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Bathurst, New Brunswick

Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

61
Overall Score

Bathurst is a vibrant coastal city located in northern New Brunswick, Canada, nestled along the Chaleur Bay. Known as the 'Hub of the Chaleur Region,' the city boasts a rich history rooted in mining, forestry, fishing, and commerce. Today, it serves as a crucial service center for the surrounding municipalities, combining a welcoming maritime culture with bilingual traditions. People are drawn to Bathurst for its scenic waterfronts, close-knit community atmosphere, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes like the Appalachian foothills and Youghall Beach.

About New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a Maritime province known for its extensive forests, diverse coastline, and status as Canada's only officially bilingual province. The economy is driven by natural resources like forestry, fishing, and mining, alongside growing sectors such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, digital health, and information technology. Living in New Brunswick generally offers a lower cost of living compared to other Canadian provinces, with affordable housing and a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The province experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by snowy winters and warm, temperate summers.

12,786
Population
$52K
Avg Salary
88
Cost Index
60.9
Quality Score
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 82 / 100 82.0 30% 24.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 58.8 25% 14.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $58,000 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 8.5% 39.9 20% 8.0
Growth Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.5% 47.5 15% 7.1
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 65.0 10% 6.5
Overall score 60.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Bathurst

Featured local businesses in Bathurst.

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Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
76
Affordability
80
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bathurst is notably lower than the Canadian national average, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees alike. Housing costs, in particular, remain quite affordable compared to larger urban centers in Ontario or British Columbia, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without excessive financial strain. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and local services are generally in line with regional trends for Atlantic Canada.

Average Rent
$950/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$170/mo
Healthcare
$140/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$100.00

Salary Insights

Bathurst's economy is anchored by public administration, healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing, along with traditional resource-based sectors. Major employers include the Chaleur Regional Hospital and the local school districts, providing stable public-sector employment. While traditional industries remain important, the city has been actively working to diversify its economic base by supporting small businesses, digital services, and remote work infrastructure.

The average salary in Bathurst is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.20% Educational Services +1.00% Public Administration +1.50% Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.00% Manufacturing and Resources +0.80%

Climate

🌡️
6°C
Avg Temp
☀️
24°C
Summer High
❄️
-12°C
Winter Low
🌧️
36.20"
Annual Rain
💧
70.00%
Humidity
🌤️
238
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Bathurst is primarily car-dependent, though the compact nature of the city center allows for pleasant walking and cycling during warmer months. Local transit services and regional connections provide baseline mobility, while the Bathurst Airport offers passenger flights connecting to major hubs. Major highway routes make road travel accessible throughout New Brunswick and into neighboring provinces.

15 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
52.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates are significantly more affordable than the Canadian national average per Statistics Canada.
Proximity to the scenic Chaleur Bay offers exceptional access to boating, fishing, and coastal beaches.
A strong bilingual community culture provides vibrant English and French arts, media, and social events.
Low crime rates and a tight-knit community create a remarkably safe environment for families and retirees.
Access to the Chaleur Regional Hospital ensures quality local healthcare services without needing to travel south.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings heavy snowfall (74.5 inches annually) and prolonged cold spells requiring winter preparedness.
Public transit options are limited, making owning a personal vehicle essentially mandatory for daily life.
Economic opportunities can be narrower compared to major urban centers, with heavy reliance on public sector and regional industries.
An older demographic skew means fewer high-energy metropolitan nightlife and entertainment options.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan hubs can result in higher shipping costs for goods and longer travel times.

Questions about Bathurst

What people ask about living in and moving to Bathurst, New Brunswick.

How does the cost of living in Bathurst compare to other New Brunswick towns? Cost of Living 1 answer

Bathurst generally has a lower cost of living than major urban centers like Moncton or Saint John. Housing, groceries, and utilities tend to be more affordable, while transportation costs are modest due to the town’s compact size. You can compare local prices by checking recent listings on regional real‑estate sites and reviewing consumer price indexes available through provincial statistical reports.

What are the main employment sectors in Bathurst? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Key employment sectors in Bathurst include education, health services, forestry, and small‑scale manufacturing. The town’s public schools and health facilities provide a steady demand for teachers, nurses, and support staff. Additionally, local businesses in the natural resource sector offer roles in operations and logistics. Job listings can be found on regional employment boards and the town’s career services page.

How are the public schools in Bathurst rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Bathurst are overseen by the provincial education authority and follow the standard curriculum. Performance reports are published annually and can be accessed through the education department’s website. Parents often review these reports, along with community feedback, to assess academic standards and extracurricular offerings.

What is the overall vibe of Bathurst for newcomers? General 1 answer

Bathurst is known for its close‑knit community atmosphere, friendly residents, and a strong sense of local pride. Newcomers often find welcoming social networks through community centers, volunteer groups, and neighborhood associations. Exploring the town’s public spaces and attending local events can help integrate quickly.

What types of housing are common in Bathurst? Housing 1 answer

The housing stock in Bathurst includes single‑family detached homes, semi‑detached units, and low‑rise apartment buildings. Detached houses often feature spacious yards and are found in residential neighborhoods that are close to elementary and secondary schools. For current availability, browse local real‑estate portals and consult the municipal planning office for zoning maps.

Is Bathurst considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Bathurst typically reports lower crime rates than larger urban centers in the province. Most incidents involve property crime rather than violent crime. For the most recent statistics, consult the provincial police crime database and local municipal safety reports.

What public transportation options are available in Bathurst? Getting Around 1 answer

Public transit in Bathurst is operated by the local transit authority, offering bus routes that connect residential areas with commercial and educational hubs. Schedules and fare information are posted on the authority’s website, and riders can purchase passes online or at designated kiosks.

Where can I find medical services in Bathurst? Healthcare 1 answer

The town hosts a community health clinic that provides primary care and basic diagnostic services. For specialist care, patients typically travel to larger nearby cities, but the clinic can coordinate referrals. Appointment details and service lists are available through the provincial health directory.

What recreational activities are popular in Bathurst? Things to Do 1 answer

Bathurst offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing along nearby rivers and coastlines. Cultural events include seasonal festivals, local arts showcases, and community theatre productions, all organized by the municipal cultural affairs office. Event calendars are posted on the town’s official website.

What is the best time of year to move to Bathurst? Moving Here 1 answer

Spring and early fall are generally the most favorable times to relocate, as temperatures are moderate and road conditions are stable. Winter moves can be challenging due to snow and ice, while summer offers the longest daylight hours. Check local weather archives for typical seasonal patterns.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Bathurst? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian cost-of-living models incorporate federal GST, provincial sales taxes (PST), Harmonized Sales Taxes (HST), and provincial income tax brackets to measure consumer purchasing power accurately.

Where applicable, provincial healthcare contributions and employer health tax structures are factored into the net tax burden of provincial residents.

The platform indexes provincial utility rate structures, factoring in heavy hydroelectric reliance in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia versus fossil-fuel heating in other regions.

Municipal millage rates set by local property assessment authorities (such as MPAC in Ontario) are evaluated against median residential property values.

Yes. Northern and remote Canadian communities incorporate northern living allowances and freight cost inflation adjustments into consumer goods baskets.

Educational metrics aggregate provincial standardized testing results, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil education expenditures published by provincial ministries of education.

Safety metrics integrate Statistics Canada Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) survey data and municipal police service incident reports across census metropolitan areas (CMAs).

Transit scoring measures rapid transit station densities, subway/LRT coverage, bus route frequency, and regional commuter rail integration.

Environmental indexing accounts for winter heating degree days (HDD), annual snowfall accumulation, seasonal sunshine hours, and extreme weather risk exposures.

Recreational scoring evaluates proximity to provincial park systems, national parks, and urban green belt networks relative to municipal population centers.

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