Add this web page content and others to a customized report by clicking Generate Report. This is available on each page of our website.
Big cost advantages compared to other North American locations
Waterloo offers significant cost advantages compared to communities across North America, especially tech hubs.
In Waterloo, you will spend less to:
- Conduct world-leading research and development. Waterloo has a 27.8% research and development (pdf) cost advantage over the United States
- Purchase or lease real estate. The average lease rate in Waterloo is 84% less than San Francisco, 82% less than New York City, and 28% less than Toronto
- Hire tech talent that is more experienced and higher quality. Thanks to a far lower cost-of-living, in Waterloo the salary of a software engineer is 50% less than in San Francisco
How do we compare with America’s mid-sized tech hubs? Read our in-depth posts comparing Waterloo with Austin, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Salt Lake City and Detroit. We’re also very competitive with Europe’s top tech communities.
Canada has the lowest overall business costs in the G7
Businesses based in Waterloo also benefit from the lowest overall business costs in the G7 (made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States), and additional cost savings are available through regional, provincial and federal incentives.
Want more detailed information? Download one of our region-specific cost comparisons below:
If you have any difficulty accessing our web content or require an alternative format, please contact us at info@waterlooedc.ca and we will further assist you.
Contact Us