🇨🇦 Toronto vs 🇺🇸 Washington

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Toronto

Canada

$2,615–$4,141/mo

C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Washington

United States

$2,862–$4,531/mo

$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)

Washington is 9% more expensive

Toronto wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryToronto (USD)Washington (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,962–$3,051$2,146–$3,338🟢 Toronto
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,035–$1,635$1,133–$1,788🟢 Toronto
Utilities$82–$158$89–$173🟢 Toronto
Groceries$414–$621$453–$680🟢 Toronto
Eating out (mid-range meal)$54–$98$60–$107🟢 Toronto
Public transport (monthly)$104–$125$113–$137🟢 Toronto
Internet & Mobile$33–$54$36–$60🟢 Toronto
Gym membership$38–$71$42–$78🟢 Toronto
Cinema ticket$15–$20$17–$21🟢 Toronto
Monthly total (single)$2,615–$4,141$2,862–$4,531🟢 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

Housing4.0 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Toronto
Washington
Safety8.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Healthcare8.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Education8.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Environment8.9 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Economy7.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Culture7.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better
Internet8.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Toronto
Washington▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Toronto if…

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

Choose Washington if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Washington offers vs Toronto
  • ✓Careers in policy
  • ✓Museums
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Government

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Full Toronto guide

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Full Washington guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Washington →