Published 16 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
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Moving east usually buys more house for less. In August 2026, City of Toronto homes averaged $979,684 while Whitby averaged $905,123, Pickering $935,490, Ajax $871,853 and Oshawa $652,775, with far more detached homes in the mix. Buyers outside Toronto also avoid the Toronto municipal land transfer tax. The trade-off is commute time and fewer transit options.
Prices compared, August 2026
| Area | Average price | Detached average | Days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Toronto | $979,684 | $1,525,749 | 35 |
| Pickering | $935,490 | $1,165,883 | 33 |
| Ajax | $871,853 | $968,031 | 28 |
| Whitby | $905,123 | $1,010,663 | 30 |
| Oshawa | $652,775 | $715,831 | 31 |
Source: TRREB Market Watch, August 2026.
The tax difference
Toronto buyers pay both Ontario and Toronto land transfer tax. Buying in Durham means only the provincial tax, which is a meaningful saving on closing day. Try the land transfer tax calculator.
The commute reality
- GO Lakeshore East serves Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa.
- Highway 401 congestion is the main variable; the 407 costs tolls.
- Many households keep two cars, which offsets some savings.
What your budget buys east
Run the numbers for both scenarios.
Free tool — what can you actually afford here?
What to check before moving
- School catchments for your exact address.
- Distance to a GO station and parking availability.
- Property tax rates, which differ by municipality.
- Development plans nearby.
- Resale depth for the home type you choose.
Where I fit
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty. I help Toronto households compare staying, moving east, or moving west, with the real numbers for each. See Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa.
The takeaway
Durham Region usually buys more house for less, with detached homes averaging $715,831 in Oshawa to $1,165,883 in Pickering in August 2026, plus savings on Toronto land transfer tax. Weigh that against commute time, transit access and car costs, and test the drive before you buy.
Talk it through with me
Thinking about moving east?
Tell me your budget and work location. I will compare what you get in Toronto versus Durham.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Durham Region than Toronto?
On average yes. Oshawa averaged $652,775 and Ajax $871,853 in August 2026, compared with $979,684 in the City of Toronto.
Do I avoid Toronto land transfer tax in Durham?
Yes. The municipal land transfer tax applies only within the City of Toronto.
How do I commute from Durham to downtown Toronto?
GO Lakeshore East trains serve Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa; the 401 and tolled 407 are the main highways.
Which Durham city is best for families?
Each has family neighbourhoods; compare school catchments, commute and price per home type.
Are Durham homes selling quickly?
In August 2026 Ajax averaged 28 days and Whitby 30 days on market.
Will I need two cars in Durham?
Many households do, which offsets part of the housing savings.
Sources
- TRREB Market Watch, August 2026 — district tables W06, W07 and W08 for all home types, detached and condo apartment, plus the MLS® HPI benchmark page. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- GO Transit — Lakeshore East service to Durham Region. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) — public register of registrants, registration categories and disciplinary decisions. Accessed 16 September 2026.
Related reading
About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Etobicoke. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA, with deep local knowledge of the west end. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume. Every market figure here comes from TRREB’s published tables and every rule from RECO or Ontario legislation, so you can check all of it without asking me.
Reach me at connect@jatindua.com or 833-330-1925, or book a call.