How Much Are Utilities in Canada?

If you’re immigrating or already living in Canada, understanding utilities and their costs is important for managing your finances comfortably.

Utilities are the everyday services that keep your home running—like electricity, water, and internet—and they are not free; in fact, they can be expensive for some.

On average, monthly utility costs range from $150 to $300 ($186 in Windsor for basic utilities in an 85m² apartment), but this varies depending on your province, home size, and usage habits.

Read on to find out more about types and costs of utilities in Canada, including its providers!

What Is Included in Utilities in Canada?

If you’re curious about the types of utilities in Canada, you’ll find that they are similar to those in many other developed countries around the world:

• Electricity: Powers your lights, appliances, and heating (if electric).
• Water: Covers water usage and sometimes sewage services.
• Gas: Used for heating, cooking, and often water heaters.
• Internet: For browsing, streaming, or working from home.
• Phone: Both landline and cell services.
• Cable TV: Optional, but many households still pay for it.

Sometimes garbage collection fees are also included, but it depends on the city or landlord.

Electricity

Here in Canada we use alternating current (AC) for electricity, with a standard voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60 Hz.

Electrical outlets are Type A (two flat prongs) and Type B (two flat prongs with a grounding pin). These are the same as in the United States, making most North American appliances compatible.

For high-power devices like stoves or dryers, homes may also have 240V outlets. Always check your devices’ compatibility (you might need an adapter), especially if you’re bringing appliances from another country!

Electricity costs in Canada depend on where you live. In Ontario, for example, your electricity or hydro bill will typically range from $100-$150/month for a small apartment. Larger homes can cost $200 or more, especially in winter if used for heating and summer for cooling.

According to energyhub.org, the average total cost of electricity in 2023, based on a monthly consumption of 1,000 kWh, ranges from the cheapest at 7.8¢/kWh in Quebec, 11.4¢/kWh in BC, and 14.1¢/kWh in Ontario, to 41.0¢/kWh in the Northwest Territories. The average residential cost of electricity in Canada is $0.192 per kWh.

Electricity Providers

The main electricity providers in Canada vary by province, as most are provincially regulated. Here are some of the key providers:

• Ontario: Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra Utilities
• Quebec: Hydro-Québec (provincial monopoly)
• British Columbia: BC Hydro
• Alberta: Enmax, EPCOR, ATCO (competitive market with private companies)
• Manitoba: Manitoba Hydro (provincial monopoly)
• Saskatchewan: SaskPower (provincial monopoly)
• Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Power
• New Brunswick: NB Power
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland Power, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
• Prince Edward Island: Maritime Electric
• Yukon: Yukon Energy, ATCO Electric Yukon
• Northwest Territories: Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• Nunavut: Qulliq Energy Corporation

Most provinces rely on large hydroelectric facilities, with some regions also using wind, natural gas, or nuclear energy.

Water

In Canada, water is typically supplied by municipal systems and is safe to drink straight from the tap. Water is metered in most areas, meaning you’re billed based on usage. Some cities also charge for wastewater or sewer services as part of your water bill.

Houses usually have separate water bills, while apartments often include water in rent. Using water-saving fixtures and being mindful of usage can help lower costs.

Water bills are usually affordable, averaging $50-$100/month ($90 in Ontario). In many apartments, water is included in rent, but in houses, you’ll pay it separately. Water rates can vary depending on how much you use.

Water Providers

Water in Canada is typically managed by municipal governments. Major cities typically have their own public utilities that supply water:

• Toronto: Toronto Water
• Vancouver: Metro Vancouver (provides water to the Greater Vancouver area)
• Montreal: Ville de Montréal (public water system)
• Ottawa: City of Ottawa
• Calgary: Calgary Water

Gas

Gas is widely used in Canada for heating, water heaters, and cooking, with natural gas being the most common and typically costing $50-$150/month, depending on location, usage, and season.

In rural areas without natural gas pipelines, propane is a common alternative, stored in tanks and costing $200-$500 per refill, depending on tank size and market rates.

While natural gas is usually cheaper than electricity for heating, propane can be more expensive but is reliable for off-grid homes.

Homes without gas often rely on electric heating, which can significantly increase hydro bills during winter.

Gas Providers

• Ontario: Enbridge Gas, Union Gas (now part of Enbridge Gas)
• Quebec: Gaz Metro (now known as Énergir)
• British Columbia: FortisBC
• Alberta: ATCO Gas, Nova Gas
• Manitoba: Manitoba Hydro
• Saskatchewan: SaskEnergy
• Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Power, Heritage Gas
• New Brunswick: Enbridge Gas New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, FortisEnergy

Internet

High-speed internet typically costs between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the speed and provider. Plans offer various speeds, from 25 Mbps for basic browsing to 1 Gbps or more for heavy use like gaming or 4K streaming. Here in Windsor, I pay around $50 for the 1G plan from Cogeco (2024).

Connection types include DSL (up to 100 Mbps), cable (50 Mbps to 1 Gbps), and fiber (up to 10 Gbps), with fiber being the fastest and most reliable. Satellite and 5G home internet are also options, though availability may vary.

Some plans have data caps, while others offer unlimited data. You can either rent or purchase a modem/router, and fiber or cable connections generally have lower latency, making them ideal for activities like gaming or video calls. Bundling internet with cable or phone services may save money, but it’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs and usage habits.

Internet Providers

• Ontario/Quebec: Bell Canada, Rogers Communications, Videotron (Quebec), Telus (parts of Ontario)
• British Columbia: Telus, Shaw Communications
• Alberta: Shaw Communications, Telus
• Atlantic Canada: Eastlink, Bell Aliant
• Rural Areas: Xplornet, Teksavvy, and other regional providers

Phone (Landline and Cell)

• Landlines: Less common now, but they cost around $10-$50/month.
• Cell phones: Plans can be expensive, averaging $50-$100/month, depending on your data and minutes.

Phone Service Providers

• Rogers Communications: Nationwide coverage
• Bell Mobility: Nationwide coverage
• Telus Mobility: Nationwide coverage
• Freedom Mobile: Available in certain urban areas (cheapest in my area)
• Videotron: Mainly in Quebec
• Fido, Koodo, Virgin Mobile: Sub-brands under Rogers, Telus, and Bell, respectively, offering lower-cost options

Cable TV

Cable TV isn’t as popular as it used to be, thanks to streaming services. But if you still want it, expect to pay $25-$100/month, depending on the package and channels.

Cable TV Providers

• Rogers Communications: Available across Ontario and parts of the country
• Shaw Communications: Available mainly in Western Canada
• Bell TV: Available in Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the Atlantic provinces
• Videotron: Available mainly in Quebec
• Eastlink: Available in Atlantic Canada
• Xplornet: In rural areas, also offers satellite TV options

Are Utilities Included in Rent in Canada?

It depends! In Canada, some rentals include utilities in the rent price, while others don’t. If the listing says “all-inclusive,” it means utilities are covered. If it says “plus utilities”, you’ll pay for them separately.

For example:

• An all-inclusive apartment might cost $1,800/month with utilities included.
• A non-inclusive apartment might cost $1,600/month, but you’ll pay $200-$300 more for utilities.

Always ask the landlord what’s included!

Can I Claim Utilities on My Taxes in Canada?

If you work from home, you might be able to deduct a portion of your utilities on your taxes. For example:

• If your home office is 10% of your house, you could claim 10% of your electricity, internet, and heating costs.
• Keep receipts and check with a tax professional for details.

Unfortunately, if you’re not working from home, utilities aren’t tax-deductible.

What Is Cheaper: Gas or Electricity in Canada?

When deciding between gas and electricity in Canada, the cheaper option often depends on where you live, your home’s energy efficiency, and how much energy you use.

Generally, natural gas is more affordable for heating compared to electricity, especially in provinces like Alberta or Saskatchewan, where gas prices are relatively low.

For instance, in Ontario, natural gas costs only 1.375 cents per kWh equivalent compared to 11.3 cents per kWh for electricity, making it the more affordable option for heating and energy use.

Gas is also commonly used for water heaters and cooking, and its cost per unit of energy (measured in gigajoules or cubic meters) is typically lower than electricity. However, upfront installation costs for gas appliances can be higher, and maintenance may add to the expense over time.

Electricity, while often more expensive per kilowatt-hour, is cleaner and more sustainable in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, where hydroelectric power dominates. It’s also versatile, powering everything from home heating to appliances without the need for separate systems.

With growing incentives for energy-efficient electric appliances and rebates for renewable options like heat pumps, electricity may be more cost-effective in the long run for some households. To choose the cheaper option, compare local rates, consider your energy needs, and factor in potential savings from energy-efficient upgrades.

Is Electricity in Canada the Same as the US?

Not quite! While both use the same voltage (120V), electricity costs in Canada are generally lower due to abundant hydroelectric power. Plus, in Canada, environmental regulations often encourage renewable energy use.

Final Thoughts

Utilities in Canada can add up, so it’s important to budget carefully. Costs vary based on your province, home size, and lifestyle. Ask your landlord what’s included in rent, and look for ways to save, like bundling services or using energy-efficient appliances.

Also, use this bill calculator to compare electricity price plans and evaluate your current electricity or natural gas bill.

With this guide, you’re all set to navigate utilities in Canada like a pro!