So you’ve decided to join the six million people who call the Greater Toronto Area home. Maybe you’ve been lured by the promise of job opportunities in Canada’s financial powerhouse, or perhaps it was Toronto’s reputation as one of the most multicultural cities on the planet—where you can travel the world through neighborhoods without ever renewing your passport.
Whatever brought you here, you’re about to embark on an adventure in a city that somehow manages to be simultaneously overwhelming and endearing.
Toronto isn’t just a single city experience—it’s dozens of distinct worlds connected by subway lines and streetcars. It’s where Bay Street suits power-walk past graffiti artists, where you can find authentic dim sum for breakfast and Jamaican patties for lunch, and where passionate debates about the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup chances have been ongoing since 1967 (spoiler alert: they’re still waiting).
But beyond the CN Tower postcards and Drake references lies a complex urban landscape that requires some insider knowledge to navigate successfully.
This guide will walk you through everything from taming Toronto’s competitive housing market to understanding why locals insist on calling their downtown “the core,” and why everyone has strong opinions about which neighborhood is truly the best (it’s subjective, but they’ll fight about it anyway).
Key Takeaways
- Toronto is the biggest and most multicultural city in Canada, with over 250 ethnicities and 7 million residents
- Available pathways for moving to Toronto include the Express Entry System, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, Study Permits, Pots Graduate Work Permits, and Temporary Work Permits/Business Visas
- Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada and the cost of living for a single person is around CAD 3,335 per month
- Finding housing is very competitive, get ahead by using sites such as CorporateStays.com
- Three booming industries in Toronto are technology, business and finance, and life sciences
- Toronto has a robust transportation system consisting of TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express
- Toronto has a comprehensive healthcare program called the Ontario Health Insurance Program, which is available three months after arrival
Why Move to Toronto?
Toronto is one of the top three choices for immigrants or professionals looking to relocate, along with Montreal and Vancouver. One of the key reasons seems to be its robust job market, as Toronto is Canada’s business and financial capital.
Another reason would be its cultural diversity, boasting over 250 ethnicities and different languages. This gives foreign nationals a sense of belonging and familiarity, knowing that they’re not the only ones who are new to the city. Toronto also has world-class infrastructure, such as a great public transport system and excellent healthcare.
On the downside, Toronto is also one of the most expensive cities in Canada, with high-priced housing and cost of living. The job market is known to be very competitive, only leaving room for the most qualified.
Understanding Toronto’s Immigration and Visa Options
There are several ways for you to gain permanent residency in Toronto. The available immigration programs you can choose from include the Express Entry System, Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, Study Permits, Post-Graduate Work Permits, and Temporary Work Permits or Business Visas.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is one of the most popular ways to relocate to Toronto. It is an online system that will compile applications for skilled workers who want to move to Canada. After submission, your application will be scored out of 1,200 based on the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS. Those who are eligible to apply via the Express Entry System include:
- Canadian Experience Class; skilled workers with Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Worker Program; for skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program; for skilled workers in a certain trade
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Another way to apply for permanent residency when moving to Toronto is via the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Foreign workers, international students, and people with certain skills, experience, and education are eligible for this program.
There are nine different streams that you can take via the OINP:
- Ontario’s Expression of Interest Streams: Employer job offer for foreign workers, employer job offer for international students, employer job offer for in-demand skills, masters graduate stream, PhD graduate stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry Streams: Human capital priorities, skilled trades, French-speaking skilled worker
Study Permits
You can also get an international student visa by applying for study permits, which should be submitted before you depart for Canada. To get a student visa, you should have:
- A letter of acceptance from one of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Toronto. Several DLIs in Toronto that are also top learning institutions are the University of Toronto and York University.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)
- Complementary documents, such as proof of identity, financial support, and medical exam results
Once you’re a student in Toronto, you can leverage that into getting a job offer or enter the Express Entry System to gain a Permanent Residency.
Post Graduate Work Permits
If you choose to study in one of the DLIs in Toronto, you may be eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit. The length of PGWP will be granted depending on how much time you spend studying in Canada.
For a Master’s degree with more than 8 months of study or degrees with 2 years/more of study, you’ll be granted 3 years of PGWP. For programs with more than 8 months but less than 2 years of study, you’ll be granted a PGWP the same length as your study program. Programs with less than 8 months of study will not be granted a PGWP.
Temporary Work Permits and Business Visas
There’s also the option of gaining temporary work permits and business visas. To be able to apply you must have enough proof of funds, proof that you’ll leave Canada when your work permit expires, work for eligible employers, and fulfill complementary documents (medical exams).
Although the temporary permit may only buy you several months or years, you can gain Canadian work experience. In the end, this can add to your overall score when applying through other immigration pathways for permanent residency.
Cost of Living in Toronto: What to Expect
Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, so it’s very important to get familiar with its cost of living and know what to expect before you move. These are the breakdown of living costs per month in Toronto for a single person:
- Housing: CAD 1,800
- Transportation: CAD 150
- Utilities: CAD 120
- Internet: CAD 65
- Groceries: CAD 800
- Entertainment: CAD 400
The minimum wage in Toronto is CAD 17.20/hour, while the average salary is around CAD 74,000. Entry-level jobs would pay around CAD 50,000, but experienced workers can have an income of CAD 90,000 upwards. This means most Torontonians spend more than half of their salaries on necessities.
Toronto is almost as expensive as Vancouver in terms of living expenses and higher than more affordable cities like Montreal which can be 20-30% cheaper. On the other hand, the minimum wage and average salaries are also much higher, which could make moving to Toronto worthwhile.
Finding Housing in Toronto
One challenging factor is finding housing in Toronto. The Toronto housing market can be very competitive, thanks to high population density and housing shortage. Newcomers can choose between renting and owning a home.
We recommend renting a short-term stay when you first come to Toronto, as it gives you a chance to get to know multiple neighborhoods before settling into a particular area. Sites such as CorporateStays.com can give you the option of having a comfortable place without the fuss when you arrive. The Short term rental units in Toronto are furnished and have great locations, giving you more time to focus on acclimatizing to your new city.
Once you’re settled, you can think about owning a home. Buying a home in Toronto requires a large amount of funds since the properties are very expensive. You can choose to purchase a home in cash or through a mortgage, whichever is most suitable for your financial situation.
To help you pick the best neighborhood, here are some top options:
- Scarborough: A Toronto suburb with affordable rents. It’s one of the most wanted areas for immigrants, making it a vibrant and diverse place.
- North York: Located in uptown Toronto, it provides easy access to the city while still having a residential vibe.
- The Annex: A strategic place to stay for professionals and creative adults. With proximity to the University of Toronto, there are plenty of entertainment and historical sites.
- Kensington: One of Toronto’s most unique neighborhoods with indie stores, eateries, and shops.
- Yonge and Eglinton: An affluent neighborhood that’s close to downtown with lots of amenities.
- Yorkville: The wealthiest neighborhood of Toronto comes with a hefty price tag, but its strategic location lets you experience the city in full swing.
Job Market in Toronto: Finding Work Before Moving
Toronto is an economic hub and has plenty of opportunities for young or experienced professionals. Here are some of the most sought-after industries and occupations to have:
- Technology: Roles in cybersecurity and analytics are in demand
- Business and finance: The city has many of the country’s largest financial institutions
- Life sciences: Toronto has high demands for researchers, analysts, and engineers
To gain employment before moving to Toronto, try searching through sites like Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Workopolis. Create an updated resume with a professional summary, work experiences, skills, education, and certifications.
The working culture in Toronto can vary across different industries. For example, technology sectors may be more dynamic and have a relaxed dress code. On the other hand, financial sectors may require a more formal demeanor and dress code. In general, workplaces in Toronto value openness, communication, and respect for diversity.
Public Transportation and Getting Around Toronto
Toronto is easy to navigate and has several transportation systems:
- The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): Manages the bus, streetcars, and subway in Toronto. Fares for adults start from CAD 3.30 for a single ride to CAD 143 monthly.
- GO Transit: Links Toronto with outer areas of Greater Toronto. Tickets start at CAD 3.70 for shorter trips.
- Union Pearson Express: A rail link that connects the Union Station in downtown Toronto to the Toronto Pearson Airport. Fares are CAD 12.35 for a single ride.
You can also get around Toronto using your own care by getting a driver’s license from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Newcomers from the US, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Northern Ireland, South Korea, Australia, Isle of Man, the UK, France, and Belgium can exchange their license within 60 days of arrival. If you don’t have a driver’s license or not from mentioned countries, you will be required to take a knowledge test and road test.
Healthcare System in Toronto
Toronto is located in Ontario, which has its own public healthcare system called the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). OHIP covers necessary medical services and treatments, such as doctor appointments, hospital visits/stays, surgery (including dental), eye-health services, ambulance, and podiatry.
What’s not provided by OHIP are prescription drugs from non-hospital settings, alternative medicine, chiropractor, eyeglasses/contacts, laser eye surgery, cosmetic procedures, and travel immunizations. Most Torontonians would use private healthcare to cover these needs.
Newcomers would get a valid health card from OHIP after three months of being a resident, so make sure you have private healthcare in the meantime.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Toronto
Moving to a new city, let alone a new country, can be daunting. Here are more essential information you need to know before travelling to Toronto:
- Toronto is very multicultural. Be mindful and respectful when interacting with locals.
- Toronto has a convenient public transportation system, get a PRESTO card to pay for all transportation fares for discounts. You can also download the TTC app to help plan your commute.
- Toronto has the worst traffic congestion in Canada, so be extra patient if you’re planning to drive.
- Set up a Canadian bank account for ease of transaction. You can do this online or onsite, using a government-issued ID.
- Get familiar with community support groups or expat networks in Toronto to gain and share information or even make a few friends.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Toronto
To sum up, here are the pros and cons of moving to Toronto:
| Pros | Cons |
| Booming industries and job opportunities
Great social infrastructure Cultural diversity Vibrant lifestyle Modern amenities Excellent healthcare services |
Expensive cost of living
Traffic congestion Shortage of housing Competitive job market |
FAQs
How Expensive is Living in Toronto Cost?
Living in Toronto can be very expensive, where an average single person could spend around CAD 3,335 per month. But it also has a considerably high income level, making up for the living expenses.
Is it Better to Rent or Buy a Home in Toronto?
It’s recommended for newcomers to opt for renting in Toronto at first, to get familiar with the city’s areas and neighborhoods before settling into one.
What are the Best Neighborhoods for Families in Toronto?
The best neighborhoods for families in Toronto include Scarborough, North York, the Downtown areas, Riverdale, or Leslieville.
What Should I Know About Taxes in Ontario?
Ontario charges 5.05% to 13.16% of income, with a combined federal and provincial tax rate between 20.05% and 53.53%. As your income increases, so will your tax bracket. It has a high income tax rate compared to other cities in Canada, and the authorities are planning to increase the rate in 2025, so be prepared.
What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Toronto?
A salary of CAD 74,000, which is the average salary in Toronto, will let you live comfortably in Toronto as a single person. Those living with family members may require a higher income, depending on the number of dependants.
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Toronto the Right Choice for You?
Before moving to Toronto, there are plenty of considerations you should make: the job opportunity, your skills, and financial readiness. Toronto is a vibrant city with high quality of life, booming industries, and robust infrastructure. At the same time, it also requires a sufficient income and proper skills to fit the industry. As long as you’re ready to face the competitive nature of Toronto, the city can be your new home. Don’t forget to plan well and seek expert advice when you decide to move for a smooth transition.
