Welcome! If you're planning a move to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador in 2025, this guide is for you. It is for anyone relocating from Ontario, British Columbia, or anywhere else in Canada.
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also the most easterly city in North America. It's a place known for colorful houses, ocean views, and a warm community.
Let's look at what life is like here. We will cover housing, costs, weather, jobs, schools, and transportation. You will find helpful links and tips as we go.
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Finding a home in St. John's offers a mix of options, from historic row houses downtown to modern suburban homes. The great news is that housing is more affordable here than in many other Canadian cities. Whether you plan to rent or buy, you can find something that fits your budget.
Renting in the City
You can rent apartments, houses, or condos. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $900 per month, and around $1,300 for a two-bedroom. This is quite affordable compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Renting a whole house costs more (around $1,600/month on average).
Buying Your Dream Home
If you're looking to buy, St. John's is very reasonably priced. As of late 2024, a typical single-family home costs around $380,000. Prices did rise about 8% from the previous year, but St. John's remains one of the most affordable housing markets in Canada. Many first-time buyers find houses in the $300k–$400k range.
Exploring Neighbourhoods
Each area has its own vibe. Downtown is full of character with its iconic Jellybean Row houses. The east and west ends offer newer subdivisions, shopping centers, and schools—great for families. Exploring the city's neighbourhood profiles can help you decide.
What Does It Cost to Live Here?
Overall costs in St. John's are moderate. An average single person who rents spends about $2,000 per month on living expenses. Use the calculator for an estimate, or read the detailed breakdown below.
Estimate Your Monthly Budget
Estimated Monthly Total:
$2050
Typical Monthly Costs
Utilities: Expect to pay around $300 per month for heating, electricity, and gas in a family home. Winter heating is a significant cost.
Groceries: Prices are slightly higher than mainland Canada. A family of four might spend around $800–$1000 a month.
Transportation: Gasoline costs about $1.70 per liter. A monthly city bus pass is $72.50.
Internet/Phone: Internet service might cost around $60–$100 per month, and mobile phone plans can range from $34–$80 monthly.
Tip: Budget extra for one-time expenses like furnishings, winter clothing, and vehicle registration. While housing is cheaper, some goods are pricier due to shipping costs.
The Famous Newfoundland Weather
"Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes!" is a local saying for a reason. Here’s what to expect from our unique, temperate marine climate.
Mild & Snowy (December – March)
Winters are mild for Canada. The average temperature in January is around 0°C (32°F). Snowfall is heavy, averaging 322 cm per year, so expect snowstorms and "snow days." It's also windy, with wind-chill making it feel like -20°C some days. The upside? It's the third mildest winter in Canada, and the snow is beautiful.
A Lifestyle Rich in Culture & Community
What's life like in St. John's? In a word: friendly. Newfoundland and Labrador is famous for its warm, welcoming people. As a newcomer, you'll find neighbors ready to chat, help, or share a cup of tea.
Culture & Entertainment
The downtown area is the cultural heart. George Street has the most bars and pubs per capita in Canada, with live traditional music. Don't be shy to join a “kitchen party” or get “screeched-in” (a fun ceremony to become an honorary Newfoundlander!). Beyond nightlife, visit The Rooms museum, art galleries, and enjoy year-round festivals.
Nature & Recreation
If you love the outdoors, you'll love St. John's. Hike the stunning East Coast Trail for breathtaking ocean views, cliffs, and even icebergs in spring. A short drive takes you to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. In late spring and early summer, you might spot whales along the coast.
Opportunities for Work & Study
As the provincial capital, St. John's has a diverse economy. Top industries include healthcare, retail, public administration, and education. St. John's is also the center of Newfoundland's offshore oil and gas industry and has a growing ocean technology sector. Memorial University is a major employer.
St. John's has a range of public schools (K-12) operated by the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD). The city offers elementary, junior high, and high schools. Education is publicly funded and of good quality. A small number of schools offer French immersion programs. Private options like St. Bonaventure's College are also available.
Absolutely. St. John's is home to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), the largest university in Atlantic Canada, known for research in ocean technology, engineering, and medicine. The College of the North Atlantic (CNA) also has a major campus here offering a wide range of technical programs.
Getting Around the City & Beyond
By Car
Many residents rely on cars. Traffic is light compared to big cities, and parking is generally easy to find outside of the downtown core.
By Bus
The Metrobus system connects most major areas. A monthly pass is about $72.50, making it a great option if you live along a main route.
On Foot
Downtown St. John's is very walkable. Exploring the historic streets, shops, and waterfront on foot is a fantastic experience (and a good workout on the hills!).
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