Living in Toronto vs. Edmonton: Where Should You Live?
- Last updated on: August 3, 2022
Toronto, the heart of Canada’s economy, is a city full of life. It is the largest multicultural city in Canada and hosts people from different ethnic backgrounds. The CN Tower, the world’s highest free-standing structure, is one of Toronto’s famous skyscrapers and high-rise structures. There’s never a dull moment in Toronto with numerous fun activities, a clean environment, and a well-developed commute system.
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is often known as the “Festival City,” famous for hosting art and history festivals almost every summer weekend. It has the vibe of a smaller city but with all the facilities of a larger one. Food, arts, and theatre are always vibrant in Edmonton.
If you’re planning to move but are still undecided, this article compares the pros and cons of moving to Edmonton and Toronto, highlighting the costs of public transit, housing, groceries, entertainment, and job opportunities.
Without further ado, here’s our guide on Living in Toronto vs. Edmonton:
Toronto vs. Edmonton
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Public transit in Toronto vs Edmonton
Public transport in Toronto:
The regional transit company for the city is Toronto Transit Commission, the third-largest transportation system in North America. TTC provides service to the Greater Toronto Area, which consists of Toronto and the nearby municipalities (GTA).
Buses frequently arrive and have accessible entrances for wheelchairs and strollers. As soon as you get on the bus, you pay your fare at the machine next to the driver. The TTC oversees four subway lines in Toronto.
TTC consists of two main subway lines — Line 1 goes north/south, and Line 2 goes east/west. Two additional shorter lines cover Scarborough and Don Mills.
Electricity from overhead power lines powers Toronto’s streetcars. You can take the commuter GO train from Union Station, Toronto’s main transit hub, to other GTA municipalities.
Public transit fares in Toronto
Regular route | Day pass | Monthly pass | |
Adults | $3.25 | $13.50 | $156.00 |
Youth (13-19) | $2.30 | $13.50 | $128.15 |
Seniors (65+) | $2.30 | $13.50 | $128.15 |
(*ArrriveIn, Toronto Transit Commission)
How much is a transit monthly pass in Toronto?
The cost of a public transit monthly pass in Toronto is $156.00.
Public transport in Edmonton
Over 80 million passengers use the ETS (Edmonton Transit Service), a fully integrated, convenient, and innovative public transportation system in Edmonton. The ETS plays a crucial role in city development and offers seamless connections inside Edmonton and the surrounding area by focusing on three pillars: service, infrastructure, and technology.
Light rail transit, buses, and streetcars are available as modes of public transportation. Fare vending machines are available in stations for light rail transportation. Any authorized retail store can also provide ETS passes. Edmonton’s public transportation is affordable and is always improving to be more effective.
Public transit fares in Edmonton
Here’s a quick summary of transport costs in Edmonton:
Single Ride | Ticket (book of 10) | Monthly pass | |
Youth (0-24 years) | $3.50 | $19.75 | $73 |
Adults (25-64 years) | $3.50 | $27.75 | $100 |
Seniors (65+ years) | $3.50 | $19.75 | $35 |
How much is a transit monthly pass in Edmonton?
The cost of a public transit monthly pass in Edmonton is $100.00
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Cost of groceries in Toronto vs Edmonton
The cost of groceries in Toronto is 1.65% higher than Edmonton. The comparison of the cost of groceries in Toronto and Edmonton is illustrated in the table below:
Average cost of groceries (Items X kg) | Toronto | Edmonton |
Milk (1 litre) | $3.21 | $2.58 |
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | $3.17 | $2.93 |
Rice (white), (1 kg) | $3.75 | $4.22 |
Eggs (12) | $3.71 | $3.65 |
Local cheese (1 kg) | $14.89 | $14.50 |
Chicken fillets (1 kg) | $16.47 | $14.53 |
Beef round (1 kg) | $17.12 | $18.14 |
Apples (1 kg) | $4.26 | $4.90 |
Bananas (1 kg) | $1.68 | $1.84 |
Oranges (1 kg) | $4.10 | $4.47 |
Tomato (1 kg) | $4.44 | $4.48 |
Potato (1 kg) | $3.31 | $2.80 |
Onion (1 kg) | $2.97 | $2.25 |
Lettuce (1 head) | $2.83 | $2.88 |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $1.89 | $2.31 |
Bottle of wine (Mid-range) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $3.17 | $2.84 |
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | $3.76 | $3.62 |
Total | $109.73 | $107.94 |
(*Numbeo)
What is the average cost of groceries for 1 person in Toronto?
The average cost of groceries for 1 person in Toronto is $274.33.
*Groceries for one person are multiplied by 2.5 for a monthly average.
What is the average cost of groceries for 1 person in Edmonton?
The average cost of groceries for 1 person in Edmonton is $269.85.
*Groceries for one person are multiplied by 2.5 for a monthly average.
What to do in Toronto vs Edmonton
The cost of entertainment is relatively less expensive in Edmonton.
Entertainment in Toronto
In winters, you may enjoy ice skating at any of Toronto’s many rinks, including Willow Park and Nathan Philips. Most rinks allow you to rent skates and have modest eateries where you can warm up.
You can grab a bike and tour the trails over the summer to explore High Park and the Don Valley, where you might even see some of nature’s intriguing creatures.
Toronto is renowned for its wide selection of distinctive malls and shopping centers. Malls like Yorkdale Mall, Eatons Centre, and Scarborough Town Centre are full of shops.
Some good selections of food are found in Toronto. Because of the diversity of Eastern-themed cuisine options, Kensington Market and Little India are amazing places to visit — perfect for gatherings with family and friends and special occasions.
Toronto also has a vibrant cultural scene with many live theatres, museums, galleries and other types of city-based activities. It’s also close to Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls if you want to get out of the city and explore the province.
Entertainment in Edmonton
Due to its attractions, culture, history, and natural beauty, Edmonton attracts diverse people. It also hosts Canada’s largest historical park: Wood Buffalo and other beautiful parks that will surely be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts.
The city is one of the most well-liked in Canada as it offers a variety of activities for its citizens, including skiing, skating, hiking, shopping, dining, and even skiing.
If you want to escape the cold winter days and be transported to a lush, green area that smells like heaven, the Muttart Conservatory is a perfect choice.
The city is also close to the national parks of Banff and Jasper. Other great places for activities include the provincial museum and planetarium, the Space and Science Center, the Muttart conservatory greenhouses, and Fort Edmonton.
It also hosts the biggest live theatre event in North America, the biggest blues festival in Western Canada, and the substantial folk music festival FolkFest.
Costs of entertainment — Toronto vs. Edmonton
In Toronto, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $100, whereas, in Edmonton, it costs only $90. A fitness club membership for an adult in Edmonton costs $60.07 per month, compared to $58.65 in Toronto. A seat in a cinema showing an international release is worth $15.00 in both cities.
(*Numbeo)
Cost of housing in Toronto vs Edmonton
The average house sale price for the Greater Toronto Area in May 2022 was $1,212,806. In May 2022, there were fewer sales in the Toronto home market.
The average cost of a property in Edmonton in April 2022 was $417,470. This is an increase of 7.1 percent year over year and 0.8 percent month over month compared to March 2022. Like last month, this month saw a new all-time high in house prices in Edmonton. Despite these increases, Edmonton’s real estate market remains competitively priced compared to other Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
(*Wowa – Toronto & Wowa – Edmonton)
How much is a house in Toronto?
The average cost of a house in Toronto is $1,212,806.
How much is a house in Edmonton?
The average cost of a house in Edmonton is $417,470.
Cost of rent in Toronto
The following table depicts the cost of rent in Toronto:
Neighborhood | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom |
North Toronto | $1500/month | $2097/month | $2600/month | $3651/month |
Entertainment District | $1799/month | $2288/month | $3200/month | $4100/month |
Park Dale | $1425/month | $1683/month | $2279/month | $2600/month |
Stone Gate Queens way | $1575/month | $2150/month | $3000/month | $3500/month |
The Annex | $1600/month | $2050/month | $3000/month | $3700/month |
Bay Street Corridor | $1850/month | $2200/month | $3200/month | $4698/month |
The Village | $1650/month | $2050/month | $3000/month | $4300/month |
Garden District | $1700/month | $2098/month | $2700/month | $3500/month |
Saint James Town | $1363/month | $1571/month | $1950/month | $2750/month |
Fashion District | $1950/month | $2050/month | $3182/month | $4784/month |
Forest Hill | $1500/month | $1798/month | $2200/month | $4199/month |
Willowdale | $1950/month | $2100/month | $2650/month | $3364/month |
High Park | $1435/month | $1750/month | $2700/month | $3250/month |
(*Zumper & Wowa – Toronto)
How much is rent in Toronto?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Toronto is $1,949.
Cost of rent in Edmonton
The cost of rent in Edmonton varies depending on the location and size of the apartment. The table below shows the prices of apartments in various sizes in some popular neighborhoods;
Neighborhood | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Downtown Edmonton | $995/month | $1202/month | $1638/month | $1775/month |
Oliver | $1048/month | $1101/month | $1495/month | $1370/month |
Queen Mary Park | $725/month | $895/month | $975/month | $1099/month |
Central McDougall | $768/month | $775/month | $937/month | $1270/month |
Inglewood | $699/month | $850/month | $976/month | $1469/month |
Strethcona | $916/month | $1100/month | $1355/month | $1275/month |
Westwood | $730/month | $799/month | $925/month | $1345/month |
Boyle Street | $725/month | $850/month | $1399/month | $2077/month |
Garneau | $908/month | $1101/month | $1550/month | $1750/month |
Canora | $725/month | $825/month | $900/month | $1238/month |
Eastwood | $798/month | $818/month | $901/month | $1250/month |
Queen Alexandra | $795/month | $970/month | $1905/month | $1600/month |
(*Zumper & Wowa – Edmonton)
How much is rent in Edmonton?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Edmonton is $999.
Job opportunities in Toronto vs Edmonton
Toronto’s job market is strong if you have skills. The industries of technology, healthcare, and finance are a few that consistently experience growth.
Toronto has a very diverse economy and leads the world in biotechnology and bioengineering. The highest-paid jobs are web developers, HR managers, electrical engineers, financial consultants, and healthcare officers.
With a low living cost, Edmonton residents have the highest average household income in Canada. There are fewer taxes and no provincial sales taxes (PST). Edmontonians often have more disposable income than the majority of Canadians.
According to Alberta Occupational Outlook, several professions will experience a labor shortage by 2030, including teachers, petroleum engineers, information systems analysts, and consultants.
Edmonton’s unemployment rate in May 2022 was 6.2%, a reduction of 0.7% from the previous month. Popular job markets include agriculture, utilities, construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation, science, healthcare, information & culture, and food services.
(*Workopolis & Canada Wiz )
Salary comparison in Toronto vs Edmonton
The table below presents the comparison of average job salaries in both cities:
Job title | The average salary in Toronto | Average salary in Edmonton |
|---|---|---|
Dentist | $106,906 | $145,494 |
Physician | $115,025 | $156,279 |
Pharmacist | $83,568 | $92,911 |
Business Development | $79,093 | $78,780 |
Hardware Engineer | $80,635 | $76,174 |
Chemical Engineer | $64,582 | $81,015 |
Product Manager | $69,956 | $87,285 |
Finance Manager | $88,475 | $78,850 |
IT Manager | $86,109 | $80,013 |
Mobile Developer | $68,658 | $73,127 |
Sales Manager | $76,730 | $67,071 |
Operations Manager | $71,183 | $96,175 |
Software Engineer | $74,975 | $63,284 |
Architect | $61,528 | $69,629 |
Financial Analyst | $67,123 | $50,208 |
Research Scientist | $65,768 | $69,902 |
UX designer | $67,215 | $73,760 |
Teacher | $52,133 | $59,528 |
Interior Designer | $56,985 | $44,720 |
Chef | $41,214 | $52,513 |
Customer Support | $38,388 | $42,311 |
Cost of living in Toronto vs Edmonton
The cost of living in Edmonton is 22% less expensive than in Toronto. Consumer Prices in Edmonton are 2.75% lower than in Toronto without rent and 17.77% lower with rent. The rent prices in Edmonton are 43.34% lower than in Toronto. Restaurant Prices and groceries are 3.70% and 3.46% lower in Edmonton than in Toronto, respectively.
The table below shows the cost of living indices of Toronto vs. Edmonton:
City | Cost Of Living Index |
Toronto | 74.6 |
Edmonton | 72.23 |
(*Numbeo)
Cost of living in Toronto vs Edmonton
Edmonton is ranked 2355th, while Toronto is 253rd on the list of most expensive cities worldwide.
The cost of moving to Toronto and Edmonton is compared in the table, considering accommodation, groceries, traveling, and utility costs:
Category *For 1 person | Toronto | Edmonton |
Average house price | $1,212,806 | $417,470 |
Average monthly rent price (1 bedroom in City Centre) | $2,108.73 | $1204.20 |
Public transit (One-way ticket) | $156 | $100 |
Groceries | $274.33 | $269.85 |
Utilities (electricity + internet) | $225.97 | $318.43 |
Cell phone plan | $80, unlimited talk, text, and data included | $80, unlimited talk, text, and data included |
Gym membership (monthly) | $59.40 | $59.96 |
Clothing and shoes (1 pair each) | $255.77 | $228.7 |
Total | $3,160 | $2,261 |
*Groceries for one person are multiplied by 2.5 for a monthly average.
(*Numbeo)
Conclusion
Toronto has a much higher cost of living than Edmonton but can definitely offer a greater variety of opportunities when it comes to employment and even city related outings. Toronto is also known for its diversity and being the most populated city in Canada whereas Edmonton is distinctly less packed. Both can still be what you’re looking for! If you are planning to move soon, check out the 5 best moving companies in Toronto and the 5 best moving companies in Edmonton.
FAQ - The most frequently asked questions about Toronto and Edmonton
What is the biggest difference between Toronto and Edmonton?
Obviously there is a significant difference in the cost of living between the two cities but there are other factors that make them different! Toronto has a colder winter than Edmonton. Alberta’s capital can be considered much quieter than Toronto where there is a constant buzz of traffic and other public constructions.
Where to live in Toronto?
If safety is at the top of your list when choosing a neighborhood, you should learn more about Toronto safest neighborhoods. Below are areas of the city to consider based on your profile.
Lifestyle | Neighborhood |
Young professionals | Yonge-Eglinton, Liberty Village and King West |
Families | Leslieville, Allenby and Deer Park |
Students | Harbourfront, Cabbagetown and Church-Wellesley |
Where to live in Edmonton ?
Lifestyle | Neighborhood |
Young professionals | Old Strathcona and Downtown Edmonton |
Families | Glenora and Hazeldean |
Students | Parkallen and Queen Alexandra |
Is tax cheaper in Toronto vs. Edmonton?
- For Toronto, they have the standard GST set at 5% and the PST set at 8% as a provincial sales tax.
- In the province of Alberta, they have GST which is set at about 5%. They do not have a provincial tax.
Income tax rates in Ontario vs Alberta
|
Income tax rates in Ontario |
Income tax rates in Alberta |
|
5.05% on the first $45,142 of taxable income. |
10% on the first $131,220 of taxable income, +. |
|
9.15% on the next $45,145 and over. |
12% on the next $26,244, +. |
|
11.16% on the next $59,713 and over. |
13% on the next $52,488, +. |
|
12.16% on the next $70,000 and over. |
14% on the next $104,976, +. |
|
13.16 % on the amount over $220,000. |
15% on the amount over $314,928 |
Federal tax rates
The federal tax rate is the same in both cities. Applicable tax on the taxable income includes:
- 15% on the first $50,197 of taxable income, plus
- 20.5% on the next $50,195 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 50,197 up to $100,392), plus
- 26% on the next $55,233 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over $100,392 up to $155,625), plus
- 29% on the next $66,083 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 155,625 up to $221,708), plus
- 33% of taxable income over $221,708
(*Alberta.ca & Canada.ca)
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