Between inflation, rising interest rates, and new tariffs on imported goods, the cost of living in Canada doesn’t seem to be cooling down anytime soon. From grocery aisles to gas pumps, Canadians are feeling the pressure on all fronts, and many are making tough choices about what to cut from their budgets.
With that in mind, we recently asked MTL Blog readers on Facebook: “What’s gotten so expensive in Canada that you no longer purchase it?”
The answers were honest, relatable, and in some cases, a little heartbreaking, painting a clear picture of how everyday Canadians are adjusting to a reality where even basic comforts are becoming unaffordable.
Here are some of the most common responses.
Tipping
Most people would agree that tipping culture has gotten out of control. A recent H&R Block survey found that 82% of Canadians believe the practice has gone too far, with many saying they’ve noticed tip prompts and service fees popping up at more types of businesses, even at self-serve counters.
Luckily, for folks in Quebec, new rules were recently put in place. As of May 7, 2025, restaurants, bars, and cafes have to calculate suggested tip percentages based on the pre-tax total — not after GST and QST are added
Hockey tickets
Hockey is a big deal in Canada, and ticket prices these days are very indicative of that.
Attending a live game used to be a regular outing for some families. Now, many say it’s a once-a-season luxury (if that).
According to a 2022 report from Global News, the average cost to attend a Montreal Canadiens game was $196.79, making it the second-most-expensive fan experience in Canada at the time. That number has likely risen over the past few years.
Concert tickets were also mentioned as becoming increasingly unaffordable, with many users noting the high costs associated with attending live music events.
Fruit
Fresh fruit was one of the most common things readers said they’ve cut back on, especially grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Several people pointed out how small containers have nearly doubled in price over the past few years.
One person even mentioned seeing a whole watermelon priced at $20 during a recent Costco trip.
Houses
Some readers didn’t just name grocery items — they brought up homeownership itself. For many Canadians, especially in cities like Montreal, buying a house no longer feels realistic.
As we recently reported, the average price for a single-family home in Montreal has hit over $600,000, and even condos are pushing past $400,000. With salaries not keeping pace, some people said they’ve simply given up on the idea altogether.
Meat
A lot of people said they’ve cut back on their meat consumption — not for moral reasons, but purely because of the price.
Steak, in particular, came up often in the comments. One reader put it simply, saying, “I only buy it when it’s on sale.”
Gas
People with gas-powered vehicles still need to fill up, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing it without frustration.
Some readers said they’ve noticed unpredictable price jumps throughout the day. One person wrote, “Gas, but just in the morning. When it’s 12 cents per litre more for no reason,” highlighting how even the time you fill up can make a difference.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter might seem like a pantry staple, but even that’s become too pricey for some shoppers.
One Facebook user called it out directly, saying, “Peanut butter. It’s an OUTRAGE they don’t sell it at Dollarama anymore.”
McDonald’s
Fast food isn’t the cheap go-to it used to be, and McDonald’s was called out specifically.
With prices creeping up while portion sizes stay the same, one reader pointed out that ‘McValue’ meals, which go for around $6, don’t offer much value anymore.
Olive oil
Olive oil was mentioned by several readers as something they’ve cut from their grocery list due to high prices. While the high-quality cooking fat used to be a kitchen staple, many now see it as a splurge item that’s no longer worth the cost.
An STM pass
The price of getting around Montreal is not cheap, even if you don’t drive. And based on some of the comments we got, some folks may be willing to ditch their OPUS cards for good.
As of July 1, 2025, the price of a monthly Zone A pass (covering the island of Montreal) is set to increase from $94 to $104.50.
