NB
vs
MB
Saint John vs Winnipeg Cost of Living (2026)
Winnipeg is about 23% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,400 a month in Winnipeg vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Winnipeg is 23% more expensive than living in Saint John overall.
Saint John / month
$1,555
Winnipeg / month
$1,888
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 Winnipeg
$123,063
Take-home $85,550 · $7,129/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Winnipeg you'd need $23,063 more a year (+23%).
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
27% more expensive
Winnipeg
$1,400
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Saint John
$380
0% more expensive
Winnipeg
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Saint John
$75
44% more expensive
Winnipeg
$108
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