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What is the Cost of Living in Toronto in 2025?
Toronto, the provincial capital of Ontario, is the most populous city in Canada. Toronto is an international centre for business, finance, and art and is a leading multicultural and cosmopolitan city in the whole world. This city is considered an important destination to settle in.
However, as the world develops rapidly, the cost of living in Toronto has also become pretty high. So, if you plan to move to Toronto, then you need to be sure of all kinds of costs to expect and be prepared for.
But, before settling in, it is very crucial to know the cost of living in Toronto.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Toronto?
Toronto is considered more expensive than 66% of the cities in North America. The approximate cost of living in Toronto for a single person is C$3,600, and that of a family of four is C$6,200. The table below shows the approximate monthly outlays in Toronto:
Cost of Living in Toronto for Bachelors
In Toronto, typical living expenses include rent, utilities, food, entertainment, transportation, and other expenses. Factors such as location, different lifestyle choices, and spending habits may all affect expenditure. Below is a table showing some key expenses:
Cost of Living in Toronto for Students
The cost of living for students in Toronto includes various essential expenses, as outlined in the table:Â
Cost of Living in Toronto for a Family
You can find accommodations in Toronto, such as apartments, cottages, and villas. Check out the table below for the main costs of living in Toronto for families:Â
Cost of Living in Toronto for Couples
In Toronto, couples must consider costs like rent, electricity, groceries, commuting, and entertainment. Check out the table below for more details:Â
Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Toronto
The factors that impact the cost of living in Toronto include the following:
1.  Housing
Just like any other city, finding a decent living space is the first thing that comes to an individual's mind after moving to a new city. The monthly rent of various types of houses is mentioned in the table below
2. Groceries
The monthly money spent on groceries depends on an individual’s preference and personal needs. Furthermore, the cost depends on where you buy the grocery items.
3. Transportation
The monthly cost of transportation depends on the distance between your workspace and the university. Toronto is well connected with an efficient public transportation system known as TCC. This TCC system consists of buses, streetcars and subways.
4. Utilities
One should also consider the cost of basic utilities such as electricity, gas supply, prepaid mobile plan and unlimited internet package while evaluating the monthly expenses for living in Toronto. The table below shows the approximate cost of some basic utilities.
5. Entertainment and Leisure
This area of expense includes dining at restaurants, social activities, going to a pub or nightclub, etc. The cost of entertainment primarily depends on where you go and the time you spend in these areas.
6. Childcare and Schooling
Finding a good school or kindergarten is very important if you are moving in with your kids. The monthly tuition fees of education institutes also impact the cost of living in Toronto for a family. Toronto has a number of reputed schools that provide quality education to the kids.
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Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Toronto
Here are some effective tips to save a lot from your living expenses in Toronto and live a stress-free life:
- Housing is super competitive and pricey in Toronto. Sharing apartments and looking for a place to rent outside the central business district, even in good suburbs with good transportation links, could provide some good alternatives. Websites like Padmapper and Craigslist show how the rental prices differ for each neighbourhood.
- Toronto has an extended public transit system that includes buses, streetcars, and subways. If you want to use it regularly, then you should purchase a Metropass to save on travel expenses.Â
- Groceries are pricey in city centre locations. Spare some dollars by shopping at local markets or going in-store on sale at places like No Frills and FreshCo. Eating out will rack up your tab, so look for cheaper alternatives like food trucks, ethnic restaurants, or lunch specials.
- The prices of utilities vary in each locality of Toronto. However, like most suppliers, one can subscribe to a 'budget plan' to estimate the costs. To cut the cost of utilities, replace normal electric gadgets with energy-efficient ones and avoid using them during peak hours.
- Toronto has affordable or free cultural activities, venues, parks, and attractions. Look out for free museum days and outdoor concerts, community festivals that come at little or no cost where exploring the city becomes all the easier.
Important Things to Know Before Moving to Toronto
Here are the key things to keep in mind before moving to Toronto, Canada:
Climate
Toronto has distinct seasons. Winters are cold and full of snow, and summers are hot and humid. To prepare for the changes in temperatures, invest in proper attire.
Job Market
Toronto's economy is diversified in finance, technology, health care, and more. Research the prospective jobs in your field and networking opportunities before your move.
Healthcare
The Canadian health scheme covers every citizen for all basic medical services. Be aware of how to apply for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and any additional private insurance you may want.
Cultural Diversity
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 100 languages spoken and a huge variety of food and cultural events. Accept the differences and explore neighbourhoods to enjoy the richness.
Legalities and Documentation
Before your arrival, understand your immigration status, work permits, and identification. Educate yourself on the current requirements of Canadian taxation and how banking in Canada works.
Education
Knowing good schools and childcare around the target area will help if you have children. Toronto represents public, private, and international schools in its diversity.
To summarise, Toronto's living costs depend on the factors above. The monthly expenses in this city are much higher than in most cities worldwide. However, changing the standard of living can help you save a lot of money in this Canadian city.
Hopefully, the tips above will help you decide and budget more efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toronto the most expensive city to live in Canada?
According to a report, Toronto is one of the costliest cities to live in Canada.
How much does C$ 1 cost in INR?
As per data collected on 4th July 2024, C$1 worth is ₹61.270186 (INR).
What minimum salary is required to stay in Toronto?
As per research, any person in Toronto has to earn at least CAD 4,000 to CAD 5,000 to maintain the cost of living standards in Toronto.
Is Toronto a safe place to live?
According to The Economist, Toronto is the 6th safest major city in the world and also happens to be the safest major city in North America.
What is the best way to commute in Toronto?
Publicly owned trains run to and from Toronto and another suitable option for touring the city using public transportation. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) controls the subway, streetcar, and bus services in the city and its suburban areas.
Is Toronto connected to railways?
Toronto is the chief railway transportation hub throughout Canada if not anything else, and even the very core of North America. Most of the commercial rail freight operations are being carried out in the city by these two major Class I Railways—the Canadian National Railways Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railways Railway.
Which factors affect the cost of living for a family in Toronto?
The cost of living for a family in Toronto is based on the type of accommodation, schooling, healthcare, and lifestyle to which they choose.Â
What is the cost of living in Toronto for two people?
The living expenses for two people in Toronto are approximately C$2200.6
Is Toronto cheaper than New York?
Toronto is about 26% cheaper than the cost of living in New York City in the United States.
Why is Toronto the best place to live?
Toronto is a country that heavily draws tourists from all over the world. For this reason, living in Toronto with friends and family would be a great chance. With its many landmarks—including different foods and events—Toronto, being multicultural, has become a favourite place for many people worldwide to live, study, and work in.
What is the average rent in Toronto?
In 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto was about $2,300 a month.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Toronto?
The detached Toronto average price is around $1.2 million, though prices fluctuate vastly by neighbourhood.
What is the average for groceries in Toronto?
This grocery cost falls within the range of $300 to $400 per month in Toronto for one person, again subject to individual eating habits and shopping preferences.
Has Childcare been reasonable in Toronto?
Child care will vary between $1,000 to $2,000 per month for a full-time babysitter. This cost varies with the age of the child and the level of care opted for.
Is reasonably priced entertainment and recreation available in Toronto?
This also means a whole array of free and low-cost entertainment options are available due to the number of parks and museums that offer discounted days, along with several community centres and cultural festivals throughout the year.
How much are utilities per month in Toronto?
Utility costs average between CAD 150 and CAD 250 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and disposal.
What might be the expense of transportation in Toronto?
It costs around $156 if one uses a monthly transit pass. Monthly costs could be less if one avails of the discounted passes offered to seniors, students and children.
What could be the average cost of living of a student in Toronto?
The average cost of living for an Indian student was estimated between CAD 30,000 and CAD 40,000 per annum in Toronto.
What are the tips to manage the high cost of living in Toronto?
Keeping a tight rein on spending through proper budgeting, opting for lower-cost housing areas, infrastructure judiciously using the infrastructure for public transport, cooking at home, and utilising free or low-priced activities would go a long way in managing expenses at Toronto.
How do I stay protected during a brief solo assignment in Toronto?
Toronto’s vibrant professional landscape is great for short-term assignments, but non-residents often face hefty bills for medical treatment or unexpected travel hiccups. Travel insurance helps fill the gap by covering health emergencies, delays, and more, ensuring you can focus on your assignment without being caught off guard financially.