22 Provinces and Cities Where Owning a Car Now Costs More Than Your Mortgage

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Across Canada, the cost of car ownership has reached record highs, outpacing what many families pay for their mortgages. Between soaring insurance premiums, rising fuel prices, and frequent maintenance expenses, even middle-income households are struggling to justify the cost of keeping a vehicle. Here are 22 provinces and cities where owning a car now costs more than your mortgage.

Ontario

Owning a car in Ontario has become more expensive than many monthly mortgage payments. Insurance premiums in cities like Brampton and Toronto are among the highest in Canada, often exceeding CA$2,000 per year. Combined with rising fuel prices, parking fees, and maintenance costs, car ownership can easily surpass CA$1,000 per month. Meanwhile, average mortgage payments for older suburban homes remain relatively stable. With increased traffic congestion and limited affordable transit alternatives, many Ontarians are questioning whether keeping a car is still worth it financially.

British Columbia

British Columbia’s car ownership costs have soared due to record-high insurance premiums and fuel prices. In Metro Vancouver, ICBC rates and carbon taxes add a substantial burden, making total monthly costs rival or exceed mortgage payments on smaller condos. Parking in downtown Vancouver can cost hundreds of dollars monthly, and electric vehicles, while cheaper to run, come with high upfront prices. Many residents are turning to car-sharing services or public transit as more practical options. For families already managing high housing costs, owning a car in BC feels increasingly like a luxury rather than a necessity.

Alberta

Alberta’s wide geography often makes driving unavoidable, but recent cost surges have made car ownership harder to justify. Rising insurance rates, maintenance costs, and fuel expenses—especially after the carbon tax—have put pressure on household budgets. In Calgary and Edmonton, some families now spend more on their vehicles each month than on mortgage payments. Harsh winters also lead to higher repair bills, frequent tire changes, and increased fuel use. As a result, more Albertans are exploring hybrid vehicles, ride-sharing, and even downsizing to a single car per household to reduce financial strain.

Quebec

Car ownership in Quebec has become surprisingly costly, even though it once ranked among the more affordable provinces. Insurance and registration fees have climbed steadily, while the province’s harsh winters accelerate wear on vehicles. Montreal and Quebec City drivers face added costs for parking and winter tires, which are mandatory by law. Rising gas prices and frequent maintenance needs can push total monthly car expenses close to or above mortgage payments for smaller properties. Many residents are opting for public transit or carpooling as smarter, budget-conscious alternatives to personal car ownership.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, where winters are long and intense, maintaining a vehicle can quickly become expensive. High heating fuel costs, frequent repairs due to icy conditions, and regular tire replacements drive up ownership expenses. Insurance rates through Manitoba Public Insurance have also risen, and combined with fuel and upkeep, many households now pay more monthly for their cars than for their homes. Winnipeg drivers in particular feel the squeeze as both living and commuting costs grow. Some residents are choosing to work remotely or rely on public transit to offset these rising car-related costs.

Saskatchewan

Owning a car in Saskatchewan used to be affordable, but that’s changed with increased fuel prices, maintenance costs, and vehicle taxes. Rural drivers, who often travel long distances, face even higher expenses. Severe winters lead to frequent repairs, battery replacements, and high tire wear. With car payments, insurance, and fuel combined, monthly costs can outpace many mortgage payments, especially for smaller towns. Saskatchewan residents are increasingly prioritizing fuel-efficient models and cutting back on non-essential trips to manage expenses without compromising mobility across the province’s vast stretches.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the cost of owning a car has surged as insurance premiums, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses rise in tandem. Halifax drivers pay some of the highest rates in Atlantic Canada, often rivaling monthly home payments. Winter weather adds to the burden, increasing repair and tire costs each year. With limited public transit options outside urban areas, many residents feel trapped between needing a vehicle and affording it. As a result, some families are reducing their car use or switching to compact, fuel-efficient models to keep their budgets in check.

New Brunswick

Car ownership costs in New Brunswick have risen sharply, particularly in cities like Moncton and Saint John. Insurance rates, though lower than in Ontario, have increased steadily in recent years. Combined with high fuel prices and regular maintenance due to rough winter roads, many households now find vehicle expenses rivaling or even exceeding smaller mortgage payments. For families outside major city centres, where public transportation is limited, a car is often a necessity. However, the growing cost burden has pushed more residents to buy used cars, share rides, or consolidate family vehicles to save money.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Owning a car in Newfoundland and Labrador has become an expensive necessity rather than a convenience. The province’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather demand regular maintenance, frequent tire changes, and higher fuel consumption. Insurance costs, combined with shipping expenses for parts and new vehicles, further inflate ownership costs. In St. John’s, the total monthly cost of running a car can easily surpass that of many home mortgages. With limited public transit options, residents often have no choice but to absorb these expenses, making vehicle ownership one of the province’s heaviest financial burdens.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island may be small, but car ownership here comes with significant costs. Limited public transport makes driving essential, and recent increases in fuel prices, insurance premiums, and maintenance fees have tightened household budgets. The island’s coastal weather conditions also mean more wear and tear on vehicles. Many PEI residents find themselves spending more on cars each month than on modest mortgage payments. To manage, families are turning to fuel-efficient vehicles, careful driving habits, and carpooling to cut down on rising transportation costs while maintaining daily mobility.

Toronto

Toronto’s car owners face some of the highest costs in the country. Insurance rates often exceed CA$2,500 annually, while parking fees, traffic fines, and downtown congestion add to the financial load. With fuel prices climbing and maintenance costs increasing due to heavy city use, many Toronto drivers now spend more per month on their cars than on their mortgages, especially those in older properties. Some are turning to public transit, cycling, or ride-sharing services instead. For urban families, the decision to own a car in Toronto is becoming less practical and more financially draining each year.

Vancouver

In Vancouver, car ownership costs have skyrocketed to levels that now rival or surpass mortgage payments on smaller homes. ICBC insurance premiums remain among the highest in Canada, and fuel costs are inflated by carbon taxes and environmental levies. Downtown parking can cost hundreds of dollars monthly, and maintaining a vehicle in the city’s rainy conditions adds more expense. Many Vancouverites are moving away from car ownership altogether, opting for public transit, cycling, and car-sharing. For those still driving daily, the cost-to-benefit ratio has become increasingly difficult to justify in this high-cost city.

Calgary

Calgary’s sprawling layout often makes owning a car necessary, but that necessity comes at a growing cost. Rising insurance premiums, fuel expenses, and maintenance needs—particularly during long, harsh winters—have made monthly car costs rival smaller mortgage payments. Even with relatively affordable housing, many Calgarians find vehicle ownership eats up a large portion of their income. Snow tires, increased fuel use during cold months, and higher repair costs only add to the financial weight. As a result, more residents are exploring hybrid cars, ride-sharing, or flexible work options to reduce their overall commuting expenses.

Edmonton

In Edmonton, vehicle ownership costs have risen sharply alongside higher insurance premiums and maintenance expenses. Winter conditions are particularly tough on cars, requiring snow tires, frequent servicing, and increased fuel consumption. Many residents now find themselves paying more each month for their vehicles than for their mortgages, especially as housing prices remain relatively stable. Fuel prices, combined with insurance costs and parking fees, add up quickly. Although Edmonton’s public transit system is improving, most people still rely on personal vehicles, making the growing expense of car ownership a major household concern.

Montreal

Montreal’s combination of urban congestion, winter wear, and rising insurance rates has made owning a car increasingly expensive. Parking fees are high, especially downtown, and strict winter tire requirements add seasonal costs. Many Montrealers report spending more monthly on their cars than on mortgage or rent payments for small properties. Maintenance is another burden, with cold weather accelerating rust and mechanical issues. As a result, public transit and cycling have become more attractive alternatives for cost-conscious residents. Despite Quebec’s relatively lower insurance rates, Montreal’s city driving costs remain among the country’s highest.

Ottawa

Ottawa’s car ownership expenses have grown in recent years due to rising insurance premiums and maintenance costs. The capital’s cold winters lead to frequent repairs, increased fuel consumption, and additional expenses for snow tires and storage. Parking in the city centre can also be costly, further adding to the financial strain. With housing prices stabilizing, many residents now find their monthly car costs surpassing or equalling mortgage payments. As a result, more Ottawans are turning to public transit or shared mobility options to save money without compromising convenience.

Halifax

In Halifax, the cost of owning and maintaining a car has climbed dramatically. Insurance rates in Nova Scotia’s capital are among the highest in Atlantic Canada, and fuel prices remain elevated. Add in parking fees, repairs caused by coastal weather, and rising maintenance costs, and car ownership can easily outpace mortgage payments on modest homes. For many Halifax residents, public transportation remains limited, leaving few alternatives. The financial weight of car ownership has led some families to sell second vehicles, carpool more often, or switch to compact, fuel-efficient models to manage household budgets.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg’s challenging winters make car ownership expensive, with high repair bills and frequent tire changes driving up costs. Insurance premiums have also increased in recent years, and combined with fuel and maintenance, many households spend more on their vehicles than on their mortgage payments. The city’s sprawling layout limits public transit options, leaving residents dependent on cars for commuting. The cumulative effect of fuel, insurance, and upkeep has made owning a car a growing financial strain, especially for middle-income families already balancing mortgage and utility payments.

Regina

In Regina, what was once a manageable cost of driving has grown into a major household expense. Rising insurance premiums, increasing fuel prices, and regular maintenance due to Saskatchewan’s extreme weather have made car ownership more costly than ever. Many residents report spending more monthly on car payments, insurance, and gas than on their mortgage. Because Regina’s public transit system covers limited routes, driving remains a necessity for most. Families are now turning to smaller, fuel-efficient cars and better budgeting to manage the rising financial impact of owning a vehicle.

St. John’s

St. John’s drivers face some of the steepest car ownership costs in Atlantic Canada. Harsh weather conditions lead to frequent repairs, battery replacements, and tire changes. Insurance premiums are also among the highest in the region, while gas prices fluctuate sharply due to the city’s remote location. For many residents, the total monthly cost of maintaining a car now exceeds what they pay for housing. Limited public transport leaves few alternatives, forcing families to budget carefully and make difficult trade-offs between transportation and other living expenses.

Charlottetown

In Charlottetown, car ownership costs have steadily increased, putting pressure on household finances. Rising fuel prices, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs now rival smaller mortgage payments. As PEI’s public transit system remains limited, most families rely heavily on cars for daily commuting. The coastal environment adds extra wear and tear, further increasing repair expenses. Many Charlottetown residents are now opting for used vehicles, compact models, or car-sharing arrangements to balance mobility needs with affordability, reflecting a growing shift away from traditional car ownership habits.

Kelowna

Kelowna’s rapid population growth has led to increased traffic, higher insurance premiums, and rising vehicle costs. Gas prices in British Columbia remain among the highest in the country, and parking in popular areas is costly. Many residents now spend more each month on car ownership than on their mortgage, particularly those with newer vehicles. The city’s limited public transit options make driving essential, but fuel-efficient or hybrid models are becoming more popular as families seek to manage expenses. The growing financial gap between housing and transportation highlights the challenges of living in one of BC’s fastest-growing cities.

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