We want to support you as you plan to get settled in Newfoundland and Labrador. You may have many questions about what it would be like living in your new home. We hope the information below can answer some of those questions.

Housing

Things to keep in mind when you are looking for an apartment, house or room to rent.

Location – is it close to college; shopping centres; on a city bus route;

Rental Costs - A one-bedroom apartment average cost would be $950.00+ (CDN) or a larger apartment average cost would be $1000.00+ (CDN). Ask what is included in the rent – ie. heat/lights/snow cleaning/wifi. Two months of rental fees plus a damage/security deposit may be required before you move into an apartment/house. Damage/security deposit is usually half the cost of your monthly rent.

Lease/Rental Agreement – You may be required to sign a rental/lease agreement. Read and understand agreement prior to signing. The following is a great resource for you to review prior to signing an agreement: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/consumers/renting-a-home/i-am-renting

Utilities

Heat/Lights: Ask the landlord what type of heat source is there and the approximate monthly cost for heating the rental unit – this will give you an idea on how much to budget. There are a variety of heat sources – electric/oil/propane. Depending on the heat sources and size of rental – average utilities would be $150.00 - $350+ (CDN) per month. Newfoundland Power is the provider of electrical services. If heat/lights is not included in the rent – you will need to make arrangements with Newfoundland Power.

The following link is a great resource on how to save energy costs: https://www.ancnl.ca/newcomers-guide/housing/utilities-and-services/#related-resources

Phone Service: A Canadian SIM card may be preferred to save costs. If you are going to have a home phone/landline – you can make arrangements with a communication company such as: Bell Aliant or Rogers Communication. Be sure and ask them about packages that include internet/tv/phone as one package.

Numbers to remember:

911 – Emergency (Police/Ambulance)

811 – Health Line (medical questions)

709 – Newfoundland and Labrador Area Code

311 – Ask about programs and services in St. John’s

411 – Rogers Phone Directory

0 - Telephone Operator

Internet/TV: If internet and TV subscriptions are not provided with your rental agreement – you can seek these services through a variety of providers such as Bell Aliant or Rogers Communication. Be sure and ask them about packages that include internet/tv/phone as one package.

There are many options for food choices in Newfoundland and Labrador. Average grocery cost range from $300 - $400 (CDN) per month – depending on eating habits and preferences. The Canada Food Guide recommends to eat a variety of healthy food each day!

Supermarkets: There are a number of large supermarkets that sell some international or ethnic food products. Larger supermarkets in Newfoundland include Sobeys, Dominion, Coleman's, Walmart Superstore and No Frills. Each supermarket has a weekly flyer – always watch for sales!

Corner Stores/Convenience Stores - There are many corner stores or convenience stores that carry many food items – however, their prices are generally higher than the larger supermarkets.

Restaurants: There are a variety of restaurants! Coupons for most fast food establishments can be found online or in your mailbox.

There are a variety of places where you can go to shop – you can shop for new items (paying full price – clothing/furniture/linens/personal items) and you have an option to shop for second hand items (paying less).

For some excellent shopping tips and helpful ideas on shopping please click here.

Cab services are available in both Corner Brook and St. John’s – Uber does not operate in Newfoundland and Labrador. Both cities have a bus service – St. John’s Metrobus and Corner Brook Transit.