Ontario remains Canada’s economic hub, but the cost of living in Ontario now varies dramatically between cities. With the province’s minimum wage rising to $17.60 per hour in October 2025, many newcomers and residents are reassessing where to live to maximize their income. Whether you’re considering immigrating to Canada or relocating within the province, knowing the difference between Ontario’s most expensive cities and cheapest cities is essential.

Why Cost of Living Matters for Newcomers

For newcomers, cost of living can determine how quickly you establish yourself, save money, and secure Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. Housing, transportation, groceries, and taxes all impact your financial stability. Choosing an affordable city can shorten your journey to home ownership, business investment, or higher education.

Ontario’s Most Expensive Cities in 2025

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) remains the province’s costliest region, but some suburbs now outpace Toronto itself. According to MoneySense and CareerBeacon’s cost-of-living analysis, these Ontario cities require annual incomes over $90,000 for a single person to live comfortably:

• Richmond Hill – $106,536/year

• Milton – $106,392/year

• Whitby – $105,624/year

• Mississauga – $99,816/year

• Toronto – $98,880/year

• Markham – $98,016/year

• Vaughan – $96,960/year

• Burlington – $96,024/year

• Guelph – $91,632/year

• Oakville – $91,536/year

High housing costs, commuter demand, and limited supply push expenses up in these cities. For a family, the required income doubles—often close to $200,000 annually.

Mid-Range Cities: Balanced Living Without Breaking the Bank

If you want access to urban amenities without GTA prices, consider Ontario’s mid-range cities. These include Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, and Kitchener, where comfortable incomes range from $84,700 to $91,000 per year. Many mid-tier cities are attracting tech startups, hybrid workers, and young families looking for affordability plus opportunities.

Examples include:

• Ottawa – $89,112/year (federal jobs + culture)

• Hamilton – $88,344/year (waterfalls and arts revival)

• Waterloo – $87,096/year (startup hub)

• Windsor – $87,024/year (cross-border access)

• St. Catharines – $84,792/year (Niagara wine region)

Ontario’s Cheapest Cities in 2025

For the greatest savings, look to Ontario’s northern and western cities, where annual comfortable incomes drop as low as $72,744 for a single person. Lower rents and a slower pace of life allow more savings without sacrificing healthcare, education, or connectivity.

Top affordable cities in Ontario 2025 include:

• Aurora – $84,504/year

• Thunder Bay – $83,400/year

• Brampton – $83,304/year

• Niagara Falls – $82,824/year

• Kingston – $82,488/year

• Newmarket – $82,224/year

• Greater Sudbury – $81,480/year

• Brantford – $80,064/year

• Sarnia – $74,208/year

• Sault Ste. Marie – $72,744/year

Imagine renting a one-bedroom in Sault Ste. Marie for under $1,200 per month while accessing nature, strong community ties, and high-speed internet for remote work. This gap—over $33,000 compared to Richmond Hill—can fund retirement, business ventures, or faster PR settlement.

Minimum Wage vs. Cost of Living in Ontario 2025

Even with the minimum wage at $17.60/hour (about $36,600 annually), the average worker cannot comfortably afford life in GTA cities without multiple jobs or household incomes. This reality is encouraging many Canadians and newcomers to consider mid-tier or affordable cities where salaries stretch further.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating Canada’s immigration system while weighing cost-of-living choices can feel overwhelming. ICC Immigration specializes in guiding newcomers and international workers through the safest, most reliable pathways to Permanent Residency—helping you avoid the risks of uncertain asylum claims.

Our services include:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Expert assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other pathways to ensure smooth and efficient processing.

• Work Permits and Study Permits: We help you find the right temporary option—work or study—that can lead to PR and better career prospects.

• Family Sponsorships: We make it easier to reunite with your loved ones in Canada while securing your PR status.

• Expert Legal Advice: Immigration laws change frequently. Our legal team ensures your application is compliant, comprehensive, and optimized for approval.

Choosing the right immigration pathway—rather than relying on the uncertainty of asylum—provides stability, security, and a clear road to Canadian Permanent Residency. Whether you’re in Canada already or preparing your move, ICC Immigration’s expert consultants are ready to guide you step by step.

Why Location + Immigration Planning = Long-Term Success

Combining a smart choice of location with a well-planned immigration strategy can save you thousands of dollars annually and speed up your path to PR or citizenship. Affordable cities such as Thunder Bay, Kingston, or Sudbury offer strong communities and job opportunities without GTA price tags—making them ideal landing spots for newcomers.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario’s most expensive cities like Richmond Hill, Milton, and Toronto require over $90,000 annually for a single person to live comfortably.

• Ontario’s cheapest cities like Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and Thunder Bay offer significant savings, better work-life balance, and high-quality services.

• ICC Immigration can help you navigate Canada’s immigration programs, making your move to an affordable city smoother and more secure.

Final Word

Canada’s immigration opportunities are vast, but your success depends on two factors: the city you choose and the immigration pathway you pursue. By working with ICC Immigration and selecting an affordable city in Ontario, you can build a stable and fulfilling life in Canada faster and with fewer financial pressures.

Contact ICC Immigration today to explore your options and begin your journey toward Permanent Residency in Canada.