Resource Guide

Cost of Living

A practical guide to everyday costs in Toronto and Ontario — groceries, gas, rent, utilities, and transportation — so you know what to expect before and after you arrive.

Prices shown are approximate Ontario/Toronto averages and may vary by neighbourhood, season, and retailer. Last reviewed February 2026.

Grocery Prices

Grocery prices in Ontario vary by store and season. Here are approximate prices for common items at major supermarkets (No Frills, FreshCo, Walmart, Loblaws). Most basic groceries (unprocessed food) are HST-exempt in Ontario.

ItemUnitPrice (CAD)
Milk (whole)4 L$5.49 – $6.49
Bread (white, sliced)675 g$3.29 – $4.29
Eggs (large)12 ct$4.49 – $5.99
Chicken breast (boneless)1 kg$13.00 – $17.00
Ground beef (medium)1 kg$11.00 – $15.00
Rice (white, long grain)2 kg$5.99 – $8.99
Pasta (spaghetti)900 g$2.49 – $3.49
Butter454 g$5.99 – $7.49
Cheese (cheddar)400 g$6.99 – $9.49
Apples (Gala/Fuji)1 kg$3.49 – $5.49
Bananas1 kg$1.52 – $1.74
Potatoes4.5 kg$5.99 – $7.99
Onions (yellow)1.36 kg$2.99 – $3.99
Tomatoes (on the vine)1 kg$3.99 – $5.49
Cooking oil (canola)2.84 L$6.49 – $8.99
Sugar (white)2 kg$4.29 – $5.49
Flour (all-purpose)2.5 kg$5.49 – $7.49
Coffee (ground)340 g$9.99 – $13.99
Tea (black, boxed)72 bags$5.49 – $7.99
Bottled water24 × 500 mL$3.99 – $5.99

HST Note: Basic groceries (raw meat, fresh produce, bread, dairy, eggs) are exempt from Ontario's 13% HST. Prepared foods, snacks, carbonated drinks, and candy are taxed at 13%.

Tip: Stores like No Frills, FreshCo, and Food Basics tend to be 10–20% cheaper than Loblaws, Metro, or Sobeys. Many Mongolians also shop at Asian supermarkets (T&T, H Mart, PAT) for familiar ingredients.

Gas Prices

Gas prices in Ontario fluctuate with global oil markets, seasons, and the federal carbon tax. Prices are posted per litre at the pump. Toronto tends to be slightly higher than surrounding areas.

Fuel TypePrice per Litre (CAD)
Regular (87 octane)$1.45 – $1.65
Mid-grade (89 octane)$1.55 – $1.75
Premium (91 octane)$1.65 – $1.90
Diesel$1.50 – $1.75

What's Included in the Price

  • Federal excise tax: 10¢/L
  • Ontario fuel tax: 9.0¢/L (gasoline)
  • Federal carbon levy: ~17.6¢/L (2026)
  • HST (13%) applied on top of everything

Tip: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near you. Costco members typically save 5–10¢/L. Prices tend to rise on Thursday evenings and drop early in the week.

GasBuddy — Ontario Gas Prices

Rent & Housing

Toronto is one of Canada's most expensive rental markets. Average rents vary significantly by neighbourhood and building age. Below are approximate monthly averages for the City of Toronto (2025–2026 data).

Unit TypeAverage Rent/Month (CAD)
Studio / Bachelor$1,600 – $1,900
1 Bedroom$2,000 – $2,400
2 Bedroom$2,500 – $3,100
3 Bedroom$3,000 – $3,800

Tenant Rights & Deposit Rules

  • Ontario law: Landlords can only collect first and last month's rent as a deposit. Damage deposits are illegal.
  • Rent increases are capped by the Ontario government guideline (2.5% for 2025). Buildings first occupied after November 15, 2018 are exempt from rent control.
  • Disputes are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
  • Most landlords require a credit check. Newcomers without Canadian credit history may need a co-signer or offer extra months upfront.

More Affordable Areas in the GTA

  • Scarborough: 15–30% below downtown averages, good transit access
  • Etobicoke / North York: Slightly cheaper, family-friendly neighbourhoods
  • Brampton / Mississauga: Notably cheaper, but longer commute to downtown Toronto

Popular rental search platforms: rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Zumper, and PadMapper.

Ontario.ca — Renting in Ontario: Your Rights

Utilities

Utility costs depend on unit size, usage, and whether utilities are included in rent. In many apartment rentals, water and sometimes heat are included. Below are typical monthly costs for a standard 1–2 bedroom apartment.

ServiceMonthly Cost (CAD)Notes
Electricity (Hydro)$80 – $150Time-of-use or tiered pricing via Toronto Hydro
Natural gas (heating)$50 – $120Higher in winter; Enbridge is the main provider
Water$40 – $80Often included in rent for apartments
Internet$50 – $100Bell, Rogers, or budget options (TekSavvy, Fido)
Mobile phone$35 – $85Budget carriers: Freedom, Koodo, Public Mobile

Electricity Pricing (Time-of-Use)

Ontario uses Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing for electricity. Rates vary by time of day:

  • Off-peak (nights & weekends): ~8.7¢/kWh
  • Mid-peak: ~12.2¢/kWh
  • On-peak (weekday afternoons): ~18.2¢/kWh

Tip: Run your dishwasher, laundry, and other high-draw appliances during off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) to save on your hydro bill.

Ontario Energy Board — Electricity Rates

Transportation

TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

The TTC operates buses, streetcars, and subways across Toronto. Pay with a PRESTO card for the best fares.

Fare TypePrice (CAD)
Adult single ride (PRESTO)$3.35
Adult single ride (cash)$3.35
Monthly pass (Adult)$156.00
Youth / Senior single ride$2.35
Youth monthly pass$128.15
Children (12 and under)Free

PRESTO includes a 2-hour transfer window — you can make unlimited rides within 2 hours of your first tap at no extra charge.

TTC — Fares and Passes

GO Transit (Regional)

GO Transit connects Toronto to the wider GTA and beyond (Hamilton, Oshawa, Barrie, Kitchener). Fares are distance-based.

  • Short trip (e.g. Union to Oakville): ~$7 – $9 one way
  • Longer trip (e.g. Union to Hamilton): ~$11 – $14 one way
  • PRESTO users get a discounted fare compared to cash

GO Transit — Fares

Driving Costs

  • Auto insurance: $200 – $400/month for new drivers in Toronto (Ontario has some of the highest rates in Canada). Shop around via insurance brokers.
  • Downtown parking: $15 – $30/day; $150 – $350/month for a reserved spot
  • Suburban parking: Often free at malls and workplaces; apartment parking: $50 – $150/month
  • Highway 407 (toll road): ~25–35¢/km depending on time of day. Highway 401 is free but often congested.
  • Ontario driver's licence: You can use a foreign licence for 60 days, then must get an Ontario licence. Mongolian licences require going through graduated licensing (G1 → G2 → G).

Ontario.ca — Get a Driver's Licence

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