It’s no secret that living in Toronto comes with the downfall of some pricey living costs. Have you ever wondered what it would cost on a single income to be considered “thriving” in the city? Wellesley Institute has put together a “Thriving in the City” report outlining the costs required to reach a state of physical, social and psychological well-being when living in Toronto.
Let’s dive in!
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Want to thrive in the GTA? If you’re a single, working adult, it will cost far more than what you earn on a living wage. Read our latest report “Thriving in the City: Single, Working-Age Adults” to learn more. https://t.co/MTe5LCTW6F
— Wellesley Institute (@wellesleyWI) February 26, 2024
Costs for the report were identified from research referencing sources including Statistics Canada, the City of Toronto Nutritious Food Basket and market data.
The findings represent a renter of a one-bedroom apartment in the City of Toronto who does not own a car.
According to Wellesley Institute’s findings, “the annual cost of thriving for a single, working-age adult in the GTA is estimated to range between $61,654 and $83,680 after taxes.”
The estimated costs exceed the earnings of a minimum-wage full-time worker making $16.55 per hour working 35 hours per week, which is $25,994 after taxes.
Here’s a breakdown of the highest costs:
Shelter
$21,008 per year
- Rent: $1,750.70 per month
- Equipment: $363
- Furnishings: $768
- Tenant insurance: $203
Savings & debt
$15,483 per year
- General savings: $4,617. 10% of annual expenses less debt.
- Retirement savings: $9,234. 20% of annual expenses less debt. Adjusted upwards from 10% to account for lack of home equity.
- Debt repayment: $1,632. Average re-payable Ontario Student Loan debt at the time of leaving school at the current average interest rate of 2.3%.
Transportation
$2,877 per year
- Transit Pass: $1,741
- Car share: $481
- Regional travel: $547
- Taxi: $108
Social participation
$7,356 per year
- Books: $66
- Newspaper or magazine subscription: $141
- Occasional social outings: $628
- Gifts: $510
- Home internet: $949
- Streaming services: $373
- Provincial travel: $142
- Domestic travel: $598
- International travel: $1,904
Food & nutrition
$5,310 per year
- Groceries: $5,052 or $421 per month
- Food preparation supplies: $258
Professional development
$3,198 per year
- Conference: $400
- Certification or license update: $429
- Professional or trade association memberships: $450
- Continuing education or professional development course(s): $1,000
- Software: $79
- Computer upgrade or repairs: $269
- Networking: $571
Healthcare
$2,436 per year
- Extended health coverage: $2,056
- Over-the-counter drugs and other health products: $380
Personal care & hygiene
$2,049 per year
- Clothing: $743
- Toiletries: $1,068
- Laundry: $80
- Household cleaning supplies: $158
Physical activity
$603 per year
- Membership with a local recreation centre: $453
- Bicycle maintenance: $150
There you have it! After seeing these costs are you considered “thriving” in Toronto?