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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jul 17, 2026
•Best Cities For Newcomers
Ontario
Toronto
Planning your move to Canada? To help you decide whether living in Toronto aligns with your goals, this guide breaks down what you need to know about starting life here, from local housing trends and top industries to lifestyle and community culture. As Canada’s largest financial hub and the most diverse city in the world, Toronto, Ontario, remains a premier destination for newcomers. Moving to a new country is a massive milestone, and choosing the right community to plant roots requires researching how different cities stack up.
For newcomers weighing their options across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions, this comparison highlights key benchmarks.
| City | Average Rent (2-Bedroom, 2026) | Avg. Commute to Toronto (Downtown) | Top 3 Neighbourhoods for Newcomers |
| Toronto | $2,055 – $2,800/month | 15–30 mins (via TTC/Transit) | High Park, North York, Liberty Village |
| Mississauga | $2,448 – $2,499/month | 30–45 mins (via GO Train) | City Centre, Meadowvale, Malton |
| Brampton | $2,200 – $2,291/month | 45–60 mins (via GO Train) | Mount Pleasant, Bramalea, Sandringham |
💡 Newcomer Tip: Unsure which GTA city fits your budget best? Read our comprehensive city guides on Living in Mississauga and Living in Brampton to compare your options.
| Metric | 2026 Data | Comparison Note |
|---|---|---|
| City Population | ~3.3 Million (6.55M in the GTA) | Largest city in Canada, 4th largest in North America |
| *Avg. 2-Bedroom Rent Rent | $2,055 – $2,800/month | High demand, though stabilizing due to increased rental supply |
| Average House Price | Condos: $627,000 Detached: $1,330,000 | Falling slightly, but still represents one of Canada’s premium real estate markets |
| Top Industries | Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Film & Entertainment, Green Energy | Canada’s business capital; second-largest financial center in North America |
| Primary Transit System | Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) | Interconnected subway, streetcar, and buses; links to regional GO Transit |
| Climate | Continental | Moderate lakefront climate: warm summers (avg 26°C) and snowy, cold winters (avg -10°C) |
*These are market averages, and prices fluctuate. View live 2-bedroom rental listings in Toronto ↗ right now at Rentals for Newcomers.
Toronto sits right on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Today, it is a bustling business hub and the capital city of Ontario. The city’s history dates back to 1750, when it was set up as a French trading post called Fort Rouillé. It officially became the City of Toronto in 1834. Over the years, the city grew significantly by joining together with its surrounding areas. Its biggest change happened in 1998, when Toronto merged with the surrounding boroughs of:
Known as the “city of neighbourhoods,” Toronto boasts more than 240 distinct communities, each offering its own cultural identity, architectural style, and community feel. It is recognized globally as one of the most welcoming and economically stable environments for starting a new chapter.
Toronto is the financial heart of Canada and home to roughly 40% of the country’s business headquarters. Because of its massive scale and highly educated workforce, it acts as a global magnet for innovation and enterprise.
Major employers with headquarters or corporate hubs in the city include Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, TD Bank, BMO, Salesforce, Questrade, and the University of Toronto, as well as 9 of the country’s top 10 law and accounting firms.
💡 Employment Trends: As of early 2026, Toronto’s job market is highly diverse. While the tech sector has experienced regional stabilization, fields like healthcare, education, green energy, and professional financial services show consistent, strong demand for skilled newcomer talent.
💡 Tip: Read more about how to research your profession in our guide, Canada Job Bank: Your Vital Research Tool.
Yes. Toronto has some of Canada’s highest housing costs. However, moving away from the downtown core into boroughs such as Scarborough, Etobicoke, or North York offers more affordable rental and purchase opportunities without sacrificing transit access.
Rental rates vary by size, building age, and proximity to subway lines. Here is a look at average rents according to Prepare for Canada’s 2026 tracking:
| Borough/Neighbourhood | Average Rent (All Unit Types) | Best Suited For | Find Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarborough | $1,980/mo | Budget-conscious families and newcomers | View Scarborough Rentals ↗ |
| East York | $2,100/mo | Commuters wanting suburban space near downtown | View East York Rentals ↗ |
| Etobicoke | $2,250/mo | Quiet, lakeside communities with great parks | View Etobicoke Rentals ↗ |
| North York | $2,350/mo | Midtown urban living with direct subway access | View North York Rentals ↗ |
| Downtown (Old Toronto) | $2,650/mo | High-rise urban professionals wanting walkability | View Downtown Rentals ↗ |
🏠 Check out live rental listings tailored to your needs:
Browse 1-Bedroom Units↗ | Browse 2-Bedroom Units↗ | Browse 3-Bedroom Units↗
In 2026, real estate buyers are seeing slightly lower prices and more inventory compared to previous years. This presents more opportunities for newcomers with strong budgets.
Here is how the Toronto real estate market benchmarks by property type:
| Property Type | Average Sold Price (2026) | Market Trend (Year-over-year) |
| Condo Apartment | $627,000 | -8.9% |
| Townhouse | $931,000 | -6.1% |
| Semi-Detached Home | $1,030,000 | -4.9% |
| Detached Home | $1,330,000 | -8.3% |
(Data Source: WOWA/TRREB Local Market Analysis)
Thinking of buying? Check out our guide for newcomers who are first-time home buyers to learn about mortgages, hidden closing costs, and land transfer taxes.
According to Statistics Canada, 47% of Toronto’s population identifies as immigrants. The city is one of the most culturally diverse hubs on the planet. Over 150 languages are spoken daily, and strong local ethnic communities mean you can find familiar grocery stores, cultural groups, and places of worship.
Top Countries of Origin for Recent Immigrants: India, China, and the Philippines remain the three largest sources of recent arrivals to the Toronto area.
Linguistic Diversity: While English is the dominant language of work and daily life, the most widely spoken non-official languages at home across the city are Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Spanish, and Tamil.
| Settlement Agency | Core Focus | Best Known For |
| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Immigrant integration & language services | • Free language assessments (CLB) • Employment search training • Youth and family recreation programs |
| ACCES Employment | Career bridging & corporate connections | • Sector-specific bridging programs (Tech, Finance) • Direct networking with GTA employers • Resume customization for Canadian job markets |
| Achēv | Employment development & language testing | • Official language assessments • Corporate bridging programs • Mentoring networks |
Managing your personal finances is vital to living in Toronto and building a stable life. To simplify your transition, major banks across the city offer newcomer packages, such as the Scotiabank StartRight™ Program.
Through this program, you can open a Canadian bank account online before you even leave your home country. Once you land, visit a local branch to activate your account, get a newcomer credit card (often without Canadian credit history), and access savings accounts or specialized mortgages. Meeting with a personal banking advisor early will help you budget during your initial settlement and plan for long-term goals such as buying a home.
For a complete pre-arrival financial blueprint, explore our guide: Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada.
Many Toronto residents choose to live entirely car-free due to the efficiency of the transit grid.
Toronto has some of the busiest roadways in North America, with Highway 401 carrying over 400,000 vehicles daily. There are six major highways:
Highway 401: The major east-west highway in the city’s north end.
The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) / Highway 404: The major north-south highway east of downtown Toronto. This six-lane highway connects downtown Toronto directly to Highway 401.
Gardiner Expressway & QEW (The South Waterfront): The major east-west highway in the city’s south end. It serves as the primary route to Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, and the Niagara region.
Highway 427: On the far west side of Toronto, this north-south highway connects the QEW and Gardiner Expressway directly to Highway 401 and the 407 toll route. It provides direct access to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Highway 400: Intersecting with Highway 401 in North York, this highway runs north out of the GTA with access to the city of Barrie, central Ontario, and the province’s famous “cottage country”.
407 ETR (Express Toll Route): Running across the top of the GTA, this Express Toll Route highway bypasses heavy city traffic.
Newcomers must visit an authorized DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay Street location in Toronto to exchange an international or out-of-province driver’s licence for a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
Putting good winter tires on your car is essential for Ontario weather. Because Toronto sits on Lake Ontario, the winter weather is humid and regularly brings heavy, wet snow, slush, and icy freezing rain. Read more in our guide, Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Essential Tips for Newcomers.
💡 Newcomer Tip: You should apply for provincial medical coverage immediately upon landing in Toronto. To find out what documents you need, follow our guide for newcomers, How to Apply for an Ontario Health Card.
OHIP covers essential medical care for residents. Use this breakdown to see your waiting period and eligibility based on your status:
| Resident Category | Waiting Period | OHIP Eligibility & Coverage Notes |
| Newcomers (International PRs) | No Waiting Period | Permanent Residents moving directly from outside Canada are eligible for immediate coverage starting on the day of arrival. You must apply for a health card as soon as you settle. |
| Moving from Another Province | Up to 3 Months | Your “old” provincial plan covers you for the first 3 months in Ontario. OHIP coverage kicks in on the first day of the third month following your move (e.g., if you move July 10, coverage begins on October 1). |
| Work Permit Holders | No Waiting Period | Eligible for immediate coverage upon approval, provided you have a valid work permit and are working full-time for an Ontario employer for a minimum of 6 months. |
| International Students | Generally Ineligible | Public OHIP does not automatically cover international students. Students must instead use the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) or equivalent private plans provided by their school. |
| Canadian Citizens/PRs (Returning) | No Waiting Period | Returning residents get immediate coverage upon approval. However, to keep your health card active, you must physically reside in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12 months. |
| Hospital | Primary Specialty | Key Focus for Newcomers |
| Toronto General Hospital | Cardiology, Organ Transplants | Ranked one of the top hospitals in the world; outstanding 24/7 emergency care. |
| Sunnybrook Health Sciences | Trauma, Oncology, Brain Sciences | Canada’s largest trauma center; specialized regional cancer care. |
| SickKids (Hospital for Sick Children) | World-Class Pediatric Care | Renowned global leader in child healthcare, research, and complex surgeries. |
💡 Newcomer Tip: If your child is entering the Canadian system for the first time, you must register through the school board’s Welcome Centre. The centre will assess your child’s language skills to make sure they get the right English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from day one. Read more in our guide, Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System.
Toronto offers high-quality, mandatory education for children aged five to 16. The city has four primary school boards:
Toronto District School Board (TDSB): Secular, English-language instruction across 583 schools.
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB): Publicly funded Catholic instruction in English across 195 schools.
Conseil scolaire Viamonde: Secular, full French-language instruction.
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir: Catholic French-language instruction.
Toronto schools offer widespread access to French Immersion, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, alongside the expanding provincial $10-a-day licensed childcare spaces.
Toronto is a national leader in higher education. Its public schools are designated learning institutions (DLIs), meaning graduates may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
| School | Best For | Primary Campus Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | Ranked #1 in Canada; world-renowned for medicine, tech, and research | Downtown (St. George), Scarborough, Mississauga |
| York University | Home to the prestigious Schulich School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School | North York (Keele) |
| Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) | Renowned programs in journalism, engineering, and business innovation | Downtown (Yonge & Dundas) |
| OCAD University | Canada’s largest and oldest specialized art and design institution | Downtown (Grange Park) |
| Seneca College | Exceptional graduate employment rates; specialized aviation and technology diplomas | North York, Markham |
| Humber College | Hands-on polytechnic education; strong business, creative writing, and media programs | Etobicoke |
| George Brown College | Top-tier culinary arts, hospitality, and construction management programs | Downtown |
| Centennial College | Highly diverse campus; specialized engineering and healthcare programs | Scarborough |
To help you weigh your options, here is a look at the pros and cons of living in Toronto.
| Feature | Pros (The Benefits) | Cons (The Challenges) |
| Money & Jobs | Unrivaled Job Market: Canada’s business capital with robust career paths in finance, tech, and medicine. | High Cost of Living: Daily items, groceries, and services carry a high price tag. |
| Housing | Diverse Housing Types: From sleek downtown high-rises to charming Victorian family homes in distinct boroughs. | Expensive Property Market: Some of the highest rental and real estate prices in the country. |
| Lifestyle | Global Entertainment Hub: Home to professional sports teams, incredible dining, and cultural events. | Heavy Traffic Gridlock: Long commute times and heavy traffic congestion when driving. |
| Nature | Beautiful Urban Green Space: Over 1,600 public parks, walking trails, and gorgeous beaches along Lake Ontario. | Cold, Snowy Winters: Humid winter cold, slush, and icy road conditions to manage for several months. |
Toronto is an urban explorer’s dream. The city features iconic destinations like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). From shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre to exploring the historic Distillery District and Kensington Market, there is always something to do.
Parks & Nature: Despite its high-density skyline, Toronto offers beautiful natural landscapes. High Park features stunning cherry blossoms and hiking trails, the Scarborough Bluffs present dramatic lakeside cliffs, and the Toronto Islands offer a tranquil escape just a short ferry ride from the downtown core.
Sports & Entertainment: Toronto is a passionate sports city, home to the:
It is also a global music and cinema hub, hosting the world-famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), high-energy concerts at Scotiabank Arena, and Broadway-level theatrical productions in the Entertainment District.
Toronto prides itself on delivering inclusive cultural programming and welcoming networks for everyone who settles here. If you want to explore the vibrant communities where these traditions live year-round, check out our guide on the best cultural neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Toronto is an incredible home for career-focused people and young families. The city is full of energy, highly diverse, and economically stable. It also offers top-tier schools and endless job opportunities.
Yes, living here is very expensive. However, the chance to jumpstart your career is unmatched. Plus, the welcoming community networks and rich culture make living in Toronto highly rewarding for newcomers.
🏠 Ready to start your housing search? Browse Toronto rentals on Rentals for Newcomers today!
Yes! In fact, many downtown residents prefer to live without a car. The TTC subway, bus, and streetcar systems are highly integrated, making it simple to commute, shop, and travel. You can also easily connect to GO Transit for regional travel across the GTA.
Your child must attend a school based on your home address (known as your school catchment area). Research local school rankings and boundaries before signing a lease or purchasing a home in a specific neighbourhood.
Yes, Toronto is consistently ranked one of the safest major metropolitan areas in North America. To put this into perspective, Statistics Canada reports that Toronto’s overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) sits at 59.4, significantly lower than the national average of 77.9.
While it is a massive city with typical urban dynamics, its residential boroughs (like North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough) feature excellent safety standards, well-maintained parks, and tight-knit community networks.
While downtown carries a premium price tag, budget-conscious renters can find more affordable options slightly east or west of the central core:
The Village (Church & Wellesley): Located just east of Yonge Street, this vibrant neighbourhood offers a large inventory of mid-rise apartment buildings. Because many units were occupied before 2018, they fall under Ontario’s strict rent-control protections.
Cabbagetown: This historic, quiet neighbourhood sits on the east side of downtown. It offers a distinct community feel with low-rise brick walk-ups and basement apartments that consistently trend below the downtown rental baseline.
Chinatown & Kensington Market: Spanning the west side of the core, this dense, artistic hub is ideal for students and newcomers. Renting a room in a shared house or an apartment above a commercial storefront provides some of the lowest housing costs in Old Toronto.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Writer, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2026
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