Cost of living in Kingston: Complete guide for 2025
A historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston is both a beautiful natural playground and an urban centre. With its friendly locals, low cost of living, and stunning cultural scene – it’s no surprise Kingston is a magnet for both residents and visitors.
In this extensive guide on the cost of living in Kingston, you will receive comprehensive information on what you need to spend on housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, miscellaneous costs and entertainment. With a bit of understanding of what it costs to live in Kingston, you can make good decisions about where to live and how much you should spend.
So if you’re thinking of moving to Kingston for work, study or otherwise to explore a new life, then this guide is here to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Kingston: An Overview
Named after a neighbouring city, the historic Kingston is a place which hosts a high living quality and has a vibrant atmosphere. The cost of living in Kingston is almost always lower than in places like Toronto and Vancouver, but you have to know what you’ll be spending money on. To help you get the picture, This comprehensive guide will give you details on the price of living in Kingston, which includes housing, transportation, food, healthcare, education, entertainment, etc.
Housing Costs in Kingston
The housing costs in Kingston are generally cheaper than other major Canadian cities. Prices do vary based on location, size and facilities.
Apartment and House Rent
- One-bedroom apartment: It’s about CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,300 a month.
- Two-bedroom apartment: Making approximately that same amount per month.
- Three-bedroom house: Cad $1,600 - 2,000 per month.
Utilities and Home Insurance
- Utilities: All in you would pay about CAD 150 - 200 per month based on electricity, heating, water and internet.
- Home insurance: About CAD 50 - 100 per month.
Transportation Costs in Kingston
- Kingston has relatively low transportation costs and a well-developed public transportation system as well as reasonably priced car ownership options.
Public Transportation
- Bus pass: CAD 70 - 90 per month approximately.
- Taxi: CAD 5 - 10 per kilometre.
Car Ownership
- Car purchase: A used car is around CAD 15,000 - 25,000.
- Car insurance: About CAD 1,000 – 1,500 a year.
- Gas prices: About CAD 1.50 – 2.00 per litre.
Food Costs in Kingston
Kingston is a reasonable food town offering a good variety of full grocery stores and restaurants.
Grocery Shopping
- Weekly grocery bill: About CAD 100 - 150 per person.
- Popular grocery stores: Sobeys, Metro, Walmart.
Dining Out
- Casual dining: It's somewhere in the area of CAD 15 — 20 per meal.
- Fine dining: It’s around CAD 30 - 50 per meal.
Healthcare Costs in Kingston
Those in Kingston have access to provincial health insurance coverage which brings health care costs down.
Provincial Health Insurance
- Cost: Residents of Ontario can download the software for free.
- Coverage: Provides most medically necessary services including doctor's visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
Prescription Drugs and Dental Care.
- Average cost per prescription: CAD 20-50 (varies from medication to insurance coverage).
- Government programs: Certain prescription drugs are covered for eligible residents by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB).
- Private insurance: And many employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of a private health insurance plan.
- The average cost for a general checkup and cleaning: is CAD 100-150.
- The average cost for a filling: is CAD 150-300.
- The average cost for a root canal: is CAD 500-1000.
- Dental insurance: In the case of dental insurance, it is not mandatory, but will save you a considerable amount on dental care. Dental insurance is available to many employers.
Education Costs in Kingston
Kingston has competitive education costs and many renowned universities and colleges are offering a wide range of programmes.
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate programs: CAD 15,000 – 25,000 per year.
- Graduate programs: Making about CAD 18,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.
Meal Plans and Student Housing.
- On-campus housing: Meal plans and other costs approximately CAD 7,000 - 10,000 per year.
- Off-campus housing: More or less CAD 6,000 to 8,000 a year.
Entertainment Costs in Kingston
Kingston offers a variety of entertainment options, from outdoor activities to cultural events.
Leisure Activities and Attractions
- Museums and galleries: Approximately CAD 5 - 10 per admission.
- Sports events: Approximately CAD 20 - 50 per ticket.
- Outdoor activities: Free or low-cost.
Miscellaneous Costs in Kingston
In addition to the costs mentioned above, there are a few other expenses to consider.
Personal Care and Grooming
- Haircuts: Approximately CAD 20 - 30.
- Clothing: Approximately CAD 50 - 100 per month.
Taxes and Fees
- Income tax: Varies depending on income level.
- Sales tax: 13%.
Cost of Living in Kingston for International Students
Being a place where international students feel welcome and reasonably prices to live, Kingston is attractive for international students.
Living Expenses for Students
- Monthly budget: A single student costs roughly CAD 1,500 - 2,000.
- Factors affecting costs: These included accommodation, transportation, food and personal preferences.
Kingston University for International Students
- Queen's University: A renowned University with a very wide range of programmes.
- Royal Military College of Canada: A college for military offering undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Cost of Living in Kingston for Indian Students
Kingston is a well-known study destination for many students in India because it’s relatively inexpensive to live and get a great education.
Indian Students Living Expenses
- Monthly budget: Onto a single student around CAD 1,500 - 2,000.
- Factors affecting costs: How much you plan to spend on accommodation, transportation, food and personal preferences.
Conclusion
Kingston provides a good quality of life and good ways to cultivate oneself and to go professional. Although it can be expensive to live here, with housing and transportation being the most expensive items, the city is wonderful, the economy is strong, and we have an outstanding set of educational institutions making it a wonderful place to live or do business.
It is always important to plan your move to Kingston and figure out the costs of living in Kingston. It helps you understand what different expenses come into play so that you can start making informed decisions to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Kingston welcomes and is inclusive for, a student, young professionals, and families. Kingston is an affordable city with a strong job market and a vibrant cultural scene – there’s something good for all here.
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