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Cost of Living in Ontario

Is it better to rent or buy in Ontario? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$87,409
$2,056/mo

Median in area: $2,056

$568,569

Median in area: $568,569

$113,714

If you Rent

$2,248 /mo
Base Rent$2,056
Est. Utilities$192
% of Income30.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,036

If you Buy

$3,540 /mo
P&I (6.84%)$2,977
Taxes & Ins$371
Est. Utilities$192
% of Income48.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,744

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ontario?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ontario. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,248, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,540 per month (a difference of $1,292).

How much do utilities cost in Ontario?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ontario is approximately $192. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ontario?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ontario without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $89,920 per year.