Winnipeg vs. Toronto: A Side-By-Side Comparison [2024 ]

You might be wondering if Winnipeg is better than Toronto, and to tell you the truth—yes it is!

Winnipeg is a better destination to live in than Toronto because it ranked among the top 200 greatest places to live in Canada. Winnipeg also did well in terms of providing healthcare, security and sustainability.

Moving to Canada can be a major life commitment. Additionally, the place you decide to call home might have an impact on your standard of living and financial prosperity.

So, the cost of living, housing costs, and employment options may vary depending on where you choose to live. These factors offer essential information to assist you get a clear idea of what it would be like to live in either of these two places.

Overview of Winnipeg vs. Toronto

There’s no doubt that Winnipeg and Toronto are great cities to live in. But, if we’re being honest, one comes out on top.

Toronto is a world-class city located right on Lake Ontario and is a home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and clubs in the country. And if you’re looking for something to do, the city is packed with museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Winnipeg, on the other hand, is a bit smaller. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting. The city has a vibrant arts scene, and it’s home to some of the best restaurants in the country.

In addition to this, Winnipeg is only a short drive away from some of Canada’s most beautiful lakes and parks.

Winnipeg vs. Toronto: Cost of Living Comparison

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Winnipeg is 44% cheaper than the cost of living in Toronto. For example, 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast costs 33% less in Winnipeg than it does in Toronto.

In order to maintain the same standard of living in each city, an individual would need to earn a monthly salary that is $4600 higher in Toronto than it is in Winnipeg. This estimate includes the cost of food, rent, transportation, utilities and other basic needs.

Cultural Diversity

Toronto is often seen as the much more multicultural city since it has more than 200 languages spoken by its residents. But, Winnipeg holds its own in terms of diversity as well and even ranked as 9th most diverse city in Canada.

Infact, Winnipeg hosts numerous cultural events year-round like Manitoba’s Annual Folklorama , along with different cultural holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Passover, Diwali and Lunar New Year.

In comparison to Toronto’s International Festival of Authors and other festival celebrations like Summerlicious and Toronto Taste, it’s clear that Winnipeg rivals Toronto when it comes to celebrating culture and diversity.

Winnipeg also hosts an International Street Festival every summer that celebrates culture, diversity and inclusivity. The event includes live music, food, art and entertainment from all over the world.

Our Verdict:

Winnipeg and Toronto are neck-and-neck in terms of providing high-quality education. Both cities have world-renowned universities, and the public school systems in both cities are considered to be some of the best in the country.

Education System

When it comes to education systems, you really can’t go wrong with either of these two great cities. Both Winnipeg and Toronto have a wide range of public, private and post-secondary education options.

However, Winnipeg may pull ahead in terms of affordability, as tuition fees are typically lower in Manitoba than in Ontario. Also, due to the smaller population size, teachers often have more time to dedicate to each student’s needs.

Winnipeg also boasts several world-renowned universities such as the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.

If you prefer larger cities for your studies, Toronto’s got plenty of universities that could tick off all the boxes on your wish list—like Ryerson University’s acclaimed engineering programs or the globally renowned University of Toronto.

Our Verdict:

Entertainment Options

Let’s compare the city’s entertainment options. Winnipeg offers residents a unique urban atmosphere with plenty of events, shopping, and restaurants lining its historic avenues.

Toronto, on the other hand, is a hub of culture, boasting world-class theater productions, galleries and music venues. But here’s the thing—both cities are well-connected to each other by air, making it easy to get away for a weekend.

So if you’re looking for things to do with friends and family, you can’t go wrong with either destination! In terms of costs though, Winnipeg fares better than Toronto – there are tons of museums and parks you can explore without breaking the bank.

In addition, there’s no need to worry about congestion – parking downtown is much more affordable than in Toronto. On top of that, renting in Winnipeg is far more teacher friendly than in Toronto with longer leases available at lower rates.

Our Verdict:

When it comes to entertainment options, both Winnipeg and Toronto have a lot to offer. In the end, it really depends on which one you prefer to enjoy.

Transportation Options

When it comes to transportation in Winnipeg, you’re pretty much limited to cars and taxis. The taxis are reliable and run frequently, but they can be quite packed during rush hour.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to buy a car, Winnipeg is a great place to do it. The gas prices are low, and the government even offers tax breaks for new car owners.

Toronto, on the other hand, has a much wider range of transportation options. You can take the subway, streetcars, taxis or buses anywhere in the city but the prices of gas and fare are higher than in Winnipeg.

	Transportation Costs in Winnipeg vs. Toronto
CATEGORY	WINNIPEG	TORONTO
• Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) • Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) • Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) • Gasoline (1 liter) • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	3.75 C$ 1.60 C$ 31.30 C$ 1.86 C$ 27,000.00 C$ 26,417.83 C$	4.41 C$ 1.75 C$ 31.00 C$ 1.88 C$ 29,000.00 C$ 26,535.59 C$

Our Verdict:

When you take a closer look, one city emerges as the clear winner—Winnipeg. Although Toronto has much more to offer in terms of public transportation, the cost of getting from point A to point B is usually much cheaper in Winnipeg than it is in Toronto.

Crime Rates

When considering Winnipeg vs. Toronto, let’s talk about safety and crime. Both cities have some crime, but as with most major cities, crime is more prevalent in certain areas.

Crime rates in Winnipeg vs. Toronto
CATEGORY	WINNIPEG	TORONTO
• Home invasion/robbery. • Worries of being carjacked. • Worries of being attacked. • Vandalism and theft. • Corruption and bribery. • Worries of being a racism victim.	74.72 (HIGH) 49.34 (MODERATE) 52.57 (MODERATE) 68.39 (HIGH) 42.44 (MODERATE) 33.83 (LOW)	66.53 (HIGH) 32.80 (LOW) 37.95 (LOW) 48.19 (MODERATE) 36.57 (LOW) 27.79 (LOW)

That said, both cities have taken steps to improve public safety over the last few years. Toronto has special “neighborhood watch” programs that involve citizens working together with police to stay alert and report suspicious activity.

Winnipeg employs an integrated policing unit to tackle gangs and street level crime in priority neighborhoods.

Overall, both Toronto and Winnipeg offer relatively safe environments to live in, so it’s really a matter of preference when deciding between them based on public safety alone.

Our Verdict:

The crime rate in Winnipeg is significantly higher compared to Toronto but this doesn’t mean that Toronto is a safe haven by any means.

There are still crimes that take place in Toronto, but the numbers are significantly lower based on the data above. This makes Toronto a safer city to live in, with less risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Prices in Toronto vs Winnipeg

1. Housing in Winnipeg vs. Toronto

Toronto has a lot of things going for it: endlessly diverse food options, thriving arts and culture scene, and plenty of professional opportunities. But all that comes at a price. Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to live in, with housing prices that are out of reach for many people.

Winnipeg, on the other hand, is more affordable. The cost of living in Winnipeg is significantly lower than in Toronto, and you can get more bang for your buck when it comes to housing.

Housing Costs in Winnipeg vs. Toronto
CATEGORY	WINNIPEG	TORONTO	DIFFERENCE (PERCENTAGE)
• One-bedroom apartment in City Centre • One-bedroom apartment outside of Centre • Three-bedroom apartment in City Centre • Three-bedroom apartment outside of Centre	1,088.75 C$ 1,135.55 C$ 1,824.77 C$ 1,748.53 C$	2,377.70 C$ 1,962.26 C$ 3,654.33 C$ 3,115.71 C$	-54.2 % -42.1 % -50.1 % -43.9 %

Our Verdict:

So it’s clear that when it comes to housing costs, you’ll save more if you choose to live in Winnipeg instead of Toronto. Though this is just one factor to consider when making your decision, the savings on renting could be enough to tip the scales for some people!

2. Food Prices in Winnipeg Vs. Toronto

Are there any noticeable differences in food prices between Winnipeg and Toronto? Yes, there definitely are! In fact, food prices in Winnipeg are around 25% cheaper than they are in Toronto.

Let’s take a closer look with some of the common foods at the table below:

Food Costs in Winnipeg vs. Toronto
CATEGORY	WINNIPEG	TORONTO	DIFFERENCE (PERCENTAGE)
• Milk (regular) 1L • Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) • Rice (white), (1kg) • Eggs (regular) (12) • Local Cheese (1kg) • Chicken Fillets (1kg) • Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	1.81 C$ 2.69 C$ 4.34 C$ 3.79 C$ 12.20 C$ 13.99 C$ 17.56 C$	3.36 C$ 3.44 C$ 3.97 C$ 4.21 C$ 15.46 C$ 15.94 C$ 18.07 C$	-46.2 % -21.8 % +9.4 % -9.9 % -21.0 % -12.2 % -2.8 %

So it’s clear that when it comes to buying food, you’ll save quite a bit if you choose to live in Winnipeg instead of Toronto. Though this is just one factor to consider when making your decision, the savings on groceries could be enough to tip the scales for some people!

Our Verdict:

Ultimately, whether or not you’re able to save money on food will depend on your cooking style and what you’re looking for. If you’re willing to put in the effort to find the best deals and cook meals from scratch, then Winnipeg is definitely the better choice for saving money on groceries.

Pros and Cons of Each City

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each city. Winnipeg, located in the Canadian Prairies, is Canada’s seventh-largest urban area with over 700,000 people living in and around the city.

However, just like any other neighborhood, Winnipeg has its pros and cons. If you are considering moving to Winnipeg, here are some of the pros and cons of living in this city:

Pros and Cons of Living in Winnipeg
PROS	CONS
• Living expenses are very affordable. • In Winnipeg, there is a strong sense of belonging. • There are several options to engage in outdoor activities, and the city is near to the natural world. • The pace of life is slower, which can be very appealing after living in a big city like Toronto. • The people in Winnipeg are warm and kind, and the city itself is very welcome.	• Winters can be extremely cold and extended. • In comparison to Toronto, Winnipeg offers fewer activities. • Some people might find the city’s flatness dull because it is so flat. • Compared to a large metropolis, there is a lesser assortment of restaurants and stores. • In comparison to Toronto, there is less development in the public transit system.

Toronto, on the other hand, is a vibrant cultural center with more than 5 million people living in and around the city. It has some great living advantages and of course, disadvantages like Winnipeg, such as:

Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto
PROS	CONS
• Toronto has a huge cultural diversity.. • Transportation is simple with reliable public transportation. • Has lower crime levels compared to other big cities. • Has a good quality of life.	• Finding work is challenging for immigrants. • There is more traffic nowadays. • Not many people are hospitable. • It has expensive living costs.

Our Verdict

Both cities have a lot to offer when it comes to quality of life. But Winnipeg is much less expensive than Toronto so it is really a great option for those looking to save money.

Winnipeg also offers plenty of activities such as hiking, skiing and cycling, plus there’s plenty of green spaces and parks to explore.

Nevertheless, Toronto also has its perks. It is well-connected by public transport and there are lots of cultural activities to enjoy, from art galleries to theater performances.

At the end of the day, the city that is better for you will depend on your own personal needs and wants when it comes to lifestyle and budget. Consider what matters most for you before making a decision between Winnipeg and Toronto.

Cheaper rent or more cultural attractions? The choice is yours!

FAQs about Winnipeg vs. Toronto: Which City Is Better for Living In?

Is Winnipeg cheaper than Toronto?

It is generally cheaper to live in Winnipeg than in Toronto. According to Numbeo’s cost of living comparison tool, the cost of living in Winnipeg is about 25% lower than in Toronto.

This includes factors such as the price of housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living can vary widely depending on an individual’s lifestyle and personal expenses.

Is Toronto colder than Winnipeg?

Toronto and Winnipeg have similar climates, with cold winters and warm summers. However, Winnipeg is generally colder than Toronto, especially in the winter months since it is located further north and inland, making it more susceptible to cold Arctic air masses.

In terms of average winter temperatures, Winnipeg is colder than Toronto, with average January temperatures ranging from -11 to -17°C (12 to 1°F) in Winnipeg, compared to -4 to -7°C (25 to 19°F) in Toronto. Please keep in mind that it is worth noting that temperature can vary widely from year to year and from day to day in both cities.

Is Winnipeg good for immigrants?

Winnipeg is a diverse and welcoming city that has a strong immigrant community. Many immigrants have found success and a sense of belonging in Winnipeg, and the city has a number of resources and supports in place to help newcomers settle and thrive.

One of the advantages of living in Winnipeg is the relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in Canada. This can make it easier for immigrants to afford housing and other necessities while they are getting established.

The city also has a strong job market and a number of industries that are actively seeking skilled workers, which can make it easier for immigrants to find employment.

There are also a number of organizations and groups in Winnipeg that support immigrants and help them connect with others in the community. These can be a great resource for newcomers looking to build a support network and learn more about life in Winnipeg.

Overall, Winnipeg can be a good choice for immigrants who are looking for a welcoming and affordable place to live and work.

Is Winnipeg bigger than Toronto?

No, Toronto is larger than Winnipeg in terms of both population and land area.

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the fifth most populous city in North America, with a population of about 6.5 million people. Winnipeg, on the other hand, has a population of about 852,000 people.

In terms of land area, Toronto covers a total of 630 square kilometers (240 square miles). Winnipeg, on the other hand, covers a total of 464 square kilometers (179 square miles).

Despite being smaller than Toronto, Winnipeg is still a significant city in Canada and is the capital of Manitoba. It is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant arts scene.