Halifax vs London Cost of Living (2026)
Halifax is about 8% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Halifax vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
Halifax / month
$2,942
London / month
$2,732
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym 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 London
$92,589
Take-home $69,018 · $5,752/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in London you'd need $7,411 less a year (−7%).
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
Halifax
$1,900
London
$1,750
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Halifax
$440
London
$410
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Halifax
$82
London
$95
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Halifax
$170
London
$165
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Halifax
$300
London
$270
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Halifax
$50
London
$42
Which City Should You Choose?
Halifax, NS: Atlantic Canada's largest city, with rent climbing fast due to strong interprovincial migration.
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 Halifax more expensive than London?
Yes. Halifax costs about 8% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,900 a month in Halifax vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in Halifax or London?
London is roughly 7% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Halifax vs London?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,900/month in Halifax versus $1,750/month in London.
What salary do I need in London to match my Halifax lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Halifax is roughly equivalent to $92,589 in London once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is London a good place to move to from Halifax?
A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
Advertisement