Average Income in St. Catharines
The average income in St. Catharines depends on whether you’re looking at individual or household figures. As of 2025, the average annual individual salary is about $47,560, while the average household income is around $89,600.1
Individual Incomes: How Do They Stack Up?
- Average individual salary: $47,560
- Median income for men (25-59): $48,000
- Median income for women (25-59): $41,600
- General worker pay: Around $41,573/year
- Median income for single-person households: $38,400
- Median after-tax income (single): $35,200
Quick comparison: The average salary in St. Catharines is about 12.7% lower than the Canadian average. Does earning less than the national average mean you have less spending power? It depends—it brings up important questions about local costs and household dynamics. If your are looking to buy or sell your home in the St.Catherines, Ontario contact Compass Estates today.
Household Incomes and Living Arrangements
- Average household income: $89,600
- Median household after-tax: $65,000
- Median total income (all household sizes): $72,500
- Average after-tax household income: $77,000
- Median after-tax for two people or more: $82,000
Many locals find that sharing expenses as a household—whether with family, a partner, or roommates—makes the cost of living much more manageable here compared to major metropolitan areas.
Comparing Incomes: St. Catharines vs. Ontario and Canada
| Area | Average Household Income | Median After-Tax (HH) | Average Individual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Catharines | $89,600 | $65,000 | $47,560 |
| Ontario (overall) | $87,353 | (comparable) | $54,450 (Canada avg) |
| Canada (National) | $82,436 | (comparable) | $54,450 |
Although individual wages are lower in St. Catharines, household incomes keep pace with or are slightly above provincial and national figures. This is often due to two or more earners per household, a common trend locally.
Living Costs and Local Insight
- Average cost of living (single person): $3,738/month ($44,856/year)
- Average rent: $1,664/month (2025)
- Ideally, you’d want to earn at least $66,552/year to afford rent comfortably using standard guidelines.
- Airbnb host average annual income: $31,000 (2025)
So you might be wondering: How do residents of the Niagara region afford rent and other necessities if the average individual income falls below these affordability benchmarks? The answer involves household income pooling, side gigs, or leveraging local tourism (think short-term rentals).
What Does This Mean For You?
- Most residents stretch their budgets by sharing housing or adding extra streams of income.
- If you’re moving here or planning for your financial future, consider whether you’ll be relying on a dual-income setup, a roommate, or additional work opportunities.
- The region’s cost of living is relatively moderate, especially compared to Toronto or Hamilton, making the area an attractive option for those seeking a good quality of life at a more attainable price point.
Key Things to Remember
- Individual average income: $47,560
- Household average income: $89,600
- Median household after-tax income: $65,000
- St. Catharines offers a competitive edge in household earning power—even as individuals earn less than the national average.
- Combining incomes or exploring additional earning avenues is a common and practical strategy for getting ahead locally.If your are looking to buy or sell your home in the St.Catherines, Ontario contact Compass Estates today.
