Leaving Toronto in your 20s: Where to?



    Leaving Toronto in your 20s can be both exciting and daunting. As one of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto offers a vibrant lifestyle. However, the high cost of living and competitive job market might push young adults to consider other cities for new opportunities. Toronto is home to millions of people. For some, it represents opportunity and growth. For others, it means a constant struggle to keep up with the fast-paced lifestyle.  The work market in the city is growing, but housing expenses and living standards are also going up.

    Why you should move to St. John’s, NL

    St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, offers a unique lifestyle compared to Toronto. The city is known for its colorful row houses, tight-knit communities, and scenic coastal views. One of the biggest reasons to move here is the affordable cost of living. According to 2024 stats, the average home price in St. John’s is $315,000, which is significantly lower than Toronto’s average of $1.1 million. This is a huge decrease. It’s a fantastic choice, therefore, for young individuals wishing to buy their first house. If you are seeking more financial independence, St. John’s real estate prices have been continuously decreasing over time.

    A Couple looking at each other and thinking about leaving Toronto in your 20s

    One of the biggest reasons to move here is the affordable cost of living.

    St. John’s also has a slower, more relaxed pace of life. This can be a refreshing change for people who are leaving Toronto to escape the hectic, fast-paced environment. Particularly in sectors like technology, oil, and fishing, St. John’s job market is continuously expanding. While the unemployment rate stands at 7.5%, the quality of life is highly rated due to the low crime rate and friendly community atmosphere.  If you enjoy a slower pace of life and value natural beauty, leaving Toronto in your 20s for St. John’s could be a wise choice. With significantly lower living expenses, excellent access to nature, and a welcoming community, it’s a great city to start a new chapter in life. Learn more about moving Toronto to St. John’s NL and why this city could be a perfect new home for you.

    Why you should stay in Toronto

    Even though this blog post is primarily about moving away from Toronto, it’s important to discuss the reasons why some people might wish to stay or go back. Business, education, and culture are still concentrated in Toronto. Toronto has 3.2 million residents as of 2024, making it the largest metropolis in Canada. With the average income in the tech sector nearing $85,000 yearly, the job market is increasing, especially in finance and technology.

    Toronto at night.

    For young professionals seeking career growth, leaving Toronto in your 20s might not be necessary, as the city continues to provide excellent opportunities in numerous industries.

    If you are ready to invest in your career, Toronto has no shortage of opportunities. York University, Ryerson University, and the University of Toronto are among the top schools and universities in the nation and are located in the city. For young professionals looking to launch their careers, these schools serve as networking platforms in addition to offering top-notch education. The city’s attractions, diversity, and chances are unmatched, despite the fact that housing expenses are still high—a one-bedroom apartment often costs $2,600 a month. For young professionals seeking career growth, leaving Toronto in your 20s might not be necessary, as the city continues to provide excellent opportunities in numerous industries. If you stay, long distance moving companies Toronto locals trust can help you with any future relocation plans.

    Why you should move to Thunder Bay, ON

    Because of its strong feeling of community and reasonably priced housing, Thunder Bay is becoming more and more of a preferred relocation choice. With an average house price of $275,000 in 2024, Thunder Bay is among the most reasonably priced communities in Ontario. In comparison, living expenses in Toronto are significantly greater, with home values rising above $1 million. While many young folks find it challenging to break into Toronto’s real estate market, there is a good alternative in Thunder Bay.

    With its proximity to Lake Superior and abundance of hiking paths, the city is ideal if you enjoy being outside. Snowboarders and skiers who prefer cold weather may find Thunder Bay appealing because of its well-known cold winters. Thunder Bay provides a more intimate relationship with nature without sacrificing city advantages for an individual accustomed to Toronto’s metropolitan environment. With employment prospects in forestry, healthcare, and education, the unemployment rate is 5.9%, marginally lower than the national average. Due to infrastructure improvements, Thunder Bay now has more company and startup options. If you’re considering moving Toronto to Thunder Bay ON, the lower cost of living and quality of life make it an attractive option for young adults looking to escape Toronto’s high prices.

    Why you should move to Saskatoon

    Saskatoon offers a mix of economic opportunities and affordable living that appeals to many young professionals. According to 2024 figures, the average home price in Saskatoon is $320,000, which is far more affordable than in Toronto. Saskatoon also has a growing tech sector and a strong agricultural industry, offering jobs in diverse fields. In recent years, the city has experienced growth in entrepreneurship, with various initiatives supporting local businesses and startups. The city is also known for its lively arts scene and numerous festivals that take place year-round. From the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival to the Winterruption Music Festival, there’s always something going on.

    A person using a computer to find some information about leaving Toronto in your 20s.

    According to 2024 figures, the average home price in Saskatoon is $320,000, which is far more affordable than in Toronto.

    Saskatoon, which has a population of slightly over 300,000, offers a lot of employment options yet still feels like a tiny city. With a 5.2% unemployment rate, which is less than the national average, job growth in this city is anticipated in a number of industries. Because of the continued affordability of living, young professionals may live well without the financial strain of larger cities. If you’re thinking about moving from Toronto to Saskatoon, the combination of lower living costs and a growing job market makes it a great place to start a new chapter in your life.

    Why you should move to Regina, SK

    If you are departing Toronto in your twenties, Regina is yet another fantastic choice. The cost of living in Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, is almost 30% less than in Toronto. Young adults will find it considerably simpler to enter the property market in 2024, with an average home price of $315,000. Regina offers a lot of advantages to people wishing to avoid the higher expenses of Toronto, including reasonably priced homes and a robust economy. Because it is the provincial capital, Regina has a robust public sector in terms of employment, with government jobs being one of the main employers. In addition, the city’s economy is expanding in fields including building, healthcare, and education. Young professionals can find steady employment in Regina, where the general unemployment rate is 5.5%.

    A spacious family home.

    Leaving Toronto in your 20s can be difficult. But moving to Regina SK can ease your transition because of the quality of the city and what it offers.

    If you are interested in outdoor activities, Regina has parks, lakes, and nature trails to explore. The city also has a rich cultural scene, with galleries, museums, and festivals happening throughout the year. If you’re considering moving Toronto to Regina SK, you’ll find that the city’s affordability and job opportunities provide a solid foundation for young professionals. The relaxed pace of life and lower cost of living can give you the financial flexibility to pursue personal projects or enjoy hobbies.

    Why you should move to Fredericton, New Brunswick

    Fredericton is a quiet place with more job chances. In 2024, houses cost about $250,000, which is much cheaper than in Toronto. This makes it a good place for young people who are starting their jobs. Life in Fredericton is calmer, and things cost less, so people can have more space and time. There are many schools and places for research, which helps create more jobs, especially in tech and teaching. The University of New Brunswick is one of the big places to work, and new tech companies are growing because of special programs in the city.

    Fredericton is a fun place with lots of festivals and events. The people are really nice, and the community helps you feel welcome when you move there from Toronto. It has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere that can make adjusting to life after leaving Toronto in your 20s much easier. Moving Toronto to Fredericton New Brunswick could be an excellent decision if you’re looking for a quieter, more affordable place to live without sacrificing career prospects.

    Why you should move to Vancouver

    If you’re leaving Toronto in your 20s but still want to live in a big city, Vancouver is a great choice. The city is known for its beautiful views and nice weather, perfect for people who love being outside. But living in Vancouver can be expensive. In 2024, houses cost about $1.3 million, even more than in Toronto. Renting is also pricey, with one-bedroom apartments costing about $2,800 in popular areas.

    Vancouver cityscape.

    The city is famous for its stunning scenery and mild climate, making it ideal for those who love the outdoors.

    Vancouver has many good jobs, especially in computers, movies, and travel. Big companies like Amazon and Microsoft have offices there. In Vancouver, people can work and still have fun outside. The city is close to mountains, forests, and beaches. Hence, you can go skiing, hiking, or kayaking after work or on the weekends. If you like living in a big city but also want to be close to nature, moving from Toronto to Vancouver in your 20s could be the perfect choice.

    Why you should move to Calgary

    Calgary is a great place with good jobs, cheaper houses, and fun things to do outside. In 2024, houses cost about $480,000, which is much cheaper than in Toronto. There are lots of jobs in tech, energy, and healthcare. Calgary is important for jobs in oil and gas, so many people work in that industry.

    The unemployment rate has dropped to 6.2%, indicating a growing job market. Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. The city itself is modern and offers plenty of cultural and entertainment options, from art galleries to sports events. If you’re looking for a balance between a lower cost of living and strong career opportunities, Calgary is an excellent option for young adults leaving Toronto.

    Why you should move to Montreal

    People seeking a vibrant arts scene, a diverse range of cultures, and a more affordable way of life should choose Montreal. When compared to Toronto, the City of Montreal has a much lower average property price in 2024 ($550, 000). Managing daily spending is simple because of the city’s lower cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs about $1,500, making rent in Montreal considerably more reasonable.

    Montreal at night.

    Montreal is an exciting option if you are looking for an energetic arts scene, cultural diversity, and a lower cost of living.

    The work economy in Montreal is flourishing in sectors including technology, finance, and aerospace. It is the home of numerous startups in addition to major companies such as Ubisoft and Bombardier. Additionally, the city speaks two languages, which may help with employment prospects. Montreal is renowned for having a vibrant music and art scene. The city is home to a burgeoning gastronomic culture. Also, it is the site of multiple festivals, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival. If you’re a young adult thinking about leaving Toronto in your 20s, Montreal has an affordable and diverse cultural mix that is difficult to find elsewhere.

    Leaving Toronto in your 20s

    Leaving Toronto in your 20s can lead to a lot of exciting opportunities, like cheap accommodation in places like Thunder Bay and Regina and exposure to the local culture in places like Vancouver and Montreal. Canada offers lots of things to choose from, be it job advancement or a more sedate way of life. You can choose wisely as you embark on the next phase of your life by considering the distinct combination of affordability, employment prospects, and standard of living that each of the cities listed has to offer.

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