NB
vs
ON
Saint John vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 62% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 62% more expensive than living in Saint John overall.
Saint John / month
$1,555
Waterloo / month
$2,430
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 Waterloo
$161,856
Take-home $110,862 · $9,238/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $61,856 more a year (+62%).
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
73% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Saint John
$380
13% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Saint John
$75
33% more expensive
Waterloo
$100
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