🇺🇸 Seattle vs 🇨🇦 Toronto

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Seattle

United States

$2,954–$4,677/mo

$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Toronto

Canada

$2,615–$4,141/mo

C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)

Seattle is 13% more expensive

Toronto wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategorySeattle (USD)Toronto (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,215–$3,446$1,962–$3,051🟢 Toronto
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,169–$1,846$1,035–$1,635🟢 Toronto
Utilities$92–$178$82–$158🟢 Toronto
Groceries$468–$702$414–$621🟢 Toronto
Eating out (mid-range meal)$62–$111$54–$98🟢 Toronto
Public transport (monthly)$117–$142$104–$125🟢 Toronto
Internet & Mobile$37–$62$33–$54🟢 Toronto
Gym membership$43–$80$38–$71🟢 Toronto
Cinema ticket$17–$22$15–$20🟢 Toronto
Monthly total (single)$2,954–$4,677$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

Housing3.0 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Seattle
Toronto▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Seattle if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs Toronto
  • ✓Tech jobs
  • ✓Nature access
  • ✓No state income tax
  • ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni

Choose Toronto if…

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

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Full Seattle guide

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Full Toronto guide

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Explore Toronto →