Are you a newcomer to Ontario, Canada and confused about where to settle in? Donโt worry, weโve got you covered.
Without a doubt, Ontario is among the best citiesย in Canada. The place is home to some of Canadaโs best schools, universities, parks, and many other things. You will also find large businesses and organizations. With 38.3 percent of Canadaโs total population, it is one of the most affordable places for you to settle in if youโre new to the country. Most affordable large cities have much higher raw average home prices than the national average. The excellent thing is that these citiesโ residents have a higher average household income. so, check out your best options:
1. Ottawa
If youโre looking for a safe, beautiful, green and environmentally friendly, then Ottawa will probably be the best place for you. The median household income in Ottawa will be enough to find you and your family an affordable place to live. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,347 per month. The place ranks high in global quality of life indices. Also, youโll be amazed to know that Ottawa is one of the safest places in Canada, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas.
2. Windsor
Windsor, aka โThe Automotive Capital of Canada,โ is located in southwestern Ontario and is a lovely city. The city is located directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan, the United States. The place is the birthplace of the auto industry in Canada. It is home to 250 amazing parks with 2800 acres of green space. The average cost of living is $1790 per month. With a tight budget, you can easily move on to this place, which has a diverse range of automobile industries, healthcare, education, and many more.
Windsor is also home to The University of Windsor, which is ranked as one of the best universities in the country.
3. Sudbury
Sudbury, formally known as Greater Sudbury, is located in northern Ontario. It was once known as a mining town. With a population of 165,000, it is the largest city in Northern Ontario. The place is surrounded by 330 lakes and forests, and if youโre an outdoor enthusiast, then this place is for you. Sudbury is the worldโs hard rock mining capital, with nine mines, multiple mills, two smelters, and a nickel refinery. The average monthly rent of a one-bedroom flat is around $1,295. By car, itโll take you just 4 hours to reach here from Toronto.
4. Thunder Bay
No, no! Thunder Bayย was not named after a storm. Thunder Bay on Lake Superior inspired the cityโs name. It is sometimes referred to as โLakeheadโ or โCanadian Lakeheadโ due to its location at the end of Great Lakes navigation on the Canadian side. If you like outdoor activities like hiking, paddling and skiing, then you can opt for this place. The average cost of living there is $1849.
5. Guelph
Guelph is only 45 minutes from Toronto and is known for having a perfect balance of city life and a close-knit community along with a fast-paced environment. The city has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, with just over 2%. Guelph consistently ranks high in terms of providing a quality of life. The education, healthcare facilities, preschools and other facilities are top-notch. You will find the University of Guelph, which holds strong academic programs. So, if youโre looking to explore the place, I would suggest you visit the numerous parks and green spaces.
6. Ajax
If youโre looking for a safe, fast-growing population, welcoming community and high quality of life, then youโre at the right place. Ajax is home to many schools, low crime rates, a wide range of job opportunities and many outdoor activities. The average rent for a 1 bedroom in Ajax is $1,872 per month, and it is quite affordable if youโre looking for a good and safe place to settle in.
7. Deep River
Deep River is a beautiful town in Renfrew County, located all along theย Ottawa River. The Deep River area offers beautiful scenery as well as excellent boating on the broad river and hiking in the hills across the Ottawa River. Some of the things that you can do in this place are go to beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, a ski hill, a golf course, and a yacht club. It has a lower cost of living and is currently one of the most affordable places to live in. It will cost you an average of $400,000 for a house, while a one-bedroom apartment starts at $1,050, ensuring affordable living in Deep River.
8. Rainy River
Rainy River is yet another pleasant town that gives you the most affordable small-sized cities in Ontario. It is found in the northern corner of Ontario, Canada, on the Rainy River. The town is small and shares boundaries with Minnesota, USA, but it has affordable real estate. You will find many employment opportunities in many businesses and industries. The average price of a home in this area is $359,000. Rainy River does not have apartments for rent, but private cottages can be rented for less than $1,000. You can say that the Rainy River is one of the cheapest cities in Ontario.
9. Smooth Rock Falls
Smooth Rock Fallsโ average home price is $205,192. If you are moving in with a new family or are single-income earners, then it is a perfect place for you due to its affordable housing costs. The place has a variety of recreational opportunities for you, such as snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting, as well as award-winning trails.
Know Before You Live In Ontario
Finding the least expensive locations to purchase a home in Ontario cities is the most critical element, but it may not be so difficult. As long as you know what your needs are and compare an areaโs average income to the cost of its property investment (home-to-price ratio), you should be able to find the right home. Be it large, medium, or smaller cities, there is always an option for you. Be sure to research real estate thoroughly to make the absolute best choice!
Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
This article is a wallet-friendly guide to Ontario living! The breakdown of affordable cities, complete with average home prices and local vibes, makes house hunting feel like a breeze. Ontario, here I come, budget intact!