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Cost of Living in Sarnia - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $755 (excluding rent), and $1,999 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,266 (excluding rent), and $3,781 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.62 CA$20.33
$5.85 CA$8.13
$25.58 CA$35.56
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$48.07 CA$66.8
$48.07 CA$66.8
$111 CA$154
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.53 CA$13.25
$7.33 CA$10.19
$13.19 CA$18.34
Cappuccino
$2.59 CA$3.60
$1.45 CA$2.01
$4.17 CA$5.80
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.55 CA$2.16
$1.12 CA$1.55
$3.36 CA$4.67
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 CA$2.18
$1.09 CA$1.52
$2.56 CA$3.56
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.76 CA$6.62
$2.57 CA$3.57
$7.32 CA$10.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.04 CA$8.39
$5.12 CA$7.12
$6.95 CA$9.67
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.12 CA$2.94
$1.07 CA$1.48
$3.78 CA$5.26
White Bread (500g)
$2.23 CA$3.09
$1.43 CA$1.99
$3.58 CA$4.97
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.63 CA$3.66
$1.48 CA$2.05
$8.89 CA$12.36
Eggs
$3.07 CA$4.27
$2.19 CA$3.05
$4.39 CA$6.10
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.61 CA$11.97
$4.96 CA$6.89
$33.73 CA$46.88
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.99 CA$19.45
$8.73 CA$12.14
$18.93 CA$26.31
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.99 CA$19.45
$5.19 CA$7.22
$24.49 CA$34.04
Apples (1kg)
$4.10 CA$5.70
$1.64 CA$2.28
$6.72 CA$9.34
Banana (1kg)
$1.23 CA$1.71
$0.95 CA$1.33
$2.99 CA$4.16
Oranges (1kg)
$3.32 CA$4.62
$2.22 CA$3.09
$5.18 CA$7.20
Tomato (1kg)
$3.81 CA$5.29
$2.24 CA$3.12
$6.59 CA$9.16
Potato (1kg)
$2.31 CA$3.21
$0.73 CA$1.02
$4.37 CA$6.07
Onion (1kg)
$2.84 CA$3.95
$1.49 CA$2.07
$5.97 CA$8.30
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04 CA$2.83
$0.76 CA$1.05
$3.75 CA$5.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.20 CA$1.67
$0.36 CA$0.50
$3.58 CA$4.97
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.20 CA$15.57
$7.47 CA$10.38
$16.44 CA$22.85
Wine (Bottle)
$10.76 CA$14.96
$9.29 CA$12.91
$32.28 CA$44.87
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.40 CA$3.33
$1.79 CA$2.48
$4.29 CA$5.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.05 CA$4.24
$1.35 CA$1.87
$5.22 CA$7.25
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.16 CA$3.00
$1.44 CA$2.00
$2.52 CA$3.50
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$54.6 CA$75.9
$50.6 CA$70.3
$60.4 CA$84.0
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.62 CA$3.64
$2.62 CA$3.64
$5.97 CA$8.30
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.77 CA$2.46
$1.77 CA$2.46
$1.77 CA$2.46
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$28.95 CA$40.25
$28.95 CA$40.25
$28.95 CA$40.25
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 CA$1.58
$1.05 CA$1.46
$1.27 CA$1.76
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.5K CA$34.1K
$24.5K CA$34.1K
$24.5K CA$34.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.1K CA$27.9K
$20.0K CA$27.8K
$20.3K CA$28.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$142 CA$198
$116 CA$161
$254 CA$353
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.18 CA$50.3
$18.12 CA$25.19
$61.6 CA$85.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.8 CA$77.6
$41.20 CA$57.3
$77.0 CA$107
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$21.95 CA$30.51
$21.94 CA$30.50
$21.95 CA$30.51
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.64 CA$25.91
-
Cinema Ticket
$12.13 CA$16.86
$8.89 CA$12.36
$18.52 CA$25.74
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$300 CA$417
$225 CA$313
$375 CA$522
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.4K CA$14.5K
$10.4K CA$14.5K
$10.4K CA$14.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.4 CA$75.6
$15.71 CA$21.84
$89.8 CA$125
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.25 CA$36.48
$14.25 CA$19.81
$45.00 CA$62.6
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$70.5 CA$98.0
$33.34 CA$46.34
$119 CA$165
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$87.4 CA$122
$29.26 CA$40.68
$146 CA$203
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,274 CA$1,771
$1,056 CA$1,467
$1,456 CA$2,024
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$976 CA$1,357
$901 CA$1,253
$1,277 CA$1,774
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,401 CA$3,338
$2,217 CA$3,081
$2,586 CA$3,595
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,462 CA$2,032
$1,462 CA$2,032
$2,046 CA$2,844
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,981 CA$4,144
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.33
4
8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Sarnia Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Download
79
Mbps
Upload
17
Mbps
Latency
25
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
341
Mbps
Upload
102
Mbps
Latency
12
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Sarnia - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability in Sarnia stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Compared with larger Ontario cities, Sarnia tends to feel more approachable for long stays and short visits alike. You’ll notice a calmer pace, shorter commutes, and opportunities to live near the lake without the premium price tag often seen in bigger centers. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the appeal is practical: steadier housing options, local services, and a community that supports work-life balance. Cost of Living in Sarnia is shaped by a regional economy anchored by industry, healthcare, and education, with services that stay reasonable as you explore. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods before committing.
What does daily life look like in Sarnia for housing, groceries, transit, and getting work done – where to search for a place and how to handle errands?
Daily life in Sarnia is built around a small-city rhythm with easy access to the lake, parks, and a handful of neighborhoods that offer distinct feels. For housing, you’ll find a mix of apartments and older homes that typically suit cautious budgets, especially if you search beyond the downtown core. Food options range from reliable supermarkets to growing local markets and cozy cafes. Transport is practical – driving is common, buses connect key areas, and cycling is pleasant along the water. For errands and co-working, map out a compact area you can live near. Sarnia living cost remains manageable when you cook at home and shop locally. Tip: Build a 2–3 week test itinerary to compare neighborhoods.
How can you frame a budgeting plan for Sarnia that supports your lifestyle, including seasonal changes and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Sarnia comes from balance, seasonality, and neighborhood fit. Create a simple budgeting framework: categorize housing, utilities, groceries, transit, and leisure; set flexible targets and track deviations monthly. Winter heating and summer cooling can shift costs, so plan for off-peak energy use and layered clothing. Neighborhoods near the lake offer walkability and social scenes, while north-end areas may be quieter and more family-friendly. Save tips: cook at home, buy in-season produce, and take advantage of free outdoor activities at the waterfront. When choosing a place, test access to workspaces, grocery stores, and transit routes at different times of day. Tip: Prioritize a neighborhood that shortens your daily errands and keeps you near essential services.

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