Advertiser Disclosure

The content on this website includes links to our partners and we may receive compensation when you sign up, at no cost to you. This may impact which products or services we write about and where and how they appear on the site. It does not affect the objectivity of our evaluations or reviews. Read our disclosure.

10 Best Places to Live in Manitoba in 2023

This article covers the 10 best places to live in Manitoba, including the cheapest places in the province, the best neighbourhoods, and areas you should avoid in Winnipeg. 

Manitoba is Canada’s fifth-largest province, with about 1.3 million people calling it home. It is the polar bear capital of the world and offers many attractions, such as beautiful lakes, unique festivals, and museums. 

Manitoba is also one of the best places to live in Canada, with an affordable housing market and lower-than-average cost of living. 

Cheapest Places to Live in Manitoba 

Here are the top ten cheapest places to live in Manitoba, ranging from big cities to small rural municipalities. 

1. Winnipeg

Average rent cost: $1,199 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $355,498

Cost of living: $1,160.85 (single person, without rent)

Winnipeg is one of the cheapest and best cities to live in Manitoba. It is the capital and largest city, located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. 

With a population of over 833,000, Winnipeg is a popular tourist destination with many museums, parks, markets, and festivals. 

It is known as the “Gateway to the West,” as it is a railway and transportation hub with a transit-friendly environment.  

Winnipeg offers many employment and education opportunities and has a great healthcare system. For a big city, it has quite a low cost of living (just over $1,000 for a single person without rent). 

2. Brandon

Average rent cost: $1,298 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $289,000

Cost of living: $590 (single person, without rent)

One of the largest cities in Manitoba, Brandon, is located in the southwest region. Known as the “Wheat City,” it has a mostly agricultural economy and a thriving farming community. 

Brandon hosts numerous art festivals throughout the year and is a great place to go if you like museums and galleries.

Brandon has a low crime rate, great education, and cheap rent at only around $900 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

3. Steinbach

Average rent cost: $1,195 for a two-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $362,777

Cost of living: 29% lower than the national average

Located southeast of Winnipeg, Steinbach is the third-largest city in Manitoba, with a population of 17,806. It is the largest city in the Eastman region.

From 2016 to 2021, Steinbach had an 11% growth in population and is recognized as an immigration destination in Canada. 

Steinbach became regionally known as the “Automobile City,” as it is a regional service centre with manufacturing, retailing, and trucking in automobile sales. 

You can score a two-bedroom apartment for just $800, making Steinbach one of the most affordable cities in Manitoba. 

4. Springfield

Average rent cost: $1,287 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $459,900

Cost of living: 20% lower than the national average

Springfield is a rural municipality in Manitoba with urban, rural, agricultural, and national landscapes. It got its name from the presence of natural springs within its borders. 

Springfield has many popular attractions, including the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Grand Prix amusements, and various parks. 

The cost of living in Springfield is 20% lower than the national average, making it onto this list of the best places to live in Manitoba.

5. Winkler

Average rent cost: $875 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $267,400 (median)

Cost of living: 26% lower than the national average 

Winkler is the sixth-largest city in Manitoba, with a population of about 13,745. Located in southern Manitoba, it is a regional hub for agriculture and commerce. 

After Morden and Steinbach, Winkler is the third fastest-growing city in the province. It became the entertainment, shopping, and industrial center of southern Manitoba. 

The city has several cultural attractions, including Bethel Heritage Park and the Arts and Culture Centre. 

Winkler has quite a low cost of living, and you can buy a house for just under $300,000. 

6. Selkirk

Average rent cost: $900 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $269,000 (median)

Cost of living: 26% lower than the national average 

Selkirk is located on the Red River, just 22 km northeast of Winnipeg. The city is a popular tourist destination as it is the gateway to the Interlake and the last stop before the cottage country. 

There are many attractions and events in Selkirk, such as a community arts centre, marine museum, the Selkirk fair, and rodeo. 

With a low crime rate and an unemployment rate below 6%, Selkirk is one of the best and safest places to live in Manitoba. 

Text that reads “10 Best places to live in Manitoba” above the Manitoba skyline

7. Morden

Average rent cost: $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $259,900 (median)

Cost of living: 11% lower than the national average

Located in the Pembina Valley region, Morden is the eighth-largest and fastest-growing city in Manitoba. It is beside Winkler and is known as one of Manitoba’s Twin Cities. 

Morden is home to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, with the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada. 

This city was designated a cultural capital due to its emphasis on arts and culture. Morden hosts various festivals, such as the Back Forty Festival. 

With the average rent costing around $750, this is an impressive city with cheap rent in Manitoba.

8. Thompson

Average rent cost: $1,200 for a three-bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $200,000

Cost of living: 27% lower than the national average

The largest city in northern Manitoba, Thompson, is situated along the Burntwood River. It is called the “Hub of the North,” providing healthcare, retail trade, and more to neighbouring communities. 

With a population under 15,000, many of Thompson’s smaller communities are isolated and only accessible by winter road or air. Despite this, it has many modern amenities and a few shopping malls. 

Outdoor enthusiasts have a lot to enjoy in Thompson, like Paint Lake Provincial Park, the boreal forest, and more. 

You can get a three-bedroom apartment for just $1,200 in Thompson. 

9. St. Andrews 

Average rent cost: N/A

Average cost of buying a house: N/A

Cost of living: 18% lower than the national average 

One of the best small towns to live in Manitoba, St. Andrews is a rural municipality west of the Red River. 

This town is home to St. Andrews Anglican Church, a well-known historical site in Manitoba. It is also home to Captain Kennedy House, St. Andrews Lock and Dam, and River Road Provincial Park. 

Though there are currently no apartments available for rent, the cost of living is 18% cheaper in St. Andrews than in all of Manitoba. 

10. East St. Paul

Average rent cost: $1,396 for a one-three bedroom apartment

Average cost of buying a house: $654,900 (median)

Cost of living: 12% lower than the national average

East St. Paul is a rural municipality northeast and adjacent to Winnipeg. It lies east of Red River, while West St. Paul is on the opposite side. 

With just over 10,000 residents, East St. Paul is the most densely populated rural municipality in the province.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor attractions such as the Silver Springs Park and Hyland Provincial Recreation Park. 

Though the cost of buying a house in East St. Paul is above average, the cost of living is 12% lower than the national average. 

Safest Neighbourhoods in Winnipeg

The crime rate in Winnipeg is 44% higher than the national average, so it’s important to do your research if you’re thinking about moving to the city.

Consider some of these safest and best neighbourhoods in Winnipeg to rent or buy a house.

Norwood

Norwood is a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood, with many people referring to it as “home.” It has a favourable atmosphere, which is perfect for raising children. 

Crescentwood

Crescentwood is an ideal neighbourhood located just 10 minutes away from the city centre. It is attractive to both children and adults alike, with many opportunities for kids to ride their bikes or play a game of hockey. 

Linden Woods

Linden Woods has a small-town charm with lakes, public parks, and walking trails. Plenty of recreational activities are available, like parks, skating rinks, and tennis courts. There are also a few different public schools in the area. 

Springfield North

In eastern Winnipeg, Springfield North is a neighbourhood with many working professionals and young families. It has a lake, walking trails, and parks, with outdoor activities available all year round. 

Areas To Avoid in Winnipeg

Most neighbourhoods are relatively safe in Winnipeg; however, these are some of the worst areas in the city that you should avoid. Most of these neighbourhoods have a lower-than-average income, homelessness, and drug problems. 

  1. North Point Douglas 
  2. Elmwood
  3. Polo Park
  4. South Portage
  5. North End 
  6. Spence 
  7. Regent 

Related:

Best Freebies and Deals This Month

Get a $20 bonus and up to 5% cash back with this free prepaid card

Best free reloadable prepaid card (use CASHBACK referral code for $20 bonus).

Earn unlimited 1% cash back on groceries and gas & up to 5% at partners.

Enjoy automatic savings and earn up to 2% interest on your balance.

Increase your credit score fast with Credit Building.

Best FREE chequing account offer in Canada with $400 cash bonus

$400 cash bonus when you deposit $100 for three months.

Forget about monthly account fees or minimum balance requirements.

Unlimited free debits and Interac e-Transfer transactions.

Earn high-interest rates on a free savings account (6.00% promo).

Get the prepaid card that pays interest and unlimited cash back

One of the best no-fee prepaid debit cards in Canada.

Get 0.50% unlimited cash back on all purchases.

Earn 2.50% interest on your entire balance.

No ATM withdrawal fees and no FX fees when you spend abroad.

Retirement 101 eBook - 3D

Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert and a veterinarian. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and has completed several courses and certificates in finance, including the Canadian Securities Course. He also has an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and has been writing about money matters for over a decade. He has been featured or quoted in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Business Insider, Winnipeg Free Press, Wealthsimple, CBC News, Financial Post, Toronto Star, CTV News, Canadian Securities Exchange, Credit Canada, and many other personal finance publications. You can learn more about him on the About Page.

His top investment tools include Wealthsimple and Questrade. He earns cash back on purchases using KOHO, monitors his credit score for free using Borrowell, and earns interest on savings through EQ Bank.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.