According to data from Statistics Canada in 2016, Manitobans appear to be in a better financial position than Saskatchewanians – with auto insurance just one such example.
Out of the 17 financial expense categories both provinces were measured for, there was only one instance where Manitoba spent more than its neighbor.
“We’re always looking at those comparatives with Saskatchewan being our neighbouring province and being the most like Manitoba,” Manitoba Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Chuck Davidson told The Reminder. “When we’re looking at attracting companies to this province, those numbers are very important, and I believe Manitoba does well.”
The figures from Statistics Canada reveal that, compared to Saskatchewanians, Manitobans spent about $12,000 less to live day-to-day in 2015.
Although the average income in Manitoba is $6,000 less than in Saskatchewan, the report noted that Manitobans kept more of their money – they earned about $4,000 more than they spent.
When it came to spending on income tax, Manitobans spent on average 16.5% (or $13,397) of their earnings, while Saskatchewanians spent 18.4% ($16,026).
For shelter expenses, Manitobans spent on average $14,760 versus Saskatchewanians spending $17,146. Likewise, Manitoba residents spent $4,085 on household operations compared to $4,958.
In terms of transportation expenses, Manitobans spent $11,682 compared to Saskatchewanians with $15,237. For recreation expenses, Manitobans spend $3,896 and Saskatchewanians $4,792.
Personal care was the only category where Manitobans spent more than Saskatchewanians, but only slightly – $1,294 compared to $1,273.
As for average auto insurance rates between the two provinces, Manitoba’s MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) had the lesser rates, at $1,027 per year, compared to Saskatchewan’s SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance), at $1,049.
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