Most Affordable Places To Live Outside Of Toronto

Are you planning to relocate to another city in Canada? Maybe one of the top places to consider in Canada is Ontario. Because no matter if you want to choose a rural area with a big-city ambience close to downtown or a historic area with huge parks, both could be easily found in this province. The first suggestion for relocating to a new place will certainly be to ask the advice of a professional real estate agent, but this article can also help you to find an affordable place to live in.

Many people think that since Ontario hosts Toronto, one of the most expensive cities in Canada, they won’t be able to find a cheap place to live there. On the other hand, now that working remotely is a new trend, many young professionals don’t need to stay in such an expensive city.

Yes, Toronto is undoubtedly an expensive city, but the good news is that thankfully there are many much more affordable places to live in Ontario. So, if you have the chance of working remotely or planning to leave the costly city of Toronto, I can offer you a list of the most affordable places to live outside Toronto.

Related articles: Most affordable neighborhoods for rent in Toronto

Cheapest Places to live in Ontario

9- Oshawa

When considering relocation options outside of Toronto, Oshawa emerges as one of the most affordable places to live. This dynamic city, located approximately 60 kilometers east of Toronto, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective yet high-quality lifestyle.

Affordable Housing Market

Oshawa’s housing market is significantly more affordable compared to Toronto, offering a range of options from single-family homes to modern condos and townhouses. The lower real estate prices make homeownership attainable for many first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade their living space without the hefty price tag associated with Toronto’s real estate market.

Proximity to Toronto

One of the key advantages of living in Oshawa is its proximity to Toronto. With convenient access to major highways and a well-connected public transit system, including the GO Train, commuting to Toronto for work or leisure is straightforward and efficient. This makes Oshawa an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the benefits of living near a major metropolitan area without the high cost of living.

Growing Job Market

Oshawa boasts a growing job market, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The presence of major employers like General Motors and Ontario Tech University contributes to the city’s economic stability and provides diverse employment opportunities for residents.

Quality Education

For families, Oshawa offers a range of quality educational institutions, from reputable public and private schools to post-secondary options like Durham College and Ontario Tech University. These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities for children and young adults, contributing to the city’s appeal for families.

Recreational and Cultural Amenities

Oshawa is rich in recreational and cultural amenities, offering residents a variety of activities and attractions. The city is home to numerous parks, trails, and sports facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Cultural attractions such as the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Oshawa Museum, and various festivals and events throughout the year enrich the community’s cultural landscape.

Community and Lifestyle

Living in Oshawa means enjoying a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of urban living with the charm of a close-knit community. The city’s vibrant downtown area features a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer peaceful residential areas with a strong sense of community.

Why Oshawa?

Oshawa stands out as one of the most affordable places to live outside of Toronto, offering a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. With its affordable housing market, proximity to Toronto, growing job market, quality education, and rich recreational and cultural amenities, Oshawa provides a compelling option for those looking to relocate.

If you’re considering moving to Oshawa or need more information about the most affordable places to live outside of Toronto, please contact us. As experienced Toronto real estate agents, we can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect home that fits your needs and budget. Reach out today to explore the opportunities that await you in Oshawa.

8- Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, stands out as one of the most affordable cities near Toronto, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and scenic beauty.

As house prices in Toronto continue to soar, Hamilton emerges as a compelling alternative for those seeking more budget-friendly living options. Known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene, Hamilton combines the allure of city life with the tranquility of nature, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Ontario.

Affordable Living in a Growing City

Hamilton is increasingly recognized as one of the affordable cities near Toronto, attracting both families and young professionals alike.

The city offers a range of housing options that are significantly more affordable than those in Toronto. From historic homes in established neighborhoods to new developments on the city outskirts, Hamilton provides diverse real estate opportunities that fit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.

This affordability is a major draw for those looking to escape the high costs associated with living in Toronto.

Economic Opportunities and Quality of Life

Not only is Hamilton one of the cheap cities near Toronto, but it also boasts a growing economy with strengths in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

The presence of McMaster University and several hospitals makes it a hub for innovation and employment in the health and science sectors. Additionally, Hamilton’s revitalized downtown area features a thriving arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and venues that host regular events and festivals, enriching the community’s quality of life.

Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities

One of Hamilton’s most appealing aspects is its natural environment. Often referred to as the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” the city has more than 100 waterfalls within its boundaries, nestled along the Niagara Escarpment.

Residents enjoy easy access to hiking trails, conservation areas, and parks, which provide a refreshing counterbalance to city life. This connection to nature makes Hamilton not only one of the cheapest places to live in Ontario but also one of the most scenic.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Hamilton’s strategic location makes it a practical choice for commuters and those who frequently travel to Toronto.

With robust highway connections, regular GO Train services, and a regional airport, Hamilton is well-connected, making it easy to access the greater Toronto area and beyond.

This convenience adds to the city’s appeal as one of the affordable cities near Toronto, offering the benefits of a quieter, less congested lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity.

Why Hamilton?

Hamilton represents a fantastic opportunity for those searching for affordable living options just outside of Toronto.

As one of the cheap towns near Toronto, it offers a compelling mix of low-cost housing, economic growth, vibrant community life, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re a young professional starting out, a family looking for room to grow, or a retiree seeking a peaceful community, Hamilton provides an affordable, high-quality living option.

If you’re interested in exploring what Hamilton has to offer or have questions about moving to one of the most affordable cities near Toronto, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.

7. City of Kingston

Kingston, a city in Ontario is one of the most desirable places to live in Canada. Located just a short drive from Toronto, City of Kingston offers its residents a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles. With its close proximity to Toronto, Kingston is one of the most affordable places to live outside of the city.

Kingston has a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions. It is home to some of the best hiking and cycling trails in the province, as well as numerous parks, beaches, and lakes. The city is also known for its arts and culture scene, with a vibrant downtown filled with boutique stores, galleries, and restaurants.

One of the main attractions of Kingston is it’s real estate market. With a median house price that is significantly lower than Toronto, City of Kingston is one of the most affordable places near Toronto. The city is filled with modern condos, townhouses, and family homes, making it an excellent place to invest in real estate.

Kingston is also home to a thriving business community. With its close proximity to Toronto, entrepreneurs and businesses have easy access to the city’s financial district and numerous industries. This makes Kingston a great place to start a business or find employment.

There is no shortage of options for shopping and entertainment in Kingston City. The city is home to numerous malls, boutique stores, and restaurants, making it perfect for an evening out or a day of shopping. For those looking for a night out in the city, Kingston offers a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from.

If you are looking for an affordable place to live near Toronto, Kingstone City is an excellent option. With its close proximity to Toronto, Kingston offers its residents all the amenities of a bustling city, but with a fraction of the cost. For those looking to invest in real estate, this area is one of the best places to find a great deal. With a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can find the perfect home for you and your family.

6. St. Catharines

One of the first options for finding the most affordable place to live outside Toronto can be St. Catharines. If you are a young person looking for a skilled occupation, I have good news for you: St. Catharines offers you a wide range of job opportunities for a new future. Plus, the rent prices are almost half of living in Toronto and costs of living is 0.5% less than the national average. If you are working remotely and need to visit Toronto occasionally, it is only an hour away. Brock University and Niagara College are also located near Saint Catharine, offering the best study opportunities.

The most exciting thing about this city is that St. Catharines is surrounded by gardens, parks and trails. That’s why it is also called Garden City. Also, there are many art exhibits, festivals, theatre performances and historical museums that will entertain you all year long. The number of local craft breweries is rapidly growing in St. Catharines, and along with its breathtaking natural spots, you are going to have great shopping opportunities.

So, having many manufacturing and service industries, well-respected educational facilities and affordable housing options can make St. Catharines a good option to live outside Toronto at a reasonable cost.

5. London

Another option near Toronto could be the six largest cities in Ontario, London. This city has a mild climate and a population of over 366,000 people, mostly students and medical professionals. The rent is 46% lower in London and the cost of living is 15% lower than in Toronto. It is famous for its thriving healthcare and education system. But, it is also an exciting hub for its art exhibitions and music festivals. If you need to frequently travel to the United States, this city can be ideal for you. Because it is located at the border of Canada and the United States.

Living in such an affordable large city like London gives the feeling of a small town which offers the big city amenities. No matter if you like camping alone in the forest or walking through the busy downtown areas, London with quiet parks and busy downtown scenes will entice you. There are also many small businesses and start-up owners offering new jobs for the residents. It is amazing living in a city with all kinds of facilities to entertain and many job opportunities while it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg!

London provides great educational, healthcare and financial services, so you can call this city your forever home.  If you are not planning for long-term living in London, this city with all the affordable housing options can be a good saving for a few years. Enjoy the beauty of quiet suburbs and great parks and trails of London while saving and planning for your future destination.

4. Sault Ste. Marie

One of the most affordable and beautiful cities in Ontario with the St. Mary’s River running in the middle of it would be Sault Ste. Marie. This city is known as the third-largest city in Northern Ontario with over 73,368 population. It is also famous as the ‘Friendliest City in Algoma’ in Northeastern Ontario. The rich history of Sault Ste. Marie dates back to the 1600s. So, it would be exciting living in a beautiful city with rich history and inspiring landscapes.

There is a significant number of industries, offering plenty of job opportunities for the residents. Sault Ste. Marie not only offers access to high-quality education in an affordable city, but it is also a perfect spot for nature and camping lovers. Take a day trip to the best sandy beaches of Ontario in Sault Ste. Marie this summer or try the curbside canoe and overnight stay in beautiful riverside nature. Experience a new adventure in mountain biking trails and resting in the best cottage while you’re roasting marshmallows and swimming with your family and friends. Sault Ste. Marie could be your affordable destination with all-new adventures.

3. Windsor 

Windsor certainly is where you can find some of the most affordable houses in Ontario. This city is located on the border of the United States and close to Detroit. It takes about 3 hours to get to Toronto by car. However, you can drive to Detroit in less than ten minutes to work every day. There is also the chance to access high-quality education at the University of Windsor, which is one of the top institutions in the country.

In Windsor, not only can you enjoy the stunning waterfront view, but also there are many festivals, museums and the waterfront park stretching about 5 kilometres to entertain. The Harrow County Fair Festival and Canadian Transportation Museum can be mentioned here. Residents can also enjoy access to affordable public transport and the International airport offering daily flights to many major cities. Rent in Windsor is 56% lower than in Toronto. So what could be better than having the opportunity to work in Detroit, but live in Windsor with its low cost of living?

2. Sudbury

If you are a cold-tolerant person, then it seems Sudbury could be a pretty good option for you. It is definitely at the top of the list of most affordable places to live outside Toronto. Sudbury is located 390 kilometres north of Toronto, which takes about 4 hours to drive. It has a small population of 161,531 people, but offers a lot of professional job opportunities, especially in financial and business services, education, health care and tourism. It is also home to the Northern Ontario Film Studios.

Sudbury is one of the largest cities in Canada with a low population density which still has great city amenities. In other words, the city is not so low-populated to make you feel isolated, instead, you will have a lot of space to grow and explore. So, Sudbury has an urban feel without the inflated living costs. Rent Prices in Toronto are 82.01% higher than in Sudbury.

Living in such a nature-centric city gives you the possibility of exploring its beautiful freshwater lakes, parks and pristine forests on the weekends. Sudbury is known as the “City of Lakes” because it has more lakes than any other city in Canada. So if you don’t have to commute every day, what could be better than working from your house in a small quiet city with lovely natural scenes and a low cost of living?

1. Thunder Bay

And we have Thunder Bay at the top of the list of most affordable places to live outside Toronto. This city is also called “Lakehead” because it is located right at the top of the Great Lakes. The population of Thunder Bay is about 108,400 people which has the highest quality air in Ontario. The rent prices in Thunder Bay are 74.67% lower than in Toronto. This city hosts Lakehead University, which is a famous academic organization offering the residents high-quality education.

There are also different major industries in transportation, mining, manufacturing and forestry in Thunder Bay, offering a lot of job opportunities. If you have to commute to Toronto occasionally for your job or visiting your family, the good news is even the price of your flight to Toronto is cheap.

Living in Thunder Bay gives you a lot of great natural areas and lakes to explore or even live in. Or you can easily go to Minnesota for a weekend getaway. Despite all the natural beauty and industries operating in Thunder Bay, the cost of living, especially renting or purchasing a house is significantly low. This affordability is the main reason to attract many families and single Canadians living here.

Thunder Bay provides you with great industries, high-quality education and beautiful national parks. It seems the city can easily convince all kinds of people to live in such an affordable place. So, whether you are a student or a first-time home buyer, Thunder Bay could be one of the ideal places with reasonable prices.