Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Calgary to Toronto in 2023
Have you been considering moving from Calgary to Toronto by 2023? These two cities couldn't be more different – and they both have a lot to offer.
Calgary is a cosmopolitan city with an estimated population of 1.2 million people in 2019, spanning over 825 km² of land. It's known for its vibrant nightlife and culture, making it the perfect place for young adults to explore. You can feel the energy and opportunity in the air when you walk through its bustling streets!
Toronto is Canada's largest city with an estimated population of 2.7 million people in 2019, spanning over 630 km² of land. Its diverse cultural heritage makes it one of the most exciting places to visit or live in Canada and there are endless opportunities for growth within its borders! From art galleries to trendy restaurants, there's no shortage of activities that will keep you entertained while living there.
Relocating to Toronto from Calgary
Relocating to Toronto from Calgary requires careful consideration of factors such as cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live and other benefits. Out of the many details you must take into account before making a move, these five are the most important. Moving from Calgary to Toronto is a significant transition that will require thoughtful planning and research - but with the right resources, it can be done!
Cost of Living
Toronto is a large and vibrant city full of diverse opportunities for growth, both financially and professionally. Moving to Toronto from Calgary comes with the understanding that living expenses may vary from one person to the next, depending on their chosen lifestyle. The table below will help compare costs between Calgary and Toronto so you can make an informed decision regarding your move in 2023.
| Category | Toronto | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $315 / sq ft. | $315 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $800/sq ft. | $375 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $2300 / Month | $1050 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month | $200-300 / Month |
| Transportation | $156 / Month (Presto Card) | $109.00 / Month for a Monthly Pass (Adult) |
| Car Insurance | $1500 / Year. | $1,132 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month. | $200 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100-150 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month. | $50-80 / Month for a gym membership. |
| Sales Taxes | 13% / year | 5% |
Moving to Toronto from Calgary is a big step forward and quite an investment. Toronto offers higher real estate prices than Calgary, with production homes being the same price, but custom-built single-family homes at $800/sq ft. compared to $375/sq ft. in Calgary. The monthly housing cost for a 1 bedroom apartment is more than double in Toronto ($2300) compared to Calgary ($1050). Transportation costs are also more expensive in Toronto, with a Presto Card costing $156/month compared to $109/month for a monthly pass in Calgary. Car insurance is likewise more expensive per year, with prices of $1500 in Toronto and only $1132 in Calgary. Entertainment and grocery costs are roughly the same, while communication costs are slightly lower in Toronto ($100-$150/month compared to $100/month in Calgary). Finally, health and fitness membership fees are slightly cheaper in Calgary ($50-80/month) than Toronto ($60/month).
Benefits of Moving to Toronto
The city of Toronto has countless advantages for those who are looking for a change of scenery in their lives. Its diverse neighborhoods, ranging from bustling urban hubs to peaceful suburban enclaves, offer something for everyone no matter what their individual needs might be. Moreover, the city boasts excellent culinary options as well as wide array of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Meanwhile, its public transportation system is easily accessible and reliable making commuting a stress-free experience. In comparison to Calgary's far less extensive access to green spaces, Toronto offers plenty of areas where one can take a stroll and reconnect with nature. All this makes Toronto an attractive destination even for those who prefer adventure over stability in life.
Best areas to live in Toronto
Choosing the right neighbourhood to live in Toronto can be a challenging task, given the city's immense range of housing options. With diverse options come different lifestyle choices that you need to consider before settling in. Connecting to this, here is a list of the five best neighbourhoods to live in Toronto.
Forest Hill
There's plenty to explore and experience if you're moving from Calgary to Toronto in 2023. Located in the upper part of the city, Forest Hill is a safe and vibrant neighbourhood that offers plenty of opportunities for those relocating there. Whether it's fine dining, lavish shopping at nearby boutiques or exploring nearby parks, trails and golf courses, everything lies within a few minutes' distance. With luxe homes with well-manicured gardens, lively streets filled with amenities and activities to enjoy throughout the year, Forest Hill promises a fulfilling living experience for people who move there.
Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills
Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills is an upscale neighbourhood of the city of Toronto. It is home to the affluent and famous in Canada, surrounded by lush parks and green spaces with easy access to the Toronto downtown core and many fabulous attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Edwards Gardens. It's a peaceful area just minutes away from Scarborough Town Centre, Fairview Mall, Don Valley Golf Course, and countless shops. Living in Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills allows you to enjoy urban life with suburban charm: stylish homes nestled among plenty of trees for that perfect balance between city living and nature. Residents also benefit from excellent transportation links making it convenient for trips out of town or commuting downtown for work or leisure activities. With all these great amenities on offer, it's no wonder so many people are drawn to this vibrant neighbourhood.
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is an affluent neighbourhood in Toronto, known for its large homes, lush gardens and peaceful streets. It's surrounded by the Don River Valley to the east, Avenue Road to the west and Blythwood Ravine Park on its northern edge. Lawrence Park is just a few minutes away from some of Toronto’s best attractions: whether you're looking a night out at Yonge Street or a day out in Rosedale or Summerhill, you won't have far to go. With plenty of green spaces on your doorstep and fantastic amenities nearby, living in Lawrence Park will be like coming home each day.
Rosedale-Moore Park
Heading 3: Rosedale-Moore Park
Rosedale–Moore Park is one of the most affluent and exclusive neighborhoods in Toronto, known for its historic homes and well-maintained gardens. The area is surrounded by lush ravines, parks, trails and several golf courses, offering plenty of outdoor activities. The nearby attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto City Hall are within easy reach – a few minutes drive or a short transit ride away. Living in this neighborhood gives you access to high-end shopping stores like Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue just steps away from your doorstep. With plenty of amenities to enjoy, Rosedale-Moore park offers an inviting lifestyle filled with beauty, luxury and convenience.
Leaside-Bennington
Moving to Toronto and Leaside-Bennington specifically in 2023 could be an appealing opportunity. Leaside-Bennington is known for its community spirit, urban living, vibrant community gardens and parks. This area is surrounded by Don Valley Parkway, Bayview Avenue, Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue which offers quick access to the downtown core of Toronto as well as other attractions. The distance to the popular Ontario Science Centre or Sunnybrook Park are around 5 km or less away from this neighbourhood providing entertaining activities for all ages. Living in Leaside-Bennington promises a fun urban lifestyle with plenty of green spaces nearby.
Pros
- The abundance of job openings in Toronto make it easier to switch careers or find a new position, compared to Calgary.
- The advantages of moving from Calgary to Toronto include its larger size and more diverse culture and entertainment options.
- The proximity of Toronto to other major cities in Eastern Canada is a great advantage when moving from Calgary.
Cons
- Moving to Toronto in 2023 can be an expensive venture, as the cost of living is significantly higher than that of Calgary.
- The grueling traffic of Toronto, compared to the less severe one of Calgary, can make commutes take considerably longer and more taxing.
- The harsh winter and regular snowfall in Toronto make relocating here a much more difficult process compared to Calgary.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Calgary to Toronto?
Moving from Calgary to Toronto in 2023 can be a daunting task, especially when you don't know the right moving solutions that are available. Thankfully, there are numerous Canadian moving companies out there who offer different services and packages that can help take the stress away. From full-service moves where you won't have to lift a finger to pick-up and delivery services or do-it-yourself rental trucks; customers have plenty of options to choose from. Hercules Moving Company is a renowned name that provides reliable prices and top notch service. Meanwhile, reputable online reviews should always be checked before choosing any vendor for your move as well as verifying their membership with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). It's important to choose the company offering quality service at an affordable cost that best suits your move requirements.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Toronto from Calgary is a great opportunity, with countless advantages like diverse neighbourhoods, excellent culinary options and plenty of cultural events. It is important to consider the cost of living, benefits and best areas to live before relocating. To make the transition easier, it is advised to use professional services such as Hercules Moving Company or other reliable vendors. With thoughtful planning and research, making a move in 2023 can be made stress-free!
