NB
vs
ON
Fredericton vs Kitchener Cost of Living (2026)
Kitchener is about 41% more expensive than Fredericton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,850 a month in Kitchener vs $1,250 in Fredericton.
The Verdict
Living in Kitchener is 41% more expensive than living in Fredericton overall.
Fredericton / month
$1,730
Kitchener / month
$2,370
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 Kitchener
$140,736
Take-home $99,077 · $8,256/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Kitchener you'd need $40,736 more a year (+41%).
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
48% more expensive
Kitchener
$1,850
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Fredericton
$400
5% more expensive
Kitchener
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Fredericton
$80
25% more expensive
Kitchener
$100
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