Hamilton, Canada
A major port city on Lake Ontario, known for its waterfalls, the Royal Botanical Gardens, McMaster University, and a revitalized arts and food scene.
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Hamilton vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$62,000
- Unemployment: 6.2%
- Population: 569,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 79°F
- Winter Low: 16°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: C$650,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1600/mo
Cost of Living
Hamilton's cost of living index is 110 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Hamilton | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
| Housing | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$650,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$433 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Hamilton:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$78 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$398 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Hamilton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Hamilton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F | 16°F | 2.5" |
| April | 64°F | 31°F | 2.8" |
| July | 79°F | 54°F | 1.5" |
| October | 59°F | 34°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Hamilton faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Most of Canada experiences severe winter storms and blizzards.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
River and coastal flooding.
Southern Canada experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.05%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.2%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
March break (1 week). PA days vary by board.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hamilton, Canada?
The cost of living index in Hamilton is 110, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Hamilton?
The median home price in Hamilton is C$650,000. The housing index is 108.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hamilton is approximately C$1600/mo.
Does Hamilton, ON have income tax?
Hamilton is in ON, which has an income tax rate of 5.05%.
What is the climate like in Hamilton?
Hamilton enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 79°F, while winter lows can drop to around 16°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.