Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest city — it’s a mosaic of cultures, neighborhoods, and ambitions. Whether you come for work, study, or a new chapter in life, Toronto offers real opportunities. But it’s also expensive, bureaucratic, and often overwhelming for newcomers.
This is what long-term life in Toronto really looks like — beyond the CN Tower and polite small talk.
Key Facts About Toronto (Canada)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~2.9 million (city), ~6.7 million (Greater Toronto Area) |
| Language | English (official), French (second official) |
| Currency | Canadian Dollar (CAD) |
| Average Rent | $2,200–3,200 CAD/month (1-bedroom downtown) |
| Average Net Salary | ~$3,500–4,500 CAD |
| Health Insurance | Public (OHIP); starts after 3-month residency in Ontario |
| Safety Level | High overall, varies by neighborhood |
| Public Transport | TTC system: subway, streetcars, buses. Monthly pass ~156 CAD |
| Climate | Temperate: cold winters, warm summers |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Via Express Entry, work, study, family sponsorship |
| Education | Top-tier schools, colleges, and universities |
| Grocery Prices | Mid-to-high for North America |
| Access to Nature | Lake Ontario, large parks, bike trails, green spaces |
| City Atmosphere | Multicultural, innovative, fast-paced, with high quality of life |
Renting in Toronto: High Prices, Quick Deals, and Small Kitchens
The rental market in Toronto is competitive and expensive. Apartments go fast, and bidding wars aren’t unusual — even for rentals.
Here’s what to expect in 2025:
- 1-bedroom apartment downtown: $2,100–2,800 CAD/month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the core: $1,700–2,100 CAD/month
- Shared housing/room: $900–1,300 CAD/month
- Utilities (not always included): $100–200/month
Most rentals require first and last month’s rent, proof of income, a credit report, and references. Want to simplify your search? Browse long-term rentals in Toronto here — filtered by budget, size, and neighborhood.
Residency and Immigration: Canada’s Open Door
Canada offers several pathways to long-term legal residency:
- Work permit (with job offer)
- Study permit (college/university)
- Express Entry (permanent residency via points system)
- Family sponsorship
- Start-Up Visa or Self-Employed Stream
Many newcomers begin on a temporary visa (work/study), then apply for permanent residency (PR) through federal or provincial programs. The process is paperwork-heavy but transparent.
Tip: PR usually requires proof of language ability (English or French), education, work experience, and settlement funds.
Language and Culture: English First, But You’ll Hear Everything
Toronto is officially English-speaking, but it’s one of the most multilingual cities in the world. Over 50% of residents were born outside Canada. You’ll hear Mandarin, Urdu, Portuguese, Russian, Farsi, Tagalog — often in the same subway car.
Day-to-day life is easy in English. But understanding Canadian politeness, indirectness, and bureaucracy takes some learning.
Where to Live in Toronto
- Downtown (Old Toronto) – central, vibrant, expensive
- West End (Parkdale, Roncesvalles, Junction) – creative, trendy, gentrified
- East End (Leslieville, Danforth) – family-friendly, calmer
- North York / Scarborough – suburban feel, more space, multicultural
- Etobicoke / Mississauga border – more affordable, still commutable
Each area has its own vibe and identity. Walk around before signing anything.
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Toronto for Long-Term Living
| Neighborhood | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. The Annex | Academic and cultural hub near the University of Toronto. Historic buildings, cafés, bookstores. |
| 2. High Park / Bloor West | Family-friendly, peaceful, with excellent schools and the city’s largest park. |
| 3. Leslieville | Young and creative. Popular with artists, designers, and families. Great markets and brunch spots. |
| 4. Yonge & Eglinton | Central and balanced — easy access to transit, jobs, and shopping. |
| 5. Harbourfront | Lake views, modern condos, walkable to downtown. Ideal for professionals and couples. |
Cost of Living in Toronto
Toronto is not cheap, but manageable with smart budgeting.
- Rent: $1,700–2,800/month
- Groceries: $300–500/month per person
- Public transport pass: $156/month (TTC)
- Phone/internet: ~$100/month
- Healthcare: basic coverage free with OHIP after 3 months
- Going out:
- Coffee: $4–5
- Lunch: $12–18
- Dinner for two: $50–80
To live comfortably, most singles need $3,000–4,000 CAD/month in income.
Work and Income
Toronto is Canada’s business and tech hub. Job opportunities exist in:
- IT and software development
- Finance and banking
- Healthcare
- Education
- Logistics and trade
- Skilled trades and construction
Remote work is widely accepted. The average salary for mid-level professionals is $60,000–90,000 CAD/year, depending on the field.
You’ll need a SIN (Social Insurance Number) to work legally, and income is taxed federally and provincially.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $7,300 |
| IT Project Manager | $8,500 |
| UX/UI Designer | $6,700 |
| Architect | $6,100 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $7,000 |
| General Practitioner | $11,700 |
| Nurse | $6,100 |
| High School Teacher | $5,600 |
| Marketing Specialist | $6,300 |
| Accountant | $6,200 |
Healthcare: Free but Not Immediate
Once you become a resident (PR or work/study permit holder), you qualify for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Basic coverage is free, but there’s a 3-month waiting period after arrival.
For faster access to non-urgent care, many people buy private insurance or visit walk-in clinics (~$60–100/visit without insurance).
Dental, vision, and prescriptions are not covered by OHIP, so you’ll need extra insurance or out-of-pocket payments.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Move to Toronto?
Toronto is dynamic, diverse, and demanding. It’s not cheap, not especially warm (in weather or people, at first), and not always intuitive. But if you’re ambitious, adaptable, and patient, the city rewards you.
You’ll find amazing food, real career opportunities, global networks, and a sense of belonging — no matter where you’re from.
If you want a long-term home in North America that feels both international and safe — Toronto delivers.
Also check out our guide: Moving to Burgas: Life, Residency, and Coastal Calm in Bulgaria