Hamilton vs London Cost of Living (2026)
Hamilton is about 3% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
Hamilton / month
$2,843
London / month
$2,732
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym 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 London
$97,042
Take-home $72,151 · $6,013/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in London you'd need $2,958 less a year (−3%).
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
London
$1,750
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
London
$410
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
London
$95
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Hamilton
$175
London
$165
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Hamilton
$290
London
$270
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Hamilton
$48
London
$42
Which City Should You Choose?
Hamilton, ON: A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent.
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 Hamilton more expensive than London?
Yes. Hamilton costs about 3% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in Hamilton or London?
London is roughly 3% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Hamilton vs London?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,800/month in Hamilton versus $1,750/month in London.
What salary do I need in London to match my Hamilton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Hamilton is roughly equivalent to $97,042 in London once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is London a good place to move to from Hamilton?
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
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