Long-Distance Moving to Toronto? Here’s How to Do It Right
September 11, 2025
Most people wouldn’t dream of scheduling a move on Christmas Day, yet that’s exactly what G.H. did when relocating from Vancouver to Toronto.
With MTS Moving, the crews showed up on time, navigated strict elevator rules, provided real-time updates, and even stepped in when the condo board tried to assign damage fees. What could have been a holiday disaster became a smooth and stress-free relocation.
Stories like this explain why so many Canadians take on the challenge of long-distance moving to Toronto, even during the hectic holiday season!
After all, there’s a reason people move there. It’s the country’s financial, cultural, and entertainment hub, offering unmatched opportunities for work, education, and lifestyle. Each year, 8,500 to 9,000 people move here from other provinces, drawn by its diversity, innovation, and energy.
But relocating to Toronto is rarely simple. Heavy traffic, high costs, condo restrictions, and unreliable movers can turn excitement into regret.
This guide is here to help. From cost of living and top neighborhoods to transit, lifestyle, and choosing the right mover, here’s how to plan your relocation to Toronto with confidence.
At a Glance: Moving to Toronto
- Opportunities & Diversity: Toronto is Canada’s largest economic hub and one of the most multicultural cities in the world, drawing thousands each year for careers, education, and global connectivity.
- Cost of Living & Housing: Toronto offers unmatched opportunity but at a price—downtown rents average close to $3,000 for a one-bedroom, though more affordable options exist in suburbs like Scarborough and East York.
- City Life & Lifestyle: From iconic landmarks like the CN Tower to High Park, Toronto Islands, and nonstop festivals, the city combines urban energy with accessible outdoor escapes and a strong community vibe.
Why People Move to Toronto
People move to Toronto for four main reasons: career opportunities, cultural diversity, education, and family ties. Even with net migration losses to other provinces, Toronto remains Canada’s top destination for international newcomers, drawing more than 120,000 arrivals per year.
Career Opportunities
Toronto is Canada’s largest economic hub and consistently ranks among North America’s top cities for career growth. It leads in finance, tech, healthcare, media, and education, with global corporations like Google, Microsoft, and RBC anchoring its economy.
Between 2017 and 2022, the city added 63,800 tech jobs , making it the third-largest tech market on the continent. Salaries and benefits are higher than in most provinces, making Toronto especially attractive to ambitious professionals and new graduates.
Cultural Diversity
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Nearly 48% of residents were born outside Canada, and 55.7% identify as visible minorities. With more than 160 languages spoken daily , the city is a global crossroads where newcomers find community, cultural expression, and inclusion.
Education
The University of Toronto ranks #21 globally for teaching and research (2025), while schools like York, TMU, and Centennial College maintain graduate employment rates above 86% . Families and international students alike value the city’s wide range of public, private, and specialized programs.
Family Connections
Family reunification remains a strong motivator. Many Canadians move to Toronto to join relatives, support children in university, or access newcomer services. Policies in 2025 continue to encourage family-based settlement, sustaining Toronto’s role as a family hub.
Migration Snapshot (2024-2025)
Category | Toronto/Ontario Data |
New immigrants to Ontario | 201,788 (42% of Canada total) |
Net Interprovincial migration (Ontario) | -24,432 (more left than arrived) |
Non-permanent residents in Ontario | +189,173 (1.38M total) |
Net intraprovincial (Toronto CMA) | -69,522 (more moved to other Ontario cities) |
International arrivals to Toronto CMA | 120,000-150,000 per year |
Toronto continues to attract the world with its economic strength, education system, and cultural mix, even as rising costs push some Ontarians to other provinces or smaller cities.
Best Neighborhoods for Different Lifestyles
Toronto’s diversity means there’s a neighborhood for every stage of life—whether you’re chasing career opportunities, raising a family, or starting out as a student.
Young Professionals: King West & Liberty Village
For young professionals, King West is the epicentre of Toronto’s fast-paced, stylish lifestyle.
It’s filled with modern condos, rooftop patios, and an endless mix of restaurants and bars; all within walking distance of major employers and transit.
Liberty Village offers the same urban energy with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Its lofts, co-working spaces, and fitness studios make it a favorite among millennials and tech workers looking for community as much as convenience.
Other areas like Yonge & Eglinton, Bay Street Corridor, and The Annex also mix career convenience with social buzz.
Families: North York & Etobicoke
Families tend to gravitate toward North York, where larger detached homes, playgrounds, and strong schools give it a suburban feel without losing easy access to downtown.
Etobicoke is equally popular, known for safe neighbourhoods, top-rated schools, and waterfront parks that make weekend outings easy.
The Beaches, High Park, Davisville Village, and Leaside also stand out for their blend of family-friendly amenities and community spirit.
Affordable & Student Options: Scarborough & East York
For students and newcomers on a budget, Scarborough offers multicultural living with rents up to 30% lower than downtown. It’s also home to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, making it a practical choice for students.
East York is quieter but equally appealing, with transit connections, tree-lined streets, and more affordable rental homes compared to the core. Parkdale, York University Heights, and Cabbagetown are also emerging as accessible options for those seeking affordability close to the action.
Getting Around Toronto: Transit and Traffic
Navigating Toronto means choosing between one of North America’s largest transit systems, notoriously congested roads, and a growing network of cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes.
Each option has its strengths and challenges.
TTC Costs: Monthly Passes & Presto Card
Toronto’s transit system (the TTC) covers buses, streetcars, and subways. Pricing in 2025 looks like this:
- Cash fare (adult): $3.35 per ride
- Presto card fare (adult): $3.30 per ride
- Monthly pass (Presto): $156 (adult), $128.15 (senior, youth, post-secondary)
- 12-month pass: $143/month (adult)
- Children under 12: Ride free
The Presto card costs $4 to purchase and offers several benefits, including fare capping, easy reloading, and two-hour transfers with unlimited boardings in either direction. New regional integration programs, like One Fare, are making cross-region commuting more affordable.
Driving Challenges: Congestion & Parking
Toronto traffic is among the worst in Canada, with congestion made worse by rapid population growth, constant construction, and downtown events. The city is investing in technology and enforcement to ease bottlenecks, but delays remain common.
Parking is also costly and competitive. On-street rates range from $1.50 to $6.50 per hour and are set to increase slightly in 2025. Off-street lots and garages are rising in cost as well, with Green P lots offering the most affordable (but high-turnover) options.
Biking & Walking Downtown
Toronto continues to expand its cycling infrastructure. In 2024, 24 km of new bike lanes were added, with further expansion planned for 2025 along Bloor, Eglinton, and Avenue Road. Separated lanes, cycle tracks, and the city’s Bike Share program make biking increasingly viable in the core.
Walking remains one of the best ways to experience downtown. With high-density neighborhoods, accessible amenities, and frequent cultural events, many residents choose to get around on foot instead of relying on cars.
Outdoor Living in Toronto
Toronto balances urban energy with easy access to nature and seasonal activities. The city’s parks, islands, festivals, and nearby escapes make outdoor living a central part of life year-round.
High Park, Toronto Islands, and Waterfront Trails
High Park is Toronto’s largest green space, with 399 acres of trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and even ice skating in winter. The Toronto Islands, just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown, offer 230 acres of beaches, bike paths, and family-friendly attractions.
Along the waterfront, continuous trails stretch from the Humber River to Scarborough, giving cyclists and walkers lakefront views, public art, and skyline backdrops.
Seasonal Festivals and Farmers’ Markets
Toronto’s calendar is filled with festivals: music, food, and art in the summer, cultural celebrations and pop-ups in the winter. Farmers’ markets run across the city, from Evergreen’s year-round hub to seasonal markets at Nathan Phillips Square and local civic centres.
Day Trips to Niagara and Muskoka
Within 90 minutes, Niagara Falls offers sightseeing, wineries, and historic towns, while Muskoka’s lakes and hiking trails are just over two hours north. Both remain favorite day trips for Torontonians seeking quick escapes into Ontario’s natural beauty.
Fun Facts About Toronto
Toronto is instantly recognizable worldwide, known for its soaring CN Tower skyline, its reputation as a global film and tech hub, and its unmatched multiculturalism with more than 160 languages spoken daily.
- CN Tower & Skyline Recognition: The CN Tower rises 553 meters and welcomes over 2 million visitors each year. It remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and anchors a skyline of 108 skyscrapers, making Toronto North America’s third-tallest cityscape after New York and Chicago.
- Film & Tech Hub Reputation: Nicknamed Hollywood North, Toronto hosts major studios like Pinewood and Cinespace, with the screen industry contributing $3.15 billion annually . The city is also a leading tech centre, ranking third in North America for tech talent and adding nearly 96,000 tech jobs since 2018, including one of the largest AI hubs on the continent.
- Most Multicultural City in the World: Toronto is home to residents from over 200 ethnic backgrounds and more than 160 languages spoken daily. With half its population born outside Canada, the city thrives on global traditions, food, and neighborhoods that make it the most multicultural city in the world.
What to Watch Out For When Moving to Toronto
Moving to Toronto comes with its own set of challenges: condo restrictions, tight downtown streets, and constant traffic disruptions. Planning ahead is the only way to keep things on track.
Condo Rules: Elevator Bookings and Moving Days
Most condo buildings require you to reserve the service elevator for a move, often weeks in advance. Time slots are limited, deposits or forms may be required, and some buildings restrict moves on Sundays or holidays. Miss the booking, and your move may be delayed by days.
Downtown Streets and Access Challenges
Toronto’s core is full of narrow, one-way streets that make unloading difficult. Curb space is scarce, construction is ongoing, and new bike lanes can limit where trucks can park. This makes access one of the toughest parts of a downtown move.
Traffic and Event Timing
Scheduling around Toronto’s traffic and constant events is just as important as packing your boxes. Here’s what you need to think about…
- Best Times to Move: Early mornings or evenings to avoid rush hour.
- Check Calendars: Parades, festivals, and roadwork frequently close downtown routes.
- Month-End Crunch: Elevators and movers book up quickly, so plan ahead.
Toronto’s density, strict condo rules, and traffic mean successful moves depend on preparation: book early, scout parking, and time your move carefully.
How MTS Makes Moving to Toronto Seamless
Toronto moves can be complicated, condo elevator bookings, tight downtown streets, and constant traffic delays can easily create stress. That’s why so many Canadians trust MTS Moving for their long-distance relocations. We’ve built our reputation on transparency, reliability, and expertise with Toronto’s unique moving challenges.
✅ Video-Verified Weight: Video proof of truck weight to eliminate the #1 moving scam.
✅ Online Status Tracker: Full visibility on your belongings throughout the move.
✅ Guaranteed Delivery Window: 1–3 weeks, or we pay you $50/day for delays.
✅ Canada’s Best Coverage: $1.50/lb coverage with no deductible, included standard.
✅ No Third Parties or Rail: Every move handled by our own trained staff.
✅ A+ Reputation & Accreditation: BBB A+ rating, CAM member, and 4.9+ stars on Google.
With MTS, you get a mover who understands Toronto’s realities and delivers peace of mind every step of the way.
Long Distance Moving to Toronto with Confidence
Toronto offers career opportunities, cultural diversity, and one of the most dynamic lifestyles in Canada, but the process of getting here takes preparation. From navigating condo rules to choosing the right neighborhood, a successful move depends on planning ahead and picking a mover you can trust.
With MTS Moving, your relocation to Toronto is backed by transparency, accountability, and a proven track record of helping families and professionals move to Toronto smoothly.
FAQs About Long Distance Moving to Toronto
How do I move to Toronto from another province?
Start by choosing an experienced interprovincial mover to Toronto who understands condo rules, traffic, and access challenges. Book your move early, especially at month-end, to secure elevator slots, parking permits, and delivery timelines.
What’s the cheapest way to move to Toronto long-distance?
The lowest cost option is usually a shared or consolidated move, where your belongings travel alongside other shipments. Just be careful. Some movers use this to hide delays or extra fees. Reputable companies like MTS Moving provide video-verified weights, all-in quotes, and guaranteed delivery windows, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Are there movers that specialize in Toronto relocations?
Yes. MTS Moving is one of the best long distance movers to Toronto, with extensive experience in high-rise and condo logistics, narrow downtown access, and timing moves around Toronto’s traffic and events.
What’s the cost to move to Toronto from BC or Alberta?
Costs depend on distance and home size. A one-bedroom move from Calgary or Vancouver averages $2,500–$4,000, while larger three- or four-bedroom homes can reach $6,000+. Always request an all-in quote with coverage included to avoid hidden fees.
What should I know before moving to Toronto?
Toronto is vibrant and diverse, but moving here takes preparation. Condo buildings often require booked elevators, downtown streets are narrow with limited curb space, and traffic can be unpredictable. Choosing the best long distance movers to Toronto ensures these challenges are handled professionally.