t is no secret that the cost of living in Ontario is on the rise, especially in concentrated urban areas such as the GTA. Hamilton has put itself on the map as an ideal city to live in if you’re on the hunt for an urban lifestyle without the high living expenses in Toronto, while still being able to enjoy easy commuting access into the big city.

But how do these two cities stack up? Let’s take a closer look at a cost of living comparison and why Hamilton might be your preferred choice for your next big move.

Cost of Living Comparison

Now, we know Hamilton is more affordable than the GTA, but by how much? Well, according to the Cost of Living Index, Hamilton is 25.4% lower than the GTA.

Compared with Toronto, rental prices are a whopping 47.23% lower in Hamilton and even groceries are roughly 32% lower. It is no surprise then that the costs to buy a house are much lower in Hamilton as well. Apartments in Hamilton are going for less than half of what they are in Toronto per square foot.