AB
vs
ON
Calgary vs Oshawa Cost of Living (2026)
Oshawa is about 13% more expensive than Calgary, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,700 in Calgary.
The Verdict
Living in Oshawa is 13% more expensive than living in Calgary overall.
Calgary / month
$2,232
Oshawa / month
$2,500
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Calgary
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Oshawa
$112,881
Take-home $82,936 · $6,911/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Oshawa you'd need $12,881 more a year (+13%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Calgary
$1,700
15% more expensive
Oshawa
$1,950
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
0% more expensive
Oshawa
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
16% more expensive
Oshawa
$130
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement