ON
vs
NB
Oshawa vs Saint John Cost of Living (2026)
Oshawa is about 66% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Saint John is 40% cheaper than living in Oshawa overall.
Oshawa / month
$2,500
Saint John / month
$1,555
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Oshawa
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Saint John
$60,248
Take-home $46,196 · $3,850/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Saint John you'd need $39,752 less a year (−40%).
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
Oshawa
$1,950
44% cheaper
Saint John
$1,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Oshawa
$420
10% cheaper
Saint John
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Oshawa
$130
42% cheaper
Saint John
$75
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