The Ultimate Ontario Moving Guide

Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and home to iconic cities like Toronto and Ottawa.

It’s the economic heart of the country, with diverse career opportunities, top universities, and superb healthcare, not to mention low crime rates, stunning scenery, and a high quality of life.

It is no wonder so many people dream of living in Ontario.

From Toronto’s skyscrapers to Muskoka’s lakes and Ottawa’s bilingual culture, Ontario offers something for every lifestyle, whether you’re moving within Canada or immigrating from abroad.

Even if you are moving within Ontario, you will find this guide invaluable as we compare the cost of living and opportunities that each of the major cities offers its residents, as well as some really useful links to helpful resources.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New Province in Canada. In this guide, we offer some essential advice if you are moving to Ontario from another province.

Best Cities to Live in Ontario (and Who They’re Best For)

Here’s a breakdown of Ontario’s most popular destinations and what makes each unique:

City	Best For	Quick Snapshot
Toronto	Professionals, immigrants, students	Global hub for finance, tech, culture. High cost, high reward.
Ottawa	Families, public sector workers	Canada’s capital — clean, safe, bilingual, affordable vs Toronto.
Waterloo / Kitchener / Cambridge	Tech workers, entrepreneurs	“Silicon Valley North.” Excellent universities & startup ecosystem.
Hamilton	Families, commuters	Affordable housing, close to GTA, strong healthcare sector.
Mississauga / Oakville / Burlington	Families, suburban professionals	Top-rated schools, transit links, safe neighborhoods.
London / Kingston / Guelph	Students, educators, young families	University towns with lower costs and a relaxed pace.
Sudbury / Thunder Bay	Outdoor lovers, remote workers	Affordable housing, close to the GTA, strong healthcare sector.

You may also like to read: Ontario Movers. You can find highly rated movers with customer reviews in Ontario in this section of our home moving blog.

Cost of Living in Ontario

Ontario’s cost of living can be viewed as one of the drawbacks of moving to Ontario, but this depends heavily on where you settle.

Average Monthly Rent (2025 estimates)

• Toronto: 1-bedroom $2,500–$2,900 | 2-bedroom $3,200–$3,800
• Ottawa: 1-bedroom $1,900–$2,300 | 2-bedroom $2,400–$2,900
• Waterloo Region: 1-bedroom $1,800–$2,100 | 2-bedroom $2,300–$2,700
• London / Kingston: 1-bedroom $1,500–$1,900 | 2-bedroom $2,000–$2,400
• Northern Ontario: 1-bedroom $1,100–$1,400 | 2-bedroom $1,600–$2,000

You can compare the cost of living in Ontario with your current home city at www.numbeo.com

Other Costs

• Groceries (per person): $400–$600/month
• Transit Pass: $130–$160/month (Toronto TTC)
• Utilities & Internet: $150–$250/month
• Healthcare: Covered under OHIP (after waiting period). Although private insurance for dental & vision is recommended.

You may also like to read: How Much Does it Cost to Move within Canada? In this guide, we look at the average costs of moving locally and long-distance in Canada and the cheapest ways to move home. 

Job Market & Careers

Ontario is the economic engine of Canada. Major employment sectors include:

• Technology: Waterloo, Toronto, and Ottawa host global tech firms and startups.
• Finance: Toronto is Canada’s financial capital.
• Healthcare: Strong demand for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
• Education: World-class universities and research jobs.
• Manufacturing & Logistics: Concentrated in Southwestern Ontario (Windsor, London, Hamilton).

Pro Tip: From how to write a resume to finding jobs, you will find this guide at www.ontario.ca invaluable.

You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Relocating for a Job. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when moving home for work.

Ontario Climate — Four Real Seasons

Ontario’s climate varies widely, as do people’s opinions on whether the cold and snow are a negative or a positive of moving to Ontario. Here’s an overview:

Region	Winter	Summer	Notable Features
Southern Ontario (Toronto, Windsor)	Cold but manageable, -5°C to -15°C	Warm & humid, 25–30°C	Shorter winters, lake-effect snow
Ottawa / Eastern Ontario	Very cold, -10°C to -25°C	Warm, sunny	Distinct four seasons
Northern Ontario	Long, snowy, -15°C to -35°C	Mild summers	Perfect for winter sports

Winter Tip: Invest in a good coat, boots, and winter tires for your car. Buy locally for the best prices and quality, as well as saving on your moving costs by not bringing these bulky items with you.

You may also like to read: Moving from the USA to Canada. In this guide, we have created a checklist to ensure a smooth move from the United States to Canada.

Housing & Renting Tips

Renting

• Bring: ID, employment letter, proof of income, and credit reference (or guarantor).
• Pay: First + last month’s rent up front.
• Watch for: Scams. Verify listings via licensed platforms or realtors.

Buying

• Average home price (GTA): ~$1M+
• Ontario land transfer tax applies (and extra for Toronto).
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage and use a reputable realtor for guidance.

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Move to. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.

From finding housing to a translator, this page at www.ontario.ca is invaluable for people looking to settle in Ontario.

Immigration & Moving from Abroad

If you’re moving to Ontario from overseas, you have several routes:

1. Express Entry (Federal): Skilled worker immigration system.
2. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Provincial program that nominates candidates for permanent residence.
3. Study Permits: Many students transition to PR via work permits.
4. Family Sponsorship: For spouses and dependents.

For more information about living in Canada permanently, check out www.canada.ca 

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good International Moving Company. In this guide, we explain how to choose the best mover, how to avoid scams, and how to prepare for your international home move.

Transportation & Getting Around

• Toronto (TTC): Subway, streetcars, buses, and GO Transit connecting suburbs.
• Ottawa (OC Transpo): Light rail + bus network.
• Driving: Recommended in smaller cities but best avoided in big cities like Toronto, which suffers from traffic congestion.
• License Exchange: Ontario allows direct swaps from many countries, whilst others need a road test.

Airports: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW), London (YXU), Thunder Bay (YQT).
VIA Rail: Connects major cities, but is slower than flying or driving.

You may also like to read: Car Shipping and Auto Transport. This section of our home moving blog is dedicated to vehicle moves and seeks to answer all your questions about this topic.

Education & Healthcare

Education

• Public school quality is strong across Ontario.
• Universities include U of T, Waterloo, McMaster, Western, Queen’s, and Ottawa.
• Public + Catholic boards are available in many cities.

Research the best schools by city in Ontario at www.leschool.com 

Healthcare

• Covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) for residents.
• A 3-month waiting period may apply for newcomers.
• Supplement with private insurance for dental, drugs, and vision.

Visit www.publichealthontario.ca to find lists of healthcare providers by city in Ontario.

You may also like to read: How to Find a Good School When Moving Home. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a school.

Ontario Moving Checklist

Before Moving:

• Gather ID, diplomas, driver’s license, and medical records.
• Secure temporary housing (Airbnb, short-term rental).
• Apply for jobs early (3–4 months before landing).

After Arrival:

1. Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
2. Apply for OHIP.
3. Open a bank account.
4. Get a mobile plan.
5. Find long-term housing.
6. Register children in school (if applicable).
7. Buy winter gear locally.

You may also like to visit our comprehensive directory of Canadian movers, with customer reviews, who can move you to Ontario.

Lifestyle & Quality of Life

• Safety: Ontario ranks high for safety and political stability.
• Diversity: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
• Outdoors: Lakes, parks, and trails across the province.
• Culture: World-class festivals (TIFF, Ottawa Bluesfest, Stratford Festival).

You may also like to read: The Life Changing Benefits of Moving to a New City. In this guide, we share 10 ways your life will change for the better when you move to a new city.

Should I Move to Ontario?

Ontario offers incredible opportunities, from global business connections to natural beauty and inclusive communities.

Whether you choose urban Toronto or a peaceful town like Guelph, life in Ontario offers a superb blend of opportunity, diversity, and stability.

Good luck with your move into or within Ontario, and be sure to check out our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.