The Verdict
Living in New York City is 12% more expensive than Toronto.
If you move from New York City 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 New York City, you would need to earn about $66,000 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 New York City:
Why people love Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | New York City | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,500 | $3,675 | +$175 |
| Monthly groceries | $450 | $383 | $-67 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $350 | $280 | $-70 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $107 | $-23 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $200 | $176 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,630 | $4,620 | $-10 |
* 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
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 72/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want lower overall living costs (12% cheaper)
- 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 New York City salary
| Salary in New York City | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,000 | $6,000 less |
| $75,000 | $66,000 | $9,000 less |
| $100,000 | $88,000 | $12,000 less |
| $125,000 | $110,000 | $15,000 less |
| $150,000 | $132,000 | $18,000 less |
| $200,000 | $176,000 | $24,000 less |
New York City vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Toronto is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York City has a rent index of 100, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: New York City: $5,500/month vs Toronto: $2,655/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, New York City wins 1, while Toronto wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.