Living in a metropolitan city like Toronto or Ottawa comes with a wide range of benefits — from the diverse food and cultures to the economic opportunities. Alongside the opportunities and amenities provided to residents of larger cities, there are also several costs attached. The cost of living in these cities is often higher than in small-scale cities in Canada.
That being said, this doesn’t mean all of your expenses have to exceed their limits. In fact, there are several resourceful ways to cut costs without sacrificing the fun and enjoyment that comes with living in these bustling cities.
Finding Affordable Internet
No matter how or where you use it, a reliable internet connection is a necessity — particularly when you live in a densely-populated city. We rely on the internet to connect professionally and personally, navigate through our cities, and even program certain items in our homes directly from our smartphones.
Finding internet service providers in Ottawa and cities like Toronto or Vancouver that you can trust is the first step. A reliable and experienced internet provider can help you find an affordable plan that still provides the speed and connectivity you need. With internet costs at a minimum, you can save a significant amount of money every month.
Embrace Secondhand Shopping
The allure of buying clothes, furniture, and other goods brand new is enticing, without question. What you’ll find in metropolitan cities is a wider variety of secondhand shops that shouldn’t be overlooked. Continuously buying new goods can run up higher credit card bills — but if you take the time and scour through the shops in your city, you’ll find gently used, and in some cases, nearly brand-new pieces that you can take home at a fraction of their original cost.
Find the Fun in Free
Big cities like Toronto and Ottawa are notorious for hosting a wide range of free events and activities throughout the year. More than ever, it’s easier to find low-cost or free activities that you can enjoy alone, with friends, or with your partner and children. From summer festivals to outdoor skating in the winter, outdoor movie nights, and so much more, there’s no shortage of things to do. You can save a significant amount of money every month simply by skipping expensive theatres and events and instead, embracing the free fun at your disposal.
Live Within Your Means
It may seem like common sense to talk about living within your means, but the reality is that in large cities in Canada it’s easy to live outside your boundaries. Convenience is available at every turn — from delivery services to spa facilities and everything in between. We as a society have grown accustomed to not having to leave our house to acquire the items and services we need.
The most important piece of advice to remember as you build a life in a metropolitan city is to live within your budget. Cook at home often, shop secondhand, walk or take public transit if you can avoid purchasing a car, and avoid the need to keep up with your neighbours. With these tips and resources in mind, you can build a successful city life that you’ll cherish.
