Moving out on your own is one of the biggest financial and emotional milestones in adult life.
Whether you’re leaving your parents’ home, relocating for work, or simply craving independence, it’s a move that comes with both excitement and fear. The reality is that moving out isn’t just about being able to afford rent; there are numerous details to organize, and many hidden costs that can add up quickly.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs of moving out in Canada, from one-time expenses to ongoing monthly commitments, and share some tips to help you prepare, budget, and save smartly.
Key Points
- Moving costs in Canada can range from $1,200 for a local move to over $7,000 for a long-distance relocation, depending on distance, services used, and household size.
- A realistic budget for one-time costs should include deposits, movers, and furniture.
- Experts recommend saving at least three months’ worth of essential living expenses to avoid financial strain after moving out.
- You can lower moving expenses by relocating off-season, sharing costs with roommates, and using DIY moving options.
How Much Money Do You Need to Move Out In Canada?
The total cost of moving out in Canada depends heavily on your situation. The distance you’re moving, the size of your household, and whether you hire professional movers all play a role in determining how much you’ll need to spend.
If you’re moving locally (i.e. within the same city), a do-it-yourself approach can be relatively affordable. But if you’re relocating across the province, or across the country, your costs will inevitably increase.
Local Vs. Long-Distance Moves
Local moves typically cost between $1,200 and $1,600. This estimate assumes a modest home and a few hours of professional help.
A long-distance move, such as relocating from Ontario to Alberta, can range anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the weight of your items, fuel, and labour.
If you’re on a tight budget, renting your own truck might be cheaper. Rental trucks can start at around $20 to $35 per day, plus mileage charges. Just remember to factor in packing supplies, fuel, and car insurance.
| Example Budget: Let’s say you’re moving into a one-bedroom apartment within your city. – Truck rental: $300 (plus gas) – Packing supplies: $100 – Internet and utility setup: $150 – First month’s rent and deposit: $3,000 (approximate) – Basic furniture: $1,200 If you’re moving long-distance, plan for double or triple that — anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on where you’re headed and how much stuff you need to move with you. |
How To Create A Moving Budget
Moving out successfully starts long before moving day. A clear, detailed moving budget helps you understand what you can afford, prevents last-minute surprises, and ensures you don’t overextend your finances when starting out on your own.
Calculate Your One-Time Costs
List every upfront expense you’ll need to pay before or during the move.
This includes first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, moving truck or movers, and any furniture or household essentials. Don’t forget smaller charges, like packing supplies or takeout meals during the move.
| Rule Of Thumb: Budget at least 20% more than your first estimate for unexpected costs such as extra gas, parking tickets, etc. |
Estimate Your Monthly Living Costs
Once you’ve moved, you’ll have recurring bills that are easy to underestimate. Ahead of time, try to estimate your expected monthly costs for:
- Rent
- Utilities (hydro, gas, internet, mobile phone)
- Groceries and household supplies
- Transportation (public transit or car expenses)
- Insurance (renter’s, auto, health, or life)
- Personal expenses and entertainment
50/30/20 Budgeting Rule
Try using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule as a starting point: 50% of your income for essentials (rent, food, transportation), 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings or debt payments.
Even if your budget doesn’t fit into that frame, it can help you see if your new living arrangement is truly affordable.
Build An Emergency Cushion
Your move shouldn’t leave you with an empty bank account.
Ideally, you’ll be in a position to save at least three months of essential expenses before moving out. This emergency fund covers job loss, illness, or unexpected costs like car repairs or medical bills.
Try to save at least three months’ worth of living expenses before you move out. Even a smaller cushion, like one month’s expenses, can make a huge difference if you’re faced with unexpected costs.
Track And Adjust Your Spending
Once your move is complete, keep monitoring your spending for the first few months. Moving often comes with extra costs that appear later, like buying storage bins, adding or replacing small appliances, or replacing something broken during the move.
You can use a budgeting app to help track expenses in real time, and that should allow you to notice any gaps in your budget where money could be saved.
Start Saving For The Future
Finally, once you’re settled, keep your savings habit going.
Set up an automatic transfer to a high-interest savings account each month — even $50 per week adds up. Having a regular savings routine helps you cover future moves, travel, or emergencies without needing to rely on high-interest credit cards or loans.
A thoughtful moving budget doesn’t just help you move; it will lay the groundwork for long-term financial stability in your new home.
Other Moving Costs To Consider
Besides the more obvious expenses associated with moving, don’t forget about the following costs that you’ll need to cover:
First Month’s Rent & Security Deposit
Before you move into your new place, most landlords will ask for your first month’s rent and a security deposit — sometimes even your last month’s rent in advance, too. The average Canadian rent is currently around $2,123, according to a recent report from Rentals.ca.
In big cities like Vancouver or Toronto, expect to pay closer to $2,500 to $3,000 for a one-bedroom. Having at least two months’ worth of rent saved ensures you can move without immediate financial stress.
Furniture And Essentials
Moving out for the first time often means buying the basics — bed, couch, dining table, kitchenware, towels, and cleaning supplies. Even at the low end, you’re likely to spend $1,000 to $2,000 setting up.
To cut costs, look for used furniture on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or through local “Buy Nothing” groups, where you might get lucky and find some furniture being given away for free.
Other Fees And Hidden Costs
Be prepared for the extra setup costs that accompany a new home:
- Utility connection or activation fees (internet, hydro, heat)
- Renters’ insurance (often required)
- Parking or pet deposits
- Elevator reservation fees in condos or high-rises
- Laundry or coin-op machine costs
Average Moving Costs By Province And City
Moving costs also depend heavily on where you live. Labour, truck rental rates, and even fuel prices vary across provinces:
| Ontario | Local moves range anywhere from $250 to $4,000, while longer moves within or out of the province range from $2,500 to $12,000. |
| Manitoba | Moves within the province usually cost $937 to $2,678, depending on distance and size. |
| Alberta | Two movers and a truck can cost $139 to $150 per hour in Calgary or Edmonton. |
| British Columbia | Hourly rates for moves within Vancouver can range from $600 to $5,000, depending on the size of the move. |
| Quebec | Local moves in Montreal often range from $1,000 to $3,000. |
To put this into perspective, moving out into a local one-bedroom move in Winnipeg might cost $1,200, whereas moving from Toronto to Calgary could easily surpass $5,000. If you’re hiring full-service movers, always get multiple quotes and confirm whether prices include packing, fuel, or insurance.
Tips To Lower Your Costs
To keep your moving costs to a minimum, consider these tips:
Use Tax Credits And Discounts
You may be able to claim certain moving expenses on your taxes if you move for work, school, or business reasons. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows you to deduct eligible costs, such as truck rentals, storage, and travel.
Students should also check for relocation grants or discounted moving services through their schools.
Splitting rent and utilities can save you a lot of money per month. If your one-bedroom budget doesn’t stretch far enough, consider renting a two-bedroom with a friend or roommate and dividing those expenses.
Move Off-Season
You might want to try to avoid moving in the summer when rates peak. Moving during winter or mid-week can save you 10 to 20% on professional moving costs.
Do It Yourself
Enlisting friends and renting a small van or truck can be much cheaper than hiring professional movers. Just be sure to plan ahead for lifting help and fuel.
Extra Tips For Moving Out
There are several more ways to keep your move affordable without sacrificing comfort or safety.
- Declutter Before Packing: The fewer items you bring, the less you’ll pay in moving and storage fees. Sell unused items for extra cash.
- Collect Free Packing Supplies: Grocery and liquor stores often give away boxes; old towels can replace bubble wrap.
- Use Cashback & Rewards: Some credit cards offer points or cashback on home and moving purchases, helping offset expenses.
- Negotiate Where Possible: Ask your landlord to include utilities or parking in rent, or see if movers can match a competitor’s quote.
- Track Everything: Use a budgeting app to help you get into the habit of tracking expenses as they occur, to help you avoid surprises later on.
- Create a Detailed Moving Checklist: To help stay on track with things like packing, truck rentals, and utility setups, always rely on a clear checklist.
- Use Reputable Sites: When searching for apartments, it’s important to stick to trusted sites like Rentals.ca, Zumper, or Facebook Marketplace — but even then you’ll want to watch out for scams. Never send deposits or rent before seeing the unit and signing a verified lease.
Small steps like these can shave hundreds off your total bill and make your move less stressful overall.
Where Can You Find A Cheap Apartment?
When it comes to searching for a new home, you want to be sure you’re using reliable websites. Depending on the platform you use, it may offer filters for rent price range, location, pet-friendly options, and amenities to help you find a unit that fits your needs and budget.
Find Cheap Apartments For Rent Across Canada
Final Thoughts
Moving out isn’t just about covering rent — it means setting yourself up for financial stability in a new chapter of your life. By budgeting for one-time expenses, anticipating monthly costs, and preparing an emergency fund, you can make the transition smoother and more secure.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, careful planning is the best investment you can make to ease one of life’s biggest transitions.
