Toronto is inarguably the most exciting yet exorbitant city to dwell in. Living in the capital of Ontario comes at a cost, as it is the second most expensive city in Canada.

Despite being a melting pot of diverse cultures, rich art, abundant job opportunities, and entertainment, individuals compare the cost of living in Toronto to that of other metropolises in Canada. 

We don’t blame them! 

After all, the biggest downsides of moving to Toronto are the skyrocketing prices for housing, food, groceries, and transportation—the basic needs that are breaking Torontonians’ wallets. 

Conversely, there are many reasons to move to Toronto, including its recreational appeal, proximity to trails and provincial parks, healthcare, and world-class cuisine.

However, living here comfortably can be financially challenging. 

If you are planning to move to Toronto soon, here’s a living cost guide to help you make a frugal decision. 

Average Cost of Living in Toronto 2025 – At a Glance

Toronto’s booming job market and quality education attract newcomers, families, couples, and students to this bustling city.

However, due to their separate lifestyles, each individual’s expenditures differ on various levels. 

Type of  expenditure in Toronto Avg. cost of living for a student ($) Avg. cost of living for a single person ($) Avg. cost of living for a family of four ($)
Monthly rent 1,100-1,500 1,200-1,895 2,400- 3,500
Food and groceries 200-400 450-800 1,000-2,200
Transportation 125-150 140-250 350-860
Utilities 80-120 125-150 200-250
Entertainment 130-150 160-220 300-450

Major Living Expenses for People to Examine Before Moving to the 6ix

When it comes to breaking down the monthly expenses, you spend a larger share on rent, followed by food, transportation, and utility needs. 

Living comfortably in the most populous city like Toronto is possible only with a reasonable salary at hand. 

Here’s what you can expect as your monthly cost of living in Toronto in 2025.   

1. Housing Prices in Toronto (Rentals, Buying a Property)

Toronto’s housing market remains the most competitive when it comes to buying homes.

For newcomers, rentals are the ideal choice, and they are expected to be lower than those in New York but higher than the average home rentals.  

Home Size and Location Average Monthly Rent ($)
1-bedroom apartment in Downtown Toronto 2,200-2,700
1-bedroom apartment outside Downtown Toronto 1,800-2,100
Home size and Location   Average apartment price for buying ($)
1-bedroom apartment in Downtown Toronto 459,000-699,999
1-bedroom apartment outside Downtown Toronto 349,000-599,999

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Toronto

How much Property Tax do Homeowners pay in Toronto?

Toronto homeowners pay approximately $6,500 to $7,000 for their property taxes.

The tax amount varies based on the location and property class.

Expect your cost of living in Toronto to rise as Toronto homeowners are billed twice a year for paying their property taxes. 

2. Utility Bills in Toronto 

Living in Toronto is like living in a freezeland. The temperatures dip to -25 in the winter, increasing power bills. People with huge lawns also face higher water bills during the summer. 

Therefore, before moving to Toronto, budget for your utility costs, which include electricity, heat, water, cooling, garbage, internet, and mobile bills. 

The average monthly utility bill for a single person or a couple is between $350 and $400. 

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of electricity, gas, internet, phone bills, and more in Toronto, Ontario, in 2025.

Monthly Utilities Average Utility Cost in Toronto ($)
Basic (Electricity, Heat, Water, Garbage) 120-145
Gas 140-220
Mobile Phone 35-90
Internet/Wi-fi 56-100

3. Groceries in Toronto

Food expenditures, or groceries, are also one of the significant parts of your living costs in Toronto.

In the past few years, grocery prices have been rising compared to those in other cities in Canada.

According to the 15th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, a family of four can anticipate paying up to $801.56 more for food in 2025, spending close to $16,833 annually. 

Here’s the estimated cost of groceries in Toronto currently

Groceries in Toronto The average cost of groceries ($)
Milk regular (1 liter) 4.10-6.99
Eggs (tray of 12) 3.50-7.00
Loaf of Bread 2.50-5.51
White rice (2kg) 2.30-10.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg) 10.00-25.99
Apples (1kg) 2.00-7.00
Banana (1kg) 1.30-2.80
Tomato (1kg) 3.00-8.80
Potato (1kg) 1.10-5.49
Onion (1kg) 2.00-6.59
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.99-35.00
Beef Round (1kg) 10.00-30.00
Meal at a Restaurant (2 people) 75-220
Combo Meals at McDonald’s 11-25
Cappuccino (regular) 2.99- 7.50
Bottled water/ Natural Spring Water (100 ml) 1.50-4.00

4. Transit Costs in Toronto

To commute within Toronto, TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is the public transit that Torontonians rely on.

It is the most convenient option for people who travel to work or school frequently. 

Public transit includes subways, buses, and streetcars, which locales can access through a monthly transit pass called PRESTO or by debit/credit card. 

TTC Fares and Monthly Pass Rates

Fare Type Transit Price ($)
Single Fare (Adult) 3.35
Single Fare (Youth 13-19) 2.40
Single Fare (Senior 65+) 2.30
Daily Pass 13.50
Monthly pass 156.00

Own or Drive a Car in Toronto? Consider Bearing Car Insurance Costs

If you own a car or are close to buying one in Toronto, consider the yearly insurance costs in your budget as well.

The cost of car insurance in Toronto is approximately $2,045 annually.

Various factors, such as your age, gender, and driving history, affect your insurance quote. 

5. Entertainment Cost (Sightseeing, Sports and Leisure)

Toronto has a lot to offer in terms of vibrant shows, cultural events, and sports.

Whether visiting the famous CN Tower, trying the Edge Walk or Ripley’s Aquarium, or enjoying Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, or Toronto Maple Leafs games, Torontonians never miss a chance to have a little fun amidst their busy lives.

Entertainment and Leisure in Toronto Entertainment costs on Average ($)
Royal Ontario Museum 12.80-26.80
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada 12.50-29.00
Toronto Zoo 13-26
Casa Loma 25-40
Monthly Fee for Gym 40-120
Cinema Tickets 12.50-18
Toronto Blue Jays Game 35-135
CN Tower (General admission) 25-45

Cost of Living Comparison with Major Canadian Cities

If you are contemplating a move to Toronto, the average living expenses for a single person are between $3,600 and $4,000, and for a family of four, between $7,600 and $8,500.

However, if you are also considering other cities in Canada, continue reading to compare the costs more effectively.

Cost of living in Toronto vs. Montreal

Affordable living, a thriving job market, and exciting nightlife are the notable advantages of moving to Montreal

The average cost of living in Montreal is more affordable than in Toronto, where a single person spends between $3,275 and $3,800.

A family of four can expect an average of between $5,750 and $6,500 per month. 

Cost of living in Toronto vs. Calgary

Coytown’s promising job market, better quality of life, and excellent healthcare are the biggest pros of moving to Calgary.

People are also considering moving to Downtown Calgary as it offers a better quality of life than the populous city of Toronto. 

A single person should expect average living costs to be between $3,000 and $3,600, whereas a family of four would spend between $5,100 and $6,700 in Calgary. 

Cost of living in Toronto vs. Ottawa

If you move to Maple Town, also the capital of Canada, expect a higher cost of living than in other Canadian cities.

The biggest disadvantage of moving to Ottawa is its higher cost of living.

Housing prices in Ottawa are higher but not higher than in Toronto. 

The average cost of living for a single person is between 3,500-4000, and a family of four is between 7,400-8,050. 

Cost of living in Toronto vs. Vancouver

Toronto and Vancouver are the most thriving cities in Canada, drawing people for education, employment, and a vibrant culture.

The cost of living between Toronto and Vancouver helps you decipher which metropolis suits your needs.

Toronto is known for its diverse culture, while Vancouver is known for its breathtaking beauty and its proximity to nature. 

The average cost of living for a single person in Vancouver is between $3,700 and $4,200, and for a family of four, it is between $6,600 and $8,500. 

Conclusion 

There’s no surprise in believing that living in Toronto requires diligent budgeting and financing to keep up with the pricey groceries, higher rents, and transit prices in 2025.

Whether you are a single person or a family of two adults and two children, make an informed choice after comparing both the cost of living in Toronto and moving costs.

Setting aside a realistic moving budget would further aid in estimating your moving costs in Canada.

For a smoother relocation, enlist the help of the best moving company in Toronto, which takes care of packing, wrapping, furniture disassembling, and unloading while you focus on the other aspects of relocating.

FAQs

1. Is $70,000 a good enough salary in Toronto?

If you make $70,000 annually in Toronto, your take-home salary will be roughly $52,600, which means $4,300 per month.

If you live on a budget, this payscale helps you cover your food, transportation, rent, and miscellaneous expenses.

The salary will be good enough to pay off your bills and bear the living expenses in Toronto but not enough for a luxurious life. 

2. Is $90,000 a good salary to live comfortably in Toronto?

If you make $90,000 a year living in Toronto, your net take-home salary will be $63,600, or close to $5,300 per month.

This salary is good enough to live comfortably in Toronto, pay off your bills, and afford an out-of-town trip once or twice if you are a single person.

A family of four would still need more than this to meet their monthly expenditure.   

3. How much do movers cost in Toronto?

The average cost of hiring movers in Downtown Toronto is between $139 and $199 per hour.

You need two movers and a truck for local moves.

For long-distance moves, an additional mover, packing services, lodging expenses, and storage services might be added.

To get a rough estimate, try using a moving cost calculator and determine the average moving costs for your next move. 

4. Shall I move myself or hire professional movers?

Deciding between DIY moving and professional movers depends on your personal choice.

If you have no time constraints, tight budgets, and fewer items, go for DIY moving.

But, if your move involves longer distances, bulky furniture items, and apartment/condo moving complexities, get help from professional apartment movers near you.