Citizens Economy Reportโ€บCitiesโ€บToronto
Cost of Living Report ยท 2026

Cost of Living in Toronto, Ontario

Since January 2021, residents of Toronto have faced significant increases in rent, groceries, and everyday expenses. Here's what the data shows.

Rent increase since 2021
+43%
~$2,100 โ†’ ~$3,000/mo (2BR)
Food prices since 2021
+25.8%
Groceries, restaurants combined
National inflation (CPI)
+18.7%
Jan 2021 โ€“ Jul 2026

๐Ÿ“ Toronto at a Glance

  • โ€ขCanada's largest city and financial hub
  • โ€ขAmong the highest rent in Canada โ€” $3,000+/mo for 2BR
  • โ€ขTTC fares increased 10% since 2021

Ontario Cost Breakdown

Average 2-bedroom rent
Toronto market avg ~$2,100 (2021) โ†’ ~$3,000+ (2025)
+43%
Food prices (ON)
+25.8%
Electricity rates (ON)
Time-of-use rates; off-peak shielded by price caps
+12%
Property tax (Toronto)
+16.5%

Provincial figures apply across Ontario. City-specific data noted where available.

How Toronto Compares to the National Average

CategoryToronto / OntarioCanada (National)
Rent (2BR)+43%+35%
Food prices+25.8%+26.3%
Shelter CPIโ€”+33.2%
Overall inflationโ€”+18.7%

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Who's Responsible?

Cost of living is shaped by decisions made at all three levels of government. Housing affordability, taxation, transit, and local services are all within the power of elected and appointed officials.

Have you experienced these cost increases?

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Source: Statistics Canada, CMHC. Baseline: January 2021. Last updated: July 2026. Figures represent cumulative change Jan 2021โ€“Jul 2026. Provincial averages applied where city-specific data is unavailable. Full methodology โ†’