Moving to Toronto: Things you Should Know

While Toronto is by no means perfect, it gives its residents a lot to be thankful for — which is no doubt a big part of why it keeps showing up on rankings for best city in the world to live. With millions of immigrants, foreign workers, and international students already calling Toronto home, you might be considering a move to Toronto yourself. If this sounds like you, see below for Moving2Canada’s top 19 things to know before moving to Toronto.

1. One of the World’s Most Multicultural Cities

Toronto stands out as one of the most multicultural cities globally, according to the 2021 Census, nearly half of the city’s population (46.6%) is made up of immigrants, significantly higher than the national average of 23%. In fact, over 1.28 million immigrants live in Toronto, with more than a quarter of them arriving in the last decade alone.

The city is home to a diverse immigrant population, with the majority coming from Asia, particularly the Philippines, China, and India. This growing diversity also reflects in religion and cultural ancestry—Toronto residents reported over ten prominent ethnic origins and a wide range of faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism.

Toronto’s multicultural makeup is further reinforced by the fact that over half of its population (52.9%) are first-generation Canadians, meaning neither of their parents were born in Canada. Additionally, more than 55% of the population identifies as belonging to a visible minority group, far exceeding the national rate of 26.5%. South Asian, Chinese, and Black communities make up the largest racialized groups. With such a strong presence of non-citizens, recent newcomers, and people from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, Toronto continues to reflect the dynamic movement of people both across Canada and around the world.

2. Commuting in Toronto can be a challenge

Public transit in Toronto, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (or TTC), probably isn’t actually as slow as it seems to the people who live here, but everyone will still understand when you blame the TTC for being late. Invest in a bike, or join a car-sharing scheme, if you want to flesh out your transit options after moving to Toronto.

3. Toronto’s Weather Doesn’t Believe in Consistency

Toronto experiences distinct seasons with a climate marked by cold winters and warm, humid summers. According to climate statistics from Time and Date, the city’s average high temperatures range from about 0 °C (32 °F) in January to approximately 29 °C (84 °F) in July, with yearly precipitation totalling around 802 mm—most abundant during summer months like June through August

Preparing for Toronto’s weather means being ready for a wide range of conditions throughout the year. Winters can be cold and snowy, so a quality winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and layers are essential from November to March.

Summers, on the other hand, are warm and humid, often requiring lightweight clothing, sun protection, and access to air conditioning during peak heat in July and August.

Spring and fall can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to have a mix of layers and a reliable umbrella or rain jacket. Toronto’s weather can change quickly, so checking daily forecasts from sources like Environment Canada or The Weather Network is a smart habit to stay prepared.

4. Buying a house in Toronto is expensive

High housing costs are a fact of life in Toronto, at least for the foreseeable future. With the price of the average detached home in Toronto currently sitting at around $1.35 million, you’re probably going to need to think about renting, at least when you first arrive.

5. Renting in Toronto is expensive, too

Toronto’s rental market is one of the priciest in Canada. Rent prices are high, especially in central areas, and a low vacancy rate means competition can be tough. Finding a decent place at a fair price often requires flexibility, quick decision-making, and a bit of patience. That said, many newcomers find the trade-off worth it for everything the city has to offer—from diverse food scenes (yes, even those incredible burritos.!) to lively neighbourhoods and endless cultural experiences.

If you’re interested in a deeper look at what it really costs to live here—including utilities, transit, groceries, entertainment, and more—don’t miss our full breakdown in What’s the Real Cost of Living in Toronto?
It’s your go-to guide for budgeting smart and planning your move with confidence.

6. There are a lot of work opportunities in Toronto

The silver lining to the expensive housing market is that Toronto’s economy is diverse and booming, which means that finding a job — a good job — in Toronto might be easier than you think. Toronto might also be a great place for you to launch your dream career, as it’s a major hub for plenty of industries, including finance, film-making, education, and all the various species of tech, including artificial intelligence.

7. Toronto is a city of parks and beaches

From Toronto Island to Trinity Bellwoods to the Beaches to Rouge National Urban Park, you can easily escape the urban jungle to a park or a beach without ever leaving the GTA or needing a car.

8. There are so many great things to eat in Toronto

One of the many advantages of living in a city as diverse as Toronto is the huge variety of incredible food. You will probably find you have too much to choose from, and that’s okay, because it’s nearly time for brunch.

9. Toronto is LGBTQ-friendly

Torontonians are by and large a progressive lot, so it should come as no surprise that Toronto has been consistently recognized as an excellent home for the LGBTQ+ community. Toronto Pride is a nationally important annual event, and LBGTQ+ Torontonians can feel comfortable living openly all year-round.

10. Dating in Toronto largely happens online

While the dating culture is alive and well, more and more Torontonians these days are meeting significant (and not-so-significant) others through apps like Bumble and Tinder.

11. East or west: you can only pick one

Getting across town takes a surprisingly long time. As many Torontonians will tell you, if your friends move across town, you will never see them again.

12. You won’t need to go far to get to the beach