Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario, known for its diverse population and cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.93 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD. Major banks include RBC, TD, and Scotiabank offering services to expats. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Scotiabank and HSBC are expat-friendly with International accounts available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local property management companies like Toronto Rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include HI Toronto Hostel and various budget hotels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork at 168 North Queen St, highly rated for its amenities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Academics at 90 Avenue Rd offers a great environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various networking events across tech, startup, and creative industries. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Toronto Facebook Group frequently organizes meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are the most used ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike Share Toronto offers rentals throughout the city. Lime scooters are also available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Woodbine Beach, approximately 20 minutes by transit. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada Express serves regional flights within Canada. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines operate major international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Gardiner Expressway and Highway 401. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Union Station serves as the primary hub for train and transit services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly TTC pass costs approximately CAD 156 for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | GO Transit offers trains and buses to nearby cities like Mississauga and Hamilton. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Toronto General Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Sanctuary offers classes in multiple locations across the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness has various locations throughout Toronto. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Toronto offers extensive self-service and wash dry fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and SkipTheDishes are the top choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Peameal bacon sandwich from the St. Lawrence Market. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurants like The Beet and Fresh serve a variety of dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocoholic offers a variety of artisan chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kensington Market is famous for its affordable and diverse food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon, Etsy, and local online shops provide a vast array of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and GoodFood for online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Queen Street West offers a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Steam Whistle Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at 1093 Queen St W is popular among locals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks can be found throughout the city, especially at festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Korean BBQ, Indian curry, and Italian trattorias are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is known for its exhibits and events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort York is a historic site showcasing Toronto's military history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a major cultural event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kensington Market and Distillery District are vibrant cultural neighborhoods. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Mirvish Productions offers a range of acclaimed theater productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | St. Lawrence Market is renowned for its fresh food and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Toronto has a vibrant music scene, with venues like Massey Hall and The Horseshoe Tavern. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti Alley is famous for its stunning street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery offers hands-on cooking classes in a friendly setting. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Gooderham Building is an iconic historic structure in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Toronto is known for its multicultural heritage, reflected in its neighborhoods. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | High Park offers extensive trails and green spaces for nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rouge National Urban Park is in proximity, great for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Martin Goodman Trail is perfect for cycling along Lake Ontario. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Toronto Islands offer stunning skyline views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Colonel Sam Smith Park is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Cherry Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post provides reliable domestic and international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechReset and iFixit offer repair services for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Toronto Table Tennis club hosts regular games and competitions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Toronto Language School offers ESL and language courses for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Toronto Public Library has multiple branches with great study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The 519 Community Centre serves the LGBTQ+ community with various resources. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Garage provides space for board and video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Woodbine offers a variety of gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 500 sq. ft. = CAD 600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 900,000 per m² (e.g., 500 sq. ft. = CAD 450,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 700 sq. ft. = CAD 1,050,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 700 sq. ft. = CAD 840,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 1,000 sq. ft. = CAD 1,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 1,400,000 per m² (e.g., 1,000 sq. ft. = CAD 1,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 26.5% in Ontario |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency, worldwide income subject to Canadian taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approximately 53.53% for high income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is 13% in Ontario. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canadian CFC rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Depends on municipality, average around 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Land Transfer Tax is 0.5% to 2.5% depending on property value. |