London vs Toronto Cost of Living (2026)
Toronto is about 44% more expensive than London, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,750 in London.
The Verdict
London / month
$2,732
Toronto / month
$3,796
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in London
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Toronto
$144,169
Take-home $101,020 · $8,418/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Toronto you'd need $44,169 more a year (+44%).
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
London
$1,750
Toronto
$2,600
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
London
$410
Toronto
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
London
$95
Toronto
$156
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
London
$165
Toronto
$180
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
London
$270
Toronto
$350
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
London
$42
Toronto
$60
Which City Should You Choose?
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London?
Yes. Toronto costs about 44% more than London for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,750 in London.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Toronto?
London is roughly 44% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in London vs Toronto?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,750/month in London versus $2,600/month in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto to match my London lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in London is roughly equivalent to $144,169 in Toronto once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Toronto a good place to move to from London?
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
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