transit pass sits at about CAD 66.90 per month and single rides cost CAD 2.74, cycling often cuts your commuting cost to near zero after a one‑time bike purchase and occasional maintenance.
You’ll find dedicated trails and lanes that make biking practical year‑round for many trips, reducing reliance on fuel (about CAD 1.47/L) or taxis (≈ CAD 13 for 8 km).
If you mix modes, monthly transport typically ranges CAD 55–66 excluding car loan/insurance.
Compare that to driving daily and watch costs rise.
- You feel freedom pedaling along local trails.
- You save steadily as fuel prices climb.
- You avoid parking hassles and fees.
- You get daily exercise without extra gym costs.
- You reduce commuting stress and expense.
Health, Fitness and Personal Care Costs
If you want to stay healthy in Peterborough, expect modest monthly costs for basic fitness and personal care: a standard gym membership typically runs about CAD 28.75 (range CAD 18.99–30.00) to CAD 46.50 depending on the facility, short private doctor visits average roughly CAD 60.60 (some community clinics charge much less), and over‑the‑counter cold remedies cost about CAD 4.83–9.87 per week; common toiletries are inexpensive (e.g., 400 ml shampoo ~CAD 3.60, 4 rolls of toilet paper ~CAD 2.50, box of 32 tampons ~CAD 1.72).
You should budget roughly CAD 40–70 monthly for incidental health and personal care items, excluding insurance or major treatments. Prescription antibiotics bought privately can be costly (a 12‑dose box listed near CAD 131), so factor in provincial drug coverage or student plans to reduce out‑of‑pocket spending. Additionally, regular inspections can catch hose issues early to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning system, which is vital for overall comfort.
For clarity, track monthly receipts for living expenses and goods and services related to health so you can adjust gym choices, clinic use, and over‑the‑counter purchases to stay within your budget.
Education, Childcare and Tuition Expenses
Because education and childcare can be among your largest recurring expenses, you should budget carefully.
Preschool (private, full-day) in Peterborough typically runs about CAD 700/month, though some programs and extended hours push costs toward CAD 1,600.
If you or a family member attends post-secondary, Tuition at Trent University ranges roughly CAD 20,070–33,560 per year; Fleming College is about CAD 15,420–25,870.
On-campus housing with meal plans adds ~CAD 800–1,200/month, which drives monthly totals well above basic living estimates (average single-person monthly cost ~CAD 2,791 includes tuition-related housing).
International students must also plan for application fees, books, supplies and health insurance, which raise both upfront and recurring costs.
- You’ll feel relief with a clear tuition and childcare line-item.
- You’ll worry when private preschool fees spike.
- You’ll gain control by comparing program costs.
- You’ll save by choosing off-campus housing strategically.
- You’ll avoid surprises by budgeting for ancillary student fees.
- Additionally, understanding related costs can help in making informed financial decisions.
Entertainment, Leisure and Miscellaneous Spending
Frequently, you’ll find entertainment and leisure costs are flexible parts of your Peterborough budget and easy places to cut or splurge depending on priorities.
You can expect a cinema ticket (Ticket (Local),cappuccino (Fresh White Bread) to average CAD 11.70–12.00, so two movie nights monthly cost roughly CAD 24–25.
A monthly gym membership runs about CAD 30–47 depending on facilities (some low-cost clubs list CAD 28.75).
If you grab a cappuccino every workday at CAD 3.89–4.89, that adds about CAD 120–150 monthly.
At pubs, a 0.5 L draught domestic beer is CAD 5.50–5.83, so weekly drinks total about CAD 22–24 per month.
Theatre or premium-show tickets can be around CAD 31.50 each.
How Peterborough Compares to Other Cities
While Peterborough isn’t the cheapest place in Canada, you’ll find it noticeably more affordable than major urban centres. You’ll see the advantage in the numbers: the average cost of living for a single person is about CAD 2,791 monthly, placing the city 40th in Canada and in the lower-cost 18% of world cities.
While not the cheapest, Peterborough is noticeably more affordable than major urban centres — about CAD 2,791 monthly.
Apartment in City one‑bedroom rents run CAD 1,537–1,729 downtown, with some datasets showing average rent near CAD 1,279 — roughly 22% below national urban averages. Daily expenses (transit CAD 2.74, cappuccino CAD 3.89–4.89, McMeal CAD 8–15) are lower, and students benefit despite tuition CAD 20,070–33,560.
- You’ll breathe easier on rent bills.
- You’ll keep more of your paycheck each month.
- You’ll enjoy cheaper daily treats.
- You’ll face less financial stress as a student.
- You’ll still access city amenities without big-city costs.
- Additionally, living in Peterborough can reduce financial stress by allowing residents to allocate funds toward savings or leisure rather than exorbitant rent prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Cheap to Live in Peterborough?
Yes — you’ll find Peterborough relatively affordable compared with many Canadian cities; expect average monthly costs around CAD 2,791, rent varying widely, and moderate food and transit prices, so housing choices determine how cheap it feels.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in the UK per Month With Rent?
It’s about £1,200–£2,000 monthly with rent; you’ll pay £550–£1,200 for a one‑bedroom, then add £150–£300 utilities and £400–£800 for food, transport and leisure, so budget accordingly.
What Is the Average Cost of Living per Month in Ontario?
You’ll typically need about CAD 2,500–3,500 monthly in Ontario for a single person, depending on city and lifestyle; this covers rent, utilities, food, transport, and modest discretionary spending. Adjust upward in Toronto.
What Does the Average Cost of Living Include?
It includes rent, utilities, food, transport, internet and mobile, healthcare, insurance, gym and entertainment, plus personal and misc expenses; you’ll use these categories to budget, compare prices, and track monthly spending accurately.
Conclusion
You’ll find Peterborough’s costs brim with practical predictability: rent and utilities anchor your budget, groceries and transport nibble steadily, while childcare or tuition can spike your monthly tally. Like a well-measured recipe, the city mixes affordable suburban breathing room with occasional urban premiums. Use the data here to portion your spending—prioritize housing and essentials, trim discretionary outlays, and you’ll keep your finances balanced as steady as a metronome.
