ON
vs
NL
Cost of Living: Ottawa vs St. John's
Making a move? Compare the exact 2026 data for housing, food, and transit to see exactly how your lifestyle budget will change between these two cities.
The Verdict
Living in St. John's is 29% cheaper than living in Ottawa overall.
To maintain your exact standard of living, a $100,000 salary in Ottawa is mathematically equivalent to earning $70,681 in St. John's.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Ottawa
$2,100
33% cheaper
St. John's
$1,400
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Ottawa
$430
5% more expensive
St. John's
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Ottawa
$125
36% cheaper
St. John's
$80
Calculate Your Exact Salary
Ready to see how much you'll keep after taxes in NL? Use our Canadian Income Tax Calculator to get a precise breakdown.