Moving to Toronto: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about relocating to Canada's largest city. From finding the right neighbourhood to understanding the housing market, we'll help you make Toronto home.
1. Why People Move to Toronto
Toronto attracts over 100,000 new residents annually, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in North America. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, here's what draws people to Canada's largest city.
Economic Opportunities
- Finance Hub: Bay Street is Canada's Wall Street, home to major banks, investment firms, and fintech startups
- Tech Corridor: Second-largest tech hub in North America after Silicon Valley, with Google, Microsoft, and countless startups
- Healthcare & Research: World-class hospitals and research institutions including University Health Network and SickKids
- Creative Industries: Film production, advertising, media, and a thriving arts scene
Quality of Life
- Diversity: Over half of residents were born outside Canada, creating a truly multicultural city
- Safety: Consistently ranked among the safest major cities in North America
- Culture: World-class museums, theatres, restaurants, and events year-round
- Nature Access: Lake Ontario waterfront, Toronto Islands, ravine system, and nearby cottage country
2. Understanding Toronto's Geography
Toronto is divided into distinct areas, each with its own character. Understanding the city's layout helps you find the right neighbourhood.
Downtown Core
Financial district, Entertainment district, Harbourfront, Corktown. High-rise condos, walkable, car-optional. Premium prices, urban lifestyle.
Midtown
Yonge & Eglinton, Forest Hill, Rosedale, Deer Park. Mix of condos and houses, excellent transit, upscale shopping and dining.
East End
Leslieville, The Beaches, Riverdale, East York. Trendy, family-friendly, more affordable than central areas, strong community feel.
West End
High Park, Junction, Roncesvalles, Liberty Village. Artistic, diverse, mix of young professionals and families, excellent parks.
North York
Mix of suburban neighbourhoods and condo clusters along Yonge. Good schools, larger homes, more affordable, requires car in many areas.
Scarborough
Diverse, suburban, most affordable in Toronto. Authentic ethnic food scenes, Scarborough Bluffs, larger properties, car recommended.
Etobicoke
Waterfront condos to suburban homes. Good highway access, Humber Bay Park area is popular with young families, mix of price points.
3. Choosing Your Neighbourhood
Toronto has over 140 distinct neighbourhoods. Here's how to narrow down your options based on your priorities.
By Lifestyle
Young Professionals
- • King West / Liberty Village
- • Queen West
- • Leslieville
- • The Junction
Urban Lifestyle Seekers
- • Yorkville
- • Downtown Core
- • Yonge & Eglinton
- • Harbourfront
Pro Tip: Visit Before Deciding
If possible, spend a few days in Toronto visiting different neighbourhoods. Walk around, grab coffee at local shops, check commute times during rush hour, and get a feel for the community. Each area has a distinct personality that's best experienced in person.
4. The Housing Market
Toronto's housing market is competitive and fast-moving. Understanding the landscape helps you set realistic expectations.
Current Market Snapshot (2026)
| Property Type | Average Price | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Condo | $620,000 | $500K - $800K |
| 2-Bedroom Condo | $850,000 | $700K - $1.2M |
| Townhouse | $950,000 | $750K - $1.4M |
| Semi-Detached | $1,250,000 | $900K - $1.8M |
| Detached House | $1,650,000 | $1.1M - $3M+ |
What Newcomers Should Know
- Bidding Wars: Desirable properties often receive multiple offers, sometimes 10-20+. Being prepared to move quickly is essential.
- Conditions: In competitive situations, many buyers waive conditions like home inspection—risky but common.
- Closing Times: Standard closing is 30-90 days from offer acceptance. Flexibility on dates can make your offer more attractive.
- Land Transfer Tax: Toronto has both provincial and municipal land transfer taxes. First-time buyers get rebates on the provincial portion.
5. Renting vs Buying
Many newcomers debate whether to rent or buy immediately. Both have advantages depending on your situation.
Rent First If...
- • You're new to Canada and building credit
- • You're unsure which neighbourhood suits you
- • Your job situation isn't stable yet
- • You don't have 20%+ for down payment
- • You want flexibility to relocate
Typical Rent:
1BR: $2,500-3,500/mo
2BR: $3,200-4,500/mo
3BR House: $4,000-6,000/mo
Buy Now If...
- • You have stable income and down payment
- • You plan to stay 5+ years minimum
- • You know which area you want
- • You have Canadian or transferable credit
- • You want to build equity immediately
Minimum Down Payment:
Under $500K: 5%
$500K-$1M: 5% + 10%
Over $1M: 20%
Newcomer Mortgage Programs
Several Canadian banks offer newcomer mortgage programs with reduced documentation requirements. TD, RBC, and Scotiabank have programs for new immigrants and foreign workers. Typically require larger down payments (10-35%) but don't require Canadian credit history.
6. Cost of Living Breakdown
Understanding typical expenses helps you budget accurately for life in Toronto.
| Expense | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment) | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Utilities (heat, hydro) | $100 - $200 |
| Internet | $60 - $100 |
| Cell Phone | $50 - $100 |
| TTC Monthly Pass | $156 |
| Groceries (single person) | $400 - $600 |
| Dining Out (occasional) | $200 - $400 |
| Gym Membership | $40 - $100 |
| Car (insurance, gas, parking) | $500 - $800 |
| Total (single, renting, no car) | ~$3,500 - $4,500 |
Note: Healthcare is covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) after a 3-month waiting period for new residents. Many employers provide supplemental health insurance that starts immediately.
7. Getting Around
Toronto has a comprehensive transit system, though the experience varies significantly by neighbourhood.
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)
- Subway: 4 lines covering north-south and east-west corridors. Limited but reliable coverage in the core.
- Streetcars: Iconic red cars serving downtown and west end routes. Charming but can be slow in traffic.
- Buses: Extensive network covering all areas. Quality varies by route.
- Fare: $3.35 single fare, $156/month unlimited with PRESTO card
Other Options
- GO Transit: Regional rail and bus connecting suburbs and surrounding cities
- UP Express: Direct airport-to-downtown train (25 minutes, $12.35)
- Bike Share: 7,000+ bikes at 700+ stations across the city
- Uber/Lyft: Widely available, often cheaper than traditional taxis
Walk Score Matters
When evaluating neighbourhoods, check the Walk Score. Downtown areas score 90+, meaning you can accomplish most errands on foot. Suburban areas may score 40-60, requiring a car for many activities. Consider how this aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
8. Schools & Education
Toronto offers diverse educational options from public to private, French immersion to International Baccalaureate.
Public School Boards
- TDSB (Toronto District School Board): Canada's largest, with 583 schools. Secular public education.
- TCDSB (Toronto Catholic District School Board): 199 schools. Open to baptized Catholics and others (space permitting).
- French Immersion: Available in both boards. Apply early— spaces fill quickly.
Notable Private Schools
Toronto has excellent private schools including Upper Canada College, Havergal College, Crescent School, and Bishop Strachan School. Tuition typically ranges from $25,000-$40,000+ annually.
Universities & Colleges
- University of Toronto: World-renowned research university
- York University: Large comprehensive university
- Ryerson University: Career-focused, downtown campus
- George Brown College: Applied arts and technology
- Seneca College: Multiple campuses, diverse programs
9. Healthcare & Services
Ontario's healthcare system covers most medical needs, though there are important details newcomers should understand.
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
- Eligibility: New residents must wait 3 months before coverage begins. Purchase private insurance for this period.
- Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital stays, most medical procedures, some dental (hospital-based), some eye care
- Not Covered: Prescription drugs (unless 65+), dental, vision, physiotherapy, ambulance ($45 copay)
Finding a Family Doctor
One challenge in Toronto is finding a family doctor accepting new patients. Use Health Care Connect (Ontario program) to get matched, or use walk-in clinics for immediate needs. Many young professionals rely on virtual care services like Maple or Telus Health.
Major Hospitals
- • Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network)
- • Mount Sinai Hospital
- • St. Michael's Hospital
- • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- • SickKids (pediatric specialty)
10. Making Toronto Home
Moving to a new city is about more than logistics—it's about building a life. Here's how to feel at home in Toronto.
Building Community
- Meetup Groups: Toronto has thousands of meetups for every interest imaginable
- Sports Leagues: Join recreational leagues for soccer, hockey, volleyball, or running clubs
- Cultural Communities: Whatever your background, Toronto has an established community with events and organizations
- Neighbourhood Events: Summer festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings are great for meeting neighbours
Embrace the Seasons
- Winter (Dec-Mar): Learn to layer, invest in quality boots, embrace skating, skiing, and cozy cafes
- Spring (Apr-May): Cherry blossoms in High Park, patio season begins, city comes alive
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Festivals every weekend, patios everywhere, beach days, cottage trips
- Fall (Sep-Nov): Beautiful colours, harvest festivals, perfect weather for exploring
The Toronto Mindset
Torontonians can seem reserved at first, but once you're in, you're in. The city rewards those who get involved—whether that's joining a book club, volunteering, or becoming a regular at a local spot. Give it time, put yourself out there, and Toronto will become home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Toronto compared to other major cities?
Toronto is Canada's most expensive city, comparable to cities like Chicago or Washington D.C. Housing is the biggest expense—expect to spend $2,500-3,500/month for a 1-bedroom apartment or $3,500-5,000 for a family-sized rental. Other costs are moderate: groceries are reasonable, transit is $156/month unlimited, and healthcare is covered by OHIP after a waiting period. Overall, budget 30-40% more than the Canadian average.
Which Toronto neighbourhoods are best for families?
Top family-friendly neighbourhoods include: Leaside (excellent schools, village feel), High Park (green space, good schools), The Beaches (community events, waterfront), Riverdale (diverse, central), and North York suburbs (larger homes, good schools). Consider proximity to work, school quality, and access to parks when choosing.
How long does it take to buy a home as a newcomer to Toronto?
New residents can buy immediately, but the process typically takes 2-4 months from start to closing. Newcomers often face additional mortgage requirements—some lenders require larger down payments (10-35%) without Canadian credit history. Consider renting first for 6-12 months to learn neighbourhoods and build credit.
Do I need a car in Toronto?
Downtown and midtown residents often don't need cars—the TTC subway, streetcars, and buses cover most areas. However, if you live in North York, Scarborough, or Etobicoke suburbs, or have children in activities, a car becomes more practical. Many families compromise with one car instead of two, using transit for commuting.
What's the best time of year to move to Toronto?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal. You'll experience moderate weather, see more rental/purchase options, and settle before extreme seasons. Avoid moving during winter if possible—December through February can be harsh. If moving with school-aged children, aim for summer to start fresh in September.
How competitive is Toronto's housing market for newcomers?
Very competitive, especially for desirable rentals and entry-level homes. Rentals often go within days with multiple applications. For purchasing, be prepared for multiple offers in popular areas. Having your financing pre-approved, being flexible on closing dates, and working with an experienced agent significantly improves your chances.
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