What are the best places to live in Ontario? This information is important for individuals planning to reside in Ontario. Located in the southernmost part of Canada, Ontario is a dynamic hub of culture, politics, and economy. It also ranks as the second-largest province by total area after Quebec and the fourth-largest jurisdiction, including territories. Ontario has two important cities in Canada. One is Ottawa, the nation’s capital, the other is Toronto, Ontario’s provincial capital and the most populous city in Canada.
Accounting for 38.5% of the nation’s population (2024 census), Ontario is the most populous province in Canada. The great majority of Ontario’s population and arable land is in Southern Ontario. While agriculture remains a significant industry, the region’s economy depends heavily on manufacturing. In contrast, Northern Ontario is sparsely populated with cold winters and heavy forestation, with mining and forestry making up the region’s major industries.
The quality of life index of Ontario is 159.68, making it one of the most suitable places to settle down for both domestic people and foreigners. uhomes.com has compiled the 10 best places to live in Ontario and analysed their livability. Let’s see which is the city that you most want to live in.
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Ontario
Ontario is highly sought after for its strong economy, employment, top-notch education, and excellent social benefits, attracting students and families to live there. The best places to live in Ontario offer a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, from the bustling city of Toronto to the serenity of lakeside towns. Here are 10 best places to live in Ontario.
| No. | City | Quality of life index | Population | Average income/year | Cost of living/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ottawa | 181.35 | 1,017,449 | CA$64,900 – CA$70,000 | CA$2,859 |
| 2 | Toronto | 177.68 | 2,794,356 | CA$57,500 – CA$65,000 | CA$4,425 |
| 3 | Watwerloo | 177.99 | 121,436 | CA$69,000 – CA$80,000 | CA$2000 |
| 4 | Oakville | 181.35 | 1,017,449 | CA$64,900 – CA$70,000 | CA$2,859 |
| 5 | Kingston | 193.04 | 213,759 | CA$52,500 – CA$65,000 | CA$1,351 |
| 6 | Guelph | 186.95 | 143,740 | CA$55,200 – CA$60,000 | CA$2,850 |
| 7 | Thunder Bay | 184 | 108,843 | CA$51,000 – CA$55,000 | CA$2,385 |
| 8 | Burlington | 193.54 | 186,948 | CA$41,518 – CA$45,000 | CA$3454 |
| 9 | Hamliton | 172.13 | 569,353 | CA$50,932 – CA$55,540 | CA$3,232 |
| 10 | Markham | 181.14 | 338,503 | CA$63,673 – CA$70,000 | CA$3,787 |
1. Ottawa
- Population: 1,017,449
- Average Income Per Year: CA$64,900 – CA$70,000
- Quality of Life Index: 181.35
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$2,859
- Advantages: Government Jobs, Recreational Activities and Educational Excellence
- Tourist Attractions: Canadian War Museum, Rideau Canal, & Canadian Museum of History
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is one of the best places to live in Ontario and an affordable place to live in Ontario, Canada. It is located in the southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the core of the Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area and the National Capital Region. Ottawa is the political centre of Canada and the headquarters of the federal government. The city houses numerous foreign embassies, key buildings, organizations, and institutions of Canada’s government. Ottawa has the highest proportion of university-educated residents among Canadian cities and is home to several colleges and universities, research and cultural institutions including the University of Ottawa. It is one of the most visited cities in Canada, with over 11 million visitors annually contributing more than $2.2B to the city’s economy.
2. Toronto
- Population: 2,794,356
- Average Income Per Year: CA$57,500 – CA$65,000
- Quality of Life Index: 177.68
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$4,425
- Advantages: Diverse Job Market, Vibrant Cultural Community and Top-Tier Education
- Tourist Attractions: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, & Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. It is globally regarded as one of the most beautiful places to live and an affordable place to live in Ontario, Canada. Toronto is an international centre of business, finance, arts, sports, and culture and is one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world. The diverse population of Toronto reflects its current and historical role as an important destination for immigrants to Canada. Toronto is a prominent centre for music, theatre, motion picture production, and television production, and is home to the headquarters of Canada’s major national broadcast networks and media outlets. Its varied cultural institutions, which include numerous museums and galleries, festivals and public events, entertainment districts, national historic sites, and sports activities, attract over 43 million tourists each year. Toronto is known for its many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure on land outside of Asia.
3. Waterloo
- Population: 121,436
- Average Income Per Year: CA$69,000 – CA$80,000
- Quality of Life Index: 177.99
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$2000
- Advantages: Tech Hub, Educational Excellence and Community Engagement
- Tourist Attractions: Waterloo Park, Laurel Creek Conservation, & Cambridge Butterfly
Waterloo is a city in the Canadian province of Ontario, one of cool places in Ontario Canada and affordable places to live Ontario Canada. It is one of three cities in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Due to the close proximity of the city of Kitchener to Waterloo, the two together are often referred to as “Kitchener – Waterloo”, “K-W”, or “The Twin Cities”. Waterloo’s local tourist attractions and areas of interest include the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery and the Waterloo Central Railway which attract a lot of tourists at home and abroad every year.
4. Oakville
- Population: 213,759
- Average Income Per Year: CA$52,500 – CA$65,000
- Quality of Life Index: 193.04
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$1,351
- Advantages: High-Quality Schools, Safety and Vibrant Downtown
- Tourist Attractions: Lion’s Valley Park, Bronte Heritage Park, & Gairloch Gardens
Oakville is a town and lower-tier municipality in Halton Region, Ontario, Canada. It is one of nice places to live and good places to visit in Ontario. It is located on Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton. Oakville is part of the Greater Toronto Area and one of the most densely populated areas of Canada. Elementary schools and high schools in Oakville are a mix of private and public schools, with one of the highest ratios of private schools to student population in the country. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts houses several performances by local and international artists.
5. Kingston
- Population: 132,485
- AverageIncome Per Year: CA$45,750 – CA$55,500
- Quality of Life Index: 192.89
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$2,580
- Advantages: Historic Appeal, Waterfront Living and Educational Institutions
- Tourist Attractions: Fort Henry National Historic Site, Lake Ontario Park, & Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Kingston is a city in Ontario, Canada, on the northeastern end of Lake Ontario. It is one of best places in Ontario and good places to visit in Ontario Canada. Kingston is near the Thousand Islands, a tourist region to the east, and the Prince Edward County tourist region to the west. Kingston is nicknamed the “Limestone City” because it has many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone. Kingston is known for its historic properties, as reflected in the city’s motto of “where history and innovation thrive”. Kingston hosts several festivals during the year, including the Kingston WritersFest. Kingston is home to many artists who work in visual arts, media arts, literature, and a growing number who work in other time-based disciplines such as performance art.
6. Guelph
- Population: 143,740
- Average Income Per Year: CA$55,200 – CA$60,000
- Quality of Life Index: 186.95
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$2,850
- Advantages: Quality of Life, Economic Strength, and Cultural Vibrancy
- Tourist Attractions: Riverside Park & Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate
Guelph is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. For many years, Guelph ranked at or near the bottom of Canada’s crime severity list. It is regarded as one of the best places to live in Ontario and an affordable place to live in Ontario, Canada. The city of Guelph’s diversified economy helped Guelph obtain the country’s lowest unemployment rate at 3.6 per cent in 2024. The Sleeman Centre is a sports and entertainment venue in Guelph. From a Bell Organ factory to the opera singer Edward Johnson, Guelph has been a source of musical contributions.
7. Thunder Bay
- Population: 108,843
- Average Income Per Year: CA$51,000 – CA$55,000
- Quality of Life Index: 82
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$2,385
- Advantages: Natural Wonders, Affordable Living and Educational Opportunities
- Tourist Attractions: Fort William Historical Park, Hillcrest Park, & Mount McKay
Thunder Bay is a city in and the seat of Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada. It is the most populous municipality in Northwestern Ontario and the second most populous municipality in Northern Ontario. It is considered as one of beautiful places to live and best places in Ontario. As the largest city in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay is the region’s commercial, administrative and medical centre. The city of Thunder Bay was declared a “Cultural Capital of Canada” in 2003. Throughout the city are cultural centres representing the diverse population such as the Finnish Labour Temple. Thunder Bay is home to a variety of music and performance arts venues. Thunder Bay has many places of worship supported by people of a variety of faiths, reflecting the cultural diversity of the population. Thunder Bay’s main tourist attraction is Fort William Historical Park, a reconstruction of the North West Company’s Fort William fur trade post as it was in 1815, which attracts 100,000 visitors annually.
8. Burlington
- Population: 186,948
- Average Income Per Year: CA$41,518 – CA$45,000
- Quality of Life Index: 193.54
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$3454
- Advantages: Natural Beauty, Safe Community and Proximity to Major Cities
- Tourist Attractions: Burlington Waterfront Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens, & Mapleview Shopping Center
Burlington is a city and lower-tier municipality in Halton Region at the west end of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada. It is globally regarded as one of the most affordable places to live in Ontario, Canada, and a beautiful place to live. Located approximately halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls, it is part of the Greater Toronto Area and the Hamilton census metropolitan area. Burlington’s economic strength is the diversity of its economic base, mainly achieved because of its geography, proximity to large industries in southern Ontario. There are 115 parks and 580 hectares of parkland in the city.
9. Hamilton
- Population: 569,353
- Average Income Per Year: CA$50,932 – CA$55,540
- Quality of Life Index: 172.13
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$3,232
- Advantages: Affordability, Nature Trails, and Growing Arts Scene
- Tourist Attractions: Dundurn Castle, Bayfront Park, & Waterfalls of Hamilton
Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is one of nice places to live and the largest cities in Ontario. It is also regarded as one of the most affordable places to live in Ontario, Canada, and a beautiful place to live. Manufacturing is important to Ontario’s economy, and the Toronto-Hamilton region is Canada’s most industrialized area. Hamilton’s local attractions include the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the HMCS Haida National Historic Site, and Dundurn Castle.
10. Markham
- Population: 338,503
- Average Income Per Year: CA$63,673 – CA$70,000
- Quality of Life Index: 181.14
- Cost of Living of Individual: CA$3,787
- Advantages: Cultural Diversity, Educational Institutions and Community Events
- Tourist Attractions: Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery, & Pomona Mills Park
Markham is a city in York Region, Ontario, Canada. It is considered one of the coolest places in Ontario, Canada, and a good place to visit in Ontario. Markham is home to several locally oriented performing arts groups, such as Kindred Spirits Orchestra. Markham is mostly farmland and marsh, as reflected in events like the Markham Fair. Markham has several theatres, such as Markham Little Theatre at the Markham Museum. Markham has retained its historic past in part of the town. Markham’s heritage railway stations are either active stations or converted to other uses.
Methodology of Best Places to Live in Ontario
- Cost of Living
Ontario offers a variety, from spectacular cities with skyscraping living costs to little communities where your buck stretches like a Sunday morning yawn. Look for comparisons, and examine housing, utilities, transportation, and food. It’s not just about paying less but receiving more.
- Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities may serve as your compass. Smaller communities also have their fair share of honey, but larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa are bustling hubs of opportunity. Investigate different industries, look for firms, and research the employment market; you never know where you might find your ideal position.
- Education and Healthcare
You want to unpack your life in an environment that prioritizes wellness and education as you’re packing it into boxes. Examine medical facilities as well as educational options, such as colleges and universities. A location with excellent healthcare and education is like making a wise investment – it pays off.
- Lifestyle and Recreation
Would you prefer a calm stroll in the park on a Friday night, or would you rather a Friday night at a jazz bar? Ontario can match every beat with its rhythm. Remember to check out the lifestyle choices, cultural events, and recreational areas. Every city has a distinct melody; listen for the one that makes you want to tap your feet.
- Climate and Geography
Ontario is a diverse province. The weather may make or break a deal, from the cold whispers of the north to the softer murmurs of the south. Cities like Ottawa offer a vibrant palette of weather variations if you enjoy experiencing a range of seasons.
- Community and Safety
Finding your tribe and feeling safe is essential. Explore the communities, dive into demographics, and examine the crime rates. A sense of belonging and security can turn a house into a home and a city into a sanctuary.
How to Choose the Best Places to Live in Ontario?
When choosing among the best places to live in Ontario, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the core needs of individuals or families, as different cities vary significantly in terms of living expenses, employment, education, and lifestyle. Here are five key factors you should consider when choosing the best cities to live in Ontario.
Cost of living: House prices and daily expenses are key considerations when choosing the best place to live in Ontario, Canada. Oakville and Toronto are suitable for families with sufficient budgets, while cities like Guelph and St. Catharines attract first-time home buyers with affordable house prices and lower living pressure.
Culture and Natural Environment: Some of the best cities to live in Ontario provide residents with urban convenience, like Vaughan and Wanchai. If you are a nature lover and enjoy a friendly community, you can consider small cities like Burlington and Guelph.
- Employment Opportunities: If you are going to study STEM and work in the related fields in Canada, give priority to Waterloo or Ottawa. Besides, London or Kingston’s healthcare, education, and tourism sectors can also offer ample opportunities for those looking for the best towns to live in Ontario.
- Education: Education is a necessary consideration when considering where to live in Ontario. Cities such as Oakville and Burlington are known for their top public schools and low crime rates. In addition to the safe communities, they also have an abundance of parks and libraries, providing a quality environment for students to grow up.
- Transportation and commuting: Among the top cities in Ontario, access to transportation has a significant impact on daily life. Toronto has better public transportation, but it is heavily congested during rush hour. Smaller cities such as Guelph and London have relatively less traffic pressure. Cities such as Ottawa and Waterloo offer smoother commuting options with their LRT and efficient bus systems. If you drive to commute, you need to be concerned about winter road conditions and parking costs.
Best Places to Live in Ontario: Conclusion
This blog is about the best places to live in Ontario. As one of the largest provinces in Canada, Ontario has many cities and towns that are suitable for living. We have listed the 10 best cities to live in Ontario and analyzed them comprehensively. Each city has its distinct pros and cons. Therefore, when choosing your place, you’re advised to compare the specific conditions, including the cost of living, weather, population, transportation, medical care, security, and so on. No matter which city you choose to live in, accommodation is the foundation for your life in that city. Especially for students who plan to study in the country, suitable student accommodation in Canada is of great importance for your future life and studies.
FAQ
Ontario boasts several amazing cities, each offering a unique lifestyle. For a mix of urban and scenic living, places like Ottawa, Burlington, and Oakville stand out due to their high living standards, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
Thunder Bay is one of the most cost-effective cities in Ontario, with an average living cost $ 1673 per month and average housing prices of around $323,668, making it a great city for those seeking affordability.
Burlington is renowned for its low crime rates and friendly neighborhoods, making it one of the safest cities in Ontario. It combines safety with natural beauty and proximity to major cities.
It depends on individual preferences. For tech enthusiasts, Waterloo is a tech hub; for lovers of history and waterfront living, Kingston is ideal; and for those seeking outdoor recreation and a growing economy, Barrie is a great choice.
According to the Crime Severity Index, there are dozens of towns in Ontario with crime rates that are below the national Canadian average. Some of them include Orangeville, Brockville, Orillia, Essex, Mono, North Bay, Ottawa, Parry Sound, Petawawa, and many more.
The best area to buy a house depends on your priorities. If affordability is a priority, then you will have more options if you look in places that are far away (2-3 plus hours) from the Greater Toronto area. The closer you get to Toronto, the higher the prices will be.
