Cost of Living in Saint John: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Saint John, located in New Brunswick, Canada, is an increasingly popular destination for international students. Understanding the cost of living in Saint John is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. The average cost of living in Saint John can vary based on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors. 

Saint John offers a balance of affordability and quality of life to its students. This guide outlines the cost of living in Saint John and provides a detailed overview to help you make an informed decision about your move to Saint John. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living in Saint John, Canada.

Cost of Living in Saint John Overview

The average cost of living in Saint John for a single person is approximately CAD 2180 per month, according to LivingCost Data. If we break it down, the rent for a one-room apartment ranges from CAD 1,634 to CAD 1,753 per month. Food expenses are about CAD 850 per month, and transportation costs are around CAD 89.20 per month.

According to the cost of living in Saint John, it is among the top 33% most expensive cities globally. Saint John ranks 1st out of 4 in New Brunswick, Canada. The cost of living in Saint John’s depends on the type of accommodation, food preferences and personal spending habits. In the upcoming headings, we will provide you with details of the necessary expenses before visiting Saint John. This will help you in making effective financial planning.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Calgary: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Costs of Accommodation in Saint John

Accommodation cost covers a significant portion of the overall cost of living in Saint John. Compared to many other Canadian provinces, accommodation costs in Saint John are generally more affordable. But, before moving to Saint John, it is essential to thoroughly research and compare apartment rents in different areas to ensure they meet your needs and budget.

The city offers a range of housing options, including on-campus residences, and shared housing.

• On-Campus Residences: Many universities and colleges in Saint John provide on-campus housing, which is a convenient option for students. The cost for on-campus accommodation typically ranges from CAD 4,000 to CAD 8,000 per academic year, depending on the type of room and amenities provided.

• Shared Housing: Sharing an apartment or house with other students is a cost-effective option. The cost of shared housing can range from CAD 400 to CAD 600 per month per person, depending on the location and size of the property.

Apart from on-campus and shared accommodation, a student can go for a private one-bedroom apartment. A one-room apartment in St. John’s City Center can typically cost around CAD 1,270. To help you better understand housing expenses, we’ve compiled average cost data for various private flats both inside and outside the city centre. Please take a look at this.

Apartment Type	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 bedroom	in the City Centre	CAD 1,270
3 bedrooms	in the City Centre	CAD 2,225
1 bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 1,233
3 bedrooms	Outside of Centre	CAD 1,866

Cost of a Utility in Saint John 

Utilities in Saint John cover a range of essential services that enhance the quality of life. These services include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Understanding the costs associated with these utilities can help students manage their monthly expenses more effectively.

For a one-bedroom apartment in Saint John, the monthly utility costs are typically around CAD 164. However, this cost may be higher during the winter months due to increased heating requirements. It’s important to factor in utility expenses when calculating the overall cost of living in Saint John, as they can significantly impact your budget. Below is an overview of the average utility expenses in Saint John:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, etc	CAD 164
Internet	60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly	CAD 71
Mobile Phone	Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	CAD 42

Also Read: Cost of Living in Saskatoon: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Costs of Dining in Saint John

Saint John boasts a diverse restaurant scene that caters to all tastes and preferences, offering a range of dining experiences. However, food expenses can vary based on dietary preferences, the type of restaurant, the cuisine, the number of diners, and the location.

Eating out regularly can affect the student budget and the overall cost of living in Saint John. Consequently, cooking at home is often a more economical choice. Here is an approximate estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Saint John:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Lunch Menu	CAD 22.7
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	CAD 86.1
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	CAD  13.1
Cappuccino	CAD 4.24

Cost of Grocery in Saint John

Grocery expenses are a significant portion of the daily cost of living, particularly if you prepare your meals at home. Your meal preferences will largely dictate your grocery budget, which in turn impacts the overall cost of living in Saint John, Canada.

To save money on groceries in Saint John, it’s beneficial to compare prices across different stores and vendors. Grocery prices can vary depending on the quality and quantity of the products, as well as the location and availability of the store. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in Saint John for those planning to cook at home:

Source: Numbeo

Transportation costs in Saint John

Saint John offers a variety of transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose to walk, take the bus, rent a car, or use other modes of transport, the city’s infrastructure supports convenient and cost-effective travel. 

Understanding the costs associated with each option can help you plan your budget and make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Transportation costs may impact your overall cost of living in Saint John. To help you estimate your transportation budget, we’ve provided a table with average transportation costs below. 

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport	CAD 82.1
Ticket for Local Public transport	CAD 3.52
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km	CAD 18.4
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol	CAD 1.62

Also Read: Cost of Living in Regina: Food, Room Rent & Transportation

Miscellaneous Costs in Saint John

In addition to essential living expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries, you’ll likely encounter various miscellaneous costs during your studies in Saint John. Miscellaneous costs may include gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, minor medical appointments, and more. It’s important to consider these miscellaneous expenses when managing the cost of living in Saint John.

While these costs can vary based on individual lifestyles and preferences, they play a crucial role in overall financial planning. These expenses often become relevant once you’ve settled into your new routine in Saint John. Please refer to the table below for a detailed list of these charges.

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	CAD 14.9
Brand Jeans	CAD 70.5
Fitness Club	CAD 58.4
Brand Sneakers	CAD 137
Doctor’s visit	CAD 51.9
Haircut	CAD 17.1

Cost of Living in Saint John Compared to Other Cities

Saint John is often regarded as an affordable city to live in Canada compared to other nearby Canadian cities. When evaluating the cost of living in Saint John, several factors such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment come into play. Despite these expenses, Saint John remains an appealing choice within Canada for those looking for a balanced lifestyle with relatively lower living costs.

So to give you an idea of ​​how the cost of living in Saint John compares to other cities like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Canada. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living (including rent)	Comparison with Cost of Living in Saint John
Cost of Living in Toronto	CAD 3510	Higher than Saint John
Cost of Living in New York	CAD 4465	Higher than Saint John
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782	Higher than Saint John
Cost of Living in Indiana	CAD 2659	Higher than Saint John

Average Tuition Fees in Saint John

Understanding the tuition fees at the universities of Saint John is crucial as they significantly impact the overall cost of living in Saint John. Tuition fees in Saint John vary based on the institution, specific program, and level of study chosen. Prospective students should carefully consider their educational goals and financial resources.

By doing careful financial planning, students can maximise their opportunities to obtain a high-quality education from their desired university or college at an affordable price. Below is a table summarising the tuition fees at university in Saint John:

Name of University	Approx Tuition Per year
Saint Stephen’s University	CAD 8,900 to CAD 11400
University Of New Brunswick	CAD 7,024 to CAD 21,592

Students can plan their finances more effectively by understanding the average tuition fees at universities in Saint John. Although tuition fees in Saint John are generally lower than in other Canadian universities.

Saint John is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers an affordable cost of living for students. By understanding the various expenses and planning accordingly, students can make the most of their time in this charming Canadian city. Whether you’re considering on-campus accommodation or exploring the city’s culinary delights, Saint John has something to offer everyone. With its rich culture, friendly community, and numerous educational institutions, Saint John is an excellent choice for students pursuing higher education in Canada.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Karlstad: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities	Cost of Living in Karlstad: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Living in Birmingham: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities	Cost of Living in Sydney: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Living in Berlin: Updated Prices, Other Countries and Cities Comparison	Cost of Living in Bath: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

FAQs on Cost of Living in Saint John

So, this was all about the cost of living in Saint John. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.