St. John's, Canada
North America's oldest English-founded city, a colourful harbour capital on the Atlantic known for its jellybean row houses, Signal Hill, and lively pubs.
Overview
St. John’s is a city in Newfoundland and Labrador with a population of 108,000. North America’s oldest English-founded city, a colourful harbour capital on the Atlantic known for its jellybean row houses, Signal Hill, and lively pubs. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Sunshine is limited, with about 145 sunny days a year.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
St. John's vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.7%
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$55,000
- Unemployment: 7.5%
- Population: 108,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 145/year
- Summer High: 68°F
- Winter Low: 20°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: C$350,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1100/mo
Cost of Living
St. John's's cost of living index is 105 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | St. John's | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$350,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1100/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$1,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$233 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in St. John's:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$117 | 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$437 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
St. John's scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
St. John's has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2.5" |
| April | 53°F | 35°F | 2.8" |
| July | 68°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| October | 48°F | 38°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
St. John's faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Coastal flooding.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Southern Canada experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.7%
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 7.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
March break (1 week).
Demographics
The population of St. John's is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Statistics Canada Census 2021 (2021)
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 St. John's, Canada?
The cost of living index in St. John's is 105, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in St. John's?
The median home price in St. John's is C$350,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in St. John's is approximately C$1100/mo.
Does St. John's, NL have income tax?
St. John's is in NL, which has an income tax rate of 8.7%.
What is the climate like in St. John's?
St. John's enjoys approximately 145 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.