Start Living - Quality of Living

From one of the country’s most affordable housing markets to bright, sunny days, we enjoy a rich quality of life. Manitoba’s low cost of living means more time and money to spend with family and friends, or to escape to the cottage (which for most Winnipeggers is less than an hour away). Manitobans truly know how to get the most out of life.

Cost of living

• Live Better for Less in Manitoba, where expenses like housing, food and transportation consistently rank among the most affordable in Canada.
• Annual Personal Costs and Taxes 2008 reveals Manitobans enjoy some of the lowest combined living costs and provincial levies in the country.

Housing costs

• Low Housing Costs means homes in Winnipeg are significantly more affordable than those found in other major Canadian centres.
• Navigate the Realtors.ca map and search engine to find an affordable home for you and your family in your desired Manitoba community.

Climate

• Manitoba’s Climate may surprise you. For example, with up to 16 hours of sunlight every day during summer, less snowfall than Calgary or Toronto, and half as much rain as Montreal - Winnipeg is the perfect place to truly enjoy the great outdoors.

Entertainment

• Manitoba has so many great things to do, places to see and people to meet that some of our most dedicated tourists are those who already live here. From Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District to the multicultural celebration of Folklorama, and Churchill’s Polar Bear Tours, there’s something for everyone. Discover how Manitobans never need to leave the province to go on vacation in our Start Visiting section.

Leisure activities

• Our province is passionate about sport and staying active. From cheering on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football club, to enjoying affordable golf at one of over 125 golf courses, to exploring the Winnipeg Leisure Guide for information on all the recreation opportunities in Winnipeg, we’re always on the move.
• Get out and enjoy the great outdoors, on foot or on two wheels.  Manitoba has a number of urban and rural Bike Trails and Hiking Trails that range from relaxing and scenic, to physically challenging.
• Whether you ski, snowboard, or just enjoy relaxing next to an open fire in the lodge, the Asessippi Ski Area, Holiday Mountain, Stony Mountain Ski Area, and Mystery Mountain Winter Park have what you’re looking for.

Manitoba tax information

• The Education Property Tax Credit Program helps Manitobans offset the property taxes homeowners and tenants pay to support our public school systems.
• The Tuition Fee Income Tax Rebate can help you recover up to 60 per cent of your tuition fees if you graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution anywhere in the world after January 1, 2007, and currently work and pay taxes in Manitoba.
• Personal Income Taxes break down Manitoba’s individual income taxes.

What people are saying

• What do Winnipeggers like about living in Winnipeg? What do they love about their city? The answers from over 4,000 survey respondents to those very questions, and more, are available at MyCityMySay.ca. Source: MyCityMySay.ca
• Some visitors can’t help but talk about Manitoba’s capital. In the case of one Toronto Star columnist, he’s telling a whole lot of people, a whole lot of great things about the city many of us call home. Source: Toronto Star

Manitobans in the news

• Manitoba welcomes immigrant workers looking to start a new life. Source: The Toronto Star
• New Bothwell, MB is proud of their award winning cheese and has big plans for the future. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Brandon, MB company sets it sights on the future in 360 degrees. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Sophie Gaulin chooses Winnipeg over France as the place to call her home. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Provincial Nominee Program a contributing factor in Manitoba’s continuing record breaking population growth. Source: Government of Manitoba
• National Pharmaceutical Firm Consolidating Operations in Steinbach. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Digging for Gold in Snow Lake, Manitoba. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Bio-defence work proves lucrative for Cangene . Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Manitoban honoured as Prairie Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Manitoba’s population still growing strong. Source: CBC
• Manitoban researcher recognized for achievement in HIV/Aids research. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Manitoba business’ doing their part to go green. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Manitoba’s first "green" lease building ensures tenants minimize environmental impact. Source: Winnipeg Sun
• Manitoba high school students recognized by their peers for making a difference. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Canola Biodiesel fuel project has many benefits for the province. Source: The Globe and Mail
• Recognition for Manitobans who are making a difference. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Wall Street & Tony Hawk agree- skate park is top notch. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Winnipeg game developers will design Wii Curling. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• U of M alumni are some of world’s top CEO’s. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Manitoba siblings ready for Canada Games. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Winnipeg’s very own Exchange District gets international recognition. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• More people are choosing to call Manitoba home. Source: Government of Manitoba
• U of M students accept coveted Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Interlake sheep farmers are changing the way people feel about wool. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• When it comes to the top 10 places to live in Canada, Winnipeg& Brandon both made the cut. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• According to one author, hydro-rich Manitoba won’t feel the future pinch from limited global oil reserves. Source: Winnipeg Free Press
• Based on this article, it seems spending time in Manitoba could take you to some very interesting places. Space, anyone? Source: Winnipeg Free Press