Wondering if you can find your ideal city to live in Ontario? We are here to help discover one of the best places to live in Ontario for you. Ontario is known for its warm, vibrant, and world-class technological system that makes it stand out from the rest. With the finest education system and job opportunities, it attracts people from across the globe. Ontario is the second largest province in the nation, with a reservoir of natural beauty sitting silently in its lap. So, without further ado, let’s travel to the land of mountains and exotic beaches and explore the best cities to live in Ontario Canada.
10 Best Places to Live in Ontario
Situated in Central Canada, Ontario has made its mark in the nation with its outstanding infrastructure, automobile manufacturing units, leading-edge technology, and how this province thrives by welcoming people of different cultures. The province is also known for its enthusiasm for living life and honouring diversity; the state participates in celebrating festivals like Caribbean Carnival, Oktoberfest, and the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. With so many beautiful cities to explore, Ontario is your ideal destination for settling in. However, it can be a little difficult to choose among the many options. We will now walk you through the best places to live in Ontario to pick your ideal stay next.
1. Ottawa
Population: 1,010,391
Cost of Living: CA$2,859/person
Safety Index: 70.63
Quality of Life: 181.35
Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa & Carleton University
Known For: Economic Opportunities & Lifestyle
Tourist Attractions: Canadian War Museum, Rideau Canal, & Canadian Museum of History
Average Income: CA$64,993 - CA$70,000 per year
Ottawa is home to the finest art and culture that inspires people to turn their dreams into reality. It is one of the best places to live in Ontario because of the plethora of job opportunities it offers. The city is known for its high standard of living, which allows people to experience this hub of cultural diversity and heritage. The outstanding educational system and universities that offer world-class education are another reason that makes Ottawa one of the best cities to live in Ontario. So, if you’re planning to move here, you can find many good Ottawa student housing options as well.
2. Toronto
Population: 6,372,000
Cost of Living: CA$4,425/person
Safety Index: 59.71
Quality of Life: 177.68
Nearby Universities: Foxford University, University of Toronto, & Northeastern University
Known For: Education and Entertainment
Tourist Attractions: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, & Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Average Income: CA$57,550 - CA$60,000 per year
Another one of the best places to live in Ontario is the beautiful city of Toronto. Situated in the heart of South Ontario, Toronto is the largest city in Canada. The city is famous for its vibrant energy and the endless opportunities that it offers to its residents. Another reason for Toronto to be considered the best place in Ontario is its unique neighbourhood and the charming lifestyle that it offers. Students can explore this beautiful city by walking, biking, or taking public transport. If you are a student and planning to move to this beautiful city, then take advantage of the many offers and deals by booking with us for discounted rates and other offers.
3. Waterloo
Population: 114,335
Cost of Living: CA$2000/person
Safety Index: 77.31
Quality of Life: 177.99
Nearby Universities: University of Waterloo & Conrad Grebel University College
Known For: Outstanding Educational System
Tourist Attractions: Waterloo Park, Laurel Creek Conservation, & Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Average Income: CA$60,250 - CA$65,000 per year
Often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Canada, Waterloo is considered one of the best cities to live in Ontario. The city is a hub of creativity and innovation that attracts some of the greatest and brightest minds from around the world to call it home. The city’s top-class educational system ensures that students are loaded up with the necessary skills to start their professional careers. It is also known as one of the best places to live in Ontario for families.
4. Oakville
Population: 234,149
Cost of Living: CA$1,351/person
Safety Index: 79.13
Quality of Life: 193.04
Nearby Universities: Global University Canada, Evergreen College, & MacLachlan College
Known For: Cost of Living
Tourist Attractions: Lion’s Valley Park, Bronte Heritage Park, & Gairloch Gardens
Average Income: CA$81,800 - CA$90,000 per year
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville is considered one of the best places to live in Ontario, mainly because of its low cost of living. Oakville offers a perfect blend of urban modernisation and suburban convenience that makes one feel at home. The city is known as a hub for performing arts and numerous galleries where people with an eye for modern art can practise their passion. It is known as one of the best cities to live in Ontario Canada, because of the excellent schools which focus on the quality of education. The city is close to Toronto; if you are planning to move to this place for education, it's always better to book student housing well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. We at amber provide some of the best student housing options, which are just a click away.
5. Kingston
Population: 597,000
Cost of Living: CA$2,580/person
Safety Index: 70.86
Quality of Life: 192.89
Nearby Universities: Kingston University, St.Lawerence College, & Kingston Business School
Known For: Culture and Food
Tourist Attractions: Fort Henry National Historic Site, Lake Ontario Park, & Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Average Income: CA$53,750 - CA$60,000 per year
Known as the Limestone City, Kingston is considered one of the nice places in Ontario. The city has some of the best limestone buildings, which adds to its beauty. Home to some of the finest universities, like Queen’s University and the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston offers world-class education to students. Some of the prime locations of Kingston offer picturesque waterfront views that capture the attention of its people.
6. Guelph
Population: 152,963
Cost of Living: CA$2,850/person
Safety Index: 86.05
Quality of Life: 186.95
Nearby Universities: University of Guelph & Summit College
Known For: Economic Growth and Education
Tourist Attractions: Riverside Park & Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate
Average Income: CA$55,200 - CA$60,000 per year
Next on our list of the best places to live in Ontario is Guelph, home to one of the finest universities, including the University of Guelph. Students seeking education in the fields of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering move to Guelph to start their professional careers. While you are at it, you can also learn about the intake process in Canada. Not just an educational hub, but the city is also known for its live music performances and local festivals.
7. Thunder Bay
Population: 113,524
Cost of Living: CA$2,385/person
Safety Index: 58.5
Quality of Life: 82
Nearby Universities: Lakehead University & Confederation College
Known For: Affordable Living
Tourist Attractions: Fort William Historical Park, Hillcrest Park, & Mount McKay
Average Income: CA$51,000 - CA$55,000 per year
With beautiful lakes and pristine scenery, Thunder Bay is one of the best and cheapest places to live in Ontario. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of options for outdoor activities for students who seek adventure and sports. Another thing that makes it one of the best places in Ontario Canada to live is the low cost of living.
8. Burlington
Population: 183,314
Cost of Living: CA$3454/person
Safety Index: 86.92
Quality of Life: 193.54
Nearby Universities: Northeast Ohio Medical University Neomed, University of Vermont, & Champlain College
Known For: Public art, vibrant culture, & active living
Tourist Attractions: Burlington Waterfront Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens, & Mapleview Shopping Center
Average Income: CA$41,518 - CA$45,000 per year
Another one of the best Ontario cities is Burlington. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, north of Shelburne Bay, the city boasts trendy restaurants and bars, art galleries, and vintage shops. Its proximity to Toronto enables students to enjoy the benefits of a smaller, close-knit community while still having access to all that a major city has to offer. Burlington is also home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College, which offer students world-class education, making it one of the best cities to live in Ontario.
9. Hamilton
Population: 747,545
Cost of Living: CA$3,232/person
Safety Index: 62.94
Quality of Life: 172.13
Nearby Universities: McMaster University & Mohawk College
Known For: Industrial heritage
Tourist Attractions: Dundurn Castle, Bayfront Park, & Waterfalls of Hamilton
Average Income: CA$50,932 - CA$55,540 per year
Hamilton, a Canadian port city on the western tip of Lake Ontario, is one of the best places to live in Ontario. Known for its steel agri-business and chemical engineering industries, the city boasts a unique blend of urban and natural elements. Students living in Hamilton will get access to a range of natural wonders, including parks, trails, waterfalls, art galleries, and fine dining options. Strategically located, it is just an hour’s drive from Toronto, along with efficient road and public transit networks.
10. Markham
Population: 353,886
Cost of Living: CA$3,787/person
Safety Index: 72.62
Quality of Life: 181.14
Nearby Universities: York University & Seneca College
Known For: Cultural diversity
Tourist Attractions: Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery, & Pomona Mills Park
Average Income: CA$63,673 - CA$70,000 per year
Last on our list of the best places to live in Ontario is Markham. A diverse city, Markham attracts thousands of students every year from around the world. Just 30 minutes away from downtown Toronto, it makes for an ideal choice for students. The city is also renowned as Canada’s second-largest tech cluster and a crucial contributor to Ontario’s innovation corridor. Being home to some of the top-ranking schools, Markham provides high-quality education. It definitely is one of the best places to live in Ontario!
Seamless Booking with Amber in Ontario!
The best neighbourhoods to stay in Ontario offer several student accommodations; however, if you book at the last minute, it is very difficult to get the ones you like at budget-friendly prices. This makes it very necessary to book your accommodation early as you can choose from a wide range of options! Amber will help you throughout the booking process! With amber, you can choose from an exclusive range of comfortable and chic student accommodations in Ontario at pocket-friendly prices!
This was our list of the best places to live in Ontario. These cities are known for the unique value and quality they offer students. With some of the best Ontario cities, one can choose the place of their interest according to their preferences. In fact, Ontario offers a great environment for students seeking education and attracts a large number of international students every year. And while you’re looking at the best places to live in Ontario, we are sure you will be curious to know about some fun facts about Canada!