🇺🇸 San Diego vs 🇨🇦 Toronto

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

San Diego

United States

$2,708–$4,287/mo

$2,708 – $4,287 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Toronto

Canada

$2,615–$4,141/mo

C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)

San Diego is 4% more expensive

Toronto wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategorySan Diego (USD)Toronto (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$1,962–$3,051🟢 Toronto
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$1,035–$1,635🟢 Toronto
Utilities$85–$164$82–$158🟢 Toronto
Groceries$429–$643$414–$621🟢 Toronto
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$54–$98🟢 Toronto
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$104–$125🟢 Toronto
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$33–$54🟢 Toronto
Gym membership$39–$73$38–$71🟢 Toronto
Cinema ticket$16–$20$15–$20🟢 Toronto
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$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

Housing4.2 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Safety8.9 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Healthcare8.9 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Education8.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Environment9.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Economy7.6 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Culture8.2 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto
Internet8.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Toronto

Who should choose which city?

Choose San Diego if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Diego offers vs Toronto
  • ✓Weather
  • ✓Beaches
  • ✓Biotech
  • ✓Defense tech

Choose Toronto if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Diego
  • ✓Diversity
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓Immigrants

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Full San Diego guide

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Full Toronto guide

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Explore Toronto →