A First-Timer’s Guide to Moving in Toronto

Whether you’re relocating to Toronto from another province or another country, you’ve made a great choice. 

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, known for its vibrant cultural scene, creativity, and endless things to do (think summer festivals, countless green spaces, thousands of restaurants, and over 100 neighbourhoods to explore). Whether you’re starting your career or looking to settle down, the city offers something for everyone.

Of course, moving to a new city comes with a fair share of logistics and things to figure out. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Toronto for the first time, so your transition is as smooth as possible. 

Key takeaways

If this is your first time moving in Toronto, here is a checklist of things you will need to do: 

• Set up a Toronto Hydro account
• Buy or update insurance 
• Set up local services
• Update your address
• Choose an internet provider and get set up

Why move to Toronto? 

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the country’s largest economic hub, making it a top-tier destination for people looking to advance their careers and experience city life to the fullest. 

There are many job opportunities in industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, and media. So, if you’re looking to network and quickly grow in your career, Toronto is the place to be.

Living in Toronto puts you in the heart of everything, from concerts and sports to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. There’s always something happening, and new spots are always popping up. 

Toronto is also very diverse, with neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greektown, plus an amazing food scene featuring cuisine from around the world. It’s not uncommon to see the city ranked among the world’s top 10 most liveable cities.

That said, there are a few trade-offs to living in Canada’s largest city. The cost of living is high, especially for housing, and the fast-paced lifestyle can feel intense. But for many, the opportunities and overall lifestyle make it well worth it. 

Transportation in Toronto

Subway (TTC): The main transit system is the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which includes three subway lines, the LRT, streetcars, and buses. The subway is the fastest and most reliable way to get around, but it’s simpler and less extensive than cities like Montreal. Fares are around $3.30 per ride, or about $156 for a monthly pass. If you plan on using the TTC often, it’s worth getting a PRESTO card to save some money. 

Bike Share Toronto: If you live closer to downtown, biking is a great way to get around. Bike Share Toronto has over 10,000 bikes and 1,000 stations in the GTA. You can pay as you go, opt for a day pass ($15), or get an annual membership starting at $105. 

Driving: While it’s an option, driving is not recommended if you live in the downtown core. Traffic can be heavy, parking is limited and expensive, and it’s often slower than transit during peak hours. 

Finding an apartment in Toronto

Finding an apartment can be tough, especially if you’re new to the city. Here’s what you need to know about Toronto’s neighbourhoods, rental rules, and how to secure an apartment.

Toronto neighbourhoods: Toronto has over 140 neighbourhoods, and where you choose to live will have a big impact on your lifestyle, budget, and commute. The most well-known neighbourhoods include:

• The downtown core: Financial District, Entertainment District, CityPlace
• The West end: Trinity Bellwoods, Queen West, Parkdale 
• The East end: Leslieville, Riverdale
• Midtown: Yonge and Eglinton 
• North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke

It’s worth noting that rent in Toronto is heavily tied to transit. If you live near a subway station, you’ll usually pay more, but it can really improve your daily commute. Generally, young professionals tend to live closer to downtown, while families often settle in quieter areas like the Danforth or Riverdale, where you’ll find more space and a community feel. 

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Ontario’s rental rules: Renting in Ontario is a bit different from other provinces, in that:

• In most cases, you’ll need to provide first and last month’s rent upfront (plus a deposit, if needed)
• Rent increases are regulated, meaning landlords can’t raise your rent within the first 12 months, and increases are capped at 2.5%
• It can be common to see bidding wars, especially during peak rental season in popular neighbourhoods. In some cases, tenants have to offer above the asking price to secure a unit
• Many landlords also require tenant insurance, often with at least $1M in liability coverage

Rentals in Toronto are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), which sets the rules for both tenants and landlords. 

How to secure an apartment in Toronto

Before you start applying, have all your documents ready, including proof of income, a credit check, references, first and last month’s rent upfront (and sometimes a deposit). You might also be asked for additional documentation. 

If you see a place you like, especially during the summer months, apply right away, as it can be very competitive. You can search for rentals on platforms like condos.ca, rentals.ca, and Facebook Marketplace. Prices are generally higher in the summer during peak demand, while winter offers better deals, but the trade-off is moving in the cold. 

Cost of living in Toronto

As Canada’s largest and most popular city, Toronto is also one of the most expensive places to live in. Compared to cities like Montreal, expenses and rent are significantly higher. 

On average, the cost of living in Toronto (excluding rent) is around $1,520 per month. Even without rent, everyday expenses like groceries and transportation tend to be higher than in other Canadian cities. 

But housing is where the biggest difference shows. Rent in Toronto is roughly 32% higher than in Montreal, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around $2,095, depending on the area. To pay slightly cheaper rent, many people choose to live further out in neighbourhoods like Scarborough or Etobicoke, but the tradeoff is a longer commute. 

Things to set up after you move 

After moving to Toronto, there are a few key things you need to set up: 

Set up a Toronto Hydro account

You’ll need to open an account with Toronto Hydro, the main electricity provider in the city. Make sure you do this a few days before you move, either online or by phone. 

Home insurance

You’ll need tenant insurance if you’re renting, or condo or home insurance if you’re buying. Many landlords require tenant insurance with at least $1M to $2M in liability coverage, and may have additional requirements. If you’ve purchased a home with a mortgage, your lender will typically require home insurance as well. 

Car insurance

If you’re bringing a car from outside Ontario, you’ll need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within six days of moving. You can do so online or at a ServiceOntario location.  

Also, bear in mind that Ontario has a fully private car insurance system, and you’re required to get at least the minimum coverage. This includes accident benefits, third-party liability coverage (at least $200,000), and uninsured motorist protection. 

You might also want to consider optional coverages, such as collision or comprehensive insurance, which can help cover the cost of repairing your vehicle after an accident, theft, or other damage. 

To make the insurance process easier, digital platforms like YouSet let you compare quotes from multiple insurers in one place and buy online.

Set up local services

You’ll need to set up several important services, handled by the City of Toronto: 

• Property tax (if you own your home): Set up an account, choose a payment plan (monthly or installments), and link billing to your address. You can also sign up for the Property Tax Lookup and enroll in the Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Program online so payments are withdrawn automatically. 
• Garbage, recycling, and green bin: Check your collection schedule online or download the TOwaste app. 
• Parking permit: If you don’t have a parking spot, you can apply for a residential on-street parking permit (issued on a six-month basis). 
• Pet license: If you have a dog or cat, you’re required to register them and renew their license annually.

Update your address

Make sure to update your address across all essential services, including:

• Banks
• Subscriptions 
• Utilities
• Insurance providers
• CRA 

Phone and internet provider

If your current provider doesn’t offer services in Toronto, you’ll need to switch. Popular options include Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Freedom Mobile. It’s a good idea to set this up ahead of time so you’re connected when you arrive.