St. John's, Canada
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,450
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
80.5
Healthcare
26 facilities

Living in St. John's means embracing a rugged coastal lifestyle with a small-town feel. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, but its location on the eastern edge of North America means you’ll deal with harsh winters and unpredictable weather. The population of 110,525 keeps things intimate, but don’t expect the amenities of a larger metro area.

St. John's is Canada’s second-largest CMA in Atlantic Canada, yet it feels more like a tight-knit community than a bustling urban center. The city’s sprawl across 446 square kilometers means you’ll need a car to get around efficiently. While the cost of living is manageable, the isolation can drive up prices for certain goods and services. This is a place for those who value nature and simplicity over big-city conveniences.

St. John's, Canada, is ideal for retirees or digital nomads who crave quiet coastal living and don’t mind the weather. It’s not for those who need constant urban energy or easy access to major hubs.

Can I afford St. John's?

$

St. John's

You could save

550/mo

Savings Rate18%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,300
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,150

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
18/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Canada Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
81
Safety
26
Healthcare
100
Walkability
65
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) *$4
Rice (1kg) *$4
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$19
Meal (Mid-range) *$28
Cappuccino *$4
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$134
Mobile Plan (mo) *$22
Gym (mo) *$37
Cinema Ticket *$11

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $780
1BR Outside (mo) *$689
3BR Center (mo) $1,380
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,078

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, George Street, Waterfront
Best For
Energy professionals, Nature lovers, Artists

Expat Life Notes

St. John’s is the colorful, historic capital of Newfoundland. It has a surprisingly active expat community for its size, particularly in the energy and tech sectors.

Pros

  • Friendly local culture
  • Vibrant music and pub scene (George Street)
  • Stunning coastal nature

Cons

  • Isolated location
  • Foggy and harsh weather
  • Slow-paced economy

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
Annual Rainfall
1539 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about St. John's

Click any question to expand the answer.

St. John's has a population of approximately 110,525 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,250 per month in St. John's, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1300/month.

The nearest airport to St. John's is YYT, approximately 7km away.

St. John's is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

St. John's is best for retirees and digital nomads who value quiet coastal living and don’t mind harsh winters. It’s not ideal for those needing urban amenities or easy access to major hubs.

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