NS · Data to August 2026

Cost of living in Nova Scotia

In the 12 months to August 2026, grocery prices in Nova Scotia changed +1.4%, shelter costs +7.2% and all consumer prices +5.1%. The average hourly wage changed +4.6% to $33.38.

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Are wages keeping up?

12 months to August 2026

Grocery prices
+1.4%
Average hourly wage
+4.6%
−3.2 ptsCost pressure · wages are ahead of grocery prices

Food prices in Nova Scotia, July 2026

Average retail prices in Nova Scotia compared with the Canada average, July 2026
ProductNSCanadaDifference
Ground beef 1 kg$16.68$16.49+$0.19
Chicken breasts 1 kg$14.55$14.68−$0.13
Whole chicken 1 kg$7.45$7.62−$0.17
Bacon 500 g$7.17$6.97+$0.20
Canned tuna 170 g$2.05$1.84+$0.21
Milk 4 L$7.27$6.99+$0.28
Butter 454 g$6.00$5.92+$0.08
Block cheese 500 g$7.15$7.11+$0.04
Eggs 1 dozen$5.42$4.95+$0.47
Apples 1 kg$7.33$6.45+$0.88
Bananas 1 kg$2.15$1.88+$0.27
Potatoes 4.54 kg$5.64$5.32+$0.32
Tomatoes 1 kg$5.99$4.98+$1.01
Carrots 1.36 kg$4.88$4.75+$0.13
Romaine lettuce 1 head$3.37$3.45−$0.08
White bread 675 g$3.73$3.60+$0.13
Pasta 500 g$3.74$3.45+$0.29
Cereal 400 g$4.24$4.19+$0.05
Coffee 340 g$10.56$9.54+$1.02
Peanut butter 1 kg$5.65$5.62+$0.03