SpendVerdict

City comparison · Rent & affordability

London vs Toronto: rent and cost of living

You can't compare London and Toronto rent in the same currency — but you can compare what share of income renters actually spend. In London, the median renter spends 41% of income on rent; in Toronto, it's 35%. That 6-point gap is a cleaner measure of financial pressure than raw rent amounts.

London

Budget£1,500
Median£2,100
Premium£3,500

Confidence: high

Toronto

BudgetCA$1,500
MedianCA$2,400
PremiumCA$3,800

Confidence: medium

What renters actually spend (% of income)

London

P25 renter30%
Median41%
P75 renter54%

Toronto

P25 renter26%
Median35%
P75 renter46%

These are what renters actually pay — not recommended targets.

Salary needed for median rent (30% rule)

London£84,000/yr
TorontoCA$96,000/yr

Affordability verdict

Toronto is noticeably easier on the wallet. The median renter spends 35% of income on rent there, versus 41% in London — a 6-point gap that compounds over time.

Check your affordability in London →Or check Toronto

Frequently asked questions

Is Toronto cheaper than London to rent in?

Yes — Toronto is more affordable relative to local incomes. The median renter in Toronto spends 35% of gross income on rent, versus 41% in London.

What salary do you need to rent in London vs Toronto?

To comfortably afford median rent at the 30% rule, you need £84,000/year in London and CA$96,000/year in Toronto.

What is the average rent in London compared to Toronto?

Median 1-bedroom rent is £2,100/month in London and CA$2,400/month in Toronto. Budget options (bottom 10%) start at £1,500 and CA$1,500 respectively.

Explore London in detail

Cost of living guide: LondonCan I afford £1,750 rent in London?

Explore Toronto in detail

Cost of living guide: TorontoCan I afford CA$2,000 rent in Toronto?

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