Top 5 Pros and Cons of Moving to Mississauga, Ontario in 2025

If you are thinking about making Mississauga your new home, you are not alone. This ultra-fast-growing city on the western edge of the Greater Toronto Area attracts newcomers for its efficient mix of urban convenience.

With a population that has climbed past 700,000, Mississauga is the seventh-largest municipality (census subdivision) in Canada. 

It transitioned from being a cluster of villages to a town back in 1968, and by 1974, it was officially incorporated as a city.

Today, it is a centre for business, education, and community life, with a climate that is milder than much of Ontario. But Mississauga’s higher costs of housing and heavy traffic might be a deterrent.

If you are planning to relocate and have already started packing for the move, weighing the pros and cons of moving to Mississauga can help you decide if this city aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

7 Interesting Facts about Mississauga, Ontario

Before deciding on your move to Mississauga, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Equally important is knowing interesting things to do. 

Here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect to find once you are here. 

From massive shopping centers to cultural landmarks, these elements define the city’s character and are why so many people are proud to call Mississauga home.

1. Home to the Second-Largest Mall in Canada

Mississauga’s City Centre is home to the Square One Shopping Centre, a retail and entertainment giant that was first opened in 1973. 

With over 350 stores, restaurants, and services, Square One attracts more than 24 million visitors annually. It ranks as the second-largest mall in Canada.

For residents in the west end, Erin Mills Town Centre offers a convenient shopping hub with a mix of national brands and local retailers. While smaller than Square One, it remains one of Mississauga’s most popular malls.

2. Stunning Beaches along Lake Ontario

The city’s waterfront stretches for more than 22 kilometres along Lake Ontario. This shoreline hosts several clean and accessible beaches, rare gems within the Greater Toronto Area. 

From the family-friendly sands of Jack Darling Memorial Park to the tranquil Lakefront Promenade Park, residents can enjoy easy access to swimming, kayaking, and lakeside picnics. 

Inland, the Lake Aquitaine boardwalk offers peaceful strolls and birdwatching.

3. Paramount Fine Foods Centre

Sports fans will know the Paramount Fine Foods Centre as the home of Raptors 905, the NBA G League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors.

This is a multi-functional venue that hosts hockey, concerts, and other cultural events. Its location near Highway 403 makes it a highly popular venue for both residents and visiting fans.

4. Kariya Park – A Japanese-Style Garden

Mississauga’s only sister city is Kariya in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.

Established in 1981, the partnership of the two cities is evident in local landmarks across Mississauga, such as Kariya Park, a Japanese-style garden featuring cherry blossoms, sculptures, and a serene pond.

5. Mississauga Art Gallery

Located at the Civic Centre, across from Celebration Square and next to Square One mall, the Art Gallery of Mississauga is a public, not-for-profit space with free entry every day. 

Rotating exhibitions complement its permanent collection of more than 500 works.

The Art Gallery of Mississauga is currently digitising its entire collection to make it accessible online and expand its role as a cultural hub of the city.

6. The Marilyn Monroe Towers

The iconic Absolute World Condos, nicknamed the “Marilyn Monroe” towers due to their curvy, hourglass shape, were completed in 2012. 

The two skyscrapers, standing at 56 and 50 stories tall, resulted from an international design competition. 

The buildings’ distinctive 209-degree twist from base to top provides residents with panoramic views. Situated in the heart of downtown Mississauga, these Absolute Towers are near shopping malls, Cineplex, and sports complexes. 

7. University of Toronto Mississauga Campus

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is one of the three campuses of Canada’s top-ranked university. 

Set on a 225-acre site along the Credit River, UTM is home to the Mississauga Academy of Medicine and a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Mississauga, ON

When deciding whether to move to Mississauga, you need to look at the city from every angle. On one side, you will find a strong economy, top schools, and a vibrant cultural scene.

On the other hand, there are costs, congestion, and some climate challenges to keep in mind.

This super quick comparison lays out the main pros and cons, so you can see both sides before you make your decision.

Advantages of Moving to Mississauga, ON

1. One of Ontario’s Mildest Climates

While winter still brings in snow and ice, Mississauga’s southern location moderates temperatures compared to much of the province. Here, residents get to enjoy warm summers and relatively short spans of cold seasons.

Summer highs often reach 30-32 °C, with some occasional heat waves pushing beyond that. Winters are less severe, with average lows around -5 °C.

Lake Ontario helps keep the winter temperatures slightly higher and the summers cooler along the waterfront.

2. Accessible and Affordable Public Transit

Mississauga is served by three major railway lines, operated by Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Metrolinx. 

GO Transit operates to offer commuter rail service on the Lakeshore West, Milton, and Kitchener Lines that connect the city to downtown Toronto, Hamilton, and beyond.

Local transit options are made available by MiWay, which offers more than 60 bus routes, linking neighbourhoods and connecting to Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, and the TTC.

Drivers can use major highways, including the 401, 403, QEW, and 410, which can make it relatively easy to travel in and out of the city.

3. High Quality of Life

With a super high Quality of Life Index score of 172.85, Mississauga ranks fifth nationwide. Over 150 schools serve students, while one central hospital system, Trillium Health Partners, offers reliable care across its three sites.

Clean air, parks, and community facilities support an active lifestyle. Plus, a high purchasing power index of 114.5 makes life much easier here.  

This diversity is celebrated year-round at festivals like Japan Festival Canada and Italfest at Celebration Square.

With over 480 parks and 23 major trail systems, including a 22-mile waterfront trail, the city is designed for an active lifestyle. Residents can take advantage of numerous community centers, fitness facilities, and a wide range of outdoor activities, all enhancing their quality of life. 

4. Strong Education Network

Families in Mississauga have access to more than 150 schools across four school boards, including the Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud. 

Together, they cover English and French instruction in both public and Catholic systems.

Several private schools, like Lynn-Rose School, St. Jude’s Academy, and more, supplement the options.

5. A Rich, Multicultural Population

More than half of Mississauga’s residents are immigrants. They represent over 150 nationalities, speaking a wide range of languages.

English is the most common mother tongue, alongside Urdu, Arabic, Mandarin, Polish, and Punjabi. 

This mix shapes the city’s vibrant calendar of cultural festivals from Eid and Diwali gatherings to Christmas markets and Lunar New Year events, making it much easier for newcomers to find a sense of belonging.

Disadvantages of Moving to Mississauga, ON

1. High Cost of Living

Housing costs remain among the top five in Canada. The limited supply of affordable housing near transit hubs drives demand, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment can easily exceed $2,000 in prime areas.

Source: Numbeo.com 

The cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal needs.

2. Low Walkability

The city was developed around car travel, and while certain areas like Port Credit and Streetsville are walkable, most residents rely on driving or buses.

Long-distance services can make errands much less convenient without a vehicle.

3. Hot, Humid Summers

High humidity levels in June and August can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, with temperatures soaring to 32°C.

Cooling costs can spike during prolonged heat waves, and summer storms occasionally disrupt power and transit.

4. Airplane Noise

While you can adjust to this in a few days, newcomers may notice the noise as aircraft pass over multiple neighbourhoods daily.

This is mainly because Canada’s busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, is located in the northeast corner of the city.

5. Traffic Congestion

The city’s location along major highways brings in a constant flow of commuter traffic. Morning and evening rush hours often slow down traffic, and parking in dense commercial areas can be scarce.

Residents attribute the traffic congestion to the never-ending construction and roadwork, which regularly force lane reductions and temporary closures, making navigation quite challenging even outside peak hours.

Are You Planning a Move to Mississauga?

If relocating to Mississauga is on your horizon, it can be a great choice. But, you will need to weigh in the strong community infrastructure, diverse culture, and transit access against the realities of housing costs and congestion.

Each neighbourhood offers you a different mix of amenities and challenges. So, remember to research and plan. It can make a big difference.

For professional moving services, explore professional movers in Mississauga. These services are tailored to offer custom support through the entire process. 

From moving your fragile items like chandeliers, refrigerators, electronics, and more to a whole home move, these services help you take care of all the heavy lifting while you are free to research and plan.

Final Thoughts

Mississauga offers you a rare balance: proximity to Toronto’s job market and cultural scene, combined with its own vibrant community life. 

It is a city where you can enjoy lakeside trails in the morning, shop at one of Canada’s largest malls in the afternoon, and attend a cultural fest in the evening.

However, this growth has brought higher housing costs, more traffic, and less walkability in many areas.

Understanding both the pros and cons, along with the costs of moving to Mississauga, will help you decide if this fast-growing, multicultural city aligns with your lifestyle and long-term plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Mississauga a good place to live?

Absolutely. The city ranks high in quality of life, offering excellent public services, and features a diverse and welcoming community. 

Plus, the location gives residents access to both local amenities and the broader GTA.

2. Is Mississauga safe?

Crime rates in the city are relatively low for a town of its size. With a crime index of 44.10 (55% lower than the national average), residents report feeling safe. 

Note: Certain neighbourhoods might experience higher rates than others. Safer, more residential areas include Lorne Park, Streetsville, and Port Credit. 

Areas with higher reported crime rates, often related to property crime, include Cooksville, Malton, and the City Centre.

3. What is the cost of moving to Mississauga?

Hiring movers locally within Mississauga ranges from $450 to $2,465 for smaller homes, with larger moves exceeding the $9,000 mark.

The cost of moving will depend entirely on the size of your home, the number of movers, the distance, and the added services. You also need to tip your movers, which should be factored into your budget.

4. Is Mississauga more expensive than Toronto?

When you compare the cost of living in Toronto, Mississauga is a more affordable place to settle in. 

While both cities have high costs, the most significant difference lies in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,100 in Mississauga, compared to $2,400 in Toronto, while detached homes are also notably cheaper in Mississauga. Although daily expenses like groceries are comparable, overall, you will spend less to live in Mississauga.