NB
vs
QC
Saint John vs Sherbrooke Cost of Living (2026)
Saint John is about 4% more expensive than Sherbrooke, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,100 a month in Saint John vs $1,050 in Sherbrooke.
The Verdict
Living in Sherbrooke is 4% cheaper than living in Saint John overall.
Saint John / month
$1,555
Sherbrooke / month
$1,500
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Saint John
$100,000
Take-home $71,215 · $5,935/mo
Needed in Sherbrooke
$96,024
Take-home $67,060 · $5,588/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Sherbrooke you'd need $3,976 less a year (−4%).
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
Saint John
$1,100
5% cheaper
Sherbrooke
$1,050
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Saint John
$380
3% cheaper
Sherbrooke
$370
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Saint John
$75
7% more expensive
Sherbrooke
$80
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