The Atlantic migration math: higher taxes, but Halifax housing is 60% cheaper than Toronto
Since 2020, thousands of Ontarians have moved to Nova Scotia, chasing dramatically lower housing costs. But Nova Scotia has some of Canada's highest taxes. Does the math actually work?
Highest Sales Tax in Canada
Top Income Rate: 21%
Housing: ~$450K (Halifax)
Lower Sales Tax
Top Income Rate: 13.16%
Housing: ~$1.1M (Toronto)
The key insight: If you keep your Ontario salary while living in Nova Scotia, the housing savings massively outweigh the tax increase. Remote workers earning $100K+ are the biggest winners.
| Annual Income | Ontario Tax | Nova Scotia Tax | NS Costs More |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,822 | $9,117 | +$1,295 |
| $75,000 | $14,283 | $16,479 | +$2,196 |
| $100,000 | $21,694 | $24,841 | +$3,147 |
| $150,000 | $39,524 | $45,341 | +$5,817 |
| $200,000 | $61,231 | $68,341 | +$7,110 |
| Annual Spending | Ontario (13%) | Nova Scotia (15%) | NS Costs More |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $3,900 | $4,500 | +$600 |
| $50,000 | $6,500 | $7,500 | +$1,000 |
| $70,000 | $9,100 | $10,500 | +$1,400 |
At $100K income, Nova Scotia costs:
($3,147 income tax + ~$1,000 sales tax)
| Housing Metric | Halifax | Toronto | NS Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $450,000 | $1,100,000 | $650,000 |
| Monthly Mortgage* | $2,400 | $5,800 | $3,400/month |
| Annual Mortgage Cost | $28,800 | $69,600 | $40,800/year |
| 1BR Rent (monthly) | $1,800 | $2,500 | $8,400/year |
*Based on 20% down payment, 5% interest, 25-year amortization
Annual Housing Savings: Halifax vs Toronto
On mortgage payments alone (homeowner scenario)
| Category | Ontario (Toronto) | Nova Scotia (Halifax) |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | $21,694 | $24,841 |
| Sales Tax (~$50K spending) | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| Mortgage (annual) | $69,600 | $28,800 |
| Property Tax (estimate) | $7,000 | $4,500 |
| Car Insurance | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | $106,794 | $66,641 |
| NET SAVINGS IN NS | $40,153/year | |
| Category | Ontario | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | $21,694 | $24,841 |
| Sales Tax | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| Rent (annual) | $30,000 | $21,600 |
| Car Insurance | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | $60,194 | $54,941 |
| NET SAVINGS IN NS | $5,253/year | |
The Bottom Line
Remote workers save $5K-$40K/year in Nova Scotia
The bigger your housing costs in Toronto, the more you save by moving east
| Category | Halifax | Toronto | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries (monthly) | $425 | $450 | Halifax slightly |
| Utilities (monthly) | $200 | $175 | Toronto |
| Car Insurance | $1,000/year | $2,000/year | Halifax by 50% |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $22 | Halifax |
| Daycare (monthly) | $900 | $1,600 | Halifax by 44% |
Nova Scotia has well-documented healthcare access issues. As of 2026:
If you have chronic health conditions or anticipate needing frequent medical care, this is a serious consideration.
Pros:
Pros:
See your personalized breakdown:
Nova Scotia Calculator Ontario CalculatorFor remote workers keeping Ontario salaries, yes. Despite higher NS taxes (~$4,100 more at $100K income), housing savings of $30,000-$40,000/year mean a net benefit of $25,000+ annually. The math works best for remote workers who can maintain their Ontario salary.
Halifax is 35-40% cheaper overall. Housing is the biggest factor: $450K average home in Halifax vs $1.1M in Toronto. Rent, car insurance, and daycare are also significantly lower in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia has higher taxes. Income tax top rate: 21% (NS) vs 13.16% (ON). Sales tax: 15% HST (NS) vs 13% HST (ON). At $100K income, you pay about $4,100 more in combined taxes in Nova Scotia.
Excellent, especially for those with Ontario or US salaries. You keep your higher income but enjoy much lower housing costs. Despite paying more provincial tax, net savings can exceed $25,000-$40,000 annually.
Higher provincial taxes, smaller local job market, longer healthcare wait times, colder winters, fewer urban amenities (Halifax is the only major city), and distance from Ontario family/friends.
Disclaimer: This comparison provides general information for educational purposes. Tax laws, housing prices, and healthcare situations change. Consult professionals for advice specific to your situation. Data from CRA and provincial authorities as of January 2026.