Understanding the Cost of Living in Toronto: Housing, Transportation, and Food

Toronto is a vibrant and attractive city for newcomers, but its cost of living can be surprising. Let’s compare essential expenses with a major European city: Paris.

Housing

Housing is often the biggest expense for newcomers.

Toronto

A two-bedroom apartment downtown costs about €1,950 (CAD 2,900) per month, while in suburban areas, rent drops to around €1,500 (CAD 2,200). A three-bedroom apartment or a house in the city can reach €3,500 (CAD 5,200), and in the suburbs, around €2,400 (CAD 3,600). Utilities (heating, electricity, water) average €130 (CAD 195) per month.

Paris

For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, expect to pay about €2,500 (CAD 3,870) per month, and around €950 (CAD 1,465) in the suburbs. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €2,600 (CAD 3,900), and in the suburbs, about €1,800 (CAD 2,700). Utilities are lower than in Toronto, averaging €100 (CAD 155) per month.

Public Transport

Public transit is widely used in both cities.

Toronto

A monthly pass for the TTC (subway, streetcar, bus) costs about €107 (CAD 172). A single fare is around €2.60 (CAD 4). Taxis are more expensive than in Paris, with an average rate of €1.80 (CAD 2.70) per km.

Paris

A Navigo monthly pass costs €86 (CAD 130). A single metro ticket costs €2.10 (CAD 3.20), and taxis are more affordable, averaging €1.20 (CAD 1.80) per km.

Groceries

Grocery costs vary depending on shopping habits and store choices.

Toronto

A weekly grocery bill for one person is about €80 (CAD 120). Some common items:

• 1 litre of milk: €2.30 (CAD 3.50)

• 12 eggs: €3.90 (CAD 6)

• 1 kg of apples: €3.90 (CAD 6)

• 1 kg of chicken: €11 (CAD 16.50)

Paris

The same grocery basket costs around €70 (CAD 105). Price examples:

• 1 litre of milk: €1.30 (CAD 2)

• 12 eggs: €3 (CAD 4.50)

• 1 kg of apples: €2.50 (CAD 3.75)

• 1 kg of chicken: €9 (CAD 13.50)

Restaurant and Alcohol Prices

Dining out is significantly more expensive in Toronto than in Paris. On top of listed prices, 13% tax and a tip (18–20%) are expected.

A three-course dinner with a glass of wine in a Toronto restaurant costs about €65 (CAD 100), compared to €50 (CAD 77) in Paris.

High taxes in Canada make alcohol more expensive.

Toronto

• A bottle of wine: €13 (CAD 20)

• A beer in a supermarket: €2.50 (CAD 3.75)

• A cocktail in a bar: €12 (CAD 18)

Paris

• A bottle of wine: €7 (CAD 10.50)

• A beer: €2 (CAD 3)

• A cocktail: €8 (CAD 12)

Children's Activities

The cost of activities for children varies based on the activity and location.

Toronto

• Soccer club: €350 (CAD 525) per year

• Swimming lessons: €150 (CAD 225) per session

• Dance classes: €250 (CAD 375) per session

• Childcare: A daycare spot costs about €1,200 (CAD 1,800) per month

Paris

• Soccer club: €200 (CAD 300) per year

• Swimming lessons: €100 (CAD 150) per session

• Dance classes: €180 (CAD 270) per session

• Childcare: A public daycare costs around €500 (CAD 750) per month, depending on income

Short Trip Costs (2-Night Weekend)

A short getaway typically includes a flight and hotel stay.

From Toronto (Weekend in New York)

• Round-trip flight: €250 (CAD 375)

• 3-star hotel (2 nights): €400 (CAD 600)

• Total (excluding food and activities): €650 (CAD 975)

From Paris (Weekend in Rome)

• Round-trip flight: €120 (CAD 180)

• 3-star hotel (2 nights): €300 (CAD 450)

• Total (excluding food and activities): €420 (CAD 630)

Conclusion

Toronto is a dynamic city but generally more expensive than Paris in terms of housing, food, and childcare. However, higher salaries help offset these costs. For newcomers, careful budget planning is essential before moving.

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Simple Relocate is your trusted relocation partner in Toronto. We can help you settle in the city or its suburbs and offer a wide range of services to make your transition to Ontario seamless. Contact us to discuss your specific situation!