Published 16 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
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If you are moving to Toronto, where you live depends on budget, commute and home type. In August 2026 the City of Toronto averaged $979,684 (half of sales were condos), Mississauga $898,510, Brampton $886,865, Markham $1,208,692, Vaughan $1,234,758, Oakville $1,324,472, Milton $977,576, and Durham cities such as Oshawa $652,775. Farther cities offer more space; closer ones offer shorter commutes.
GTA cities side by side, August 2026
| City | Sales | Average price | Avg sale-to-list | Avg days on market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Toronto | 1,767 | $979,684 | 97% | 35 |
| Mississauga | 435 | $898,510 | 97% | 36 |
| Brampton | 440 | $886,865 | 96% | 35 |
| Vaughan | 242 | $1,234,758 | 97% | 33 |
| Markham | 282 | $1,208,692 | 98% | 33 |
| Richmond Hill | 161 | $1,205,777 | 97% | 37 |
| Oakville | 203 | $1,324,472 | 95% | 39 |
| Burlington | 193 | $1,020,937 | 97% | 38 |
| Milton | 122 | $977,576 | 98% | 29 |
| Pickering | 105 | $935,490 | 98% | 33 |
| Whitby | 129 | $905,123 | 99% | 30 |
| Oshawa | 143 | $652,775 | 99% | 31 |
All home types. Source: TRREB Market Watch, August 2026. Averages reflect the mix of homes sold in each city.
Which area suits which mover
| If you want | Consider |
|---|---|
| Transit and walkability, no car | City of Toronto near subway lines |
| A condo near downtown jobs | Toronto, including Etobicoke and North York condo hubs |
| A detached home with a yard on a mid-range budget | Durham (Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax), Brampton, Milton |
| Top-rated school areas and larger homes | Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Vaughan |
| Lake and GO access west of Toronto | Etobicoke lakeshore, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington |
Renting first vs buying
Renting for six to twelve months lets you learn neighbourhoods and commutes before committing. If you are buying on arrival, get pre-approved early; newcomers may qualify under specific lender programs. See buying as a newcomer and rent vs buy.
What can you afford?
Use the calculator, then match your range to the table above.
Free tool — what can you actually afford here?
Costs people forget
- Toronto buyers pay both Ontario and Toronto land transfer tax; other GTA cities pay only Ontario’s.
- Condo fees, property tax and commuting costs (tolls on the 407, GO fares, parking).
- Closing costs. See closing costs in Toronto.
Where I fit
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty. I help people relocating to Toronto compare GTA cities and neighbourhoods on budget, commute and lifestyle, then find the right home. See the GTA community guides.
The takeaway
Choosing where to live when moving to Toronto is a trade-off between price, space and commute. The City of Toronto offers transit and condos; York and Halton cities offer larger homes and schools at higher prices; Peel and Durham offer more space for less. Test commutes and budget for land transfer tax before deciding.
Talk it through with me
Relocating to Toronto?
Tell me your budget, work location and household. I will send the GTA areas that fit and what homes cost there.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I live when moving to Toronto?
It depends on budget, commute and home type. Toronto offers transit and condos; York and Halton cities larger homes; Peel and Durham more space for less.
What is the average home price in Toronto?
City of Toronto homes averaged $979,684 in August 2026, with a median of $770,000.
What is the cheapest GTA city to buy a house?
Among the cities in this guide, Oshawa had the lowest average in August 2026, at $652,775.
Is it cheaper to live outside Toronto?
Often yes for detached homes, and buyers outside Toronto avoid the Toronto municipal land transfer tax, but commuting costs rise.
Should I rent before buying in Toronto?
Renting for six to twelve months helps you learn neighbourhoods before buying.
Can newcomers buy a home in Toronto?
Yes. Many lenders offer newcomer programs; foreign buyer rules and taxes may apply depending on status.
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.
- Ontario — land transfer tax — provincial land transfer tax on purchases. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- GO Transit — regional rail and bus service across the GTA. Accessed 16 September 2026.
Related reading
- Best realtor in Toronto
- Buying as a newcomer
- How much home can you afford?
- Best Etobicoke neighbourhoods for families
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.