ON
vs
ON
Hamilton vs Kingston Cost of Living (2026)
Hamilton is about 9% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,650 in Kingston.
The Verdict
Living in Kingston is 8% cheaper than living in Hamilton overall.
Hamilton / month
$2,330
Kingston / month
$2,145
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Hamilton
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Kingston
$92,080
Take-home $68,660 · $5,722/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Kingston you'd need $7,920 less a year (−8%).
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
Hamilton
$1,800
8% cheaper
Kingston
$1,650
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
2% cheaper
Kingston
$410
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
23% cheaper
Kingston
$85
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