When it comes to Canadian immigration, there’s no denying that Toronto is a popular destination for newcomers.
Why is this?
There are a couple of reasons, but namely, it’s the big city attraction. Not surprisingly, we tend to associate big cities with job opportunities, cultural diversity, and more resources to help you settle into your new home.
With all of that in mind, there are some key details about Toronto that are important to be aware of before settling into the city. And so, for those of you planning to move to Canada, and more specifically Toronto, here are 5 things you should know prior to your move.
5 Things to Consider Before Moving to Toronto
1) Cost of living is high in Toronto
The first thing to be aware of about Toronto is the cost of living. Toronto is not a cheap city to live in. In fact, rent prices in Toronto are some of the highest in all of Canada. Of course, prices fluctuate greatly depending on where in the city you plan to live (i.e. downtown is the most expensive averaging $2,200 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment; outside the downtown core averages $1800 for a similar apartment).
Keep in mind, even if you do decide to live outside of the downtown core, while Toronto has an extensive transportation system, it will cost you $156 CAD for a monthly pass that gives you access to transportation across the city.
To sum it up, in general, the average cost of living in Toronto for a family of four is $4500 CAD (excluding rent).
2) Toronto is well known for being a multicultural city
When moving to Canada you might have some fears about feeling out of place or like you don’t belong in your new city.
One of the most appealing aspects of Toronto for newcomers is the city’s cultural diversity. With more than half of Toronto’s residents belonging to a visible minority and 200 languages being spoken across the city, most newcomers quickly settle into their new environment.
3) Toronto is a safe city
When considering immigration to Canada looking for safe cities is probably a top concern, especially for those with families.
Luckily, we are happy to report that Toronto is a well-known safe city. In fact, according to the Economist, Toronto is the second safest city in the world.
4) You are eligible for free health care in Toronto
Did you know that the Toronto healthcare system is publically funded by the Ontario government? As a resident of Toronto, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is available to you, meaning a low premium is deducted from your wages to ensure that you are covered financially if you require healthcare (i.e. doctor’s appointments, medications, and even surgery).
Check out this resource to learn more about healthcare in Canada and how it works for you as a newcomer to Canada.
5) You’ll never get bored in Toronto
While you’ll likely want to place more emphasis on practical considerations like cost of living and employment opportunities, don’t forget that Toronto is a well-known major city with no shortage of festivals, restaurants, nightlife, parks, and events to keep you entertained throughout the year.
If living in a thriving city that is full of life and character is on your list of priorities, you’ll love Toronto.
Is Toronto a good city for Canadian immigration?
All in all, if you’re looking for a Canadian city to call home, Toronto makes for an excellent option. Don’t take our word for it, though. Toronto was actually named as the fourth most livable city in the world by the Economist.
Bottom line: If you’re planning to move to Canada and you’re looking for a city that you can call home, Toronto could be it.
If you require assistance moving to Canada, don’t forget to book your appointment with one of our knowledgeable Canadian immigration consultants, and we’d be more than happy to get you started with the immigration process.
About Us
Canada By Choice is a Canadian Immigration Firm based in Windsor, Ontario. Founded in 2007, Canada By Choice Immigration is widely considered one of the most respected immigration firms in our region. We have earned our reputation as a World Class firm by providing dedication and personalized service to each and every unique case before us.
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