🇺🇸 San Francisco vs 🇨🇦 Toronto
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Toronto
Canada
$2,615–$4,141/mo
C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)
San Francisco is 29% more expensive
Toronto wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | San Francisco (USD) | Toronto (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,538–$3,949 | $1,962–$3,051 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,340–$2,115 | $1,035–$1,635 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Utilities | $106–$204 | $82–$158 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Groceries | $536–$804 | $414–$621 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $71–$127 | $54–$98 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Public transport (monthly) | $134–$162 | $104–$125 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Internet & Mobile | $42–$71 | $33–$54 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Gym membership | $49–$92 | $38–$71 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Cinema ticket | $20–$25 | $15–$20 | 🟢 Toronto |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,385–$5,359 | $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
Housing2.2 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Education7.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Francisco
Toronto▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Toronto
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
Choose Toronto if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Safety
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Immigrants
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Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →📊
Full Toronto guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Toronto →