BC
vs
NB
Kelowna vs Saint John Cost of Living (2026)
Kelowna is about 77% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,100 a month in Kelowna vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Saint John is 43% cheaper than living in Kelowna overall.
Kelowna / month
$2,635
Saint John / month
$1,555
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Kelowna
$100,000
Take-home $75,373 · $6,281/mo
Needed in Saint John
$56,536
Take-home $43,812 · $3,651/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Saint John you'd need $43,464 less a year (−43%).
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
Kelowna
$2,100
48% cheaper
Saint John
$1,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kelowna
$440
14% cheaper
Saint John
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kelowna
$95
21% cheaper
Saint John
$75
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