Kingston's Affordable Cost of Living

Cost of Living in Kingston - A Quick Guide

Cost of living comparisons are an important consideration in your relocation.

Housing cost: Kingston's housing market has a history of being relatively stable and generally affordable for the buyer. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average MLS price in the June 2010 resale market was $331,665. Learn more about housing here.

Property Taxes:The City of Kingston's eCity Property Assessment and Tax Levy Tool allows you to enter a residential address and look up the property taxes.

Taxes and deductions that Queen's must take from your monthly pay cheque:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In 2010, the contribution rate for CPP is a maximum of $2,163.15 per annum.
• Employment Insurance (EI). The yearly maximum contribution amount is $747.36

The amounts deducted for CPP and EI are not evenly distributed throughout the year. Once the above amounts are reached during the calendar year, the contributions will cease. Contributions to CPP and EI will commence again January 1 of the following year.

• Income Tax - use this  tax calculator.
• Your contribution to the Queen's Pension Plan - mandatory for faculty members - check this link for calculation
• any benefits you choose from the Queen's program of benefits that have a cost-sharing component (life insurance, semi-private hospital, long term disability)
• Queen's University Faculty Association (QUFA) membership fee (compulsory)

Is this enough information? If not, email your questions to Monica Stewart, Coordinator, Faculty Recruitment and Support Program.