Toronto Vs Vancouver: The Best City to Live
Canada’s finest, the two powerhouses of a city, Toronto and Vancouver, have always been the destination for many people. Their eccentric blend of cultures, beautiful landmarks, and living standards make these two towns a great choice for settling and growing roots. But which is better? Toronto vs Vancouver?
Picking the right city for you depends on multiple elements. We’ll delve deeper into this multifaceted discussion of Toronto vs Vancouver to see what each city provides and how they compare.
Toronto Vs Vancouver; Battle of Giants
Choosing your next home between the two metropolises relies on a handful of criteria. From fundamental factors like the healthcare and housing markets to recreational aspects like the entertainment and culinary aspects, you’d make a better decision knowing the little differences and nuances between the two cities.
The following are the main points you should take into account before making a decision:
Public Transportation in Toronto Vs Vancouver
One of the main aspects of living in a big city is public transportation. Both Toronto and Vancouver have great public transportation systems. Let’s compare Toronto and Vancouver in this case:
- The Toronto Transit Commission, also known as the TTC, takes care of the city with three modes of transportation: subway, buses, and streetcars.
- The subway consists of yellow and green lines covering different parts of the city.
- On the other hand, Vancouver’s TransLink, as the name suggests, links up Metro Vancouver’s Skytrain routes, SeaBus services, different bus lines, and West Coast Express commuter train service.
- This city-wide web makes it easy for commuters to visit different parts of the city.
Cost of Public Transportation in Toronto
The average cost of public transportation in Toronto is as follows:
- Cash Fare ($3.25): Children up to 12 years ride for free!
- Presto Card ($3.20 per ride): You should purchase for $6.00 at subway stations and load funds as needed.
- Presto Ticket
- Single ticket (PRESTO one-ride ticket): $3.35
- Single ticket (PRESTO two-fares): $6.70
- PRESTO daily pass ticket: $13.50
- Monthly Pass: $156
- 12 Months pass: $143
For more information, you can check out the TTC website.
Cost of Public Transportation in Vancouver
It’s worth noting that children 12 and under can travel free on Bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. Moreover, there’s a discounted concession fares for eligible passengers:
- HandyCard holders.
- Seniors (65+) with valid photo ID.
- Youth (13–18) with valid photo ID.
The average cost of public transportation in Vancouver is as follows:
- 1-Zone (Single ticket): $3.2 (Concession: $2.15),
- 2-Zone (Single ticket): $4.65 (Concession: $3.15),
- 3-Zone (Single ticket): $6.35 (Concession: $4.35),
- Daily pass (All Zones): $11.50 (Concession: $9.05),
- Monthly pass (1-Zone): $107.30.
You can check out Translink website for more information about public transportation in Vancouver.
Toronto Vs Vancouver House Prices
Both cities have an abundance of housing opportunities, from studio apartments and condos to big houses suitable for families. However, finding a reasonably priced house could be hard in the current market climate.
The average price of a house to buy in Toronto is $1.1 million, while Vancouver’s average sits at $1.2 million.
The median price of a 1-bed apartment in Toronto is $2280, which is $2240 for Vancouver.
You can also find many studio apartments in Toronto for short-term rental. These studios are mostly located in downtown Toronto, making it much easier for you to navigate the city or reach the Financial District, where most businesses are located.
Aside from the financial aspect, if you like the natural scenery, Vancouver might be the choice for you. If you like a lively and sparkly atmosphere, Toronto can be the superior choice.
Overall, it’s essential to learn about the best areas in each city. You can check out Toronto neighborhoods and Vancouver neighborhoods for more information.
Cost of Living in Vancouver Vs Toronto
One of the most essential criteria you must consider when choosing a city is its living expenses.
Considering the same standard of living for both cities, the cost of living in Toronto is slightly lower. Accordingly, Toronto is 3.1% cheaper than Vancouver (rent excluded). If we factor in the rent, Toronto will be 5.4% cheaper than Vancouver.
Additionally, grocery prices in Toronto are 11.7% lower than in Vancouver. However, Toronto has a 1.5% higher restaurant price compared to Vancouver.
Statistically, you would need approximately $8987 in Toronto for a standard living, with the same quality of life you would need, $9500 in Vancouver.
Employment Prospects in Toronto Vs Vancouver
As the two biggest cities in Canada, Toronto and Vancouver offer the biggest job market in the nation. Countless positions go to residents or commuters each year in both cities.
Toronto is the country’s financial capital, offering many opportunities in the economic and banking sector.
If you are new to Toronto, different methods can help you find a job in Toronto, from joining different communities to creating an appealing resume.
Vancouver has a more diverse market, and many more positions are available in areas other than the finance section. According to statistics, the average monthly net salary in Toronto is (after tax) $4,715.64, whereas in Vancouver, it’s $4,623.48.
Education in Toronto Vs. Vancouver
The educational system in both cities is the finest in the country. From elementary school to university level, Vancouver and Toronto’s academic system has been proven to be elite.
Toronto Education System
Toronto has a variety of school boards catering to the needs of different audiences, from the French-speaking folk to the Catholic crowd. Here are Toronto’s four school boards:
- Toronto District School Board (largest),
- Toronto Catholic District School Board,
- Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French, secular),
- And Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French, Catholic).
When it comes to post-secondary education, the top institutions in the country belong to Vancouver or Toronto. Toronto’s big three, the University of Toronto, Metropolitan University (AKA Ryerson), and York University, attract many students from all over the nation and worldwide.
Vancouver Education System
However, Vancouver has one unified schooling system, providing high-quality education to everyone across the board called Vancouver School Board (VBS).
Vancouver’s top universities, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, rank among the top universities in Canada. They offer some of the best programs available in the academic world.
Overall, Toronto has a higher number of universities and institutions than Vancouver. So, finding a program might be easier for you in Toronto.
Healthcare in Vancouver Vs. Toronto
The healthcare in both provinces is structured the same, more or less. In Toronto, most healthcare services fall under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan provided to permanent residents. You’ll have access to many free services the OHIP provides if you show your Ontario health card.
However, if you are not an Ontario resident and don’t possess a health card, you would need to pay for any services offered to you. Besides, some services are not free even under the provision of the OHIP. These services include dental care, vision care, a variety of medications, and ambulance rides.
British Columbia’s healthcare system, known as the Medical Services Plan (MSP), takes care of the Vancouver residents. The rules of MSP resemble those of the OHIP, and you need to show an ID card to access free services. Additionally, just like in Toronto, this plan does not support dental and vision care and ambulance rides.
Toronto vs Vancouver Weather
Generally, Canada has always been known as a cold country; however, the weather on the east side differs from that on the west. Toronto leans more towards the extremes. It experiences colder winters and hotter summers.
Toronto experiences temperatures as low as -7°C and as high as 27 °C year round. Whereas Vancouver sees numbers as low as -3°C and as high as 22°C.
All in all, when it comes to Vancouver vs Toronto weather, Vancouver’s weather is milder., Therefore, if you’re not compatible with harsh and cold weather like Toronto, you may enjoy Vancouver’s climate more.
Toronto Vs Vancouver Population
As of 2024, Toronto’s population is estimated at 2,832,718. It is one of the largest cities in North America and has the highest population in Canada. In the last year, it has seen a 0.46% growth, adding 62,785 residents to the population.
On the other side, the population of Vancouver is estimated at 681,420. Vancouver has also experienced an increase in the number of its residents, with a 0.96% growth rate, adding 30,762 to the mix.
Entertainment in Toronto Vs Vancouver
If you prefer big city vibes, with many exhibitions and festivals, Toronto is a great choice. The nightlife in Toronto is immaculate. Also, if you’re into art and history, there are many art galleries and museums in Toronto to visit.
The Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of Illusions Toronto are two examples of many great museums in Toronto. There are also so many free things to do in Toronto such as the Canadian Opera Company, wandering in Toronto’s Parks, and Cherry Beach.
There are also other attractions like the Toronto Music Garden, where you can experience the true magic that the blend of nature and music offers. If you’re big on nature, Toronto might not be your optimal choice.
Vancouver is the place for you if outdoor activities are your forte. You can find them all near the city center if you’re into physical activities like hiking, running, biking, or skiing. You can also visit Stanley Park, which has beautiful scenery.
Having said that, Vancouver is also full of indoor activities. Many great festivals take place in Vancouver each year, and it also has great galleries and art exhibitions in the heart of the city.
You can’t go wrong with either city when it comes to being entertained.
Culinary Scene of Vancouver and Toronto
Toronto and Vancouver are both foodie cities, offering a diverse culinary scene. Vancouver is known for its vast seafood options. Sitting beside the Pacific Ocean helps the city to have great seafood resources.
Besides that, the city also has many great restaurants from different cultures, and many food festivals take place in Vancouver.
The cultural mesh that Toronto has is among the best in the world. Different areas like Chinatown, Little India, Little Italy, and Koreatown are some of the places you can find authentic food.
Additionally, you can find luxury romantic restaurants in Toronto, which are great places to spend a lovely night with your partner.
Both cities are filled with top-tier Michelin-starred restaurants for posh events, as well as daily markets like St. Lawrence Market, which you can visit.
Cultural Vibrancy in Vancouver Vs. Toronto
Toronto and Vancouver are the two most multicultural cities in Canada. However, if we had to choose one city to be more culturally inclusive and diverse, Toronto would be the winner.
Toronto is known to be one of the most multicultural towns in the world, so it goes without saying that if you’re looking for a city with a bigger mix of people, this is the best choice for you.
Surprisingly, 175 different languages are spoken in Toronto. So, no matter where you come from, you will definitely find someone who speaks your language.
Difference Between Vancouver and Toronto
Let’s sum up the comparison between Toronto and Vancouver:
Toronto:
- is a busy city with people from all over the world.
- offers a fast-paced lifestyle with a diverse culture, job opportunities, and lively entertainment.
- has great public transport, lively neighborhoods like Yorkville, and plenty of cultural activities.
- The city is energetic and perfect for those who love city life.
- is slightly more affordable, with lower housing and grocery costs
- has cold weather.
Vancouver:
- is surrounded by nature, offering a calm and relaxed lifestyle.
- is great for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
- has good job opportunities and high living standards.
- has scenic charm.
- comes with good public transportation.
- has milder weather.
- is more expensive.
Choosing depends on your priorities, both promise a great quality of life.
Conclusion
Picking between Toronto Vs Vancouver comes down to what you like, what’s important to you, and which city suits your current status. Both cities offer great living conditions and enough to meet your standards.
Regardless of whether you choose Vancouver or Toronto, you will have a great experience living in either of them.
FAQs
1. Is Vancouver More Expensive Than Toronto?
Depending on what type of lifestyle you engage in, the outcomes might differ. As it stands, both cities are quite expensive to live in. However, the housing market in Vancouver is more expensive than in Toronto right now. Other living costs, like groceries and utilities, can sometimes fluctuate.
2. Is Vancouver Safer Than Toronto?
Currently, despite the rise in crime rates, Vancouver is safer than Toronto. Both cities are among the safest cities in the world. However, Vancouver has a higher safety index by a small margin.
3. Which City Has a Higher Tax Rate?
Overall, Toronto has a higher tax rate than Vancouver. They operate under different tax systems, but they have the same structural progressive tax system, where you’ll have to pay a higher percentage of tax the higher your income becomes. However, Vancouver’s tax numbers start at a lower rate.
Additionally, the tax on goods and services is 13% for Toronto and 12% for Vancouver.
