ON
vs
ON
Kitchener vs Oshawa Cost of Living (2026)
Oshawa is about 5% more expensive than Kitchener, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,850 in Kitchener.
The Verdict
Living in Oshawa is 5% more expensive than living in Kitchener overall.
Kitchener / month
$2,370
Oshawa / month
$2,500
Rent, groceries and transit 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 Oshawa
$105,229
Take-home $77,789 · $6,482/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Oshawa you'd need $5,229 more 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
5% more expensive
Oshawa
$1,950
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kitchener
$420
0% more expensive
Oshawa
$420
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kitchener
$100
30% more expensive
Oshawa
$130
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement