Skyline of Saskatoon
Cost of Living: 102 266,000

Saskatoon, Canada

The largest city in Saskatchewan, a prairie hub on the South Saskatchewan River known for its university, mining research, and vibrant arts scene.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 102

Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)

Housing Index 88

Affordable

Median Income C$60,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.3%

Job market health

Saskatoon vs Canada Average

Cost of Living
Saskatoon: 102
Canada Avg: 100
Housing Index
Saskatoon: 88
Canada Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Saskatoon: 10.5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 10.5%
  • Sales Tax: 11.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: C$60,000
  • Unemployment: 5.3%
  • Population: 266,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 225/year
  • Summer High: 77°F
  • Winter Low: -3°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4a

Housing

  • Median Home: C$400,000
  • 1BR Rent: C$1300/mo

Cost of Living

Saskatoon's cost of living index is 102 (Canada average = 100).

CategorySaskatoonNational AverageDifference
Overall102100+2.0%
Housing88100-12.0%

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceC$400,000
Median Rent (1BR)C$1300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)C$1,625/mo
Price per Sq FtC$266

Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

C$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
C$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Saskatoon:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityC$165
Heating & CoolingC$104Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterC$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)C$65Broadband average
Garbage / TrashC$35Private service
Total UtilitiesC$424Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC

Remote Work Score

Saskatoon scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
102
Rent
C$1300
Sunny Days
225
Tax
10.5%
Unemployment
5.3%
Climate
77°F / -3°F
Safety
2.1 homicides/100k
Population
266,000
Internet Speed
180 Mbps

Climate

Saskatoon has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January17°F-3°F2.5"
April62°F12°F2.8"
July77°F52°F1.5"
October57°F15°F2.2"
USDA Zone 4a

Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials

Natural Hazards

Saskatoon faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Wildfire High Risk

Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.

Avalanche High Risk

Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Pacific coast with tsunami risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 10.5%
  • Sales Tax: 11%
  • Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-June)
Summer Break Late June to September (10 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March (1 week)

Winter break in February (1 week).

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Saskatoon, Canada?

The cost of living index in Saskatoon is 102, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Saskatoon?

The median home price in Saskatoon is C$400,000. The housing index is 88.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Saskatoon is approximately C$1300/mo.

Does Saskatoon, SK have income tax?

Saskatoon is in SK, which has an income tax rate of 10.5%.

What is the climate like in Saskatoon?

Saskatoon enjoys approximately 225 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 77°F, while winter lows can drop to around -3°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
  • Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
  • Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.