LEAST EXPENSIVE CITY FOR TECH
According to the CBRE Research 2016 Scoring Canadian Tech Talent Report, Winnipeg is the least expensive city to
operate a tech company and a more affordable place for potential employees to call home. Based on a company with
500 employees and a 75,000-square foot office, the cost is $30.7 million per year, $9 million cheaper than Calgary and
$6 million cheaper than Toronto.
Office rent, which is the second highest cost for tech
companies besides employee salaries, is one of the lowest
in the country. The average asking rent per square foot
in Winnipeg is $23.54, compared to almost $40.00 in
Vancouver. Meanwhile, the average rent there for a purpose
built apartment is $925 per month, and roughly $1,200 in
Vancouver and Toronto.
Estimated 1-year costs by market: wage and rent
obligation for typical tech firm in Canadian cities ($M)
Typical Tech Firms Estimates: 500 Employees, 75,000 Sq. Ft.
3
CAPITAL OPERATING COSTS
Note: Total estimated cost consists of rent cost, tech talent wages,
support non-tech wages, and management wages.
Source: Statistics Canada, CBR Research
"WINNIPEG IS THE
LEAST EXPENSIVE CITY
TO OPERATE A TECH
COMPANY…
AND A MORE
AFFORDABLE PLACE FOR
POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES
TO CALL HOME."
– CBRE
30 T E A M M A N I T O B A
