Cost of Living

Affordability is a core component of the Winnipeg advantage. Our competitive tax rates, low utility costs, and affordable housing means that Winnipeggers enjoy more disposable income, compared to other major cities across Canada.

Housing

Winnipeg real estate is affordable, with the housing market mirroring the city's stable and diverse economy. With house prices costing $330,000 less than the Canadian average in 2024, it's easy to see why we love our hometown so much.

June 2024 MLS average house price in Canada: $696,179 (CERA).
June 2024 MLS average house price in Winnipeg: $362,700 (CERA).
RE/MAX 2024 Housing Market Outlook average residential house price in Winnipeg: $402,956

Rental properties allow for short-term flexible living options, with available properties across the city. The rental vacancy rate in Winnipeg is currently 1.8% with an average two-bedroom apartment rent of $1,427 (CMHC Rental Market Report – January 2024)

Sales Tax

The Government of Canada has a goods and services tax (GST), whereby individuals, businesses and other entities pay five per cent on most goods and services procured. In Manitoba, a seven per cent provincial sales tax (PST) is also levied on most goods and certain services. Both the GST and PST are calculated against the gross product price.

Most businesses, including manufacturers and processors, qualify for full input tax credits on the amount of GST paid on purchases made for business purposes where the firm is not the final consumer.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are calculated in Winnipeg by applying municipal and school mill rates against the portioned assessment of an individual’s property. For calculating taxes, one mill represents one dollar of taxes for every $1,000 of portioned assessment. One mill is equivalent to 0.1% property tax rate.

Municipal mill rates are set by the City of Winnipeg, while the provincial government will establish a Provincial Education mill rate, and school divisions setting a final mill rate.

Click here to search Winnipeg business assessment rates by specific address.

Some Winnipeg neighbourhoods fall into Business Improvement Zones.

There are currently 16 BIZ Zones in Winnipeg, whose mandate is to attract new business and economic development to the area, as well as lobby on behalf of their member organizations. If applicable, a business improvement zone (BIZ) levy is also applied against the annual rental value.

Gross Tax Rate Calculation Example

Portioned Assessment x	1,000 (Municipal Mill Rate)	= Municipal Taxes
Portioned Assessment x	1,000 (Provincial Education Mill Rate)	+ = Provincial Education Taxes
Portioned Assessment x	1,000 (School Division Mill Rate)	+ = School Division Taxes
		+ Local Improvements
		= Total Current Taxes (Gross)

Business Tax Rates

Business taxes are calculated by applying a tax levy rate against the Annual Rental Value (ARV).

Annual Rental Value x Business Tax Rate (Set by City Council) = Gross Business Tax

The ARV is the estimated rent per square foot for the floorspace of a business, and is different from actual rental rates. The ARV includes the estimated cost of providing heat and other necessary services for occupancy comfort.

The business tax rate in Winnipeg in 2024 is 4.84 per cent. This rate is set annually by City Council.

A Small Business Tax Credit (SBTC) exists for businesses with an ARV of $47,500 or less. Qualifying businesses will receive a tax credit equal to their full business taxes. This credit does not include BIZ Zone levies.

Hydro & Natural Gas

Manitoba Hydro is a Crown corporation and the province's major energy provider. From its head office in downtown Winnipeg, the utility company provides among the lowest-cost business and residential electricity rates in Canada.

Manitoba Hydro also has a program dedicated to energy conservation for residents and businesses. Efficiency Manitoba is a demand-side management initiative that offers incentives and options for increasing energy efficiency.

Water & Waste

Winnipeg enjoys an abundant and cost-effective supply of some of the purest water found in North America.

Water and waste services are provided by the City of Winnipeg’s Water and Waste Department. This department consists of three distinct utilities: water, wastewater and solid waste disposal. In addition, the department provides tax-supported services for land drainage, flood control and solid waste collection.

The City of Winnipeg’s only waste disposal site—the Brady Road Landfill—is expected to have an operational lifespan of 100 years.

Health Care

A longtime top priority for Manitoba, Winnipeggers are passionate about maintaining a world-class, universal health-care system that provides timely and quality access to services for all those who need it.

Canada's universal health-care system is among the best and lowest cost of all industrialized countries. Lower medical insurance premiums are a major reason for this distinct Canadian advantage.