Oshawa vs St. John's Cost of Living (2026)
Oshawa is about 32% more expensive than St. John's, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,950 a month in Oshawa vs $1,400 in St. John's.
The Verdict
Oshawa / month
$2,500
St. John's / month
$1,930
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 St. John's
$75,510
Take-home $55,055 · $4,588/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in St. John's you'd need $24,490 less a year (−24%).
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
St. John's
$1,400
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Oshawa
$420
St. John's
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Oshawa
$130
St. John's
$80
Plan your move
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