Toronto vs Vancouver: Which Is The Best City To Live In 2025?

Are you an international student conflicted between Toronto and Vancouver? On the West Coast, you have rainforest-wrapped Vancouver with a relaxed atmosphere and snow-capped mountains. Toronto may be the fourth-most populated city in North America, but Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia! While both cities offer great opportunities to international students owing to the renowned universities and diversity of cultures, the dilemma of Toronto vs Vancouver is likely to kick in. To help you make a better decision, we offer a complete guide to whether you should choose Vancouver or Toronto. Here, we will compare the education, cost of living, lifestyle, and economy of both cities! 

Education in Vancouver vs Toronto 

Canada's education system ranks among the best globally, with 15 universities in the world's top 250. With affordable tuition fees averaging $6,500 annually for international undergraduate students, Canada attracts over 642,000 international students from 192 countries. Since Vancouver ranks #20 as one of the QS best student cities and Toronto as #15, here is a rundown of Toronto vs Vancouver when it comes to higher education. 

Education in Toronto 

Toronto boasts two influential universities consistently ranked among the world's best. The University of Toronto (U of T) is 25th in the QS World University Rankings, popular in medicine, engineering, and business courses. On the other hand, York University ranks 511th globally, focusing on areas like law, education, and environmental studies. Other acclaimed colleges like Humber and Seneca offer diploma and degree courses. If you want to channel your creative skills, OCAD University stands tall. The powerhouse of Ottawa welcomes more than 300,000 students every year and gains recognition as Canada’s academic capital. 

Education in Vancouver 

Vancouver is home to two of Canada's most prestigious universities that rank among the world's best. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is ranked 46th globally in the QS World University Rankings. On the other hand, Simon Fraser University (SFU) ranks 249th in the QS rankings. Also, SFU provides over 35,000 students with innovative programs and extensive research opportunities. Being one of the best cities in Canada for abroad studies, Vancouver is also home to University Canada West, Vancouver Island University, and Capilano University. 

Cost of Living in Toronto vs Vancouver

Is Vancouver or Toronto better? When you are torn between Toronto versus Vancouver, living expenses are something to consider. Studies show that consumer prices are 4.7% higher in Vancouver than in Toronto, yet the local purchasing power is 23.9% higher in Toronto than in Vancouver. Moreover, the rent in Toronto is 8.1% lower than in Vancouver, and this insight can help you shed light on the perpetual debate over Vancouver vs Toronto. You can also use the best app to find apartments for rent in Canada and make a budget ahead. So, to help you further decide whether you should live in Toronto or Vancouver, here is a comprehensive comparison based on annual expenses.

Lifestyle in Toronto vs Vancouver

Is Vancouver better than Toronto when it comes to your lifestyle needs? Apparently, Toronto is home to 5.9 million people, and Vancouver houses around 2.5 million. The former has a more efficient transport link than the latter! Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is a popular choice, while cars are more convenient in Vancouver. Below, we compare the lifestyle between Toronto and Vancouver. 

Life in Toronto 

Toronto offers a fast-paced and electric atmosphere for college students across borders. You can dive into a melting pot of cultures in vibrant neighbourhoods and find meaningful connections in the student housing in Toronto. You can take the TTC to explore museums, cheer on the Raptors, or backpack to the nearby scenic islands. The bustling energy is for anyone who wants to grow rapidly, and here are a few more things to help you conclude your conflict of Vancouver vs Toronto: 

1. Indulge in retail therapy at Yorkville to find boutiques or explore the local designers at Queen West West. 
2. With over 480 bars and 240 live music venues, some of the best clubs in Toronto give you the taste of a dynamic nightlife scene. 
3. You can catch live performances at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Masey Hall or Scotiabank Arena. 
4. Relax by the Grenadier Pond, take a stroll in Edwards Gardens, or grab a bite at local cafes in Kensington Market. 
5. You can hike or bike along the beautiful waterfront trails or kayak to explore the harbour nearby. 

Life in Vancouver 

If you are wondering about your life in Vancouver vs Toronto, the former is for anyone who loves chill vibes and weekend adventures. With a solid social scene, Toronto offers outdoor activities and access to mountains and beaches. While South Vancouver, City of Burnaby, and The West End are some of the best places to live in Vancouver, the milder climate is a perk. Here are some of the activities about Raincouver that will help you find your answer to Toronto vs Vancouver. 

1. Visit the world’s longest suspension bridge, the Capilano Suspension Bridge where over 800,000 visitors every year. 
2. You can walk around Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis, and explore local wildlife. 
3. Indulge in the world-class culinary scene with a focus on focus and local ingredients at the best restaurants in Vancouver. 
4. You can explore local designers at Kitsilano and Gastwon or be a luxury shopper at Alberni Street. 
5. Hike through a rainforest and soak into the beauty of waterfalls and towering trees in Lynn Canyon Park. 

Economy in Toronto vs Vancouver 

Finding the answer for Vancouver vs Toronto seems complex because both cities have ample opportunities for students with the right skills. The economy of British Columbia is robust and has the lowest unemployment rate. On the other hand, Toronto has a wide network of banks and financial institutions. So, to help you understand, “Is it better to live in Toronto or Vancouver,” here are more details. 

Job Market in Toronto 

Toronto boasts the most diversified economy in Canada, contributing 20% of the national GDP. You can find a deserving opportunity in any sector, such as healthcare, technology, and finance. Not only does the city cater to a range of skills but it also offers a higher salary range compared to Vancouver. 

Job Market in Vancouver 

Vancouver is a major tech hub with a growing economy and thriving startups. The job opportunities for software developers and engineers are endless, making Vancouver one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Especially if you are wondering whether you should choose Vancouver or Toronto, you should factor in the relaxed atmosphere, too!

Where Should You Live: Toronto or Vancouver 

Toronto and Vancouver offer numerous opportunities to flourish for students with the promise of a fulfilling life. While some of the biggest Canadian festivals take place in both cities, the renowned universities offer amazing networking opportunities as well. Toronto is popular for its modern metropolis, but Vancouver is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes for a laid-back life. Let’s go through the reasons below to understand the main differences between Toronto and Vancouver. 

Reasons for Choosing Toronto  

For international students considering Canada, Toronto is a good choice. The city welcomes a diverse culture with more than 140 languages and has a well-defined transport system. Yorkville, The Annex, and Little Italy are the best neighbourhoods in Toronto, where you can check out historic architecture or enjoy morning coffee at independent cafes. The crime rate in Toronto has fluctuated as the robbery rate is up to 8.1%. For Vancouver vs Toronto, the latter will be a winner if you love the constant buzz! 

Reasons for Choosing Vancouver

Is Vancouver better than Toronto? To understand which one suits your lifestyle, you should know that the city is mostly full of European Canadians. Not only can you enjoy quality living but you can also benefit from the wide employment opportunities from HSBC Bank Canada and BC Hydro. Also, being an outdoor paradise, Vancouver offers ample opportunities to hike, bike, and kayak. Though the crime rate in Vancouver has increased by 7.3%, Rain City is overall safe for students. When you cannot decide whether you should go to Vancouver or Toronto, remember your lifestyle matters! 

At the end of the day, the differences between Vancouver and Toronto come down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you crave a more chill lifestyle surrounded by natural scenery, Vancouver's beautiful outdoor settings could be the perfect fit. However, if an urban experience with cultural opportunities appeals more, Toronto's multiculturalism and world-class attractions may win you over. Of course, you will be in need of the perfect student housing in Vancouver or Toronto once you move to any of these cities. So, head to amber and find wholesome student housing near your university!