Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Vancouver to Toronto in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Vancouver to Toronto? Both of these Canadian cities are unique in their own way and have a lot to offer for anyone who decides to make the big move.
Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, majestic mountains, and gorgeous coastline. With a population of 2.5 million people and an area of 114 sq km, it's one of Canada's most vibrant cities. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or simply taking in the views along the city's many trails and beaches, Vancouver has something for everyone.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city by population with over 5 million people calling it home. It’s also one of North America’s most diverse cities; providing a multitude of cultural experiences including art galleries, music festivals, sports events and theatre performances all year round. At 641 sq km in size there is plenty here to explore from waterfront parks to rooftop bars – this bustling metropolis will keep you busy!
Relocating to Toronto from Vancouver
Moving from one city to another can be a complex process, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be done smoothly. When considering a move from Vancouver to Toronto in 2023, there are many factors to take into account. Our research has identified the five most important considerations: cost of living; benefits of moving; where to live; pros and cons of each city; and the best moving solutions. This section will go into further details about these considerations and more.
Cost of Living
Toronto is the fourth largest city in Canada and one of the most populous cities in North America. When moving here, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of living depends on your lifestyle and habits. To make this easier, take a look at the comparison table below to get an estimate of how much it would cost to move from Vancouver to Toronto.
| Category | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $550/sq ft. | $480/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $1,180 / sq ft. | $1,104 per sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1700 / Month. | $1,800 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $250-350 / Month | $150-250 / Month |
| Transportation | $156 / Month (Metropass) | $98 / Month for a monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1500 / Year. | $1,680 / Year |
| Entertainment | $290 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $300-$400 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $80 / Month | $85 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month | $70 / Month (average cost for a fitness club membership) |
| Sales Taxes | 13\% | 7% / Year |
Living costs in Toronto are generally higher than those in Vancouver. Real estate prices for both production homes and custom-built single-family homes are higher in Toronto than in Vancouver. In terms of housing, a one-bedroom apartment costs $1700/month in Toronto while it costs only $1800/month in Vancouver. Utilities and insurance also tend to be more expensive in Toronto than Vancouver, costing between $250-350/month compared to just $150-250/month respectively. Transportation is more affordable in Vancouver with a monthly transit pass costing only $98 compared to the Metropass price of $156/month in Toronto. Car insurance is slightly more expensive in Vancouver at an average annual cost of $1680 compared to Toronto's annual car insurance cost of $1500. Entertainment is also more affordable in Vancouver with an average monthly cost of $200 compared to the average monthly cost of entertainment in Toronto at $290/month. Grocery costs for a single person can range from about $300-$400/month for those living on a budget, but this is generally higher than the average grocery cost of about $400/month for those living in Toronto. Finally, sales taxes are significantly lower for those living
Benefits of Moving to Toronto
Moving from Vancouver to Toronto can be very rewarding. Toronto offers a lot of things that Vancouver does not, such as clean streets, diverse public transportation options and cultural events. Moreover, the green spaces available in Toronto offer the perfect setting for relaxation and quality time outdoors. Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Vancouver it is difficult to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life due to limited green spaces. Additionally, Toronto provides much more legal protection and rights than what is offered in Vancouver making it an ideal place for those seeking better security. With so many opportunities for personal growth in the city of Toronto, it makes sense why so many Canadians decide to make a move here!
Best areas to live in Toronto
Choosing the right neighbourhood when moving to Toronto can be a difficult task. With all the various communities and neighbourhoods in this bustling city, it can seem overwhelming to narrow it down to just one place. To make your decision easier, here is our list of some of the best areas in Toronto that you should consider living in.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill is a vibrant and popular neighbourhood located in the north-west corner of Toronto. It is populated by over 30,000 people, predominantly young professionals. The neighbourhood boasts a wide range of amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants and cultural events. It is within walking distance of the Yonge-University subway line and a short drive to Downtown Toronto. Forest Hill offers residents an urban lifestyle full of opportunities while still having easy access to nature with parks such as Cedarvale Park nearby. Living in Forest Hill has its advantages with quick access to world-class entertainment venues like Casa Loma or the Air Canada Centre being only moments away. It’s a great place for young professionals looking for convenience and culture all in one place!
Rosedale
Rosedale is a historic and vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto. It is known for its distinctive architecture, majorly composed of stacked townhouses filled with character and charm. Located two kilometres from the city centre, Rosedale is conveniently close to attractions such as the University of Toronto, art galleries, and beautiful parks. With its lush green spaces and safe streets it makes an excellent place to raise a family or enjoy some city solitude - living in Rosedale will be an unforgettable experience!
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is an affluent neighbourhood in North Toronto, with a population composed primarily of high-income families, many of whom are professionals. It is surrounded by parks, trails and ravines for those who enjoy outdoor activities. With quick access to the downtown core, it's just a 25 minute drive to major attractions like the CN Tower and Toronto Zoo. With beautiful homes and leafy streets full of character, living in Lawrence Park offers residents an enjoyable suburban lifestyle just steps away from all the city has to offer.
The Bridle Path
The Bridle Path is a luxurious, residential neighbourhood in North York, Toronto. It's surrounded by ravines and the Don River Valley Park system and is known for its grand Tudor-style mansions sitting on generously sized lots. It's within walking distance of popular attractions like Edwards Gardens and nearby Bayview Village Shopping Centre, only 5.8 km away. For those seeking peace and privacy while still being close to urban amenities, The Bridle Path provides the perfect mix - making it an ideal place to live or getaway to.
Yorkville
Yorkville is a small neighbourhood located at the centre of Toronto, one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. It has a population of over 17,000 people and is known for its high-end shopping centres, luxurious restaurants, and relaxing parks. The area is also home to some beautiful historic sites such as Casa Loma and the Spadina Museum. Yorkville can easily be accessed via transit or by car due to its close proximity to numerous major highways. Living in Yorkville offers an unmatched urban lifestyle that combines city living with comfort and convenience. Amenities like gourmet grocery stores, independent delicatessens, cafés and bars are all within walking distance making it the perfect spot for anyone looking for an exciting yet laid-back lifestyle in Toronto.
Pros
- In Toronto, there are more job opportunities than in Vancouver, making it an attractive destination for relocating professionals.
- The lower cost of living in Toronto makes it a more attractive destination to move to compared to Vancouver.
- Moving to Toronto offers an advantage of being in a larger population, compared to Vancouver.
Cons
- The hard winters in Toronto compared to Vancouver can be a disadvantage for those moving there.
- Moving to Toronto from Vancouver might be challenging due to its longer commute times.
- Moving from Vancouver to Toronto can mean enduring higher levels of pollution.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Vancouver to Toronto?
The task of moving from Vancouver to Toronto can be a complicated and time consuming process, but with the right help it can be an easier transition. Moving companies offer various services that are intended to make the move less stressful. For example, Hercules Moving Company offers packing and unpacking services, loading and unloading of items onto vehicles, as well as transportation. In addition to providing those services, they will also provide free advice on what supplies are needed for the move. Moreover, there is a plethora of other moving companies to choose from depending on one’s particular needs. Meanwhile, it is important to keep in mind that individuals should always check the reputation of any moving company they are considering online before making a final decision – not all movers are created equal! Furthermore, all movers registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) must adhere to certain customer protection laws related with moving operations.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Toronto in 2023 can be a great decision with many benefits, including legal protection and rights greater than other cities, clean streets and diverse public transportation. There are five important considerations when making the move: cost of living; benefits of moving; where to live; pros and cons of each city; and the best moving solutions. With over 30 different areas to choose from it's easy for anyone relocating to find the perfect neighbourhood for their lifestyle needs. Moving companies like Hercules Moving Company can offer packing and unpacking services as well as free advice on what supplies are needed for the move. It's important to research any potential movers online before making a decision in order to ensure that they meet customer protection laws set by Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
