Asking if Ontario is a “good” place to live is tricky because the answer depends entirely on your bank account.
Ontario is the economic engine of Canada. It is where the biggest companies, the most diverse food scenes, and the major tech hubs are located. But in 2026, it is also a province defined by a massive gap between what you earn and what it costs to exist.
If you are thinking about moving here, you need to look past the postcards of the CN Tower and the Muskoka lakes. Here is the honest reality of life in Ontario right now.
The Cost of Having a Roof
Let’s start with the biggest expense: housing.
If your plan involves Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), be prepared for sticker shock. While rents have stabilized slightly compared to the peak frenzies of previous years, they are still objectively high. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto will cost you roughly $2,500 CAD per month. A two-bedroom unit is closer to $2,800.
If you want to buy, the average home price in the GTA is still hovering over $1 million. This pushes many people to “drive until they qualify,” moving to cities like Hamilton, Oshawa, or Barrie. But even there, prices have risen because everyone had the same idea.
The Northern Alternative However, Ontario is huge. If you are willing to look at Northern Ontario (cities like Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Sault Ste. Marie), the picture changes completely. In these areas, you can still find homes in the $400,000 range and rents closer to $1,500. The trade-off is colder winters and fewer big-city amenities, but the financial freedom is real.
Your Salary vs. Reality
This is where the math gets tight for many newcomers and residents.
As of late 2025, the minimum wage in Ontario is $17.60 per hour. However, the “living wage”—the amount you actually need to earn to cover basics like rent, food, and transport—is much higher.
-
In the GTA: You need to earn about $27.20 per hour to make ends meet.
-
In Ottawa: You need around $23.40 per hour.
-
In the North: You need roughly $21.10 per hour.
If you are moving here for a minimum wage job, you will likely need roommates or a second job to survive comfortably in a major city.
Where the Money Is If you work in tech, finance, or specialized healthcare, Ontario is still the best place in Canada for you. The sheer volume of head offices in Toronto and the tech corridor in Kitchener-Waterloo means your salary ceiling is higher here than in almost any other province.
The “Find a Doctor” Lottery
You cannot talk about living in Ontario without addressing healthcare. The system is currently under immense strain.
If you move here today, do not expect to find a family doctor. There is a shortage of general practitioners, with over 2.5 million Ontarians currently unattached to a primary care provider. Most newcomers rely on walk-in clinics or virtual care services for years before finding a permanent doctor.
Emergency room wait times are also long, often stretching into 10+ hours for non-critical issues in major urban centers. If you have a chronic condition requiring frequent care, you need to factor this hassle into your decision.
Getting Around: Traffic and Transit
If you live in the “Golden Horseshoe” (the curve of cities around Lake Ontario), traffic is a daily battle. Highway 401 is one of the busiest highways in North America. Commuting by car from the suburbs into downtown Toronto can easily take 90 minutes each way.
The GO Train is Your Friend The bright spot is the GO Transit system, which connects the suburbs to the city. Service has improved, with more frequent all-day trains on key lines. If you work downtown, living near a GO station is often a better investment than owning a car.
In Toronto itself, the TTC (subway and bus system) is extensive but crowded. Construction on major projects like the Ontario Line is causing disruption now, though it promises better connections in the future.
Life Outside the “Centre of the Universe”
People often treat Ontario and Toronto as synonyms, but the province offers vastly different lifestyles.
-
Ottawa: The capital is quieter, cleaner, and has a more family-oriented vibe. It is government-town heavy, but the tech sector is strong. Rents are high (around $2,000 for a 1-bed) but lower than Toronto.
-
Windsor: Located right across the border from Detroit, it has some of the warmest weather in the province and a strong manufacturing base.
-
The Outdoors: If you love nature, Ontario is incredible. You have access to thousands of lakes, camping in Algonquin Park, and skiing (albeit smaller hills) in Collingwood. The “Cottage Country” culture is huge here.
Conclusion
So, is Ontario a good place to live?
Yes, if:
-
You are a high-income earner (tech, finance, specialized trades) who wants to max out your career potential.
-
You crave big-city energy, diverse culture, and world-class food.
-
You are okay with a fast-paced, competitive environment.
No, if:
-
You are on a fixed or low income.
-
You want a quiet, slow-paced life with a low cost of living.
-
You need immediate, easy access to a family doctor.
Ontario offers the highest highs and the most expensive lows in Canada. If you can afford the ticket price, the ride is often worth it.
