ON
vs
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Kitchener vs Windsor Cost of Living (2026)
Kitchener is about 25% more expensive than Windsor, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,850 a month in Kitchener vs $1,450 in Windsor.
The Verdict
Living in Windsor is 20% cheaper than living in Kitchener overall.
Kitchener / month
$2,370
Windsor / month
$1,930
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 Windsor
$80,299
Take-home $60,505 · $5,042/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Windsor you'd need $19,701 less a year (−20%).
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
22% cheaper
Windsor
$1,450
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kitchener
$420
7% cheaper
Windsor
$390
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kitchener
$100
10% cheaper
Windsor
$90
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