Open ProvincesCost of living in Nova Scotia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
Inflation, rents, gasoline, earnings, median income and tuition in Nova Scotia, from official statistics updated automatically.
Key numbers
| Indicator | Nova Scotia | Canada | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation over 12 months | 5.6% | 3.1% | 2026-09 |
| Average weekly earnings | $1,221 | $1,355 | 2026-08 |
| Median after-tax income (households) | $64,200 | $75,500 | 2024 |
| Median hourly wage | $29.00 | $32.00 | 2026-10 |
| Average undergraduate tuition | $10,029 | $8,021 | 2026 |
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $17.00 | – | 2026-11 |
| Sales tax (combined) | 14% | – | 2026-11 |
Sources: Statistics Canada (updated automatically), official provincial pages and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Rent
| City | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax | $1,539 | $1,828 |
| Truro | $1,011 | $1,273 |
| Cape Breton | $840 | $1,134 |
| Kentville | $1,044 | $1,128 |
| Queens | – | $1,114 |
| New Glasgow | $842 | $1,070 |
| East Hants | – | $0 |
| Yarmouth | – | $0 |
CMHC average rents, 2025. Renting guide →
Gasoline
| City | Regular (¢/L) | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax | 193.2 | 147.3 |
Monthly average, 2026-09. Statistics Canada, 18-10-0001-01.
Compare and calculate
General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Nova Scotia: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Nova Scotia: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Nova Scotia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Nova Scotia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Nova Scotia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Nova Scotia: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Nova Scotia: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Nova Scotia: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Nova Scotia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Nova Scotia: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to Nova Scotia: nominee program, steps and processing times