NB
vs
ON
Fredericton vs Hamilton Cost of Living (2026)
Hamilton is about 38% more expensive than Fredericton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,250 in Fredericton.
The Verdict
Living in Hamilton is 38% more expensive than living in Fredericton overall.
Fredericton / month
$1,730
Hamilton / month
$2,330
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Fredericton
$100,000
Take-home $71,215 · $5,935/mo
Needed in Hamilton
$137,714
Take-home $97,367 · $8,114/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Hamilton you'd need $37,714 more a year (+38%).
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
Fredericton
$1,250
44% more expensive
Hamilton
$1,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Fredericton
$400
5% more expensive
Hamilton
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Fredericton
$80
38% more expensive
Hamilton
$110
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