Kitchener vs London Cost of Living (2026)
Kitchener is about 5% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,850 a month in Kitchener vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
Kitchener / month
$2,865
London / month
$2,732
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Kitchener
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in London
$94,958
Take-home $70,685 · $5,890/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in London you'd need $5,042 less a year (−5%).
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
Kitchener
$1,850
London
$1,750
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kitchener
$420
London
$410
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kitchener
$100
London
$95
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Kitchener
$170
London
$165
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Kitchener
$280
London
$270
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Kitchener
$45
London
$42
Which City Should You Choose?
Kitchener, ON: Part of Ontario's tech-focused Kitchener-Waterloo corridor — cheaper than Toronto with a growing job market.
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kitchener more expensive than London?
Yes. Kitchener costs about 5% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,850 a month in Kitchener vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in Kitchener or London?
London is roughly 5% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Kitchener vs London?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,850/month in Kitchener versus $1,750/month in London.
What salary do I need in London to match my Kitchener lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Kitchener is roughly equivalent to $94,958 in London once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is London a good place to move to from Kitchener?
A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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