🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇨🇦 Toronto
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Toronto
Canada
$2,615–$4,141/mo
C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)
Boston is 12% more expensive
Toronto wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Boston (USD) | Toronto (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $1,962–$3,051 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $1,035–$1,635 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $82–$158 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $414–$621 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $54–$98 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $104–$125 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $33–$54 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $38–$71 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $15–$20 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $2,615–$4,141 | 🟢 Toronto |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.9 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Boston
Toronto▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Boston▲ better
Toronto
Who should choose which city?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Toronto
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
Choose Toronto if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Safety
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Immigrants
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📊
Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →📊
Full Toronto guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Toronto →