location_city NS vs location_city NL

Halifax vs St. John's Cost of Living (2026)

Halifax is about 29% more expensive than St. John's, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Halifax vs $1,400 in St. John's.

The Verdict

Living in St. John's is 23% cheaper than living in Halifax overall.

Halifax / month

$2,422

St. John's / month

$1,930

Rent, groceries and transit for one person.

Salary match: what you'd need to earn

Your salary in Halifax $

Salary in Halifax

$100,000

Take-home $68,867 · $5,739/mo

Needed in St. John's

$77,476

Take-home $56,282 · $4,690/mo

To keep the same lifestyle in St. John's you'd need $22,524 less a year (−23%).

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

26% cheaper

St. John's

$1,400

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Groceries

Monthly Basket (1 Person)

Halifax

$440

2% more expensive

St. John's

$450

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Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass

Halifax

$82

2% cheaper

St. John's

$80

Keep going

Plan your move

Halifax Income Tax CalculatorExact take-home pay for Halifax workers St. John's Income Tax CalculatorExact take-home pay for St. John's workers Rent vs BuyRent or buy after moving to St. John's?

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