ON
vs
ON
Kingston vs Oshawa Cost of Living (2026)
Oshawa is about 17% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,650 in Kingston.
The Verdict
Living in Oshawa is 17% more expensive than living in Kingston overall.
Kingston / month
$2,145
Oshawa / month
$2,500
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Kingston
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Oshawa
$116,788
Take-home $85,449 · $7,121/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Oshawa you'd need $16,788 more a year (+17%).
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
Kingston
$1,650
18% more expensive
Oshawa
$1,950
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kingston
$410
2% more expensive
Oshawa
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kingston
$85
53% more expensive
Oshawa
$130
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