ON
vs
NB
Kingston vs Saint John Cost of Living (2026)
Kingston is about 42% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,650 a month in Kingston vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Saint John is 30% cheaper than living in Kingston overall.
Kingston / month
$2,145
Saint John / month
$1,555
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 Saint John
$70,363
Take-home $52,263 · $4,355/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Saint John you'd need $29,637 less a year (−30%).
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
33% cheaper
Saint John
$1,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kingston
$410
7% cheaper
Saint John
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kingston
$85
12% cheaper
Saint John
$75
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