We live in the Beechwood area of Waterloo, which is a moderately older part of town with moderate sized homes. Lovely neighborhood. We live fairly close to the University of Waterloo. Our mortgage was a variable rate paid biweekly, and was about $750 every two weeks. We recently sold that home of about 2300 square feet, for $490k.

Our utilities are high here in Waterloo. Gas - $84/month on a budget plan; Water/Sewer - $66/month, also on a budget plan; Hydro (electricity) - $365/month, also on a budget plan. (There are 3 people in the household)

Food costs are around $400/month. Health care is mostly free due to OHIP and a good insurance plan through SunLife.