Toronto's cost of living is a hot topic in the city, and for good reason. Between sky-high rent costs, pricey nights out, and grocery bills that seem to increase every week, making ends meet in Canada's largest city can be a challenge.
But what does it actually cost to live here? Using the most recently available data, we've broken down what a single person living alone in Toronto can expect to fork out each month.
From rent and transit to food, utilities, and the occasional night out, here's how much it costs to live comfortably in Toronto solo.
Rent — $2,200
Unsurprisingly, rent is the most considerable monthly expense, and it doesn't come cheap. According to Zumper, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto as of August 2025 sits at $2,200.
What's more, the city's median rent across all property types and bedroom counts is $2,465, which is approximately 23% above the national average. Ouch!
Still, Toronto isn't the priciest market in the country. That title goes to Vancouver, where the average one-bedroom apartment costs $2,495 per month in rent, and the overall median is a staggering $2,700 — 35% higher than the national average.
Groceries — $480
Everyone's grocery bill is different, but the average monthly cost for one person is approximately $480.
According to Numbeo, the recommended monthly minimum amount for Western food types is $549.74 and the recommended monthly minimum for Asian food types is $414.91. The average works out to be around $480.
That breaks down to roughly $120 a week, which should be plenty to keep your fridge stocked. However, that obviously depends on where you shop.
Plus, if you're feeding more than one hungry mouth, that grocery bill is going to rack up pretty quickly.
Utilities — $173
If you're living in Toronto, chances are you'll need to cover utilities such as hydro, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, unless you're fortunate enough to have them included in your rent.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly utility bill for a single person in Toronto is approximately $173.
Interestingly, while rent is higher in Vancouver, utility costs are generally lower. The average there comes in at around $116 per month, noticeably cheaper than in Toronto.
Internet — $70
What would we do without Wi-Fi? No TikTok rabbit holes, no late-night Netflix binges, and no keeping Alexa on life support.
In Toronto, a typical home internet plan costs just over $70 per month, according to Numbeo.
Is it worth it? Probably, if only to keep up with the latest memes. However, it's $70 too much to hear that Jet2 Holiday TikTok sound again and again.
Transportation — $156
A monthly TTC pass now costs $156, giving riders unlimited access to Toronto's buses, streetcars, and subways.
However, opting for a 12-month commitment brings the price down to $143 per month.
While it's undoubtedly cheaper than owning and operating a car, it's another expense that disappears from your paycheque almost as quickly as it arrives.
Phone plan — $48
Much like the internet, a phone plan has become an essential and non-negotiable monthly expense for most people. In Canada, it doesn't come cheap.
In Toronto, a mobile plan with calls and at least 10GB of data costs approximately $48 per month on average, according to Numbeo.
That said, you can sometimes find cheaper deals through smaller providers, which tend to be more affordable than the big players like Rogers and Bell.
Eating out — $200
Toronto's food scene is the envy of many North American cities, packed with top-tier restaurants and flavours from every corner of the world. However, this choice doesn't come cheap.
According to Numbeo, a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant in Toronto typically costs between $15 and $45, with the average landing around $25.
If you're dining out twice a week, that adds up to roughly $200 a month, and that's without factoring in wine or dessert.
For a night out at a mid-range spot, expect to pay about $120 for a three-course meal for two.
Partying — $240
A night out in Toronto can get pricey, but if you know where to go, you can still party without breaking the bank.
Depending on how hard you go, a night out can cost anywhere from $40 to over $100. However, between ride shares like Uber, Lyft or Hopp, drinks, and tipping your server, things can add up quickly.
According to Numbeo, a 500ml glass of domestic draft beer averages about $8 in Toronto, while a 330ml imported bottle costs around $9. If you have five drinks throughout the night, that's roughly $40, or about $48 after a 20% tip.
Throw in a little extra for a late-night snack and a ride home, and you're looking at a comfortable total of around $60.
Going out once a week? That adds up to approximately $240 a month.
Fitness — $76
If you're thinking about joining a gym or fitness club in Toronto, be prepared to spend a bit.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly membership for one adult in the 6ix is around $76, and this usually doesn't include extras such as group classes or personal training.
Of course, it all depends on how bougie your gym is.
Coffee — $70
If you rely on your morning coffee to function, the cost can sneak up on you.
According to Coffeestics, a frappuccino in Toronto averages around $9.78. Other popular options like a mocha ($5.28), cold brew ($4.37), flat white ($3.69), cappuccino ($3.55), latte ($3), Americano ($1.69), macchiato ($0.85), doppio ($0.82), and espresso ($0.51) can also hold your bank account hostage.
Taking everything into account, a typical coffee shop run comes out to about $3.50, and that's without grabbing a donut or pastry.
If you go five times a week, that's roughly $17.50 per week or about $70 a month.
Extras — $100
It's also smart to set aside a bit of extra spending money for those unexpected expenses that can throw off your budget. Whether it's a spontaneous movie night, an event, or something as routine as a haircut, having a little financial cushion helps.
For example, a trip to the barbershop in Toronto can cost anywhere from $50 to $70, which is definitely something you should be prepared for.
Grand total
Grand total: $3,813 per month
Living solo in Toronto is expensive, as one would expect.
According to a 2024 study by the Wellesley Institute, a single working adult between the ages of 25 and 40 needs about $61,654 a year after tax to live comfortable life in Toronto. That's $5,137 per month — even higher than our estimate.
Of course, these are just ballpark figures. You can cut costs, especially when it comes to rent. For example, Zumper reports that the average two-bedroom apartment rents for $2,800 a month. Split between two people, that's $1,400 each. A three-bedroom averages $3,426, which brings your share down to about $1,142 if you live with two roommates.
As with anything, there are ways to stretch your budget and live comfortably, but going it alone definitely makes things more challenging.
Traffic during rush hour in Toronto.Mike Clegg | Dreamstime
