As the biggest city in the world-renowned Canadian Prairies, Winnipeg is often fondly referred to as the Heart of the North American Continent.
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Winnipeg’s lengthy winter means that the city of nearly a million people is also home to the slightly less-charming tag of Winterpeg.
However, in spite of the harsh winters that residents have to endure, their spirit and hospitality remain strong.
This warm reputation is one of the major reasons why a rising number of newcomers to Canada have chosen to take Winnipeg as their Canadian home.
Let’s tell you more about living in Winnipeg, the heart of Canada.
Where is Winnipeg, Manitoba?
Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba. The city is situated towards the eastern end of the Canadian Prairies.
As far as Canadian cities go, Winnipeg is about as median as it gets, and the city is planted at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine rivers.
Population and immigrant communities in Winnipeg
As regards employment, recently Winnipeg was rated the third-fastest growing economy among all major cities in Canada and is also considered as one of the most diversified across the country.
However, that’s not the only thing enticing newcomers to the heart of the Canadian Prairies.
Winnipeg has been a magnet for immigrants to Canada for many years. The city’s appeal among immigrant communities globally means that it has grown into a diverse and multicultural place to call home.
One of the strongest immigrant communities in Winnipeg is the Philippines.
Winnipeg experienced its first big inflow of Filipino immigrants in the 1980s, and the community has since grown from strength to strength.
Now Winnipeg has the third biggest Filipino population in Canada, in addition to the largest in terms of per-capita population with just a little below 10%.
In 2016, there were over 57,000 Filipinos living in Winnipeg as either permanent residents or naturalized citizens of Canada. Nonetheless, it isn’t only the Filipinos that are thriving in Canada’s sunniest city.
In 2019, 14,745 permanent residents who were admitted to Canada, settled in Winnipeg.
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The entire figure for Manitoba was 18,905, which means almost 80% of all the permanent residents who settled in Manitoba chose Winnipeg.
Additionally, the data from the 2016 census shows that there were almost 180,000 immigrants settled in Winnipeg, representing almost 24% of the total population. This increase went from 17.7% in 2006 & 20.6% in 2011.
As a province, Manitoba is the province with the second-youngest population as of 2019, thanks to the plenty of immigrant families who settled in the province via Express Entry, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), or the Family Class sponsorship pathway.
Winnipeg also has other newcomers like refugees and business immigrants, but the greater number arrive via Express Entry, the MPNP, or through the support of a loved one.
Apart from the established Filipino community, Winnipeg also houses a growing Indian, British and Chinese communities.
Housing in Winnipeg
When picking a Canadian city or town to call your home, the price of rent and owning properties are vital considerations.
Bearing this in mind, you’ll be happy to know that the price of rent in Winnipeg is arguably the lowest in Canada, making the city perfect for newcomers who need to find their own place shortly after arriving in Canada without needing to share an address with roommates.
See our Article on how to get accomodation in Canada- a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Winnipeg costs around $1,068 CAD monthly, and about 57 dollars less at $975 CAD monthly in the suburbs.
- If you need a larger place for your family, then expect to pay about $1,642 CAD monthly for a three-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg’s city centre and $1,518 CAD monthly when you move further out.
In contrast to Hamilton, Ontario. Winnipeg’s cost of rent is around 12% cheaper. This comparison was done to squash the myth that the outer cities of the GTA, and also other urban centres elsewhere in Ontario, are the only options for affordable city living in Canada.
If you are financially able when moving to Winnipeg, it’s advisable to buy a home, as the price per square metre to buy an apartment in downtown Winnipeg is about $3,133 CAD, and around $2,793 CAD in the suburbs.
This is amazing, mostly when compared with other cities. In fact, in Calgary, the cost to purchase an equivalent property is 32% more expensive than in downtown Winnipeg.
Transport in Winnipeg
Like many Canadian Prairie cities, Winnipeg is not famous for its public transport system.
The fact is that the cold winters and spread-out landscape of the city mean that lots of residents pick a car before the bus. To that end, in 2021 a liter of gasoline costs $1.13 CAD.
If you do pick using the public transport service in the city, it’s important to know that the Winnipeg transit system offers extensive bus service and a monthly transport pass will cost about $100 CAD.
Lastly, if you are into cycling, then you will be happy to know they’ve got an extensive bike path network covering huge sections of the city.
Education in Winnipeg
One underrated fact about education in Winnipeg, especially for those moving with young children to the city, is it has one of the most affordable childcare options and Kindergarten services in North America.
Other great news for families in Winnipeg is there is a comprehensive primary and secondary school system, with a wide variety of public and independent schools to pick from.
Public schoolsfunction directly under the Minister of Education. These schools are regulated by locally elected school division/district boards.
Every Canadian citizen and legal immigrant living with a parent or legal guardian in Manitoba are eligible to attend public school depending on provincial regulations.
The functionality ofindependent schoolsdiffers. Some schools are associated with a specific religious or denominational group. They possess their own governing bodies or boards.
Independent schools qualify for provincial funding if they use the Manitoba curriculum and meet a number of additional conditions.
Non-funded independent schools can choose not to follow the provincial curriculum but must meet the standard of education provided in a public school.
As regards university education in Winnipeg, the two most reputable institutions are the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.
The former has a dynamic campus situated across Winnipeg’s downtown core and its international student population is more than 10% of the whole student body.
TheUniversity of Manitobais situated primarily in Winnipeg’s Fort Garry neighborhood, it was founded in 1877 making it the oldest university in Western Canada.
It also is Manitoba’s sole research-intensive university, and one of the country’s top research institutions. The university boasts of alumni of over 145,000, living across 140 countries.
Living in Winnipeg
Despite many submissions to the contrary, Winnipeg is indeed one of the most culturally rich cities in Canada.
It houses theCanadian Museum for Human Rights, as well as theCentennial Concert Hall,and also the ever-popularWinnipeg Folk Festival.
As regards sport, living in Winnipeg means you’ll be living in the same city with the 2019 Canadian Football League (CFL) Gray Cup champions, named Winnipeg Blue Bombers, meanwhile, the city’s adored Jets represent the city and broader region in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Finally, food lovers can check out the culinary bliss provided by the city’s immigrant communities in one of the multiple great Filipino, Indian, Japanese, and Scandanavianrestaurants dotted across the city.
If you plan on moving to Canada, see the cost of living in CanadaImmigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba
If you’re interested in moving to Winnipeg, there are some options you might need to consider for immigration to Manitoba. If you’re unsure of where to begin, enlist the help of an immigration consultant.
Conclusion
And that’s it, our Winnipeg destination ultimate guide. If you are new in Canada and want to live in a diverse Canadian city full of culture, sports, and job opportunities, and yet not spending excessively on rent or mortgage repayments monthly, then Winnipeg might just be the perfect place for you.
Finally, for the most recent information on anything immigration visit our website.
If you loved this content, do well to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get updates and engage with other people like you who wish to immigrate to Canada or just immigrated to Canada.
FAQs
What do I need to know before moving to Winnipeg? ›
- Employment options. ...
- The cost of living. ...
- The culture. ...
- Attractions and destinations. ...
- The sports scene. ...
- The natural appeal. ...
- Public transport. ...
- Affordable education.
The average cost of living in Winnipeg is $2,941/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Manitoba? ›| Pros of Living in Manitoba | Cons of Living in Manitoba |
|---|---|
| Favorable Immigration Pathway | Poor public transportation system |
| Better Scenery | Extreme Weather |
| A province for Arts and Culture | Rampant mosquitoes and hummingbirds |
| Cheap Housing and cost of living | Risk of spring floods |
Manitoba has one of Canada's strongest and most diversified economies, with a low of cost of living and plenty of opportunities for quality careers, for education or to start a business. Manitoba is affordable.
What are the disadvantages of living in Winnipeg? ›The major drawback of living in Winnipeg is the very cold winter weather. If you don't like snow, it's probably not the city for you. But, despite the chilly temperatures, Winnipeggers know how to embrace the cold, especially during Canad Inns Winter Wonderland.
Is it worth moving to Winnipeg? ›Winnipeg offers many benefits of metropolitan living, such as a good quality of life, a strong job market, cultural diversity, affordable cost of living, and an inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers.
Do you need a car to live in Winnipeg? ›For some, the financial costs of owning a car are worth the benefits in a city like Winnipeg. "Winnipeg has a perception that you kinda need a car to live in this city, [with] everything being so spaced out," said commuter Denis Cicak. "When it's –30, you're not going to wait half an hour for a bus."
What is the benefit of living in Winnipeg? ›Affordability and frugality are core components 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.
What are the coldest months in Winnipeg? ›The cold season lasts for 3.3 months, from November 27 to March 5, with an average daily high temperature below 26°F. The coldest month of the year in Winnipeg is January, with an average low of -1°F and high of 14°F.
How cold does it get in Winnipeg? ›In Winnipeg, there are four distinct seasons (summer, fall, winter, and spring) with temperature varying between -35 degrees Celsius in the winter and +35 degrees Celsius in the Summer. Depending on the season, the number of hours of sunlight can also change dramatically.
Why is it so cold in Winnipeg? ›
The openness of the prairies leaves Winnipeg exposed to numerous weather systems including blizzards and cold Arctic high pressure systems, known as the polar high. Winnipeg has four distinct seasons, with short transitional periods between winter and summer.
Is Manitoba humid or dry? ›The Winnipeg climate can be described as an extreme humid continental climate because there are significant differences in temperatures during summer and winter.
What is a livable wage in Manitoba? ›August 25, 2022 Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory – The Manitoba Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calculates that a family of four, with two working parents, would require a wage of $18.34/ hour in Winnipeg, $15.66/ hour in Brandon and $16.25/ hour in Thompson in order to maintain a modest standard of ...
What taxes do you pay in Manitoba? ›| Taxable Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tax Rate | 2019 | 2020 |
| 10.8% | $0 - $32,670 | $0 - $33,389 |
| 12.75% | $32,671 - $70,610 | $33,390 - $72,164 |
| 17.4% | Over $70,610 | Over $72164 |
The tax rates in Manitoba range from 10.8% to 17.4% of income and the combined federal and provincial tax rate is between 25.8% and 50.4%. Manitoba's marginal tax rate increases as your income increases so you pay higher taxes on the level of income that falls into a higher tax bracket.
Are winters harsh in Winnipeg? ›Manitoba winters can be very cold and sometimes unpredictable. Exposure to colder temperatures can be a health concern. During the winter it's important to dress appropriately for weather conditions and to be prepared for weather events like winter storms and cold temperatures.
Does Winnipeg snow a lot? ›Snow depths of greater than 1 cm are seen on about 132 days each year in Winnipeg, compared with about 10 days each year in Vancouver, 35 days in Penticton, 65 days in Toronto, 88 days in Calgary, and 120 days in Ottawa.
What is the best part of Winnipeg to live in? ›A survey of RE/MAX Brokers revealed that the best places to live in Winnipeg's are the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Lakes, River Heights and West Kildonan rank as the top three for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit.
Are houses in Winnipeg expensive? ›Winnipeg's real estate market is expected to become more balanced in 2023. In December 2022, the average sale price of a home in Winnipeg was $355,498, a 0.1% annual drop. Winnipeg housing prices are expected to fall in the start of 2023 with a buyer's market.
What is the average house price in Winnipeg? ›The average house price in Winnipeg is $323,600
In January 2023, house prices in Winnipeg were down by 8.5% compared to the previous year. In December 2022, Winnipeg house prices down -2.8% year-over-year.
What American city is similar to Winnipeg? ›
Winnipeg = St. Louis both are midwestern gateways to our respective west's and we grow at steady rates. Montreal= Boston both are similar in size and history and rich in culture.
Is Winnipeg good for immigrants? ›The city may be one of the most isolated in North America, but its appeal among immigrant communities from across the world means that it has become a diverse and multicultural place to call home. One of the strongest immigrant communities in Winnipeg is made up of newcomers from the Philippines.
Is Winnipeg walkable? ›According to Walk Score, Winnipeg is the 6th most walkable city in Canada. Winnipeg has an overall walkability score of 48, but many neighbourhoods fall well above that average.
Can you sleep in your car in Winnipeg? ›In general, there are no laws prohibiting you from sleeping in your car. But you need to follow parking signs at rest areas, parking lots and on main streets to determine whether extended parking is allowed.
What is Winnipeg most known for? ›Winnipeg is known for its unique winter experiences, flourishing arts scene, colourful festivals, and character neighbourhoods, as well as its green spaces and access to outdoor activities.
Why is Winnipeg so famous? ›The 'Peg, Manitoba's capital, holds its own against Canada's bigger cities as a thriving center of arts, dance, and music. It is home of the famed Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, and Winnipeg Folk Festival.
What is Manitoba Canada best known for? ›Canada's central province, Manitoba is primarily known for being home to the polar bear capital of the world. But there's a lot of other enticing attractions in the region, such as its many beautiful lakes, its world-class museums, and its unique festivals.
Is Winnipeg colder than Chicago? ›With an average annual temperature of 38 degrees, Winnipeg is far from being the coldest city on the Earth. (Chicago's average annual temperature, by comparison, is about 50 degrees, depending on the location.)
What month does it start snowing in Winnipeg? ›The first snowfall of winter for Winnipeg usually arrives in October or November, but can show up as early as September. The season's last snowfall typically happens in April although in some years a late snow lands in May or even June. Winnipeg is normally free of snow every year during July and August.
What is the culture of Winnipeg? ›Winnipeg exhibits a variety of cultures; the towns and villages of the southwest have a strong, uniformly British tradition; and ethnic enclaves throughout the province reflect the pattern of initial settlement. Manitoba is noted for its efforts to retain minority languages.
What is the hottest month in Winnipeg? ›
July is the hottest month in Winnipeg with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and the coldest is January at -15.5°C (4°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in July.
Is Manitoba hot in summer? ›Summer, on the other hand, can be very hot with temperatures over 86°F thanks to humid and warm Gulf of Mexico breezes in July and August. Environment Canada ranks Manitoba's skies the sunniest in spring and winter, as well as the clearest all year long.
What to wear in Manitoba? ›- insulated parka or waterproof jacket.
- insulated boots.
- thick mitts or gloves.
- toque (woolen hat)
- long, thermal underwear are recommended.
- camera.
- spare batteries.
Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba. Gateway to the West and Winterpeg are popular nicknames for this city. A native or resident of Winnipeg is called a Winnipegger (spelled with a double g).
Is Winnipeg the coldest city on earth? ›Winnipeg, Manitoba has the coldest winter weather of any major Canadian city. It ranks first for the lowest average temperatures. Winnipeg also is Canada's city that most often drops to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or below and it is least likely to have a day above freezing during winter.
What is the hottest day of the year in Winnipeg? ›The highest temperature measured during that time was 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) on July 11, 1936. Since 1939 the temperature extremes were observed at Winnipeg International Airport.
Why is it so hot in Manitoba? ›Because of its location in the centre of the North American continent, the climate of Manitoba is extreme. In general, temperatures and precipitation decrease from south to north, and precipitation also decreases from east to west.
Is Winnipeg colder than Calgary? ›Winnipeg's summers are a few degrees hotter than Edmonton or Calgary. Winnipeg's winters are several degrees colder than Edmonton, which is a few degrees colder than Calgary - in terms of surprises, I guess I wasn't expecting January and February to be quite so different from Alberta.
What is considered low income in Manitoba? ›| Canada | Income Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | ||
| Quintile 1 | Up to $40,000 | Poor and near poor |
| Quintile 2 | $40,000 – $60, 000 | Lower-middle or modest income |
| Quintile 3 | $60,000-$85,000 | Middle income |
On Dec 1, 2022, Manitoba passed the Minimum Wage Adjustment Act which will raise the minimum hourly wage to $14.50 on April 1, 2023. On October 1, 2023, the second phase of the plan will further increase the minimum wage to $15.00.
Is the minimum wage going up to $15 in Manitoba? ›
The Manitoba government has introduced the Minimum Wage Adjustment Act, which would raise the minimum hourly wage to $14.15 on April 1, 2023, as the second phase of a plan to further increase the minimum wage to $15 on Oct.
How much tax do I pay on 100k in Manitoba? ›If you make $100,000 a year living in the region of Manitoba, Canada, you will be taxed $34,118. That means that your net pay will be $65,882 per year, or $5,490 per month. Your average tax rate is 34.1% and your marginal tax rate is 43.2%.
What items are not taxed in Manitoba? ›The list of basic grocery products that are tax-exempt across Canada, including in Manitoba, includes fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, breakfast cereals and some dairy products.
How much tax do I pay on 60000 in Manitoba? ›If you make $60,000 a year living in the region of Manitoba, Canada, you will be taxed $19,418. That means that your net pay will be $40,582 per year, or $3,382 per month. Your average tax rate is 32.4% and your marginal tax rate is 37.5%.
Is food taxed in Manitoba? ›Goods and services that are zero-rated from GST include:
Basic groceries, including meats, fish, cereals, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, coffee, tea. Some foods including snack foods, liquor, and carbonated beverages are charged HST.
If you make $70,000 a year living in the region of Manitoba, Canada, you will be taxed $22,954. That means that your net pay will be $47,046 per year, or $3,921 per month. Your average tax rate is 32.8% and your marginal tax rate is 33.8%.
How much tax do I pay on 50000 in Manitoba? ›If you make $50,000 a year living in the region of Manitoba, Canada, you will be taxed $15,564. That means that your net pay will be $34,436 per year, or $2,870 per month. Your average tax rate is 31.1% and your marginal tax rate is 38.4%.
How do people survive winter in Winnipeg? ›Wear proper clothing: Wear a hat, mittens/insulated gloves, a scarf, insulated footwear (boots), a parka (winter jacket), and snow/wind proof pants (optional). Stay dry: If you get sweaty, you will get colder. If you are planning to exercise or walk and will be sweating, bring an extra pair of clothes.
Is Winnipeg dry or humid? ›The city has a humid continental climate with wide temperature contrasts between winter and summer, and greater precipitation in summer. Mean January temperature is −16.4 °C (2.5 °F), and mean July temperature is 19.7 °C (67.5 °F).
Does Winnipeg have hot summers? ›Winnipeg has a cold continental climate with a short, very warm summer and a long, cold winter. Despite the cold weather, Winnipeg's skies are among the clearest in Canada and Winnipeg enjoys much sunny weather all year round.
Is Winnipeg a walkable city? ›
According to Walk Score, Winnipeg is the 6th most walkable city in Canada. Winnipeg has an overall walkability score of 48, but many neighbourhoods fall well above that average. Corydon and Crescentwood have a walkability score of 78, while Grant Park comes in at 81, and Osborne Village at 80. St.
What is the average cost of a house in Winnipeg? ›The average house price in Winnipeg is $323,600
In January 2023, house prices in Winnipeg were down by 8.5% compared to the previous year. In December 2022, Winnipeg house prices down -2.8% year-over-year.