2026 Cost of Living · Canada

Cost of Living in Regina, SK

A complete 2026 breakdown of what it actually costs to live in Regina — rent, groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and taxes. With median salaries, cost-comparison tables, and tips for making it work.

Regina at a Glance (2026)

46%
below US avg
$1900
1BR rent (center)
$3040
3BR rent (suburb)
$205
Monthly groceries
$95
Monthly transit
$97
Utilities/month

Detailed Cost Breakdown (2026)

Housing

Rent is the single biggest expense in Regina. Here's what to expect:

Housing TypeMonthly Cost
Studio (city center)$1425
1-bedroom (city center)$1900
1-bedroom (outside center)$1482
3-bedroom (city center)$3515
3-bedroom (outside center)$3040

Rent in Regina is below compared to the US national average. The most affordable neighborhoods tend to be the outer suburbs, with the city center commanding a premium.

Groceries

A single adult in Regina typically spends $205/month on groceries. A family of four: $574/month. The biggest variables are:

Transportation

Public transit: $95/month for a pass. Gas (if you drive): $3.50-$4.50/gallon. Average commute: 27 minutes. Many Regina residents use a combination of transit + biking + occasional car-share.

Utilities

Average utilities (electric, gas, water, internet) for a 1-bedroom apartment: $97/month. Internet alone: $60-100/month. Cell phone: $50-80/month.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Canada costs vary significantly. In the US, a single adult typically pays $300-600/month for health insurance (with employer contribution), plus $30-50 copays. In Canada, healthcare is publicly funded, but private plans for dental/vision cost $50-150/month.

Childcare

Full-time daycare in Regina: $800-$1,500/month per child. This is often the second-largest expense for families. Many Canada provinces offer subsidized daycare at $10-15/day (significantly less than market rate).

What Salary Do You Need?

The 3x rent rule is a common baseline. For Regina:

Annual Pre-Tax SalaryComfort Level
Under 39,900Tight — covers basics
59,850 - 79,800Comfortable single
79,800 - 119,700Comfortable family of 4
119,700+Comfortable + savings

Cost Comparison: Regina vs Other Major Cities

CityCost Index (US avg = 100)
New York, NY187
San Francisco, CA178
Regina54
Chicago, IL124
Austin, TX130
Phoenix, AZ117
Houston, TX118

Tips for Living in Regina on a Budget

  1. Live just outside the city center. You can save 30-40% on rent by living in a neighboring suburb that's a 20-min transit ride from the action.
  2. Use free activities. Regina parks, libraries, museums, and trails are free or low-cost. The "free" entertainment can offset a higher cost of living.
  3. Buy groceries in bulk. Costco or Sam's Club memberships pay for themselves if you're buying for a family.
  4. Use public transit if available. A monthly pass is much cheaper than car payments + insurance + gas + parking.
  5. Negotiate your salary. Use our Am I Underpaid? tool to see if you're being paid market rate for your role in Regina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Regina expensive?

Regina is 46% below the US national average cost of living. Rent is the biggest factor. For a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center, expect to pay around $1900/month. For a 3-bedroom outside the center, around $3040/month.

What salary do I need to live in Regina?

A common rule is the 3x rent rule. For Regina, with median rent around $1900, you need a pre-tax salary of around $79800 to live comfortably. This is roughly the 32% percentile of household incomes in SK.

Is Regina a good place to live?

Regina offers good value relative to major metros. Cost of living is below the national average. The city's economy is driven by manufacturing and healthcare, and the job market is stable.

⚠️ Estimate only. Cost data based on 2026 averages from Numbeo, BestPlaces, and local sources. Your actual costs may vary by lifestyle, neighborhood, and personal situation. Full disclaimer.