Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 72)
Timmins, Canada, sits at an elevation of 295 meters above sea level in the America/Toronto timezone, with a continental climate that brings distinct seasons. The city has a population of 44 thousand, and expats tend to settle in the Timmins North neighborhood. The nearest airport is YTS, located 10 km from the city center.
Living costs in Timmins are notably lower than in many Canadian cities. A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $1,100/mo, with utilities at $228/mo, internet at $58/mo, a mobile phone plan at $50/mo, a monthly public transport pass at $60/mo, and a gym membership at $20/mo. Rents are affordable: a 1-bedroom in the city centre costs $1,035/mo, outside the centre $929/mo; a 3-bedroom in the city centre is $1,578/mo, outside the centre $1,438/mo. Budget-tier total for a single adult including rent is $1,233/mo, mid-range is $1,750/mo, and comfortable is $2,002/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,998/mo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $13 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $49, and a cappuccino is $6.
Safety in Timmins is solid, with a safety index of 68/100 and a crime index of 32/100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as Good, and the air quality index is 35 (lower is better). English is widely spoken, making daily life straightforward for newcomers.
For visas, the available programs are the Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) and the Canada Digital Nomad Visa. The nearest airport is YTS, 10 km away. Timmins suits those looking for a low-cost, safe city with good healthcare and a small expat community (very few expats). The overall expat score is 72/100, with a FIRE score of 72/100, a retiree score of 63/100, and a digital nomad score of 65/100.
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Timmins at the budget tier comes to about $1,639 a month for one adult, with $929 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $213 on groceries, $60.00 on dining out, $41.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $336 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$929/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$213/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$60.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$41.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$336/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Timmins at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,847 a month for one adult, with $929 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $284 on groceries, $151 on dining out, $87.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $336 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$929/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$284/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$151/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$87.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$336/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Timmins at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,269 a month for one adult, with $1,035 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $398 on groceries, $301 on dining out, $139 on entertainment and lifestyle, $336 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,035/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$398/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$301/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$139/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$336/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1034.53/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Timmins's cost of living compares with Fort Frances, Ontario
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(Lower is safer)
Timmins is a safe, quiet mining town in Northern Ontario with low violent crime rates typical of small Canadian communities. Property crime and petty theft occur but are minimal compared to larger cities. The main concerns are seasonal isolation during harsh winters and limited emergency services response times in outlying areas. Downtown remains walkable and well-lit. For American expats accustomed to mid-sized U.S. cities, Timmins presents virtually no safety concerns—it's genuinely one of Canada's safer communities, though the remote location and small-town pace require adjustment.
Timmins has a safety index of 24.43/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Timmins's healthcare compares with Fort Frances, Ontario
Timmins has a subarctic climate with extremely cold, long winters (December-March dropping to -32°C) and short, mild summers (June-August reaching 33°C), featuring high humidity year-round that can intensify both seasonal extremes.
Indices last read Nov 14, 2026.
A mining town with a close-knit community.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Timmins | Regus offers a reliable, professional environment with various membership options. Located in the heart of Timmins, it provides a convenient and accessible workspace for digital nomads and remote workers. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Timmins long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Timmins's digital nomad life compares with Fort Frances, Ontario
A northern mining hub. Very rugged and isolated.
Areas of Timmins that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Central, convenient, urban amenities
The heart of Timmins, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and services. While convenient, it can be noisier and experience higher foot traffic. Good for those who prefer urban living and don't mind some hustle and bustle.
Residential, family-friendly, established
A mature residential area with a mix of housing types. It's generally quieter than downtown, making it suitable for families and retirees. Requires a car for most errands, though some amenities are within walking distance.
Historic, community-focused, affordable
Located a short drive from Timmins, South Porcupine has a distinct small-town feel and a strong sense of community. Housing tends to be more affordable here. While charming, it's less walkable than downtown Timmins and requires a vehicle.
Spacious, rural, outdoor recreation
Offers larger properties and a more rural setting, appealing to those seeking space and proximity to nature. Public transit is limited, so a car is essential. This area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a quieter lifestyle.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1035/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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