The Real Cost of Living in London, Ontario (And Is It Worth It?)

You’ve heard the stories. London, Ontario, is the land of Forest City charm and big-city amenities, a place with affordable neighbourhoods and vibrant communities. But you’ve also heard the whispers about the competitive housing market and the job market that’s smaller than Toronto’s.

It can feel impossible to know what’s real and what’s an exaggeration, leaving you wondering if a move to London is a dream come true or a challenge waiting to happen.

This article is here to give you the complete, honest, and detailed picture. We’re going to break down every part of life in London, from a realistic monthly budget to the realities of the job search and the essential first steps for settling into your new community.

By the end, you’ll have the clear, practical information you need to decide if London, Ontario, is the right choice for you.

Disclosure: The information and cost estimates in this guide are based on public data from sources like CMHC and Statistics Canada as of the current date and reflect gathered experiences. Costs can vary significantly based on your location and lifestyle.

The Real Cost of Living in London, Ontario: A Detailed Budget Breakdown

Let’s start with the biggest question on every newcomer’s mind: how much does it actually cost to live in London?

Housing: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Average Rent in London vs. Other Cities

London is the most expensive region for housing in Southwestern Ontario, but it remains significantly more affordable than the GTA. According to the latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the federal agency responsible for housing research in Canada, you can expect to see average rents for a two-bedroom apartment in London approach or exceed $2,100 per month.

In contrast, cities like St. Thomas or Woodstock offer more manageable rental markets, where a similar apartment might range from $1,600 to $1,900.

The Reality of the Housing Market for Buyers

For those looking to buy, the London market is competitive but accessible compared to larger Canadian cities. The average price for a home hovers around $630,000, though this can change quickly.

To add an expert perspective, the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) recently noted, “We continue to see strong demand from both local buyers and those relocating from the GTA. While inventory is improving, well-priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods often receive multiple offers, highlighting the need for buyers to be prepared.”

Actionable Tips for Securing Your First Rental Apartment

A common frustration shared on local Reddit forums is the speed of the rental market, which is why knowing the top rental platforms for Canada is so important. One user recently noted, “We saw an apartment listed on a Tuesday and by the time we called Wednesday morning, it already had 15 applications.” This highlights the need to have your documents ready and act fast.

• Prepare Your Documents: Have digital copies of your proof of funds, letter of employment, and references ready to go.
• Act Quickly: Good apartments are often rented within days. Set up alerts on sites like Rentals.ca and Facebook Marketplace.
• Build a Good Credit History: Landlords will almost always check your credit score. If you are new to Canada, offering a larger deposit (if legally permitted) or providing a guarantor can help.

Everyday Necessities: Groceries, Utilities, and Phone Plans

Breaking Down a Realistic Monthly Grocery Bill

For a single person, a realistic monthly grocery budget in London is between $350 and $450. A family of four can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,300. Shopping at discount grocery stores like No Frills, Food Basics, or FreshCo can make a big difference.

Understanding Your Utility Bills: Hydro, Heating, and Water

“Hydro” is the common term for electricity in Ontario. For a two-bedroom apartment, expect to pay $150-$250 monthly for all utilities. Winter heating costs can cause this number to rise, so be sure to ask previous tenants or the landlord for an average bill.

Transportation: Getting Around by Car or Transit

Why Car Insurance Is so Expensive (and How to Lower It)

Ontario has a private insurance system, and rates are among the highest in Canada. For a newcomer without a Canadian driving history, initial quotes can be shockingly high, sometimes exceeding $400-$500 per month.

To lower it, bundle your home and auto insurance, take a certified driving course, and maintain a clean record.

Navigating Public Transit: London Transit Commission (LTC)

In large urban centres, public transit is a viable alternative. The London Transit Commission (LTC) runs the bus system. While it covers the city, service can be less frequent in the suburbs.

Residents in outer suburbs often discuss the “last mile” problem on community forums—where bus routes might get you close, but not conveniently close, to new housing developments, making a car feel like a necessity. A monthly pass is about $95.

What Is a “Livable” Salary? Real-World Examples

Based on the costs outlined, a single person would likely need a pre-tax salary of at least $48,000 per year to live comfortably (not just survive) in London. A family of four would likely need a combined household income of over $90,000 to manage expenses without significant financial stress.

While a $48,000 salary is manageable, many Londoners on forums like Reddit point out that this leaves little room for savings or entertainment after paying for the city’s high car insurance rates and rising grocery costs.

London’s Job Market and Economy: Finding Your Footing

The economy in London is driven by its stable, resilient, and diverse sectors. It is not a boom-and-bust city, offering steady opportunities.

Key Industries and In-Demand Professions

The pillars of London’s economy are healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and a growing technology sector. These fields consistently seek skilled professionals.

As Kapil Lakhotia, CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), often states, “London’s economic strength lies in its diversity. Our world-class health and education institutions provide a stable employment base that isn’t as susceptible to market fluctuations, offering long-term career opportunities.”

Hotspots for Healthcare and Education

The city is a major healthcare hub for Southwestern Ontario. The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Western University are two of the largest employers in the city, creating thousands of jobs for healthcare professionals, researchers, and administrative staff.

Opportunities in Tech and the Skilled Trades

The digital media and tech sector is expanding quickly. Opportunities in skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and construction workers, are also in high demand due to the city’s growth.

Practical Tips for Your London Job Search

• Network Proactively: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn who work at London-based companies. Many jobs are filled through referrals.
• Canadianize Your Resume: Adapt your resume to Canadian standards—typically a two-page maximum, focusing on achievements over duties.
• Use Settlement Services: Organizations like the London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre offer free employment counselling for newcomers.

Life Beyond the Budget: Culture, Climate, and Community

Embracing the Seasons

London experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and require proper winter clothing. The upside is experiencing beautiful autumn colours across the city and the vibrant outdoor life that comes with warm summer weather at events like Sunfest in Victoria Park.

A City of Neighbourhoods: Big-Town Feel or Small-City Vibe?

Instead of a generic “Culture” section, let’s answer a question many newcomers have: Is London a true city or just a big small town? After diving into what locals say, the answer is: it’s a bit of both.

London has the infrastructure of a major urban centre—a leading university, a regional hospital network, and venues that attract major concerts and events. However, the day-to-day social fabric feels more like a collection of distinct, smaller communities.

Life in the family-focused suburb of Byron is vastly different from the historic, artsy vibe of Old East Village or the student-centric energy around Western University. This gives you the advantage of big-city amenities while allowing you to find a smaller, tight-knit community feel within your own neighbourhood.

This diversity is reflected in its food scene and local shops, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers from all over the world.

What It’s Really Like Outside the City

• St. Thomas: A smaller city just south of London with strong industrial roots and more affordable housing.
• Stratford: A world-famous arts and theatre town about 45 minutes away, perfect for a cultural day trip.
• Grand Bend: A popular beach town on the shores of Lake Huron, offering a classic Canadian summer experience an hour’s drive away.

Exploring London’s Natural Wonders

True to its “Forest City” name, London is filled with parks and trails. The Thames Valley Parkway offers kilometres of paved trails for walking and biking along the river. For a weekend getaway, locals love heading to Pinery Provincial Park for its stunning beaches and rare oak savanna habitat.

The Good, the Bad, and the Unspoken: What Locals Really Say

To give you the most honest picture, we’ve gathered insights on the nuanced topics that Londoners themselves frequently discuss. These are the conversations you’ll find in local coffee shops and community forums.

The Challenges in the Downtown Core

Like many Canadian cities, London is grappling with visible social challenges, particularly related to homelessness, addiction, and mental health in its downtown core.

While the city has invested in beautiful public spaces like Dundas Place, residents express a mix of compassion for their vulnerable neighbours and frustration with safety concerns. It’s a complex issue without easy answers, and it’s a part of the daily reality of the city centre that official guides often overlook.

The Post-College Challenge: Making New Friends

A recurring theme for newcomers, especially those moving to the city in their late 20s and beyond, is the challenge of building a new social circle. Outside of university or college, it can be tough to meet new people.

However, locals often recommend proactive strategies that work: joining a sports league through the Forest City Sport & Social Club, taking a class for a new hobby, or volunteering for one of the city’s many festivals. It takes effort, but a community can be found.

The Great Sprawl Debate

You will quickly notice that London is expanding outwards, with new subdivisions constantly appearing in the northwest and southwest ends. This is the city’s central planning debate: urban sprawl versus densification.

The sentiment from those who advocate for a more compact city is often expressed in council debates and can be summarized like this: “Every new subdivision on the edge of the city puts more strain on our infrastructure, from roads to transit. Our challenge is to build a more compact, connected city for the future.”

This highlights the tension between the Canadian dream of a single-family home and the growing pains of a rapidly expanding city.

Essential First Steps for Settling in London

Accessing Healthcare: How to Get Your OHIP Card

Ontario‘s provincial health plan is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Understanding Eligibility and the Waiting Period

To be eligible for OHIP, you generally must be a permanent resident, a Canadian citizen, or hold a specific work permit, and make Ontario your primary home. A major positive change for newcomers is that the three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage has been eliminated.

This means you can apply for your health card as soon as you arrive. It is highly recommended you do this quickly to ensure you have access to healthcare services. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, always consult the official Government of Ontario’s website, which is the primary source for all OHIP information.

Once you have your OHIP card, the next crucial step is to learn the process of finding a family doctor for your ongoing health needs.

Finding Support: Key Resources for Newcomers

IRCC-funded settlement agencies are your best first stop. Organizations like the London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre offer free services, including language assessment, employment help (LINC classes), and community integration programs.

The Unspoken Emotional Journey of a Newcomer

Moving is more than just budgets and logistics. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, loneliness, and confusion.

Finding a community, whether through a hobby, a cultural association, or a religious group, is just as important as finding a job. Be patient with yourself as you adapt to the highs and lows of building a new life.

Final Verdict: The Pros and Cons of Living in London

Pros of Living in London	Cons of Living in London
Relative Affordability	Limited Public Transit
Abundant Green Space	Competitive Housing Market
Strategic Location	Visible Social Challenges
Excellent Healthcare & Education	Smaller Job Market Than GTA
Strong Community Feel	Cold, Snowy Winters

Ultimately, life in London is a trade-off. It offers a balanced and affordable quality of life, but it demands patience with its growing pains and a car for convenient travel. To see how London compares to other cities, read our complete Ontario living guide.

Frequently Asked Questions