Navigating Life in Toronto: What Expats Need to Know
Toronto, Canada's largest city, attracts international expats. Whether you're drawn to its modernized environment, cultural offerings, or outdoor lifestyle, settling in Toronto presents a new chapter. This guide, complete with pros and cons, frequently asked questions, aims to help you prepare for life in Toronto.
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Javier Vazquez
Meeting other Mexican expats in Toronto was much easier once I joined InterNations and attended events.
Paola Murri
The InterNations network has given me the opportunity to network in Toronto like never before.
Why you'll love InterNations in Toronto
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Pros and cons of living in Toronto
We’ve gathered the key pros and cons of living and working in Toronto, based on our 2024 Expat Insider survey, one of the world’s most comprehensive reports on expat life.
Pros
Diverse population: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, offering expats the opportunity to connect with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, which can make the transition easier.
Public services & safety: While some expats feel less safe, Toronto's public services, including its police and emergency response, are generally well-regarded.
Cultural scene: Toronto is home to a thriving cultural and arts scene, including world-class museums, theaters, music festivals, and diverse culinary options.
Economic opportunities: Despite dissatisfaction with the job market, Toronto remains Canada's financial hub, offering a wealth of opportunities in sectors like finance, tech, and healthcare.
Digital life & admin: Toronto ranks well in administrative topics (14th), including ease of opening a bank account (3rd).
Natural environment: Toronto is appreciated for its green spaces and general urban environment (40th).
Cons
High taxes: Toronto has relatively high taxes, especially when it comes to income and property taxes, which can be a significant burden for expats.
Cost of living: Aside from housing, everyday costs like groceries, dining, and transportation are relatively high compared to other cities globally. This can lead to financial strain for many expats.
Work-life balance: Many expats report dissatisfaction with their work-life balance in Toronto, with long working hours and the pressure of the fast-paced city environment affecting overall well-being.
Weather extremes: Toronto experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to long, cold seasons. Although summers are warm, they can also be humid.
Social integration: Expats may find it difficult to build a strong social network, with many feeling disconnected or isolated. Toronto ranks poorly for social life, with 40% of expats unhappy in this area. (Pro tip: if you want to blend in, never ever pronounce the second t in Toronno.)
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Meet other expats at our events in Toronto
If you're an expat in Toronto and looking to make the most of your time here, then we invite you to join one of our InterNations events. Whether you're just getting settled or have been in the city for a while, these events are a great way to meet other like-minded people, grow your social circle, and uncover the best Toronto has to offer.
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Frequently Asked Question about living in Toronto
Toronto is a great city for expats, particularly if you value diversity and opportunities. As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, it’s easy to find communities from nearly every country, making it a bit easier to settle in. The job market is competitive, and while housing can be expensive, the city offers great amenities, schools, and healthcare.
On the downside, some expats may struggle with the high cost of living and finding affordable housing. But overall, Toronto provides a lot of opportunities for work, personal growth, and socializing.
Many expats in Toronto lean towards neighborhoods that offer both convenience and a sense of community. Popular spots include areas like
- The Annex,
- King West, and
- Queen West
For those who enjoy being close to the action, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Families tend to favor Leaside and Riverdale, which are quieter and have access to good schools and parks. Scarborough and Etobicoke offer more affordable housing options, especially for those who don’t mind being on the outskirts of the city. Ultimately, the neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, whether you prioritize proximity to work or a more suburban vibe.
Yes, Toronto can be quite expensive, particularly when it comes to housing. Rent and home prices in central areas like the Financial District, Yorkville, and Queen Street West are steep, with many expats noting how difficult it can be to find affordable accommodation. However, living in more suburban areas like Scarborough or Etobicoke can reduce living costs significantly. In addition to housing, everyday expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation can add up, but the quality of life here often makes it worth the cost.
Below, we have provided a detailed cost-of-living table based on the typical living expenses.
Category | Local Currency (CAD) | Monthly Average (USD) |
Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | 2,200–3,000 CAD | 1,628–2,220 USD |
Rent (1-bedroom, outside city center) | 1,800–2,500 CAD | 1,332–1,850 USD |
Utilities (Basic, 85m² apartment) | 100–297 CAD | 74–220 USD |
Internet (60 Mbps + unlimited) | 56–100 CAD | 42–74 USD |
Groceries (per person, monthly) | 300–600 CAD | 222–444 USD |
Public Transportation (Monthly pass) | 140–170 CAD | 103–125 USD |
Health Insurance | 100–200 CAD | 74–148 USD |
School Fees (International school, Annually | 16,000–30,000 CAD | 11,840–22,200 USD |
Mobile Phone (Monthly plan) | 30–80 CAD | 22–59 USD |
Leisure Activities (Gym, cinema, etc.) | 200–500 CAD | 148–370 USD |
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Living in Toronto is a mix of urban excitement and suburban comfort. The city’s neighborhoods are as diverse as its population, offering everything from bustling downtown streets with restaurants, theaters, and offices, to quieter, family-friendly areas with parks and good schools.
The public transportation system, especially the TTC, makes getting around relatively easy, though the city is also known for its heavy traffic. Winters can be harsh with snow and cold temperatures, but summers are beautiful, offering plenty of outdoor events, festivals, and activities. For many, Toronto is a city of constant activity, but also a place to find your niche, no matter where you come from.
Yes, you can live in Toronto without a car. The city has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, taxis, carsharing, and the subway, which makes it easy to get around. Many neighborhoods are well-connected, and you’ll find that public transit can take you mostly anywhere you need to go. For those who live near downtown or in well-connected areas like King West or Queen West, walking and cycling are also great alternatives. If you live in more suburban areas, the commute might be a bit longer, but Toronto is a city where it's completely possible to thrive without owning a car.
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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Toronto
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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Do you like culture and music? Books? Food? Or is having a relaxed coffee and a chat more your thing? Whatever you're into, we've got the group for you. So go ahead and do more of what you love in Toronto - or learn something new!
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An Active Lifestyle in Toronto
Fill your new life with culture at the many theaters, watch one of the 50 dance companies, or explore the many museums, from the visually striking Art Gallery of Ontario to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Nature lovers will surely want to visit the extensive Toronto Zoo, and of course the city boasts over 300 parks for picnics, cycling, or just romantic strolls during the surprisingly warm summers. Sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to occupy your time, with baseball, basketball, football, and of course, hockey all being played regularly. Choose to soak up the atmosphere or get active at the city's many sports facilities with the InterNations Toronto Sports Group. Career opportunities in Toronto cover a wide range of industries; financial services, IT, and communications are major employers in addition to life sciences, media, and green energy. For expats with an open mind just hoping to be a part of the job market, there are plenty opportunities on the busy city streets.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Abu Dhabi or Khobar (Eastern Prov.), InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
At Our Events in Toronto You'll Make Friends with Other Expats in No Time!
In such a large city it can be difficult to know where to meet new people, but we recommend our regular social events where you can socialize, network, and make friends in your new city. You'll find like-minded expats to meet up with in our many groups, covering interests such as classical music, seasonal adventures, film, tennis, and professional networking to name just a few. You'll soon find that InterNations opens the doors to a new, fulfilling life as an expat in Toronto.
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Other Communities in Canada
Like-Minded Expatriates in Toronto
Canada Guide Topics
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