The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 3% cheaper than Toronto.
If you move from Los Angeles to Toronto, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $77,647 in Toronto.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $3,675 | +$700 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $383 | $-45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $280 | $-35 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $107 | $-30 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $176 | $-4 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $4,620 | +$586 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Toronto to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,765 | $1,765 more |
| $75,000 | $77,647 | $2,647 more |
| $100,000 | $103,529 | $3,529 more |
| $125,000 | $129,412 | $4,412 more |
| $150,000 | $155,294 | $5,294 more |
| $200,000 | $207,059 | $7,059 more |
Los Angeles vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Toronto: $2,655/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 2, while Toronto wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.