ON
vs
ON
Kingston vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 14% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,650 in Kingston.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 14% more expensive than living in Kingston overall.
Kingston / month
$2,145
Waterloo / month
$2,430
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 Waterloo
$113,886
Take-home $83,601 · $6,967/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $13,886 more a year (+14%).
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
15% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kingston
$410
5% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kingston
$85
18% more expensive
Waterloo
$100
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement