Hamilton vs Toronto Cost of Living (2026)
Toronto is about 40% more expensive than Hamilton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,800 in Hamilton.
The Verdict
Hamilton / month
$2,843
Toronto / month
$3,796
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Hamilton
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Toronto
$139,905
Take-home $98,607 · $8,217/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Toronto you'd need $39,905 more a year (+40%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Hamilton
$1,800
Toronto
$2,600
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
Toronto
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
Toronto
$156
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Hamilton
$175
Toronto
$180
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Hamilton
$290
Toronto
$350
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Hamilton
$48
Toronto
$60
Which City Should You Choose?
Hamilton, ON: A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent.
Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toronto more expensive than Hamilton?
Yes. Toronto costs about 40% more than Hamilton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,800 in Hamilton.
Is it cheaper to live in Hamilton or Toronto?
Hamilton is roughly 40% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Hamilton vs Toronto?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,800/month in Hamilton versus $2,600/month in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto to match my Hamilton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Hamilton is roughly equivalent to $139,905 in Toronto once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Toronto a good place to move to from Hamilton?
Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
Advertisement