NB
vs
ON
Saint John vs Sudbury Cost of Living (2026)
Sudbury is about 31% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,500 a month in Sudbury vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Sudbury is 31% more expensive than living in Saint John overall.
Saint John / month
$1,555
Sudbury / month
$1,988
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 Sudbury
$130,722
Take-home $93,410 · $7,784/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Sudbury you'd need $30,722 more a year (+31%).
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
36% more expensive
Sudbury
$1,500
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Saint John
$380
5% more expensive
Sudbury
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Saint John
$75
17% more expensive
Sudbury
$88
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