Living in Toronto vs. Chicago: Which is Better? (2024)

Toronto and Chicago have their own set of advantages, making them both excellent places to live. They both have amazing things to do, which is why people from all over the world enjoy taking a vacation in both cities.

When most people think of Canada, Toronto is generally the first city that springs to mind. Although it is not the capital, it is Canada’s largest and most populated city. 

It’s also a business hub with a high living cost.

On the other hand, Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States and is known for its architecture, food scene, and culture. It’s also a pretty expensive place to live as well as a hub for international flights and businesses.

If you’re trying to choose between Toronto and Chicago, it ultimately depends on your preferences. Here’s a closer look at the differences (and commonalities) of living in each city.

Weather

Toronto

Toronto has some pretty extreme temperatures throughout the year. The temperature in July often reaches 30 degrees Celsius, but the HUMIDEX makes it feel even hotter (up to 40C).

In contrast, each winter Toronto experiences -20C weather, and snow frequently shuts down the city. 

Toronto even has the world’s largest underground mall built in a series of tunnels downtown. This allows residents and tourists to avoid going out in the snow as much as possible.

✅ I recommend this aerial tour of Toronto at any time of year!

Chicago

Chicago also has some extreme weather conditions, but they’re not as drastic as Toronto. The average temperature in July is 26 degrees Celsius, and it can get up to 35C with the HUMIDEX.

The winters in Chicago are long, but they’re not as cold as Toronto. The average temperature in January is -9C, but it can feel as low as -30C with the wind chill.

One benefit to the colder weather is that Chicago rarely has any snow days. The city is built on a grid system, so the plows can clear the streets quickly and efficiently, especially downtown in the business districts.

Thankfully, Chicago also has an underground tunnel system in the Loop that allows pedestrians to walk, shop, and do light errands without going outdoors.

✅ This helicopter tour is perfect year-round in Chicago

Safety

Toronto

Toronto is generally a safe place and is generally lower than many large cities in the US. Popular tourist areas tend to have more instances of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

It is important to stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night, more so if you identify as female and are in the downtown core.

In recent months, there has been an increase in vehicle break-ins and carjackings in Toronto’s suburban areas. This is especially noteworthy because these are generally the more secure parts of Toronto. 

If at all possible, keep your vehicle in a garage when not in use.

Chicago

Compared to Toronto, Chicago is not as safe. On the Numbeo index, Toronto scores a 58.44 for safety but Chicago only scores a 33.85 (out of 100).

There is a lot more crime in Chicago, but it’s not evenly distributed throughout the city. There are some areas that are very safe, while others are more dangerous.

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take common sense precautions, especially if you’re in a more dangerous area. 

Don’t walk alone at night anywhere in the city. Instead, take a rideshare or a taxi after dark.

Walkability

Toronto

Toronto has been called one of the most walkable cities in the world, although some areas are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Some daily errands can be accomplished on foot, while others will require a vehicle or public transit. 

In addition, people in Toronto can usually walk to an average of two restaurants, bars, and/or coffee shops within five minutes.

One downside to the walkability of Toronto is that the downtown core can be very crowded, especially during rush hour. This can make walking around the area more difficult.

Chicago

According to Walk Score, Chicago is more walkable than Toronto. Toronto scores 61 while Chicago scores 77 and is the fourth most walkable city in the United States.

Chicago’s most walkable areas are downtown but it also has many walkable neighborhoods. Most people can complete their daily errands, from grocery shopping to appointments, on foot. 

Within five minutes, most Chicagoans can usually walk to five restaurants, bars, and/or coffee shops.

Like Toronto, one downside is that the downtown loop area can be very crowded, especially during rush hour. This can make walking around the area take longer as you’ll need to navigate between many people going in various directions.

Job Opportunities

Toronto

Because it’s one of the largest cities in Canada, Toronto is a great city for job seekers. The unemployment rate in Toronto is higher than the Canadian national average (5.4%). It was only 5.9% in August 2022.

The minimum wage in Toronto is $15.50 CAD per hour, which is lower than the minimum wage in Chicago.

Chicago

The unemployment rate in Chicago is higher than the US national average (3.7%) but a little bit lower than in Toronto. In August 2022, Chicago’s unemployment rate was 5%.

However, its minimum wage is ~20.95 CAD per hour ($15.40 USD). With a lower unemployment rate and higher minimum wage, Chicago is generally a better place for job seekers than Toronto.

Public Transit

Toronto

Some complain about public transportation, but Toronto’s system is one of the best in the world. It’s highly rated, operates on a timely basis for the city’s size, and has few issues.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates three modes of transportation – subway, streetcar and bus – which have routes that extensively run throughout the city and suburbs.

There’s also a ferry that takes you to the Toronto Islands. The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto is the departure point for ferries to Hanlan’s Point, Centre Island and Ward’s Island.

Chicago

Chicago is home to an excellent public transportation network. Between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the Metra Commuter Rail (Metra), bike lanes, and plentiful taxis. In general, getting around Chicago without a car is fairly easy.

There’s even a public transit bike-share and escooter share service, called Divvy, that allows residents and visitors alike to use bikes or scooters to get around the Chicago as part of the public transit system.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also plentiful throughout the city, even early in the morning and late at night.

Traffic

Toronto

The traffic in Toronto is notoriously bad. Some reports rank it as the second worst traffic in all of Canada, while other reports say it is the worst. Either way, traffic is not fun to navigate in Toronto.

Torontonians spend over 47 hours sitting in traffic while commuting every year. On average, the one-way commute time is over 42 minutes, which is actually one of the longest commutes in all of North America.

To make matters worse, there are several construction projects happening throughout the city on a regular basis. These construction projects often lead to lane closures and road closures, which in turn creates more traffic.

Chicago

The traffic in Chicago is worse than Toronto. Chicagoans spend 73 hours a year sitting in traffic. The average commute is only 35 minutes, though. 

There are also many construction projects happening throughout the city, which often lead to lane closures and road closures. 

These construction projects further contribute to traffic slowdowns, as they occur on both highways and in neighborhoods simultaneously.

Architecture and Downtown Skyline

Toronto

The city’s skyline is beautiful! It’s actually the sixth most photographed skyline in the world. The CN Tower is an iconic landmark that sticks out in the middle of the skyline.

Although not part of the skyline, the Toronto Public Library and City Hall are architectural gems that are worth seeing. In addition, there are several walking tours available that focus on different aspects of the city’s architecture.

✅ I recommend this Toronto walking tour!

Chicago

Chicago is known for its skyline – it’s the second most photographed skyline in the world, behind New York City. The Chicago lakefront allows for unique photographs of the skyline, too.

The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the tallest building in the United States and an iconic landmark in the city. In addition to the Willis Tower, there are several other tall buildings that make up the skyline including the John Hancock Center and the Aon Tower.

You can see many of these buildings on an architectural river cruise in Chicago. This is actually one of the most popular tourist activities in the city!

✅ I recommend this Chicago river cruise!

Cost of Living

Toronto

Toronto is one of the most expensive Canadian cities to live in, with high prices for housing, transportation, groceries, childcare, and other necessary costs.

To cover all expenses in Toronto each month, you should budget for approximately $5,000 per month. If you want to live in the downtown core area, your costs will be even higher.

Chicago

Chicago is more expensive than Toronto. Everything from rent and utilities to groceries and entertainment generally costs more.

To cover all your essential expenses, you’d need at least $6,000 monthly. This would get you a small apartment in a reasonably safe neighborhood outside the downtown Loop area.

Taxes

Toronto

Ontario has the third-highest personal tax income rate in all of Canada. However, Toronto has the lowest property tax rate in the state.

Ontario also has a lower Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) than most other provinces in Canada, so people tend to pay less for everyday goods and services.

Chicago

The tax rates in Chicago are pretty high, in part because Illinois property taxes are the second-highest in the United States.

Residents and visitors alike also pay sales tax on groceries and other goods as well as entertainment activities, like dining in restaurants.

Universities

Toronto

Toronto is home to a few very well-respected universities, such as the University of Toronto and York University. Ryerson University is also located in Toronto and is very well known for its programs in business, communications, and design.

Toronto also has George Brown College right in the heart of the city. It offers two-year programs and certificates in a variety of fields. 

Its programs are very affordable and allow students to get hands-on experience in their field of study before graduation.

Chicago

Chicago is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, including Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Loyola University Chicago is also very well-ranked.

Chicago also has the City Colleges of Chicago, which offers a variety of degrees and concentrations at a very affordable price point. Its goal is to make higher-level education affordable for anyone who wants to pursue it.

Family Friendly

Toronto

Finding the ideal location to settle may be difficult. However, Toronto’s variety of cultural activities, safety, convenience, and outstanding educational facilities makes it an excellent choice for families.

Chicago

Chicago has the greatest urban experience available to families without the trade-offs associated with living in some of America’s other major cities.

The Chicago Park District green spaces and playgrounds, the world-class museums, and the city-wide farmer’s markets make it a great place to raise kids.

Healthcare

Toronto

Toronto has some of the best hospitals in all of Canada, including #1 rated Toronto General Hospital. Many of these hospitals are affiliated with universities, which means they offer the latest in medical technology and research.

In addition, Canada’s health system is government-funded, so residents do not have to worry about paying for healthcare out of pocket.

Chicago

Healthcare in Chicago is very high-quality. As in Toronto, many hospitals are affiliated with universities. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the top 10 hospitals in the country.

However, as with much of the US, it is also very expensive.  Those who do not have health insurance may find themselves with large medical bills that they cannot afford to pay.

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Multiculturalism

Toronto

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 50% of residents being born outside of Canada. As a result, there are many different cultures represented in the city.

This can be a great benefit, as it makes Toronto a very open and welcoming place. It also means that there are many different cuisines to enjoy.

Toronto is famous for its unique fusion cuisine, and some of the most popular dishes include Peameal bacon, Peameal bacon sandwiches, East Indian Rotis, Toronto-style pizza, and sushi pizza.

Chicago

Chicago is also a very multicultural city. In fact, over 30% of residents are foreign-born. This diversity is one of the things that makes Chicago a great place to live.

However, multiculturalism in Chicago can also be a challenge. One must travel around the city to to get a taste of different cultures. Over the years, many neighborhoods in Chicago have self-divided by cultural norms.

Other than Chinatown and Ukrainian Village, Pilsen has become a draw for Mexican culture and Lincoln Square has become the centre of German culture.

Things to Do

Toronto

Toronto is a very vibrant city with many things to do. There are plenty of museums, art galleries, and theaters to visit, including Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The city also has a great music scene, with many different live venues to choose from. Some of the really unique things to do in Toronto include Casa Loma Castle and the Distillery Historic District as well as the Hockey Hall of Fame.

There are also a number of parks and green spaces, perfect for an afternoon of picnicking or relaxation. Some of the most popular are Toronto Island Park and High Park.

✅ Even as a local, I love this tour of Toronto in the morning!

Chicago

Chicago is home to some of the best art museums in the United States, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum.

However, it also has some really unique museums including the International Museum of Surgical Sciences and the Federal Reserve’s Money Museum.

The city is known for both its music scene and its comedy clubs. There are hundreds throughout Chicago, and several are very famous.

The Green Mill Jazz Club in the Uptown neighborhood is thought to be the oldest continuously running jazz club in the country. It was once frequented by Al Capone and his gang, and you can still sit in his favorite booth!

Second City has been a feeder club for Saturday Night Live for decades. Dan Akroyd, John Candy, and John Belushi all started their comedy careers at Second City in Chicago.

Finally, no trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to one of its many parks. Millennium Park is the most famous, and it’s home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean.”

There’s also Lincoln Park, which is one of the largest parks in the city and home to one of the oldest free zoos in the country. Almost the entire Chicago lakefront is parks and green space, including Grant Park.

✅ I love this Chicago walking and food tour!

Holidays & Events

Toronto

Toronto celebrates a number of holidays and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Toronto International Film Festival, Pride Toronto, the Toronto Christmas Market, and the Caribbean Carnival.

The Toronto Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular markets in all of Canada. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Toronto’s Caribbean Festival is one of the top events in the city every summer. Not only does it showcase the vibrant culture of Toronto’s Caribbean community, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment. 

Chicago

Chicago also celebrates a number of holidays and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Taste of Chicago.

Taste of Chicago is one of the biggest food festivals in the world, and it takes place right in the heart of downtown Chicago. The festival features food from some of the city’s best restaurants, as well as live music and entertainment.

Like Toronto, Chicago also offers a Christmas Market. It is the most authentic Bavarian-themed Christmas market outside of Europe. Chicago also offers a wide variety of other festive activities during the Christmas season including the CTA Holiday train.

Sports

Toronto

Toronto is home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors (NBA), the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB).

Toronto is also a very popular city for amateur sports. There are many different leagues and clubs to join, whether you’re looking to play soccer, hockey, baseball, or any other sport.

Curling is also very popular in Toronto, which offers several curling clubs for enthusiasts or people who want to learn more about Canada’s beloved winter sport.

Chicago

Chicago is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls (NBA), the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), the Chicago Cubs (MLB), and the Chicago White Sox (MLB).

Chicago is one of the few major North American cities that has two professional baseball teams. Each year, the Cubs and the White Sox play each other in the famous Cross Town Classic. It’s the most-watched baseball event of the year in Chicago!

Like Toronto, Chicago is also a very popular city for amateur sports. Chicagoans are passionate about their sports teams, and there is always a game to watch, even if it’s just a pickup Ultimate Frisbee match along the lakefront.

Conclusion: Toronto vs Chicago Living

There is no easy answer when it comes to choosing between living in Toronto and Chicago. Both cities have pros and cons for living, and they each have their own unique charms.

In the end, it is your own preferences that will determine whether Chicago or Toronto is better for you to live in.

If you’re looking for a big city with plenty to do and more job opportunities, Chicago might be the right choice for you. 

However,  if you prefer a smaller city with a more relaxed pace, Toronto might be a better option. Consider your lifestyle and needs when making your decision.

Ultimately, there is no bad option between the two. Whichever city you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your choice!