Why Move to Toronto?
Toronto is a great place for British expats to reside. With a shared language and excellent career development opportunities, Toronto offers working and living visas that favour skilled workers. The city is also known for having a high-quality healthcare and education system, meaning it has an excellent quality of life on offer.
Best Places to Live in Toronto
West End is family-friendly area with plenty of green space and a community feel to help you settle in. Toronto’s Downtown is home to the Financial and Entertainment Districts, making it an ideal location for professionals and creatives. Scarborough and North York are ideal for young families with access to good schools, parks and near to Lake Ontario.
Cost of Living in Toronto
The overall cost of living in Toronto is 25.7% lower than in London. For reference, the cost of living in Toronto is higher than in Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
The average monthly salary in Toronto after tax is $4,662.95 (£2,633.47) with London offering a higher salary at £3,732. Below we compare the cost of living in Toronto with the UK by looking at London prices.
Cost of Living Comparison: Toronto vs. London
| Item |
Toronto |
UK (London) |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,504.11 (£1,413.23) |
£2,170.83 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$14,026.44 (£7,916.04) |
£13,403.96 |
| Monthly salary after tax |
$4,662.95 (£2,633.47) |
£3,732 |
| 3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant |
$120 (£67.72) |
£80 |
| 1 litre of milk |
$4.06 (£2.29) |
£1.33 |
| 1kg chicken fillets |
$16.88 (£9.53) |
£7.41 |
| Monthly travel pass |
$156 (£88.04) |
£200 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$92.55 (£163.99) |
£281.33 |
| Monthly gym membership |
$70.52 (£39.79) |
£45.33 |
| Monthly private preschool |
$1,517 (£856.23) |
£1,815.85 |
Data taken from Numbeo
Property Prices & Rent in Toronto
In 2024, the average rent for a city centre apartment in Toronto is $2,504.11 , making it 35.7% cheaper than in London . Buying property in Toronto is 40% cheaper than in the UK , with the average cost to buy in the city centre averaging at $14,026.44 per square metre . Below is a comparison of rental and buying prices in Toronto compared to London.
Property Prices & Rent in Toronto vs. London
| Item |
Toronto |
UK (London) |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,504.11 (£1,413.23) |
£2,170.83 |
| Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
$2,132.74 (£1,203.65)
|
£1,630.26
|
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$14,026.44 (£7,916.04)
|
£13,403.96
|
| Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre |
$10,860.30 (£6,129.18)
|
£7,956.99
|
Data taken from Numbeo.
Education in Toronto
Toronto offers a high standard of education, being globally recognised for offering inclusive and accessible education in their public, private, charter and international schools. Schools in Toronto cater to the multiculturalism of the city, with many schools providing separate English and French as a Second Language (ESL and FSL) programs. Education is compulsory in Toronto from the age of 6 until 18. Whilst learning French is not a requirement as an expat, the language plays an integral part of the curriculum in Toronto.
Job Market in Toronto
Toronto is the finance capital of Canada, boasting large banks, insurance companies and investment firms in the city. The technology sector is also well established in Toronto, with the city often called ‘Silicon Valley North’ due to well known companies having offices in the city as well as an abundance of start up companies. Education and healthcare are also popular sectors for people to find employment.
