SK
vs
ON
Saskatoon vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 45% more expensive than Saskatoon, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,250 in Saskatoon.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 45% more expensive than living in Saskatoon overall.
Saskatoon / month
$1,725
Waterloo / month
$2,430
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Saskatoon
$100,000
Take-home $72,288 · $6,024/mo
Needed in Waterloo
$144,796
Take-home $101,375 · $8,448/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $44,796 more a year (+45%).
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
Saskatoon
$1,250
52% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Saskatoon
$390
10% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Saskatoon
$85
18% more expensive
Waterloo
$100
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