AB
vs
ON
Edmonton vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 39% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 39% more expensive than living in Edmonton overall.
Edmonton / month
$1,800
Waterloo / month
$2,430
Rent, groceries and transit 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 Waterloo
$139,114
Take-home $98,159 · $8,180/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $39,114 more a year (+39%).
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
46% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Edmonton
$400
8% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Edmonton
$100
0% more expensive
Waterloo
$100
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