A Comprehensive Guide to Moving to Winnipeg

Over the past few years, people have been flocking to Winnipeg for various reasons. Sometimes by choice, other times not. Whether the move is due to war, terrible living conditions, a job, a family, or simply for the lower cost of living, most people don’t know what they are walking into. Many individuals are coming from a higher cost-of-living area, sold their homes, and now have an abundance of wealth. In contrast, other individuals come to Winnipeg with absolutely nothing and start from scratch.



This guide was created to give people a general idea of what life is like in Winnipeg and what to expect when they get here.

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada. It is located near the longitudinal center of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers (a point commonly known as The Forks). The name "Winnipeg" comes from the Cree word for "muddy water". The city is a cultural and historical hub in Canada. It hosts several annual festivals including the Festival du Voyageur, Folklorama, and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.

MovingToWinnipeg was the first Canadian host of the Pan American Games. It is home to several professional sports teams including the Winnipeg Jets (NHL), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), and Manitoba Moose (AHL). The city also has several post-secondary institutions including the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and Red River College.

The climate in Winnipeg is continental with very warm summers and cold winters. The average January temperature is -15°C and the average July temperature is 23°C. The city experiences an average of 2,100 hours of sunshine per year.

The cost of living in Winnipeg is relatively low when compared to other major Canadian cities. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Winnipeg is approximately 18% cheaper than in Toronto, 19% cheaper than in Vancouver, and 10% cheaper than in Montreal. Rent prices are also significantly lower with one-bedroom apartments averaging CAD 913 per month as opposed to CAD 2,261 in Toronto and CAD 2,293 in Vancouver according to RentBoard Canada. Groceries are also less expensive with items such as milk (CAD 3.17), bread (CAD 2.50), chicken breasts (CAD 10.00), and apples ($3.00/kg) all costing less than in Toronto where milk costs CAD 3.75, bread costs CAD 3.00, chicken breasts cost CAD 13.00, and apples cost $4.00/kg.



Winnipeg is a great place to live for those looking for a lower cost of living without sacrificing too much in terms of culture and amenities. The city has something for everyone with its many festivals, professional sports teams, and post-secondary institutions. The climate can be challenging for some with cold winters but it makes up for it with warm summers and plenty of sunshine hours throughout the year.