City in Ontario, Canada
Toronto
Canada's biggest and most diverse city: great food, neighbourhood life and an easy first North American stop. Winters are cold, rents are high and transit is patchy.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,950–3,860Comfortable, one person · C$4,200–5,500Details
- Value for money20/100Better value than 19% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Jul, 24°CDetails
- Air quality7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableLake Ontario water is treated and safe; refill bottles at public fountains.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–211Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereTap to pay works almost everywhere, including TTC.Details
Where to stay in Toronto
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Queen West–Ossington | Cafés, bars and galleries; popular with younger visitors |
| Downtown (Yonge–Dundas) | Transit hub, attractions, first nights in the city |
| Kensington Market–Chinatown | Cheap food, hostels, second-hand shops |
| The Annex | Quiet, leafy, near university cafés and subway |
| Leslieville–Riverside | Long stays: brunch spots, parks, streetcar to downtown |
Apps that work in Toronto
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Frequent promos |
| SkipTheDishes | Common local app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Metered taxis are plentiful downtown and take cards; Uber is usually cheaper. Surge pricing hits after concerts and in bad weather.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Tap to pay works almost everywhere, including TTC. Carry a little cash for small Chinatown shops, markets and some tip jars.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Toronto solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Toronto meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.