AB
vs
NL
Calgary vs St. John's Cost of Living (2026)
Calgary is about 17% more expensive than St. John's, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,700 a month in Calgary vs $1,400 in St. John's.
The Verdict
Living in St. John's is 15% cheaper than living in Calgary overall.
Calgary / month
$2,232
St. John's / month
$1,930
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 St. John's
$85,236
Take-home $61,130 · $5,094/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in St. John's you'd need $14,764 less a year (−15%).
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
18% cheaper
St. John's
$1,400
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
7% more expensive
St. John's
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
29% cheaper
St. John's
$80
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement