ON
vs
BC
Kingston vs Vancouver Cost of Living (2026)
Vancouver is about 63% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,650 in Kingston.
The Verdict
Living in Vancouver is 63% more expensive than living in Kingston overall.
Kingston / month
$2,145
Vancouver / month
$3,440
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 Vancouver
$163,109
Take-home $115,150 · $9,596/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Vancouver you'd need $63,109 more a year (+63%).
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
70% more expensive
Vancouver
$2,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kingston
$410
12% more expensive
Vancouver
$460
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kingston
$85
112% more expensive
Vancouver
$180
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