Toronto, known for its bustling urban life, diverse culture, and economic opportunities, has long been a magnet for Canadians and newcomers alike. However, recent trends indicate a growing number of Torontonians are choosing to leave the city in favor of other towns, cities, and provinces. This migration is fueled by various factors ranging from skyrocketing living costs to lifestyle preferences. Although some studies claim Toronto is the city with the fastest population growth in both Canada and the United States, Statistics Canada data show that more Canadians are leaving the city than are moving there as they relocate throughout the province and nation.

The cost of living in Toronto is renowned for being extremely high for everything from groceries and activities to real estate and rent.

According to a recent survey, full-time minimum-wage workers in the city make roughly $25,994 after taxes; this sum is larger than many wages, with the average single person in T.O. spending between $61,654 and $83,680 annually to live a normal and “healthy” existence. But, let’s be honest, anyone living in Toronto or the GTA knows that making $80,000 is not enough to live a normal and healthy existence in Toronto nor in the GTA. Cost of rents or owning a home in Canada can not be afforded with this income any longer, probably it is doable but only if you live in a basement apartment or have a paid off mortgage.

READ MORE: Toronto to tax more Home owners who have vacant properties

Reasons on why Canadians leave Toronto

1. High Cost of Living

One of the most significant reasons for the exodus is the high cost of living in Toronto. The city consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live in Canada. Housing prices have soared to unprecedented levels, making homeownership unattainable for many. Renters, too, face steep prices that often consume a large portion of their income. The financial strain is driving people to seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere.

2. Housing Market Pressures

The Toronto real estate market has been a rollercoaster of bidding wars and skyrocketing prices. The competitive market leaves many potential buyers feeling frustrated and defeated. The dream of owning a home in Toronto is increasingly becoming out of reach for average earners. This has led many to explore housing markets in smaller cities and towns where they can find more reasonable prices and better chances of homeownership.

3. Work-Life Balance

Toronto’s fast-paced lifestyle can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The demanding nature of many jobs, coupled with long commutes and traffic congestion, contributes to stress and burnout. In contrast, smaller towns and cities often offer a slower pace of life, shorter commutes, and a stronger sense of community. These factors appeal to those seeking a better work-life balance and more quality time with their families.

READ MORE: Toronto the bubbliest City for housing market in the World!

4. Remote Work Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the way we work, making remote work a viable option for many. With the ability to work from anywhere, many Torontonians are no longer tethered to the city for job opportunities. This newfound flexibility allows them to relocate to more affordable and less crowded areas without sacrificing their careers.

5. Quality of Life

The allure of a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle is a significant draw for those leaving Toronto. Smaller towns and cities often boast natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a close-knit community feel. These aspects contribute to an overall higher quality of life that many find increasingly appealing compared to the urban hustle and bustle.

6. Family and Community Connections

For some, the decision to leave Toronto is driven by the desire to be closer to family and friends. Smaller communities often foster stronger social bonds and support networks, which can be especially important for raising children or caring for aging parents. The sense of belonging and community connection can be a compelling reason to relocate.

7. Retirement and Downsizing

Retirees are also among those choosing to leave Toronto. Many are selling their homes at a high profit and moving to more affordable areas where they can stretch their retirement savings further. Downsizing to a smaller home or a community with lower living costs can provide a comfortable and financially secure retirement.

8. Traffic chaos

Does anyone enjoy being stuck in traffic once in a while, every day, every time? Is there such thing as traffic enjoyment? Perhaps there is, I just don’t know how is that thing called. Anyhow, Toronto and pretty much anything south of Barrie, east of Kingston and west of London is driver nightmare. For those who don’t live in the GTA of have not visited this part of Canada yet, on some days you need to take vacation to get from one part of town to another. Seriously! You could literally be stuck in traffic for 3 hours just by trying to go from North York to downtown. Or perhaps you live in Newmarket which is just about 55 km away from downtown Toronto, you could be driving couple of hours. Or how about trying to drive from Toronto of Niagara Falls during peak hours or let’s say on a beautiful Saturday!? You would take that undergoing once and will probably avoid the same thing for months to come.

While Toronto remains a vibrant and attractive city for many, the growing trend of people leaving for other towns, cities, and provinces highlights significant challenges. High living costs, housing market pressures, and the quest for a better quality of life are driving this migration. As remote work continues to evolve and people reassess their priorities, it’s likely that this trend will persist. Understanding these motivations can help address the issues that make life in Toronto challenging and potentially lead to a more balanced urban-rural dynamic across Canada.