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Cost of Living in Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada · Population 69,895

▼ -6% vs Canada average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,463 ($1,076)
Couple, monthly$2,662 ($1,957)
Family of four, monthly$3,505 ($2,577)

Estimated Prices in Saint John

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.46 ($9.90)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.86 ($39.60)per meal
Cappuccino$4.04 ($2.97)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$305 ($224)per month
Monthly public transport pass$49.37 ($36.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$130 ($95.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Fitness club membership$37.70 ($27.72)per month
Cinema ticket$9.87 ($7.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$813 ($598)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$566 ($416)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,697 ($1,248)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Saint John is $4,352 ($3,200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,463 ($1,076) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($566 ($416)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Saint John

Saint John vs TorontoSaint John vs MontréalSaint John vs VancouverSaint John vs CalgarySaint John vs EdmontonSaint John vs Ottawa

Nearby Cities

Quispamsis

20 km away · New Brunswick

Oromocto

71 km away · New Brunswick

Fredericton

88 km away · New Brunswick

Kentville

126 km away · Nova Scotia

Riverview

131 km away · New Brunswick

Moncton

139 km away · New Brunswick

Dieppe

139 km away · New Brunswick

Chester

156 km away · Nova Scotia

Other Major Cities in Canada

Toronto

Ontario · pop. 5,647,656

$1,952 ($1,435) / mo

Montréal

Quebec · pop. 3,675,219

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Vancouver

British Columbia · pop. 2,426,160

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Calgary

Alberta · pop. 1,306,784

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Edmonton

Alberta · pop. 1,151,635

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Ottawa

Ontario · pop. 1,068,821

$1,690 ($1,242) / mo

Winnipeg

Manitoba · pop. 758,515

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Quebec City

Quebec · pop. 733,156

$1,560 ($1,147) / mo

Living in Saint John

Saint John is one of the key cities in Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,463 ($1,076), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $566 ($416) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,505 ($2,577) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,662 ($1,957) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Saint John is $4,352 ($3,200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,902 ($1,399) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint John expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,463 ($1,076) per month in Saint John including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Canada.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Saint John?
A net salary of around $1,902 ($1,399) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Saint John with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Saint John is $4,352 ($3,200).
How much is rent in Saint John?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $813 ($598) per month in the city centre and $566 ($416) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,697 ($1,248).
Is Saint John cheaper than Canada on average?
Yes — Saint John is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Canada average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Saint John?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $305 ($224) in Saint John. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Saint John compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Saint John is estimated at $49 ($36). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Saint John are estimates based on Canada national averages adjusted for city size (population 69,895). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.