Pros and Cons of Living in Ontario Canada

Alistair Croll
Updated on Jan 29, 2024
Pros and Cons of Living in Ontario Canada

Did you know that Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and is famous for its urban life and beautiful natural locations? Ontario boasts a rich cultural, languages, and different traditions, adding attraction for immigrants and travellers around the world.

Ontario is also known mainly for its world-class healthcare services and education system. But like any other place globally, life in Ontario province comes with challenges. In this guide prepared by PaydayMart experts, we’ll explore what it’s like to live in Ontario, plus see what’s good and the bad about living in Ontario.

Key Facts About Ontario, Canada

  • Population: Ontario’s population reached 15,500,632 on April 1, 2023 (Source)
  • Size: Ontario is Canada’s second-largest province, covering more than one million square kilometres (415,000 square miles) – an area larger than France and Spain combined.
  • Land area: 894,639 sq. km (344,092 sq. mi.)
  • Water area:177,398 sq. km (68,490 sq. mi.) and home to 250,000 lakes, making up about one-fifth of the world’s freshwater
  • Highest Point: Timiskaming district (693 m/2,274 ft.)
  • Lowest Point: Hudson Bay shore (sea level)
  • Historically, Ontario was covered in ice. However, the recession of the ice is what created so many of the lakes currently present in the province today.
  • Most of the population of the province lives in Southern Ontario. However, only 15% of the land area in Ontario is Southern Ontario.
  • Over 60% of the province is covered by the Canadian Shield, one of the world’s most enormous continental shields.
  • Six national parks and 334 provincial parks exist within Ontario. There are 38 national parks in all of Canada.

Pros of Living in Ontario

🙂 Economic Opportunities

Regarding economic growth, Ontario’s real GDP is projected to rise 1.1 percent in 2023, 0.5 percent in 2024, 2.0 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026. Ontario’s diverse economy offers vast opportunities for career and employment. There’s ample room for growth and exploration, from thriving sectors like modern technology and healthcare to arts and culture.

🙂 Cultural Diversity

Ontario is Canada’s most enormous multicultural population and is known as a home of newcomers in the Country. There is a large number of the province’s population who speak languages different from English and French. Additionally, you will find a mix of indigenous populations and immigrant communities who contribute to Ontario’s cultural life.

🙂 Quality of Life

Ontario’s annual family income is $75,000, slightly above the national average. It means Ontario offers high standards of living to Ontarians. The excellent education and healthcare facilities, recreational activities, and reasonable public safety measures make daily life in Ontario impressive and safe.

🙂 Scenic Sublimity

Ontario consists of breathtaking natural beauty and fabulous scenes that hold with its picturesque landscapes. Over 250,000 beautiful lakes, numerous provincial and national parks, and all four-season climate offers brilliant autumn colours, lush spring blooms, glistening snowy winters, and balmy summer days. All these natural pleasures make Ontario an attractive point and paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and worldwide travellers.

🙂 Quality Education and Healthcare

Canada is the world’s 4th best Country for its education system and is listed 25th in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. Canadian and Ontario government spends high on every student to ensure all students get quality education, while healthcare is almost free for Ontarians and covers all basic medical facilities.

Cons of Living in Ontario

☹️ High Cost of Living

Ontario is indeed a desirable place to live, but the cost of living is higher, especially in cities like Toronto. Such expensive cities could put a hole in your wallet if you do not earn well. Depending on your income status, this could significantly affect your lifestyle and saving goals.

☹️ Chilly Winters

Ontario has four seasons: Summer, Fall (Autumn), Winter, and Spring. Typically, January is the coldest month of the year for Ontarians. The winters in Ontario can be daunting with almost minus 58.1°C (minus 73°F) temperature and frequent snowfall. It could be a serious issue for those unfamiliar with such severe cold climates.

☹️ Crowded Cities and Congestion

If you plan to move to one of Ontario’s most significant cities, like Toronto and Ottawa, be prepared to grapple with transportation woes. Most of the time, public transit in Ontario’s big cities is overcrowded, and driving can test your patience because of congested roads and long traffic jams.

☹️ Competitive Job Market

Despite the vast claims for job opportunities, the truth is something else in Ontario. The job market in Ontario is very competitive nowadays, especially in popular industries and cities like Toronto and Vancouver, so be prepared to face such a high level of employment competition.

☹️ High Rental Costs

Rental might differ depending on which city you choose to live in, but Ontario’s rentals and cities like Toronto are very high compared to other parts of Canada. Rental costs are among your highest monthly expenses that could affect the budget. In Ontario, average apartment rent lay at $2,446; Waterloo represented the fastest-rising rental markets (+14.4%) and East York (+12.2%).

Tips For Adjusting to Life in Ontario

Adjusting to a new environment and place is expected to take time, and Ontario is no expectation.

  • Getting Accustomed to the Culture: Try to adapt to the living way of Ontarians and understand the diverse cultures, subcultures, and norms prevalent in the Ontario province.
  • Navigating the Economy: Financial awareness is crucial no matter where you live, especially in Ontario’s expensive cities. Making a habit of finding affordable housing, effectively managing your expenses, and saving for the future and rainy days are essential.
  • Surviving the Weather: Besides financial management, dressing for the server weather is also crucial in Ontario. From bundling up during frost-laden winters to choosing light clothing for the summer, proper attire is necessary for comfort and health safety.

Is Ontario Canada a good place to live?

Deciding whether Ontario is an excellent place to live will be based on individual preferences. No one denied that Ontario has diverse cultures, good economic opportunities, and high living standards. However, on the other side, Ontario hosts a high cost of living, severe winter weather, and bustling cities, which may not be suitable for some people.

Thoroughly check the above pros and cons and align them with priorities to make a firm decision before moving to Ontario. We hope that; Ontario is your place where happiness awaits you.

Don’t wait any further! You can apply for payday loans in Ontario and get up to $1,500 online, regardless of your credit score. Get instant cash with almost no refusal within a few clicks.

About Author

Written by: Alistair Croll author

Written By
Writer, speaker, financer accelerant. Intersection of tech & society. Strata, Startupfest, Bitnorth, FWD50. Lean Analytics, Tilt the Windmill, HBS, Just Evil Enough.

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