Portsmouth vs. Kanata: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Kanata presents a significantly different picture from Portsmouth, particularly concerning environmental quality and safety. Kanata boasts cleaner air and much less congested roads, alongside a higher safety index. While Portsmouth suffers from higher levels of air and noise pollution and more frequent traffic delays, Kanata reports a higher crime rate, creating a stark contrast in these fundamental quality-of-life metrics. Kanata's climate is also perceived as more extreme, though this isn't the primary focus here.

Healthcare quality offers another area where Kanata shows clear advantage. According to available ratings, Kanata's healthcare system scores considerably higher (69.44) than Portsmouth's (54.50), suggesting better access or perceived quality of services for residents. Commuting conditions further highlight the divide, with Kanata's commute time index being notably lower (10.0) compared to Portsmouth's considerably higher index (18.0), indicating less daily stress from travel.

The cost of living in Kanata is substantially higher than in Portsmouth, creating a significant financial burden. This is most evident in housing, where Kanata's rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages nearly double that of Portsmouth ($1,524.53 vs. $945.00). Groceries also carry a notable premium in Kanata, with even basic items like bread, milk, and eggs costing more. While dining out for mid-range meals is slightly pricier, fast food is marginally cheaper, but the overall takeaway is Kanata's higher cost for everyday living essentials. Utilities present an exception, with Portsmouth's bills being significantly higher ($180.00 vs. $142.62 per month).

Economically, Kanata appears more dynamic, with a slightly higher GDP per capita ($55,900 vs. $54,500) and a faster population growth rate (0.71% vs. 0.45%), suggesting stronger recent development and potentially more job opportunities, especially in tech sectors. However, this economic advantage comes with a higher cost of living. The average monthly net salary in Kanata is slightly higher ($3,357.55) but comes with a higher mortgage interest rate (6.03% vs. 5.66%), and Kanata's property prices, measured by the index, are substantially higher than Portsmouth's, reflecting the overall higher cost of living.

Despite the slightly higher salary in Kanata, the combination of higher costs across most major living expenses and significantly more expensive property means the net financial gain is considerably lower compared to Portsmouth. While Kanata offers better environmental conditions, healthcare, and potentially faster economic growth, these advantages are offset by a much higher cost structure, particularly concerning housing and groceries, making the financial trade-offs very real for potential residents.