Hamilton vs Toronto: Which City is Right For You?
Considering living in Hamilton vs. Toronto? Here’s what you need to know before making a decision…
Toronto has a lot to offer home hunters, from its lively core to its quieter enclaves. We firmly believe that there’s no better place to live than Canada’s largest city. That said, many Ontarians are gravitating towards smaller communities in search of lower home prices and a more relaxed pace of life. One of the most popular options is Hamilton. If you’re considering living in Hamilton vs. Toronto, here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
City Stats
Hamilton
Population: 536,917
Average age: 41.3
Average after-tax income: $36,820
Toronto
Population: 2,731,571
Average age: 40.6
Average after-tax income: $41,462
Amenities: Hamilton vs Toronto
Hamilton
There’s no shortage of great dining and shopping options in Hamilton. The city’s food scene is diverse, which means you’ll find something to munch on no matter what you’re in the mood for. A few of our favourite spots include Mezcal (which serves up some of the best tacos in the GTA), Quatrefoil (for French-inspired fine dining), and Aberdeen Tavern (for savoury fare such as pork chops and rack of lamb). Hamilton is also home to the Lime Ridge Mall, which houses over 200 retail shops. Popular shopping districts include James Street North and Locke Street, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of local stores in both districts.
Restaurants & shopping districts
• Mezcal
• Quatrefoil
• Aberdeen Tavern
• Lime Ridge Mall
• James Street North
• Locke Street
Toronto
There are far too many incredible restaurants and shopping districts in Toronto to condense them into one comprehensive list. Known for its mix of cultures and creative chefs, the city’s food scene is impressively diverse and wildly inventive. Standouts include Dailo (an innovative French-Cantonese spot in Little Italy), Ascari Enoteca (a noodle house that uses gourmet ingredients in Leslieville), and Nodo (for savoury Italian food in the Junction). There’s also an abundance of shopping options across the city. Check out the Eaton Centre for popular retailers, Yorkville Village for high-end and luxury brands, and smaller districts (like West Queen West) for funky local boutiques.
• Grey Gardens
• Dailo
• Ascari Enoteca
• Gare de L’est
• Bar Isabel
• Nodo Junction
• Yorkville Shopping Centre
• Eaton’s Centre
• West Queen West
• Kensington Market
Attractions and entertainment: Hamilton Vs Toronto
Hamilton
You’ll find plenty to do when you’re out and about in Hamilton. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Gage Park (a beautiful green space in the heart of the city) and the Royal Botanical Gardens (which feature 30 kms of trail). The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the largest art museum in Southern Ontario, making it a must-visit attraction for art lovers. If sports are more you’re thing, you’ll want to see the Hamilton Tiger Cats square off at Tim Hortons Field. The city also contains several historical sites of provincial and national importance.
• Gage Park
• Art Gallery of Hamilton
• Dundurn Castle
• Hamilton Children’s Museum
• Tim Hortons Stadium
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Canadian Warplane Museum
Toronto
Toronto’s attractions are too numerous to count. First off, the city is full of gorgeous green spaces; High Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park are two of the most beloved. When it comes to cultural institutions, Toronto doesn’t disappoint. The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in all of North America (though the city is also home to a thriving art scene that includes countless smaller galleries). The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest spaces of its kind in Canada, and the Bata Shoe Museum has an internationally-renowned collection. Simply put, Toronto is a treasure trove of incredible attractions and events.
• St Lawrence Market
• High Park
• Trinity Bellwoods Park
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Casa Loma
• Rogers Centre
• Bata Shoe Museum
Transportation: Hamilton vs Toronto
Hamilton
Public transportation in Hamilton is provided by the Hamilton Street Railway, which operates along 34 convenient city bus routes.
Adult fare: $3.00
Day pass: $13.80
Monthly pass: $105.60
Toronto
The city of Toronto offers extensive bus, subway, and streetcar networks through the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The Go Train also provides service across the GTA, making it perfect for commuters from outside the city.
Adult fare: $3.25
Day pass: $12.50
Weekly pass: $43.75
Real estate Market: Hamilton vs Toronto
Hamilton
When it comes to housing, Hamilton is often considered a less-expensive alternative to Toronto. That said, prices can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and type of home you choose. Very generally, the average price for a detached house in the city sits around the $500K mark, while condos are typically closer to $300K. When it comes to housing stock, you’ll find a wide variety of historical pre-war homes. An increasing number of modern condo developments are also popping up in the city.
Toronto
From the Victorian homes of Yorkville to the sleek condos in the financial district (and everything in between), Toronto real estate offers something for every homebuyer. Prices reflect the incredible selection of neighbourhoods, housing types, and architectural styles available across the city. To find the home that’s right for you (and explore what’s available), talk to a real estate agent with expertise in your areas of interest.
Interested in learning more about some of the gorgeous homes available in Toronto? We have the local market experience to help you find your next dream home. Get in touch—we’d love to learn more about what you’re looking for and discuss next steps!