Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city, driven by potash mining, agriculture, and a growing technology sector. The city offers one of Canada’s best affordability ratios, with moderate household incomes and low housing costs.
Average and median income in Saskatoon
| Metric | Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Household Income | $134,600 | $133,000 | $146,600 |
| Median Household Income | $112,500 | $114,700 | $121,000 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2021 (updated with CIS 2023 trends).
Income vs. housing affordability in Saskatoon
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $112,500 |
| Average Home Price | $385,000 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.4× |
Saskatoon’s 3.4× ratio is among the best in Canada, making homeownership realistic for most working households. Compare to Toronto at 7.6× or Vancouver at 9.5×.
How Saskatoon compares to other cities
| City | Average HHI | Median HHI | Avg Home Price | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regina | $136,800 | $113,400 | $319,000 | 2.8× |
| Edmonton | $155,800 | $127,600 | $396,000 | 3.1× |
| Winnipeg | $130,200 | $109,800 | $365,000 | 3.3× |
| Saskatoon | $134,600 | $112,500 | $385,000 | 3.4× |
| Calgary | $168,400 | $140,200 | $567,000 | 4.0× |
Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see what you can afford.
Key industries driving Saskatoon income
- Potash and mining — BHP, Nutrien, and K+S Potash all operate near Saskatoon. Mining sector wages are well above average.
- Agriculture — As a major agricultural services centre, Saskatoon is home to agricultural biotech companies and the Canadian Light Source synchrotron
- University and research — University of Saskatchewan is the city’s largest employer and a major research institution
- Healthcare — Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and Royal University Hospital
- Technology — A small but growing tech sector, particularly in agri-tech and mining technology
- Construction — Ongoing resource development drives demand for skilled trades
Rental affordability in Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s rental market is among the most affordable in Canada for a city of its size:
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost | % of Median HHI |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,050 | 11.2% |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $1,250 | 13.3% |
| 3-Bedroom House Rental | $1,600 | 17.1% |
| Average Home Mortgage (20% down) | ~$1,770 | 18.9% |
The general guideline is that housing should cost no more than 30% of gross income. At 11–19% of median household income, Saskatoon residents are well within this threshold for both renting and owning. In Toronto or Vancouver, even a 1-bedroom rental consumes 20–25% of median household income.
Take-home pay: Saskatoon vs. other cities
Saskatchewan has moderate provincial income tax rates. Here’s how annual take-home pay compares for the same gross salary across different cities:
| Gross Salary | Saskatoon (SK) | Calgary (AB) | Toronto (ON) | Montreal (QC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,500 | $48,300 | $46,900 | $44,800 |
| $80,000 | $61,200 | $62,600 | $60,500 | $57,200 |
| $100,000 | $74,600 | $76,500 | $73,700 | $69,300 |
Estimates based on 2025 federal and provincial tax rates. Use our income tax calculator for your exact figure.
Saskatoon workers take home more than Montreal and Toronto earners at every income level, though slightly less than Calgary due to Saskatchewan’s higher provincial tax rates.
Income trends in Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s income growth has been closely tied to commodity cycles:
- 2012–2014 — Peak potash and oil prices drove strong income growth, with household incomes rising faster than the national average
- 2015–2016 — Commodity downturn slowed income growth and contributed to higher unemployment
- 2017–2019 — Gradual recovery as potash demand stabilized and the agricultural sector performed well
- 2020–2021 — Pandemic impact was less severe than in tourism-dependent cities, with agriculture and mining continuing operations
- 2022–2025 — Strong recovery driven by potash demand (global food security concerns), population growth from immigration, and a recovering construction sector
Saskatoon has consistently attracted interprovincial migrants from Ontario and BC seeking better affordability, which has supported both income and housing demand growth.
Cost of living beyond housing
Saskatoon’s overall cost of living is well below the national average:
- Saskatchewan PST — 6% provincial + 5% federal GST = 11% total (vs. 13% in Ontario or 15% in Atlantic provinces)
- Utilities — Average $200–$250/month for a single-family home, with cold winters driving heating costs higher than the national average
- Auto insurance — SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) provides public auto insurance, with rates generally lower than private-market provinces like Ontario
- Groceries — Lower than major metro areas, with proximity to agricultural producers keeping food costs moderate
- Childcare — Average $800–$1,000/month per child for full-time care, lower than Toronto ($1,500–$2,000) but higher than Quebec ($8.70/day)
Estimate your take-home pay with our income tax calculator or salary calculator.
Related tools and resources
- Saskatoon Housing Market — Current home prices and trends
- Saskatchewan Mortgage Rates — Find the best rates
- Income Percentile Calculator — See where your income ranks
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford