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location_city NS vs location_city ON

Halifax vs Kingston Cost of Living (2026)

Halifax is about 14% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Halifax vs $1,650 in Kingston.

The Verdict

Living in Kingston is 12% cheaper than living in Halifax overall.

Halifax / month

$2,422

Kingston / month

$2,145

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Salary match: what you'd need to earn

Salary in Halifax

$100,000

Take-home $68,867 · $5,739/mo

Needed in Kingston

$87,855

Take-home $65,688 · $5,474/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in Kingston you'd need $12,145 less a year (−12%).

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

real_estate_agent

Average Rent

1-Bed City Center

Halifax

$1,900

13% cheaper

Kingston

$1,650

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Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Halifax

$440

7% cheaper

Kingston

$410

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Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Halifax

$82

4% more expensive

Kingston

$85

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