Key takeaways
- A single adult renting a one-bedroom in Toronto should plan for about $16,000 for the first 90 days, including a 10% buffer
- Rent is the largest cost; deposits depend on the province (none allowed in Quebec, up to half a month in B.C.)
- One-time setup costs (furniture, basics, winter clothes) can add $2,000 to $6,000
- Add a buffer: your first paycheque can take 4 to 8 weeks
What the first 90 days really cost
Newcomers often plan for one month of rent and are surprised by everything else. In the first three months you usually pay:
- Temporary housing while you look for a place
- First month’s rent and a deposit, then two more months of rent before your income is steady
- Furniture and household basics: a bed, a table, kitchen items, bedding
- Winter clothing if you arrive between October and March
- Monthly costs: groceries, transit, phone, internet, utilities and tenant insurance
This is different from the monthly budget, which only covers repeating costs. For that, use the newcomer budget calculator.
How the calculator works
- Rent: 3 months, using SettleCanada’s city averages (from the Rentals.ca/Urbanation report, July–August 2026) unless you enter your own.
- Deposit: by province. Ontario allows a deposit for your last month’s rent (up to one month). B.C. caps the security deposit at half a month. Alberta allows up to one month. Quebec landlords cannot ask for a security deposit. For other cities we assume one month.
- Transit: one adult monthly pass or fare cap per adult for 3 months (2026 fares: Toronto $155.10 cap, Vancouver $117, Calgary $126, Montreal $110, Ottawa $138.50). Children often ride free.
- Groceries: $450 per adult and $250 per child per month (our estimate).
- Utilities, internet, insurance: $150 + $75 + $30 per month (our estimate).
- Furniture: used basics $1,200 (1 bedroom) or $1,800 (2 bedrooms); new basics $3,000 or $4,500 (our estimates).
- Basics: $400 plus $100 per person for kitchen items and bedding.
- Winter clothing: $400 per adult and $250 per child (our estimate).
Worked example: one adult in Toronto
One adult, one-bedroom, 7 nights at $120, a $50 phone plan, used furniture, winter clothing and a 10% buffer:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Temporary stay (7 × $120) | $840 |
| Rent (3 × $2,300) | $6,900 |
| Last month’s rent deposit | $2,300 |
| Utilities, internet, insurance (3 × $255) | $765 |
| Groceries (3 × $450) | $1,350 |
| Transit (3 × $155.10) | $465 |
| Phone (3 × $50) | $150 |
| Used furniture | $1,200 |
| Kitchen, bedding, basics | $500 |
| Winter clothing | $400 |
| 10% buffer | $1,487 |
| Total | $16,357 |
After setup, the regular monthly cost is about $3,210. The last month’s rent deposit is not lost: it pays your final month when you move out.
How cities compare
With the same settings as the example (one adult, one-bedroom, used furniture, winter clothing, 10% buffer), the calculator gives roughly:
- Toronto: about $16,400
- Vancouver: about $15,400 (the highest rent, but the deposit is capped at half a month)
- Ottawa: about $14,900
- Calgary: about $13,000
- Montreal: about $11,800 (no deposit allowed)
Rent is the biggest difference between cities. If you are still choosing where to live, compare with the best city for me quiz.
How to lower your setup costs
- Get free or cheap furniture through Buy Nothing groups, settlement agencies and second-hand stores.
- Look for a place with utilities included.
- Use a low-cost phone brand. See cheapest phone plans.
- Buy winter clothes in Canada, second-hand or on sale. See the winter clothing budget calculator.
- Use free supports like libraries and food banks if money is tight. See free and discounted things.
If you are immigrating through Express Entry, your proof of funds is a legal minimum, not a full budget. Plan with the higher number from this calculator.
Common questions
How much money do I need for my first 3 months in Canada?
It depends on your city and family. A single adult in Toronto renting a one-bedroom should plan for about $15,000 to $16,500 including a safety buffer. Calgary and Montreal cost less. Vancouver is close to Toronto: rent is higher, but the deposit is smaller.
Do I get my rent deposit back?
In Ontario, the deposit pays your last month of rent. In B.C. and Alberta, the security deposit is returned with any interest owed when you move out, minus damage costs. Quebec landlords cannot ask for one.
Why include a buffer?
Your first paycheque often comes 4 to 8 weeks after you start looking for work, and prices can be higher than averages. A buffer of 10% or more protects you from surprises.
Are these costs official figures?
Rent comes from a national rent report and transit from 2026 official fares. Groceries, utilities, furniture and clothing are our own estimates for a modest household. Adjust them to your plans.