The first question people ask when thinking about moving to Canada is :how much will it cost?
If you're consideringmoving to Toronto to work or to start a new life, look no further, this article is here to help you figure out how much you can expect to spend!
There's no doubt about it, Toronto is the Canadian tech hub. From up-and-coming startups to established tech giants, the city is home to a thriving tech community.
And it's not just the big companies that are making waves. Toronto's startup scene is booming, with new businesses popping up all the time.
So what makes Toronto such a great place for tech?
First, the city is home to highly skilled talent, with two world-class universities and a number of colleges and vocational schools.
And then there's the city itself! Toronto is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city with much to offer. With particularly tasty restaurants and world-class institutions, there is something for everyone in Toronto.
Looking for a fast-paced tech community? Toronto is the place to be!
Summary:
Housing
Leisure activities
The charges
Have a drink
Telephone and internet
Transportation
The races
Medical care
Cost of living in Toronto: housing
Housing is one of the biggest expenses in Toronto, especially in the "high end" areas such as the financial district, the entertainment district and downtown. One-bedroom apartments near the downtown core can cost between $2,000 and $2,500 per month.
If you're looking to not spend your entire budget on rent, consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates. The most popular classified ad site in Toronto is kijiji.ca, a great way to start your search, but beware of scams!
If you have a family, splitting costs with a spouse can be beneficial. There are also a number of affordable housing options available if you're willing to live a bit further from the city centre.
Budget to live in Toronto : utilities
Water is free in Toronto, yes.
But most apartments require you to pay for electricity. The average electricity bill for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is about $70/month.
Toronto has two different cost systems for electricity: Time-of-use system and tiered.
Time of use means that electricity cost will vary depending what time of day it is. If it’s off-peak, users will pay a low rate, during mid-peak prices will be slightly higher, or on-peak is when electricity will cost the most.
Many Torontonians plan their electricity use around this schedule and aim to use their high electricity appliances during the off peak times.
For a tiered electricity pricing system, you can choose to have a set amount of electricity allotted to you per month, which will be at the cheapest rate. Any electricity used over the limit will be charged at the higher price.
If you want to avoid hydro costs, be sure to look for postings with all utilities included.
Cost of living in Toronto: Phone and Internet
Toronto is a great city for phone and internet service. There are many providers to choose from, and the prices are reasonable.
For your phone service, you can expect to pay about $30 per month for basic service. For that price, you'll get unlimited talk and text in Canada and the U.S. and 1 GB of data.
If you need international calls or unlimited data, you'll need to add an extra $20-30 per month. Don't hesitate to store around for the package that best suits your needs!
For Internet, you can expect to pay about $50 per month. This will give you unlimited data and speeds up to 25 Mbps. If you need faster speeds, you can upgrade for an additional $10 per month.
TIP FROM MAPLR: Freedom mobile has good prices with great service that you can even use in the subway. For affordable internet, you can look at the providers start.ca, Beanfield, and Acanac.
Living in Toronto : Groceries
Grocery costs in Toronto vary depending on the store.
However, on average, a single person can spend $50-$100 per week, while a family of four can expect to spend around $150-200 per week on groceries.
Some of the most popular grocery stores in Toronto include Sobeys, Metro, and Loblaws.For a cheaper option, you can go to NoFrills or Walmart.
You can also take advantage of the many affordable restaurants that the city has to offer with lots of different cuisine options. You can also save money by buying in bulk at the grocery store.
Things to do in Toronto
When you first move to a new city, you want to see everything, and Toronto is the perfect city for a night on the town!
Toronto is home to a number of great museums.
The Royal Ontario Museum is a must-see for history and science buffs, with free admission every third Tuesday of the month. The Art Gallery of Ontario is also perfect for those who appreciate the arts and is free every Wednesday from 6-9pm.
You can buy a CityPass to see some of Toronto’s landmarks at a discount https://www.citypass.com/.
To explore the city and give yourself time to relax, you can expect to spend $50-$100 for activities, especially if you like going to restaurants and bars.
Sports:
If you’re interested in sports, you can sign up for JAM league sports if you want to compete for a fee between $150 to $250 for the season which lasts about 12 weeks. There are also places to play sports like basketball courts, volleyball, and tennis for free in local parks.
Bars and alcohol:
If you’re having drinks with friends, be sure to stop by the LCBO to pick up some Alcohol. Liquor in Ontario is provincially controlled and can be purchased at select stores. If you’re looking to go out with your friends, Toronto has a large number of bars with drinks ranging from $11-$15
Coffee:
Coffee around Toronto will cost you around $5-8.
Cost of living in Toronto: Transportation
Transportation is another area where you can save money in Toronto. If you live close to work or school, consider walking or biking instead of taking public transit.
The transportation system in Toronto is called the “Toronto Transit Commission” or TTC and is considered one of the best in the world. To use the TTC, Torontonians use a "PRESTO" card.
It's a single card that can be used on any bus or train in the Greater Toronto Area. Similar to a debit card, you can put any monetary amount on it, or purchase a bus pass. This card is used by tapping when you enter a bus, and funds are automatically withdrawn from your balance. The cost of a single ride is $3.25 and allows you a two hour transfer to travel freely for one price.
You can also buy an adult metropass for $156 per month.
Cost of living in Toronto: Healthcare
In Toronto, all residents are eligible for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) coverage. This means that regardless of your income, you will be able to receive free health care from the province of Ontario because it is publically funded by the government.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however, such as if you are a refugee or if you are on a student visa. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you may still be eligible for OHIP coverage if you have a valid work permit and have lived in Ontario for at least 153 days.
Cost of living in Toronto: monthly budget example for an expatriate
Here is an example of a budget for an expatriate in Toronto:
|
|
| One-bedroom apartment downtown |
2 000 $ |
| Electricity |
50 $ |
| Transport |
156 $ |
| Internet and telephone |
90 $ |
| Activities |
200 $ |
|
Grocery store |
400 $ |
| TOTAL |
2896/month |
Monthly total (recurring expenses and daily living)
2896 CAD
What is the salary of a software developer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?
The average salary for a software developer in Toronto is $85,000 CAD per year.
However, salaries can range from $75,000 to $116,000 CAD per year, depending on experience, education and other factors.
Software developers in Toronto are in high demand, due to the city's booming tech industry. As a result, salaries are often negotiable and many companies are willing to pay above the average to attract and retain top talent. With a competitive salary and a vibrant tech scene, you'll be sure to find an opportunity that's a good fit for you.
Are you a developer? Want to know more about life in Toronto and how you can come work here?
Don't hesitate to register to our next webinar on the subject.
Want to try an adventure in Toronto?
At Maplr, we will help you find your IT job in Toronto for free and assist you in all phases of your relocation.
Our team is here to guide you and give you all the information you need to start your new life in Toronto! Join our community now.
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