Mississauga, Ontario is a popular city for immigrants to Canada. This large, multicultural city has a strong support system for newcomers making it even more appealing. Choosing the right landing city is a big decision and it’s wise to research and compare cities to make the best possible decision. Discover what you can expect living in Mississauga, Ontario from housing to jobs to quality of life, and culture.
The most important factors to consider when choosing a city are the job market for your profession and the cost of housing. Choosing a city with suitable job opportunities that match your skills and experience and affordable housing options will set you up for success in Canada. In addition, you want to ensure that the city you choose meets your personal and practical needs.
About Mississauga, Ontario
Mississauga, Ontario is located in Peel Region on the shores of Lake Ontario. The city is also part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is 24km from Toronto. This makes Mississauga a popular location for people commuting to work in the City of Toronto or nearby cities such as Brampton.
Mississauga has grown over the years to become one of the biggest municipalities in Canada. Founded in 1805 as Toronto Township, it was reclassified as Mississauga Township in 1968 and became the City of Mississauga in 1974.
How Many People Live in Mississauga, Ontario?
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The population of Mississauga is roughly 766,00 across 179 square kilometres. It is the seventh-largest city in Canada and the third-largest city in Ontario. Residents come from all parts of the world, making it one of Canada’s most globally connected and diverse cities. 53% of Mississauga’s population were born outside the country, making it one of the largest landing cities for immigrants.
How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Mississauga
Mississauga’s Local Economy
Home to Pearson International Airport, and with access to all major highways in the GTA, Mississauga is an attractive location for business. It’s home to head offices of multinational corporations and the world’s most recognized brands.
Mississauga is a hub for innovation, technology, supply chain, transportation, and manufacturing.
Top industries include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Transportation
- Information & Communication technology
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Electronics
- Banking and Finance
- Life Sciences.
Major Employers in Mississauga
Many newcomers choose to live in Mississauga because of the diverse industries and career opportunities. More than 60 Fortune 500 companies are located in Mississauga including:
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- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Walmart
- Pepsi.
There are also career options in many industries, professions, and trades. Visit Career Pathways for more than 20 occupations to discover how to continue your career in Canada. Upon arriving in Canada, you can contact local recruitment agencies to explore job opportunities. Some top recruiting firms are Randstad Canada, Robert Half, Resolve Recruit Inc., and AppleOne Employment Services.
The Housing Market in Mississauga
Mississauga offers many different types of housing to select based on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Housing is more expensive than many mid-sized or small cities in Canada. You can research Mississauga rental housing costs and options at Rentals for Newcomers.
Is Housing Expensive in Mississauga, Ontario?
The housing market in Mississauga is more expensive than in other areas in Ontario and Canada. However, it is more affordable than other cities within the Greater Toronto Area.
The cost of renting or buying a house in Mississauga varies depending on where you choose to live. Some of the most expensive neighbourhoods are Lorne Park, Gordon Woods, and Credit Mills. More affordable neighbourhoods are Applewood, Meadowvale, Fairview, and Mississauga Valleys.
Finding a Place to Rent in Mississauga
The city ranks in the top five most expensive cities to rent. Rent is typically higher than $2,000 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Consider how much rent is relative to how much you can expect to earn to manage your expenses. Housing affordability in Canada is based on spending roughly 30% of your income on housing costs.
| NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | AVERAGE RENT (As of October, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,747 |
| I-Bedroom | $2,207 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,742 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,328 |
You can research rental prices in Mississauga before you arrive in Canada at Rentals for Newcomers. Learn more about how to find accommodation in Canada with Rentals for Newcomers.
Renter’s insurance is an important consideration when renting. It protects your family, belongings, and finances. While renters’ insurance is optional, many property owners may require you to have it as part of your rental application. Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know.
Buying a Home in Mississauga
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the benchmark price for single-family homes was $1,362,200 as of September 2024 (down 2.1% from September 2023). The average price for a townhouse was $829,900 (down 3.7%), and the average cost of a condo was $644,800 (down 3.2% from year-ago levels). Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Driving & Public Transit in Mississauga
Driving in Mississauga, Ontario
Many Mississauga residents commute to work within the GTA. Commute times can be lengthy given traffic congestion issues within the GTA. However, major highways pass through the city, making it easy to get around.
Highway 401 passes through the north end. Residents also have access to Highways 403, 409, 410, and 427. HiHighway 407 is an Express Toll Route (ETR) that helps drivers travel quickly across the GTA.
Learn more about driving in Canada with these 10 essential facts. Also, see:
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Getting Your Drivers License in Ontario
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Mississauga Public Transit
MiWay is Mississauga’s efficient and safe public transit system. Using MiWay, residents can connect with GO Transit (regional bus and train service), Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Brampton Transit, Milton Transit, and Oakville Transit. These options provide residents with access to most of the Greater Toronto Area.
MiWay’s extensive bus routes connect to neighbourhoods and key destinations. This makes it easier to navigate the city without the need the need to own a car. There are also plans to extend the Toronto subway to the city by 2030.
The city has also developed a network of cycling paths to make it easier for residents to explore the city by bike. This contributes to sustainability efforts and promotes healthier modes of transit.
Community Support for Newcomers
Newcomers to Mississauga have access to support through a variety of community organizations. The Newcomer Settlement Program can help you get information about everything you need to settle. The City of Mississauga also offers various services and programs for newcomers.
Language Support in Mississauga
Public libraries offer programs to help immigrants learn English and improve their language skills. You can also take language classes through Settlement.org, Immigration Peel, and other community groups. Learn more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
Personal Finance & Banking
Having a strong financial foundation is vital when you move to Canada. All local banks and financial institutions have programs to assist newcomers. You can open a bank account, apply for credit cards, open a line of credit, and apply for a mortgage. You can also get assistance for many other financial products. Visit a local bank branch in person or online to start the process.
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Mississauga’s Education System
Mississauga offers children and adults vast education options. There are four school boards and university and college campuses across the city. Parents have access to daycare and preschool options. There are also before and after-school programs.
Elementary and High School Education
There are 121 elementary and secondary public schools and 114 Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
Four school boards run more than 150 schools:
- Peel District School Board
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde
- Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud.
If you prefer, you can enroll your children in one of the private schools or English as a second language (ESL) schools. Multiple schools also offer specialized Arts, Business, Technology, and Sports programs.
Post Secondary Institutions
Newcomers have several post-secondary education options. The University of Toronto has a campus in Mississauga. The Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning Hazel McCallion Campus is downtown. Lambton College and Mohawk College also have a satellite campus in the city specifically for international students.
You are also a short commute to other post-secondary institutions in Toronto. Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Where To Get Medical Care in Mississauga, Ontario
Mississauga has two hospitals that are part of Trillium Health Partners. Credit Valley Hospital is in the northwest and Mississauga Hospital is in the southeast. The city also has hundreds of smaller medical and dental clinics.
In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1. This emergency number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
Permanent residents can get publicly funded health care through the provincial government’s Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). There is no waiting period for OHIP coverage. You can apply as soon as you arrive in Ontario. You can pay for additional health insurance plans for prescription drugs and some services that Ontario Health does not cover. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
How to Find a Family Doctor in Mississauga
Taking care of your health is a priority. So, finding a family doctor is a crucial step to take when you arrive. There are two ways to look for a doctor in Mississauga: through Health Care Connect or The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
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Ontario Health Card Application Process
What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Mississauga?
Things to Do in Mississauga
Mississauga offers many year-round events and activities. The city has a vibrant arts community, cultural celebrations, festivals, and cuisine.
Public Spaces & Attractions
Mississauga has a lot to explore. It’s perhaps best known for the unique Absolute World Towers. If you love shopping, Square One Shopping Centre is a must-see. Erin Mills Town Centre, and Dixie Outlet Mall, are other popular shopping centres. If you enjoy the arts, the Mississauga Art Gallery is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions. The city is also close to major attractions in Toronto.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Mississauga offers international cuisine from around the world. You can find diverse cultural restaurants throughout the city. The local neighbourhoods of Port Credit and Streetsville are lined with cafes, pubs, and restaurants with authentic ethnic cuisines.
Nature & Natural Landscapes
The city has an open space system with 3,100 hectares of parkland for those who enjoy the outdoors. Some top places to visit include Pinnacle Grand Park, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Lakefront Promenade Park, and Jack Darling Memorial Park.
Sporting Events & Concerts
The city has many minor sports franchises such as the Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League and the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. In addition to many bars and clubs in the city, you can see concerts and live music at Paramount Fine Foods Centre.
Culture & Diversity in Mississauga
Diversity
Mississauga is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and its key strength is its multiculturalism.
Based on 2021 Census data, the largest ethnocultural background is European (37.6% of the population). This is followed by South Asian (25.4%), Chinese (7.3%), Black (6.9%), Filipino (5.4%), and Arab (6%).
Outside of English, the most common first language was Urdu (5.0%), Arabic (4.7%), Mandarin (3.2%), Polish (3.1%), and Punjabi (2.9%).
Worship
There are a variety of religious beliefs represented in the city. Mississauga is a primarily Christian community. However, 49.9% identify as Christian, 30.4% as Catholic, and 3.6% as Orthodox.
Other religions include Islam (17%), Hinduism (8.8%), Sikhism (3.4%), Buddhism (2%), and Judaism (0.2%). 18.1% have no religious affiliation.
The Weather in Mississauga
The weather in Mississauga is like other cities across the Greater Toronto Area. It has a continental climate that is like the rest of Southern Ontario.
July is the warmest month with an average temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -10 degrees. Expect changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Mississauga
Is Mississauga a good place for immigrants?
Mississauga is a great city for newcomers because of its diversity. People from all over the world call the city home. There are job opportunities across many industries. Settlement agencies can lend community support and help you settle. It has a beautiful waterfront along the shores of Lake Ontario with three beaches, and it is home to hundreds of free festivals and cultural events each year.
What are some disadvantages of living in Mississauga?
Housing prices are one of the main concerns for newcomers considering moving to Mississauga. Prices can be expensive. The city also has significant traffic on major highways and city streets. This could add time to your daily commute.
What are the benefits of living in Mississauga?
There are many benefits to living in Mississauga and making it a place to call home in Canada. It offers a strong economy, diverse business landscape, robust education and healthcare facilities, and a thriving multicultural city in Canada.