Cost of Living for Expats in Toronto
The cost of living in Toronto varies a fair bit according to where you choose to live, whether you rent or buy, whether you own or lease a vehicle, and what your social and recreational habits are. Although it is not inexpensive to live in Toronto, the cost of living is generally quite reasonable compared to many other major cities.
The following is a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay while living in Toronto.
Accommodation:
- $33,000 to $40,000 per year for a rental of a 3-bedroom apartment in Central Toronto
Utilities:
To heat the above apartment
- Water: $600 per year.
- Heating: $400 per year.
- Electricity: $1200 per year.
Food:
- Milk – $4 per litre
- Bread – $5 per loaf
- Butter – $4 per container
- Eggs – $8 per dozen
- Potatoes – $2 for 4
- Instant coffee – $4 per container
Transportation:
- The average cost of a cab ride in Toronto: $30
- Monthly TTC Transit pass for an adult rider: $156
- Average cost of gas per year: $4800
Entertainment:
- Average cost of an adult cinema ticket: $18
- Average cost of a ballet/opera/live theatre ticket: $75
- Average cost of a gym membership: $60 per month
- Average cost of a meal for 2 in an upscale restaurant: $180
- Average cost for a meal for 4 in a family restaurant: $120
Miscellaneous:
- Cable TV: $60 per month
- Home Internet: $60 to $120 per month
- Cell Phone Service: $100 per month and more
- Land Line Service: $40 per month
- 1 hour of housecleaning: $45
- 1 hour of babysitting: $30
- 1 shirt dry-cleaned: $15
School Fees:
- Private School (including tuition, transportation, textbooks, and materials): $25,000 for one child depending on the school
- Public Schools (including school taxes, transportation, textbooks and material) between $5000 to $7000 per child
- University (tuition only): Depending on the field, expect to pay $15000 for one year’s worth of courses if in arts and science. Expect a lot more if in business school.
