🇨🇦 Cost of Living in Ontario - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$64,610 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.4% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$6,378 (2024)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend15.3% (2024)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.9% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data
To live in or visit Ontario, you can expect to pay moderate to high prices for accommodations, food, and transportation, with daily budgets ranging from $60-120 USD for backpackers to $200-350 USD for comfort seekers.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelModerate
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$60-120 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$120-250 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$200-350 USD
CurrencyCAD
Tipping Customexpected (15% in restaurants and bars)
How Expensive Is Ontario?
Ontario is one of the most populous and economically developed regions in Canada, and its cost of living reflects this. Compared to global averages, Ontario is considered to be a relatively expensive place to live, with prices for accommodations, food, and transportation higher than in many other parts of the world. However, within North America, Ontario's prices are generally in line with those in other major cities in the United States and Canada. The region's diverse economy, high standard of living, and popular tourist destinations all contribute to its moderate to high cost of living.
In comparison to its neighbors, Ontario's prices are similar to those in Quebec and British Columbia, but higher than in many other provinces in Canada. The region's proximity to the United States and its major cities, such as Toronto and Ottawa, also means that prices for certain goods and services, such as accommodations and transportation, can be influenced by international demand.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$20-40
typical quality, shared rooms and bathrooms
Mid-Range Hotel
$80-150
what to expect, private rooms and bathrooms, basic amenities
Luxury/Resort
$200-500
what to expect, high-end amenities, prime locations
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$1,000-2,500
city center vs outside, 1-3 bedrooms, furnished or unfurnished
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$10-20
Casual Restaurant
$20-40
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$40-80
Fine Dining
$80-150
Beer (local)
$5-10
Coffee
$2-5
Water (1.5L bottle)
$2-5
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$2-5
Taxi (per km)
$2-5
Domestic flight
$100-300
Fuel (per liter)
$1-2
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
800
1,200
2,000
Food
500
800
1,200
Transport
200
300
500
Utilities
150
250
400
Entertainment
200
400
800
Total
1,950
3,050
5,200
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in a hostel or budget hotel instead of a luxury resort to save on accommodations costs.
Take advantage of Ontario's public transportation system, which is efficient and affordable, to get around instead of renting a car or taking taxis.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of mid-range or fine dining restaurants to save on food costs.
Look for discounts or promotions on attractions and activities, such as museums or national parks, to save on entertainment costs.
Shop at local markets or grocery stores instead of convenience stores or tourist areas to save on food and other essentials.
Consider visiting during the off-season (usually October to May) to save on accommodations and tourist attractions.