The Essential Guide to Living in Ontario: Read This Before You Move

You’ve heard the stories. Ontario is the land of opportunity in Canada, a place with a strong economy, bustling cities, and vibrant, multicultural communities. But you’ve also heard the whispers about the high cost of living, the challenging winters, and the competitive housing market.

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

This guide is here to give you the complete, honest, and detailed picture. We’re going to break down every part of living in Ontario, 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 Ontario is the right choice for you and your family.

The Real Cost of Living in 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 Ontario? While the province offers high earning potential, it’s also home to some of Canada’s most expensive cities. Understanding the numbers is the first step to successful financial planning.

Housing: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Your housing cost will be the largest and most variable part of your budget. Prices differ dramatically depending on where you choose to live.

Average Rent in The GTA vs. Other Cities

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the most expensive region for housing. According to the latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), you can expect to see average rents for a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto in the range of $2,800 to $3,200 per month.

Cities surrounding Toronto, like Mississauga and Brampton, are slightly more affordable but still command high rental prices due to their proximity to the city.

In contrast, cities like Ottawa, London, or Windsor offer more manageable, but still costly, rental markets. In these areas, a similar two-bedroom apartment might range from $1,800 to $2,400, depending on the city. This difference can free up hundreds of dollars in your monthly budget.

The Reality of The Housing Market For Buyers

If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a competitive market. The average home price in Ontario is significantly higher than in many other provinces.

While prices have fluctuated, the dream of homeownership often requires a substantial down payment and a high household income, particularly in Southern Ontario. Many newcomers choose to rent for several years to save up and build their credit history before entering the property market.

Actionable Tips for Securing Your First Rental Apartment

Finding your first apartment in Ontario’s competitive market can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Come prepared. Landlords will almost always require proof of income, a credit check, and references.

As a newcomer, you may not have a Canadian credit history or local references. To overcome this:

• Provide a letter from your employer.
• Offer several months of bank statements to show sufficient funds.
• Include professional references from your home country.
• Be prepared to act quickly when you find a suitable place.

To give you a sense of the current market, newcomers on forums like Reddit consistently report challenges that go beyond just high prices. In cities like Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and even Kingston, it’s now common to face bidding wars where you may need to offer more than the asking rent.

Be prepared for landlords to ask for extensive documentation, including full credit reports and multiple pay stubs. Some newcomers even face illegal requests for several months of rent upfront, so it’s vital to know your rights as a tenant.

Everyday Necessities: Groceries, Utilities, and Phone Plans

Beyond rent, your daily and monthly bills make up the next significant portion of your expenses.

Breaking Down a Realistic Monthly Grocery Bill

Food costs are a growing concern for all Canadians. For a single person, a realistic monthly grocery budget in Ontario is between $500 and $700. For a family of four, this could easily be $1,400 to $1,800 or more, depending on your eating habits.

Shopping at discount grocery stores like No Frills, Food Basics, or FreshCo can make a big difference compared to premium chains. You’ll quickly learn the value of collecting points with loyalty programs like PC Optimum and scanning weekly flyers for deals.

Understanding Your Utility Bills: Hydro, Heating, and Water

Utilities are another essential cost. “Hydro” is the common term for electricity in Ontario. Your monthly hydro bill can range from $70 for a small apartment to over $200 for a larger house, especially in the summer when using air conditioning. Natural gas for heating is a separate bill, which will be highest in the winter months.

You should also budget for water and waste management, which is often billed quarterly. All in, expect to pay between $150 and $300 per month for all utilities. For those moving to Northern Ontario, be aware that while housing is cheaper, many residents are surprised by high hydro delivery fees, which can become a major expense during the long winter.

Choosing a Phone and Internet Provider Without Overpaying

Canada is known for having some of the highest telecommunication prices in the world. A basic cell phone plan with a decent amount of data will likely cost you between $60 and $90 per month.

High-speed internet for your home typically costs another $70 to $110. Look for smaller, competitive brands like Fido or Virgin Mobile, as they often offer better deals than the big three providers (Rogers, Bell, and Telus).

Transportation: Getting Around By Car or Transit

How you choose to get around will have a major impact on your budget and daily life.

Why Car Insurance Is So Expensive (And How To Lower It)

Ontario has the unfortunate distinction of having some of the highest car insurance rates in Canada. For a newcomer, rates can be exceptionally high, often exceeding $300 or even $400 per month, especially in cities like Brampton. This is because insurers cannot see your driving history from another country.

The difference between official estimates and a newcomer’s first-hand experience is often most shocking when it comes to car insurance.

To put this in perspective, it’s not uncommon for newcomers on Reddit to share their first insurance quotes for cities like Brampton and Mississauga in the staggering range of $500 to $700 per month. Even in cheaper cities like Kingston, newcomers are often surprised by quotes of $250 to $400, a major unplanned expense for many.

To get a lower rate, consider taking a government-approved driving course, bundling your car and tenant insurance, and maintaining a clean driving record once you’re on the road.

Navigating Public Transit: TTC, GO transit, and Regional Systems

In large urban centres, public transit is a viable alternative to owning a car. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) runs the subway, streetcar, and bus system within Toronto. A monthly adult pass for unlimited travel costs $156.00, a significant and fixed expense in any budget.

GO Transit connects Toronto to the surrounding suburbs and cities, making it essential for commuters living outside the downtown core. Most other cities have their own local bus systems that are generally reliable and more affordable.

Factoring in Fuel, Maintenance, and Other Vehicle Costs

If you do own a car, insurance is just the beginning. Gas prices are a constant budget item, and you’ll also need to account for regular maintenance like oil changes and tire swaps for the winter season. To get a complete picture beyond the sticker price, it’s a good idea to understand all the hidden costs that come with car ownership before you decide to buy. Don’t forget the costs of obtaining an Ontario driver’s license and registering your vehicle.

What is a “livable” salary? Real-world examples

While official statistics provide averages, community discussions offer a valuable look at what these numbers mean for your day-to-day life and comfort level. Based on frequent conversations among residents, here are a few realistic benchmarks:

For example, a salary of $70,000 in a city like Hamilton is often described as a ‘surviving, not thriving’ wage for a single person after rent, transportation, and taxes.

For families, many agree that a household income below $120,000 can feel like a significant struggle in Southern Ontario due to the high costs of housing and childcare.

Ontario’s Job Market and Economy: Finding Your Footing

Ontario’s powerful and diverse economy is its biggest draw. It’s the economic engine of Canada, and for good reason. With a population of over 15 million people, the province is a massive market filled with opportunity.

Key Industries and In-Demand Professions

The province’s economy isn’t reliant on a single industry, which provides stability and a wide range of employment options for newcomers.

Hotspots for the tech and information economy

The Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor is one of the largest tech hubs in North America, with a constant demand for software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and other tech professionals. It’s home to thousands of startups and major offices for global giants like Google, Shopify, and Microsoft.

Ottawa is another key tech centre, particularly in the telecommunications and software-as-a-service (SaaS) sectors. It’s important to note, however, that recent layoffs in the tech sector have made the job market in Waterloo significantly more competitive than in previous years.

Opportunities in Healthcare and The Skilled Trades

Like many places, Ontario has a growing and aging population, which creates a constant need for healthcare workers. Nurses, personal support workers, and medical technicians are in high demand across the province.

Similarly, there is a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction workers can find plentiful, well-paying work.

The Role of The Service and Manufacturing Industries

The service industry is the largest part of Ontario’s economy, employing millions in fields like finance, retail, hospitality, and education. Southern Ontario, particularly the “Golden Horseshoe” region around Toronto and Hamilton, also has a strong manufacturing base, with a focus on auto manufacturing and food processing.

It’s also worth noting specific regional hotspots. For instance, community discussions point to a boom in advanced manufacturing and EV-related jobs in the Windsor-Essex region due to new battery plants.

Cities like Peterborough report a critical shortage of healthcare workers, while the tech sector in Kitchener-Waterloo, though still a major hub, has become more competitive. For skilled trades, regions like Niagara are showing high demand due to ongoing infrastructure and construction projects.

Practical Tips for Your Ontario Job Search

Arriving with skills is one thing; landing a job is another. The local job market has its own customs and best practices. It can feel like a slow process at times, but remember that persistence is your best friend during the job search. To help you navigate these customs, we’ve outlined a complete roadmap in our article to building a career in Canada as a newcomer.

Overcoming the “Canadian experience” Barrier

• Bridge Jobs: Many newcomers find success by taking an initial “survival job” in retail, customer service, or general labour. This provides their first Canadian work reference and proves reliability to future employers in their professional field.
• Strategic Volunteering: Instead of random volunteering, find a role in your sector. For example, an accountant can volunteer as a treasurer for a non-profit, or an IT professional can help a charity with their website. This provides relevant, local experience for your resume.
• Short-Term Certifications: Getting a quick, industry-recognized Canadian certification can be a game-changer. This could be a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate, a specific software credential, or an occupational health and safety ticket for skilled trades.

Actionable Resume Tips from Online Forums

• Remove Photos and Personal Details: The most common feedback given to newcomers is to remove headshots, marital status, and date of birth from their resumes, as this is not standard practice in Canada.
• Quantify Everything: Instead of listing duties, show results. Don’t say “Responsible for sales”; say “Increased quarterly sales by 15% by implementing a new tracking system.” Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts whenever possible.
• Mirror the Job Description: To get past automated screening software (ATS), experienced residents advise copying the exact keywords and phrases from the job posting into your resume and cover letter.

Leveraging LinkedIn and Networking Events Effectively

LinkedIn is an essential tool in the Canadian professional world. Make sure your profile is complete, professional, and highlights your skills and experience. Use it to connect with recruiters and people working in your field.

Networking is also very important. Many newcomer settlement agencies host networking events, and joining industry-specific meetups can help you make the connections that often lead to job offers.

Accessing Government-funded Employment Services For Newcomers

Don’t try to do it all alone. The federal and provincial governments fund numerous organizations specifically to help newcomers find jobs. These agencies, found through portals like Employment Ontario, offer free workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and understanding the Canadian workplace culture. They can be an invaluable resource, providing you with the local knowledge you need to succeed.

Life Beyond The Budget: Culture, Climate, and Community

Once you have the finances and employment figured out, it’s time to actually live in and enjoy Ontario. The province offers a rich and varied lifestyle that changes dramatically with the seasons.

Embracing Four Distinct Seasons

Ontario’s climate is one of extremes. The weather is a common topic of conversation because it shapes so much of daily life.

Surviving (and enjoying) Your First Canadian Winter

Yes, the winters are cold… Many newcomers learn the hard way that a stylish ‘fashion’ coat is no match for the windchill; investing in a properly insulated, waterproof parka rated for -25°C is essential.

The same goes for footwear—many regret buying cheap boots, and the top piece of advice from locals is to get a single pair of good, waterproof, insulated boots. The real secret to comfort is layering, so consider thermal underwear and wool socks to be non-negotiable parts of your winter wardrobe.

Many Ontarians embrace the cold with activities like skating, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Making the Most of Summer Festivals and Cottage Country

Ontario summers are typically hot and humid, especially in the south. This is the season of street festivals, outdoor concerts, and patio dining. It’s also when many locals head to “cottage country”—the beautiful lake-filled regions like Muskoka and the Kawarthas—to escape the city heat, go swimming, and enjoy the outdoors.

The Beauty of Spring and Fall in Ontario

Spring and fall are often considered the most pleasant seasons. Spring brings a welcome melt and the blooming of tulips and cherry blossoms. Fall is spectacular, with maple trees turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the perfect time for hiking and visiting apple orchards or pumpkin patches.

Ontario’s diverse culture

Ontario, and Toronto in particular, is one of the most multicultural places on Earth. This diversity is a core part of the province’s identity and is reflected in its food, music, and neighbourhoods.

Major Cultural Festivals and Events to Explore

Throughout the year, you can find festivals celebrating cultures from around the world. Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, Taste of the Danforth (Greek), and numerous South Asian festivals are massive events that draw huge crowds. Nearly every city and town has its own local festivals, from music and arts to food and agricultural fairs.

Finding Your Community and Connecting With Others

This multicultural fabric makes it easier for newcomers to find a sense of belonging. You can find grocery stores selling familiar foods, places of worship, and cultural associations that offer a connection to your home country.

At the same time, the environment is generally open and welcoming, allowing for easy interaction and the building of new, diverse social circles.

But how do you build a social circle from scratch? It’s a common challenge for adults, but many newcomers find success by focusing on shared interests. The most recommended strategies include:

• Joining hobby-based groups: Recreational sports leagues, book clubs, and hiking groups are the most effective ways to meet like-minded people.
• Using apps: Bumble BFF is often mentioned as a helpful tool for women, and Meetup.com is great for finding local events.
• Strategic volunteering: Volunteering for a local cause you care about connects you with the community on a deeper level.

What It’s Really Like Outside the GTA

While much of the focus is on Toronto, life in other Ontario cities offers different trade-offs:

• Kingston: Residents praise its beautiful, historic waterfront and strong sense of community but warn of a limited professional job market outside of healthcare and education.
• Barrie: Known as a gateway to outdoor recreation, it’s often described as a “commuter town.” The main drawbacks cited are heavy highway traffic and a long, expensive GO Train commute to Toronto.
• Sudbury: Praised for its affordable housing and incredible access to nature. However, newcomers should be prepared for longer, colder winters and a job market heavily focused on the mining industry. Residents highlight the friendly, down-to-earth community and the incredible access to over 300 lakes right within the city.”
• Ottawa: Often described as a clean and stable ‘government town,’ residents love the family-friendly atmosphere and bilingual culture. The main drawbacks mentioned are a quieter social scene and frequent frustrations with the local transit system.
• London: Known as ‘The Forest City,’ it’s seen as a major healthcare and education hub that offers big-city amenities without the GTA’s chaos. However, the job market can be limited outside of those core sectors.
• Windsor: As Canada’s southernmost city, its identity is tied to its automotive roots and proximity to Detroit. Residents praise the diverse food scene and low cost of living, but point to a job market heavily reliant on manufacturing.

Exploring Ontario’s Natural wonders: Provincial Parks and The Great Lakes

Ontario is home to incredible natural beauty. There are hundreds of provincial parks, like the famous Algonquin Park, perfect for camping, hiking, and canoeing. The province also borders four of the five Great Lakes, which feel more like freshwater oceans. Their shores offer stunning beaches, cliffs, and countless opportunities for recreation.

Once you’re settled, you’ll discover that locals often skip the major tourist traps for weekend getaways. Popular insider spots include the wineries and beaches of Prince Edward County, the charming towns and stunning sunsets on the Lake Huron coastline, and the dramatic scenery of the Elora Gorge. These spots offer an authentic taste of Ontario life beyond the big city.

Essential First Steps for Settling In Ontario

Navigating bureaucracy is a part of any move. Getting these key administrative tasks done early will make your transition much smoother.

Accessing Healthcare: How To Get Your OHIP Card

Ontario’s provincial health plan is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). It covers the cost of most essential medical services, like visits to a doctor or a hospital.

Understanding OHIP Eligibility and When Coverage Begins

Good news for newcomers: the mandatory three-month waiting period for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) has been eliminated. This means that if you are eligible, your government-funded healthcare coverage can begin on the day you arrive in Ontario, with no waiting period.

You must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre and have your eligibility confirmed to receive your health card.

To be eligible for OHIP, you must meet several criteria, including:

• Having an eligible immigration status.
• Making Ontario your primary place of residence.
• Being physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period.

While the waiting period is gone, it is still highly recommended to have private health insurance. This can provide coverage during your travel to Canada and for the initial days or weeks before you are able to visit a ServiceOntario centre and have your application officially processed.

The Challenge of Finding a Family Doctor

A family doctor is your main point of contact for non-emergency medical care. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of family doctors in Ontario, and finding one who is accepting new patients can be a long and difficult process. You can use a provincial service called Health Care Connect to get on a waiting list.

How to Use Walk-in Clinics and Emergency Rooms

While you’re waiting for a family doctor, walk-in clinics are your best option for common illnesses and minor injuries. You don’t need an appointment. For serious medical issues, you should go to a hospital’s emergency room.

Be aware that wait times in emergency rooms can be very long for non-life-threatening conditions.

Navigating the Education System For Your Children

For newcomer families, understanding the school system is a top priority. Ontario’s publicly funded education is high-quality and free for residents.

How to Register Your Child for Public School

To register your child, you’ll need to contact the school board in the area where you live. You will need to provide proof of your child’s age (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of your address, and your immigration documents. The process is straightforward, and schools have experience helping newcomer families.

An Overview of Public, Catholic, and Private School Systems

Ontario has two main publicly funded school systems: the public system and the Catholic system. Both are funded by taxes and follow the provincial curriculum. In addition to these, there are private schools, which charge tuition fees and may offer specialized programs.

Childcare in Ontario: Costs and Subsidies

Childcare is very expensive in Ontario. The monthly cost for an infant or toddler can be as high as rent in some cities. The government has introduced programs to lower these costs, most notably the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, which aims to provide an average of $10-a-day childcare.

However, availability is limited and waitlists can be long, so you should research options in your specific area as soon as possible..

Finding Support: Key Resources for Newcomers

You don’t have to navigate your new life alone. There are many organizations dedicated to helping you succeed.

What Your Local Settlement Agency Can Do for You

Funded by the government, settlement agencies are your one-stop shop for support. As outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these organizations provide a wide range of free services for new immigrants, from helping you find housing and apply for documents to enrolling your children in school and searching for a job. Finding your local agency should be one of your first priorities.

Free Language Classes (LINC/ESL) to Improve Your English

If you need to improve your English or French, you can enroll in free language classes. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are offered throughout the province and are an excellent way to build language skills and meet other newcomers.

Connecting With Cultural Associations and Community Groups

Joining a cultural association connected to your home country can provide a valuable sense of community and support. These groups often organize social events and can be a great resource for practical advice from people who have been through the same settlement experience.

The Unspoken Emotional Journey of a Newcomer

Settling in is about more than just finding a home and a job; it’s a profound emotional process. Based on countless conversations on community forums like Reddit, many newcomers experience a similar emotional journey with challenges that aren’t listed on any government checklist. Understanding these ahead of time can make the process feel less isolating.

The Six-Month Dip: When the Honeymoon Phase Ends

Many newcomers describe their first few months as an exciting “honeymoon phase.” But a recurring theme is a significant emotional dip that happens around the six-month to one-year mark, often coinciding with the first long winter.

This is when the initial excitement fades and the reality of being far from family and support systems sets in, which can lead to intense homesickness and even regrets about moving to Canada. Knowing that this dip is a normal and widely-shared experience can help you navigate it.

Navigating “Canadian Politeness” and Making Friends

A common cultural hurdle is the difference between Canadian “friendliness” and true “friendship.” Newcomers find that while people are very polite in public, it can be incredibly difficult to move past superficial small talk and form deep, lasting connections.

An invitation like “we should get together sometime” is often just a polite expression, not a concrete plan. This is why, as mentioned earlier, the most recommended strategy for building a social circle is to join groups based on shared hobbies, like a sports league or a book club.

The Surprise of Loneliness and the Loss of Identity

The loneliness many newcomers feel goes deeper than just missing people; it’s the lack of a shared history with those around you. This feeling can be most intense during weekends and holidays.

Furthermore, many who were respected professionals in their home countries face a difficult identity shift when they take a “survival job” to get by. This loss of professional status can be a painful, unspoken part of the immigration journey, but it’s important to remember that it is a temporary step on a much longer path.

Final Verdict: The Pros and Cons of Living in Ontario, Canada

So, let’s put it all together. Think of it as balancing the cost of your grocery bill with the richness of a multicultural food festival. After considering all the details, is moving to Ontario the right decision? Let’s summarize the main points.

Pros of Living in Ontario	Cons of Living in Ontario
Strong & Diverse Job Market: Ample opportunities across many sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades.	High Cost of Living: Housing, groceries, and insurance are among the most expensive in Canada.
Multicultural & Welcoming: Vibrant, diverse communities make it easier for newcomers to feel at home.	Harsh Winters: The cold and snow require significant preparation and adjustment.
High-Quality Public Services: Excellent public education and a comprehensive healthcare system (OHIP).	Competitive Housing Market: Finding affordable housing, whether renting or buying, is a major challenge.
Central Location: Easy access to other parts of Canada and the United States.	High Transportation Costs: Expensive car insurance and public transit fees add to the monthly budget.
Abundant Nature & Recreation: Access to provincial parks, the Great Lakes, and countless outdoor activities.	Traffic & Commuting: Long commute times are common, especially in and around the GTA.

Ultimately, life in Ontario is a trade-off. It offers some of the best economic opportunities in the country, a rich cultural life, and excellent services, but it demands a higher cost of living and careful financial planning in return.

For those who are well-prepared, employed in an in-demand field, and ready to embrace both the cold winters and the vibrant summers, Ontario presents an incredible place to build a new life. With the right information and a solid plan, you can absolutely make your Canadian dream a reality here.

For your next step, we recommend reading our detailed guide on creating a budget for newcomers to start putting these numbers into a practical plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure: The information and cost estimates in this guide are based on public data from sources like CMHC and Statistics Canada as of September 2025 and reflect the author’s personal experiences. Costs can vary significantly based on your location and lifestyle.