Complete Guide: Cost of Living and RN Salary Comparison by Province in Canada 2025
When planning to work as a registered nurse in Canada, understanding the balance between earnings and expenses is essential. Nurses often ask which province offers the best opportunities, not just in terms of pay, but also in affordability and quality of life.
This is where an RN Salary Comparison by Province in Canada becomes very important. A high salary does not always mean higher savings if the cost of housing, transportation, healthcare, and everyday expenses is also higher.
In 2025, the nursing profession in Canada continues to be one of the most in-demand healthcare careers, with each province offering different wage scales, tax systems, and living standards. For example, while Alberta and British Columbia may provide some of the highest hourly wages for registered nurses, their cost of living—especially in major cities like Calgary or Vancouver—can significantly reduce take-home income. On the other hand, provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Nova Scotia may offer slightly lower salaries but a much more affordable lifestyle, giving nurses greater financial stability and work-life balance.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of RN salaries across Canadian provinces in 2025, comparing them with regional costs of living so nurses can make informed decisions about where to live and work. Whether you are a foreign-trained nurse considering immigration, or a locally trained RN exploring job mobility within Canada, this analysis will help you weigh financial benefits against daily expenses. From housing costs in Ontario to healthcare affordability in Quebec, and from rural nursing incentives in the Prairies to urban job opportunities in Toronto and Vancouver, you will gain a clear picture of what each province offers.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which provinces strike the best balance between income potential and affordability, enabling you to plan your nursing career in Canada more effectively in 2025.
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RN Salary Comparison by Province in Canada 2025
Registered nurses in Canada are typically paid on an hourly basis, with rates varying by province, union agreements, years of experience, and specialization. Below is an overview of average RN salaries in 2025 by province.
These figures are estimates based on current healthcare pay scales and projected updates for 2025.
| Province/Territory | Average Hourly Wage (CAD) | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $45 – $51 | $85,000 – $96,000 | Among the highest salaries, but housing in Calgary/Edmonton is costly. |
| British Columbia (BC) | $42 – $49 | $80,000 – $92,000 | High wages, but cost of living in Vancouver is one of the highest in Canada. |
| Ontario | $41 – $48 | $78,000 – $90,000 | Large job market with opportunities in urban and rural areas. Housing in Toronto is expensive. |
| Quebec | $37 – $43 | $70,000 – $82,000 | Lower salaries compared to western provinces, but lower rent and food costs. |
| Manitoba | $38 – $44 | $72,000 – $84,000 | Balanced salary with moderate cost of living, especially outside Winnipeg. |
| Saskatchewan | $39 – $45 | $74,000 – $86,000 | Affordable living, with additional rural incentives for nurses. |
| Nova Scotia | $37 – $42 | $70,000 – $80,000 | Growing demand for nurses; housing more affordable than Ontario/BC. |
| New Brunswick | $36 – $41 | $68,000 – $78,000 | Lower wages, but cost of living is among the lowest in Canada. |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI) | $36 – $40 | $68,000 – $76,000 | Smaller job market, but affordable lifestyle. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $37 – $42 | $70,000 – $80,000 | Salaries stable, with government programs to attract nurses to rural areas. |
| Territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) | $48 – $60 | $90,000 – $115,000 | Highest wages in Canada, but living costs (housing, food, transportation) are significantly higher. |
Key Insight: While Alberta, BC, and the Territories pay the highest RN wages, their high costs of living often balance out the benefits. Provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia may offer better overall savings despite slightly lower pay.
Cost of Living Comparison by Province in Canada 2025
While salaries are important, the real measure of financial comfort for registered nurses is how far those earnings stretch.
The cost of living varies widely across Canada, with housing, transportation, food, and taxes being the biggest factors. Below is a provincial breakdown for 2025:
| Province/Territory | Average Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom, CAD) | Monthly Transportation (CAD) | Food & Groceries (CAD) | Overall Cost of Living Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $1,400 – $1,800 | $110 – $140 | $350 – $500 | Salaries are high, but housing in Calgary/Edmonton is rising quickly. |
| British Columbia (BC) | $1,800 – $2,400 | $120 – $150 | $400 – $550 | Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. |
| Ontario | $1,700 – $2,300 | $120 – $160 | $380 – $520 | Toronto and Ottawa are costly, but rural towns offer relief. |
| Quebec | $1,100 – $1,600 | $90 – $120 | $320 – $450 | Montreal is affordable compared to Toronto/Vancouver. |
| Manitoba | $1,000 – $1,400 | $90 – $120 | $300 – $420 | Affordable housing and utilities; salaries balance well. |
| Saskatchewan | $950 – $1,300 | $90 – $120 | $310 – $430 | Low housing costs, strong value for money. |
| Nova Scotia | $1,200 – $1,600 | $95 – $125 | $330 – $450 | Halifax growing in cost, but still cheaper than Ontario/BC. |
| New Brunswick | $900 – $1,200 | $85 – $110 | $300 – $420 | Among the lowest living costs in Canada. |
| Prince Edward Island | $950 – $1,300 | $85 – $110 | $310 – $430 | Very affordable lifestyle; limited job opportunities. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $950 – $1,300 | $90 – $120 | $320 – $440 | Affordable overall, but salaries slightly lower. |
| Territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) | $2,200 – $3,000 | $150 – $220 | $500 – $750 | Wages are high, but food, utilities, and rent are extremely expensive. |
Key Insight:
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Most expensive provinces: British Columbia and Ontario.
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Most affordable provinces: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
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Highest wages but highest costs: Northern Territories.
For nurses planning to immigrate, the balance between salary and living costs should guide where you choose to work.
Best Provinces for Nurses in 2025: Balancing Salary and Cost of Living
Choosing where to work as a nurse in Canada should not be based on salary alone. The real value comes from comparing wages against the cost of living.
After analyzing average RN salaries and typical living expenses across provinces, here are the top provinces for nurses in 2025:
1. Saskatchewan
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Why: Offers competitive RN salaries ($74,000 – $86,000 annually) with some of the lowest housing and utility costs in Canada.
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Extra Perk: Rural nursing incentives can further increase income.
2. Manitoba
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Why: Salaries are stable ($72,000 – $84,000), and the cost of living in cities like Winnipeg is far below Toronto or Vancouver.
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Extra Perk: Family-friendly with affordable healthcare and schooling.
3. Nova Scotia
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Why: Strong demand for nurses, affordable rent, and steady wages ($70,000 – $80,000).
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Extra Perk: Government actively recruits internationally educated nurses with streamlined immigration pathways.
4. Alberta
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Why: Among the highest paying provinces ($85,000 – $96,000 annually).
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Challenge: Housing costs in major cities are climbing, reducing overall savings potential.
5. New Brunswick
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Why: Salaries are modest ($68,000 – $78,000), but the cost of living is one of the lowest in the country.
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Extra Perk: A good option for nurses who value affordability and quieter communities.
6. Ontario
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Why: Large job market, wide career opportunities, and strong wages ($78,000 – $90,000).
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Challenge: High housing costs in Toronto significantly reduce take-home pay.
7. British Columbia
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Why: High wages ($80,000 – $92,000) and strong career opportunities.
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Challenge: Vancouver and Victoria have extremely high living costs, limiting savings.
8. Quebec
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Why: Lower wages compared to western provinces but affordable living in Montreal and Quebec City.
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Challenge: Language barrier for non-French speakers.
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Why: Highest salaries in Canada ($90,000 – $115,000).
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Challenge: Extremely high cost of living and harsh climate offset income benefits.
Key Takeaway:
For nurses seeking the best balance of earnings and lifestyle in 2025, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia stand out as top choices. They combine fair wages with affordability, making them especially attractive for internationally educated nurses starting fresh in Canada.
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Tips for Nurses Choosing a Province in Canada
While salary and cost of living are key factors, nurses planning to work in Canada should also consider lifestyle, licensing requirements, job demand, and available settlement support. Here are some important tips to guide your decision:
1. Check Licensing Requirements
Each province has its own nursing regulatory body (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in British Columbia). After completing your NNAS credential assessment, you must apply to the provincial body to obtain a license. Some provinces may require additional courses, exams, or bridging programs.
2. Evaluate Job Demand
Nursing shortages vary by region. For example:
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Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI): Strong demand due to aging populations.
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Western provinces (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta): High demand in rural and northern areas, with incentives for relocation.
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Ontario and BC: Many opportunities in urban centers, but competition can be tougher.
3. Consider Language Requirements
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Quebec primarily requires French proficiency for healthcare roles.
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Other provinces require English (with proof via IELTS Academic or CELBAN).
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If you’re not comfortable with French, Quebec may not be the best option.
4. Factor in Lifestyle and Climate
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Western provinces (Alberta, BC) offer mountain landscapes and outdoor lifestyles.
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The Prairies (Saskatchewan, Manitoba) provide affordable living and family-friendly communities.
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Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick) offer coastal living and a slower pace of life.
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Northern Territories offer adventure and high pay but come with extreme weather and isolation.
5. Look for Settlement Support
Some provinces actively support internationally educated nurses with immigration pathways and orientation programs. For example:
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Nova Scotia has streamlined recruitment programs for foreign nurses.
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Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer support for families, making them attractive for long-term settlement.
6. Balance Career Growth with Quality of Life
High wages in expensive cities may not guarantee financial freedom. Sometimes, a slightly lower salary in an affordable province can provide better long-term savings, stability, and work-life balance.
Tip in Action:
Before deciding, create a simple budget comparing your expected RN salary with estimated monthly expenses in your chosen province. This will give you a realistic view of your financial future in Canada.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice as a Nurse in Canada
Deciding where to work as a registered nurse in Canada involves more than just looking at salaries. A proper RN Salary Comparison by Province in Canada helps you understand the earning potential across regions, but pairing this with cost of living, job demand, and lifestyle considerations will give you a complete picture.
For internationally educated nurses, choosing the right province can determine not only your financial stability but also your professional growth and family life. Provinces like Alberta and Ontario may offer higher pay, but smaller provinces such as Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan often provide affordable living, career incentives, and supportive immigration pathways.
The key is to balance income, expenses, and quality of life. A nurse in a moderately paying province with affordable housing may save more than one in a high-paying but expensive city. Additionally, understanding licensing requirements, language needs, and local support programs will help you settle more smoothly and succeed in your nursing career.
Whether you are preparing for credential assessment, IELTS, NCLEX, or exploring immigration programs, researching thoroughly before making your move will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. With the right preparation, Canada offers nurses not only rewarding salaries but also a fulfilling career and a stable future.
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Resources for RN Salary & Cost of Living in Canada
To make informed decisions, nurses planning to work in Canada should rely on verified, up-to-date information. Below are some trusted resources to guide you further:
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Government of Canada – Job Bank
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages
(Official wage data for registered nurses across Canadian provinces and territories.) -
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
https://www.cna-aiic.ca
(Professional nursing organization providing resources on licensing, workforce trends, and advocacy.) -
Statistics Canada – Cost of Living Index
https://www.statcan.gc.ca
(National statistics portal with data on housing, transportation, healthcare, and consumer prices.) -
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
https://www.cihi.ca
(Reports on healthcare workforce, nurse salaries, and regional demand.) -
Provincial Nursing Regulatory Bodies
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College of Nurses of Ontario: https://www.cno.org
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British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives: https://www.bccnm.ca
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College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta: https://www.nurses.ab.ca
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Numbeo Cost of Living Database
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
(User-generated data comparing living expenses across Canadian cities and provinces.)
These resources provide reliable salary information, licensing requirements, and living cost comparisons, helping nurses choose the best province to live and work in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As of 2025, Alberta and British Columbia continue to offer some of the highest RN wages in Canada. However, the cost of living in major cities like Calgary and Vancouver can reduce the overall savings potential.
Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba have supportive programs for IENs, offering faster licensing pathways, bridging programs, and nursing shortages that create more job opportunities.
On average, RNs in Ontario earn between $36 – $49 per hour depending on experience, workplace, and location. Nurses in major urban hospitals may earn slightly more due to demand.
Yes. Despite variations in salary and living costs, registered nurses in Canada generally earn competitive wages, enjoy strong job security, and have access to healthcare and retirement benefits.
On average, a single nurse may spend between CAD $2,000 – $3,500 per month, depending on province and lifestyle. Housing and transportation remain the largest expenses, especially in big cities.
Yes. While rural provinces like Saskatchewan or Manitoba may offer slightly lower wages, their affordable housing and lower living costs often allow nurses to save more compared to expensive cities.
Most hospitals and clinics follow union agreements, so salaries are standardized. However, nurses with advanced experience, specialties, or working in remote areas may have opportunities for higher pay and incentives.
