Hello, I’m David. I’ve lived in Canada my entire life, and over the years, I’ve had friends and family move across different cities—some in Toronto, others in Vancouver, and a few in Calgary. As a husband, father of two, and someone who’s always curious about how people manage their lives across Canada, I’ve often compared what it really costs to live in these three major cities.
Whether you’re a student planning your future, a newcomer to Canada, or even a Canadian family considering relocation, understanding the cost of living is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Let me break it down for you, based on real experiences, research, and a bit of personal reflection.
🏠 Housing: The Biggest Expense
Toronto:
Housing in Toronto is, without a doubt, expensive. Renting a decent two-bedroom apartment downtown can easily cost between $2,800–$3,200 CAD per month. If you move to the suburbs, you might find something for $2,200–$2,500, but then you’re adding commuting costs. Buying a house in Toronto has become almost unreachable for most middle-class families, with average home prices sitting well over $1 million CAD.
Vancouver:
Vancouver is even pricier when it comes to housing. It’s often ranked as the most expensive city in Canada. A two-bedroom apartment downtown will set you back $3,200–$3,600 CAD per month, and suburban rentals hover around $2,500–$2,800. Buying property? Average detached homes are well above $1.2–$1.4 million CAD. Vancouver is breathtakingly beautiful, but you’ll pay a premium for that ocean and mountain view.
Calgary:
Calgary is much more affordable in comparison. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in the city center for about $1,800–$2,000 CAD per month, and suburban rentals can dip below $1,600. Home ownership is also far more realistic, with average houses costing $500,000–$600,000 CAD. For families like mine, this affordability makes Calgary an attractive choice.
👉 Winner: Calgary – by a long shot. Housing is the single biggest factor that makes Toronto and Vancouver harder for middle-class families.
🛒 Groceries and Food
Toronto:
A weekly grocery run for a family of four like mine costs about $180–$220 CAD, depending on whether you buy local produce or imported items. Eating out at a casual restaurant costs around $20–$25 per person.
Vancouver:
Groceries in Vancouver are slightly more expensive, closer to $200–$240 per week for a family. Eating out is similar to Toronto, though seafood lovers may splurge a bit more, given the fresh options available.
Calgary:
Groceries in Calgary are a touch cheaper, about $170–$200 per week for a family. Dining out averages the same as Toronto, but portions in Alberta are often generous—you definitely get value for your dollar.
👉 Winner: Calgary again, though Toronto and Vancouver are not too far behind.
🚇 Transportation
Toronto:
Public transit in Toronto is reliable, but not cheap. A monthly TTC pass costs $156 CAD. Parking downtown can feel like daylight robbery at $20–$30 per day. Many families own at least one car, which means insurance (often $150–$200 monthly) and gas on top.
Vancouver:
Vancouver’s transit system (TransLink) is efficient, but fares depend on zones. A monthly pass is around $120–$181 CAD depending on your travel area. Parking downtown is as pricey as Toronto. Owning a car here is common, but traffic can test your patience.
Calgary:
Calgary has fewer transit options, but a monthly pass costs just $112 CAD. Most families rely heavily on cars, but the upside is cheaper parking and generally lower insurance premiums compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
👉 Winner: Calgary – cheaper and less stressful.
⚡ Utilities and Internet
Toronto:
For a standard family home or apartment, expect utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) to run about $200–$250 CAD per month. Internet packages cost around $80–$100 CAD monthly.
Vancouver:
Utilities are similar, averaging $180–$230 CAD per month, with internet costing the same as Toronto.
Calgary:
Utility costs in Calgary can fluctuate because of cold winters, averaging $220–$280 CAD per month. Internet is about $80–$95 CAD.
👉 Winner: Tie between Toronto and Vancouver. Calgary’s colder climate pushes up heating bills in winter.
🎓 Education and Childcare
As a dad with two kids, education and childcare are a big part of my expenses.
Toronto:
Public schools are free, but childcare (daycare) can cost $1,200–$1,600 CAD per month per child. After-school programs and extracurriculars add up quickly.
Vancouver:
Daycare costs are similar, between $1,200–$1,500 CAD per child. Families often face long waitlists for quality childcare.
Calgary:
Daycare is cheaper, averaging $900–$1,200 CAD per child. Extracurricular activities (hockey, dance, etc.) are still costly, but slightly less compared to Toronto and Vancouver.
👉 Winner: Calgary – better childcare affordability.
🎭 Entertainment and Lifestyle
Toronto:
Plenty of things to do, but they don’t come cheap. A movie night for four (tickets + popcorn) can easily hit $80–$100 CAD. Sports tickets (Maple Leafs, Raptors) are notoriously expensive.
Vancouver:
Lifestyle here leans outdoorsy. Hiking, biking, and exploring beaches are free, but events and concerts are pricey. A family movie outing costs about the same as Toronto.
Calgary:
Entertainment is slightly cheaper. Flames hockey tickets are more affordable than Leafs games. Outdoor adventures like the Rockies are right at your doorstep for low cost. A family movie night is still $80–$90 CAD.
👉 Winner: Calgary – more affordable activities and easier access to nature.
💰 Overall Cost of Living Comparison
Here’s a quick snapshot for a family of four:
- Toronto: Around $6,000–$7,000 CAD per month (comfortable living, not luxury).
- Vancouver: Around $6,500–$7,500 CAD per month (slightly higher housing costs).
- Calgary: Around $4,500–$5,500 CAD per month (much more affordable overall).
🏆 Final Thoughts
If money wasn’t an issue, I’d say Vancouver is a dream—mountains, ocean, and stunning beauty. Toronto, on the other hand, is a cultural hub, with unmatched diversity and opportunities. But when you’re raising a family like mine and looking at real numbers, Calgary stands out for affordability and quality of life.
Of course, cost of living isn’t everything. Job opportunities, family ties, and personal preferences matter too. But if you’re moving to Canada or thinking of relocating within the country, it’s worth considering whether the high costs of Toronto and Vancouver match the lifestyle you want—or whether Calgary gives you more breathing room financially.
As a father and traveler, I believe each of these cities offers something special. The choice really depends on what you value most: big-city excitement, natural beauty, or affordability.
✍️ Written by David, a Canadian father, sports fan, and traveler who loves exploring the many sides of life in Canada.
Cost of Living Comparison: Toronto vs. Vancouver vs. Calgary (Family of 4) – in 2025
| Expense Category | Toronto (CAD) | Vancouver (CAD) | Calgary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent Downtown) | $2,800 – $3,200 | $3,200 – $3,600 | $1,800 – $2,000 |
| Housing (2BR Suburbs) | $2,200 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $2,800 | $1,500 – $1,600 |
| Monthly Groceries | $180 – $220 / week → ~$800 | $200 – $240 / week → ~$900 | $170 – $200 / week → ~$750 |
| Dining Out (per person) | $20 – $25 | $20 – $25 | $18 – $22 |
| Public Transit Pass | $156 | $120 – $181 | $112 |
| Car Insurance (avg.) | $150 – $200 | $140 – $180 | $120 – $160 |
| Utilities (Family Home) | $200 – $250 | $180 – $230 | $220 – $280 |
| Internet | $80 – $100 | $80 – $100 | $80 – $95 |
| Daycare (per child) | $1,200 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $1,500 | $900 – $1,200 |
| Movie Night (Family of 4) | $80 – $100 | $80 – $100 | $80 – $90 |
| Average Monthly Total | $6,000 – $7,000 | $6,500 – $7,500 | $4,500 – $5,500 |
📌 Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on our research and available data at the time of writing. Actual costs may vary depending on lifestyle, location, and changing market conditions. If you notice any inaccuracies or have updated information, please feel free to contact us at info[@]study world .ca and we will review and update the content accordingly.