ON
vs
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Hamilton vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 5% more expensive than Hamilton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,800 in Hamilton.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 5% more expensive than living in Hamilton overall.
Hamilton / month
$2,330
Waterloo / month
$2,430
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 Waterloo
$104,866
Take-home $77,540 · $6,462/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $4,866 more a year (+5%).
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
6% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
2% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
9% cheaper
Waterloo
$100
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