Living in Red Deer
Cost of Living
Food
The average monthly cost to feed a family of 4 in Red Deer, based on costs in 2006, is $630.61. In Alberta,
the average family spends about 16% of their income on food. The cost
of food for a single adult is about $150 to $200 per month.
The large Red Deer grocery retailers have an extensive variety of ethnic foods. Also, Red Deer has a growing number of specialty ethnic grocery stores such as:
| Afro Carib Ltd | 101, 4781 49 Street |
| Singh Food Store | 4745 32 Street |
| Zen’s Asian Foods | 5108 52 Street #7 |
Edmonton and Calgary (Cities approximately 90 minutes away from Red Deer) offer a greater variety in ethnic goods.
There may be other costs to pay in addition to rent for such things as heating, electricity, and telephone service. If you buy a house, you will need to pay for these utilities as well as property taxes. In 2007 the average cost for homeowners’ property taxes was $2,234 per year. Utilities cost, on average, $2,008 per year.
Housing
Housing costs vary depending on
whether you own a home, rent an apartment, or share accommodations with
other people. Some immigrants choose temporary accommodations when they
first arrive in Red Deer which might include sharing an apartment or a hotel room.
Budget hotel room
|
$110 per night
|
1-bedroom apartment
|
Average Rent $714 per month
|
2-bedroom apartment
|
Average Rent $843 per month
|
3-bedroom detached house
|
Average price in the Red Deer area is $259,000
|
There may be other costs to pay in addition to rent for such things as heating, electricity, and telephone service. If you buy a house, you will need to pay for these utilities as well as property taxes. In 2007 the average cost for homeowners’ property taxes was $2,234 per year. Utilities cost, on average, $2,008 per year.
Transportation
The City of Red Deer has an efficient and convenient public transit system.
More information on Red Deer Transit fares and bus schedules can be found at the City of Red Deer’s website.
Costs to own and operate a personal vehicle are higher than public transit but are generally lower in Canada than in other countries.
Costs to own and operate a personal vehicle are higher than public transit but are generally lower in Canada than in other countries.
| Average price of a new car (2005) | $25,000 |
| Average price of a new truck minivan (2005) | $40,000 |
| Annual vechile insurance | $1,700 |
| Annual vehicle registration | $70 |
| Price of a libtre of gasoline | $1.20 |
You should bring with you any insurance documentation showing
your previous safe driving history. Vehicle insurance companies in Canada will sometimes take your previous history into consideration for savings.
Health Care
Immigrants are eligible for coverage under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan on the day they arrive in Alberta from another country. It is important to apply for coverage immediately upon arrival to Alberta and to provide the necessary documents. The application form can be found at Alberta Health’s website.
If you require health care services before your application is processed you will be required to pay for these services. However you will be reimbursed once you have your personal health card and can show eligibility for the period when you received the services.
In Alberta, health care premiums must be paid to have health coverage. Once employed, many employers pay for all or a portion of your Alberta Health Care premiums. However, until you gain employment, you will be required to pay these premiums.
The costs for Alberta health care premiums are $44 per month for individuals and $88 per month for families. The Alberta government has programs that help qualifying individuals and families pay for health care premiums and other health related costs. More information can be found at Alberta Health’s website Dental services and prescription medications are not generally covered by Alberta Health Care. Many employers have additional health benefit programs that help to pay for these costs.
If you require health care services before your application is processed you will be required to pay for these services. However you will be reimbursed once you have your personal health card and can show eligibility for the period when you received the services.
In Alberta, health care premiums must be paid to have health coverage. Once employed, many employers pay for all or a portion of your Alberta Health Care premiums. However, until you gain employment, you will be required to pay these premiums.
The costs for Alberta health care premiums are $44 per month for individuals and $88 per month for families. The Alberta government has programs that help qualifying individuals and families pay for health care premiums and other health related costs. More information can be found at Alberta Health’s website Dental services and prescription medications are not generally covered by Alberta Health Care. Many employers have additional health benefit programs that help to pay for these costs.
