This is how much money you need to make to live alone in Toronto

Ever had dreams of living on your own in the big city? Well, a new report shows just how much it costs to live alone in Toronto.

This city has a lot to offer, including major sporting events, tons of culture, diversity, queer-friendly spaces, and history to boot. But those who live in the city know the cost of living can really add up.

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According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living in cities around the world, the average monthly cost for a single person in Toronto is $1,226.62… before rent.

These numbers are accurate as of October 2021.

Remember when rent for a bachelor apartment was less than $1,000 per month? Just me? Okay.

We broke down monthly costs that a person renting alone in Toronto will face… Brace yourself.

Housing

According to Numbeo, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto is $1,968.96.

Now, throw utilities on top of that rental price and it’s up another $160 per month. Want WiFi? Prepare to pay another $75 per month.

Add it all up and the total comes to $2,203.96. Yikes.

Phone = $101 per month

Ouch. According to a 2019 report from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Centre (CRTC), the average phone bill for Canadians is $101.

You can find cheaper options if you opt for less data, or for some of the more wallet-friendly phone companies, but the Big Three in Canada (Bell, Telus and Rogers) don’t come cheap!

Transportation = $156 per month

As more and more workplaces return to the office, commuters are filling up TTC subways, streetcars and buses again. A monthly unlimited pass for the TTC costs $156.

If you’re living and working downtown, you might be able to forgo a monthly pass and opt to load your PRESTO card as needed. Lots of Torontonians opt to walk or bike to work, but with winter fast approaching, fewer people are using that option.

Considering how these costs are already adding up, maybe it’s worth investing in a bike, but be careful that it’s not stolen. Toronto’s bike thieves never sleep.

Groceries and household items = $388.12

Taking in Numbeo’s average Toronto prices for the basic market items, being purchased once a week, comes to a total monthly average of $388.12 for a single, early 30-year-old on a basic diet.

And by basic we mean milk, rice, bread, apples, bananas, eggs, chicken…basic.

Entertainment and dining out = $220

A lot of people move downtown for the culture and the nightlife, and Toronto is no exception, but seeing your bill might make you think twice about going out.

According to Numbeo, the average cost for two to dine out in Toronto at a mid-range restaurant is $80 for a three-course meal. Presumably, this price doesn’t include any alcoholic beverages, which would probably boost the price by about $30, assuming each person had one drink.

So, one evening of dining out will cost $110. Assuming that’s not the only night you head out, and perhaps you join friends for a couple of brunches, and maybe a movie night or two, you’re looking at about $220 per month.

Partying = $180

You can expect to pay about $10 to $15 per drink in the city, depending on where and what you’re drinking.

Now that going out for a night of drinking is back on the table, assume you resume your regular drinking-with-friends activities. If you go out to drink one night of every weekend, and drink two or three drinks, you’ll end up having spent about $180 on outings.

Though, after a year of lockdowns, who can blame you for wanting to go out and get loose?

Health and fitness = $57.47

Thinking about joining a gym or fitness group? Numbeo says Torontonians pay $57.47 on average.

At $1,900 per month, maybe you should consider turning your rental apartment into a home gym. Or lift a milk jug, squat your couch, or skip the elevator and take the stairs.

Coffee (from a coffee shop) = $60

You can’t throw a rock without hitting a local coffee shop in Toronto, which is great for those of us who run on caffeine. Less great for our wallets.

Assuming you’re not opting for a fancy latte, and just going for the large coffee, you’re looking at about $3 per cup. Assuming you’re getting one coffee per workday, that’s $60 per month. Maybe it’s time to invest in a coffee pot.

Extras = $125

As much as financial advisors love to tell Millennials and Gen Z we’re just one avocado toast away from bankruptcy, we need to be able to live! And living comes with costs.

No matter how much you budget, there is always that chance that “extra” costs will crop up. Whether you’re having to fix a broken piece of technology, or replace a part on your bike, we’re going to average this at $125 per month.

The Grand Total

So, how does it all add up? It’s a lot.

Housing/Utilities: $2,203.96
Phone: $101
Transportation: $156
Groceries/Household Items: $388.12
Dining Out: $220
Partying: $180
Health and Fitness: $57.47
Coffee: $60
Extras: $125

Total: $3,491.55 per month. $41,898.60 annually

Numbeo says that the average salary in Toronto is $53,983.56, which leaves just over $1,000 per month to pay any additional bills like student debt, credit card bills, savings, and the like.

Most Torontonians know that the city is expensive to live in, but with home prices rising all around the GTA, why leave?