Edmonton vs Hamilton Cost of Living (2026)
Hamilton is about 33% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Edmonton / month
$2,335
Hamilton / month
$2,843
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Edmonton
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Hamilton
$132,658
Take-home $94,506 · $7,875/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Hamilton you'd need $32,658 more a year (+33%).
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
Edmonton
$1,300
Hamilton
$1,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Edmonton
$400
Hamilton
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Edmonton
$100
Hamilton
$110
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Edmonton
$210
Hamilton
$175
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Edmonton
$280
Hamilton
$290
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Edmonton
$45
Hamilton
$48
Which City Should You Choose?
Edmonton, AB: Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence.
Hamilton, ON: A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamilton more expensive than Edmonton?
Yes. Hamilton costs about 33% more than Edmonton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton or Hamilton?
Edmonton is roughly 33% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Edmonton vs Hamilton?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,300/month in Edmonton versus $1,800/month in Hamilton.
What salary do I need in Hamilton to match my Edmonton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Edmonton is roughly equivalent to $132,658 in Hamilton once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Hamilton a good place to move to from Edmonton?
A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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