London and Toronto are two major cities located in different parts of the world. While London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom, Toronto is the most populous city in Canada.
Although both cities share certain similarities, such as their multiculturalism, diverse economies, and rich cultural history, they also have their unique characteristics and differences.
When it comes to choosing a city to live in, there are countless factors to consider.
Whether it’s the size of the city, cost of living, weather, transportation, or job opportunities, each factor can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
In this article, we’ll compare London and Toronto, two vibrant cities that offer plenty of opportunities for residents. Here are some questions to consider when comparing London vs. Toronto:
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Size: Which city is bigger?
Although both London and Toronto are significantly large cities, the size of each depends on how you define “bigger.” Here are some things to think about:
Population:
According to the latest available data, the population of Greater London is more than 8 million people, while the population of Greater Toronto is around 2 million people.
Therefore, in terms of population, London is bigger than Toronto.
Area:
London covers an area of around 610 square miles (1,580 square kilometers), while Toronto covers an area of around 243 square miles (630 square kilometers).
So, in terms of land area, London is considerably larger than Toronto.
Economy:
Both London and Toronto are major economic hubs. London is a global financial center, with a diverse economy that includes finance, technology, and creative industries.
Toronto is also a major economic center, with a focus on finance, media, and technology.
In terms of GDP, London’s is higher than Toronto’s, but it’s worth noting that London’s GDP is spread across a much larger population than Toronto’s.
Cost of Living: Which city is more affordable?
Toronto and London are both large cities with diverse social and economic environments. Both cities have distinctive qualities that draw both tourists and locals to them.
There are certain observable differences to take into account, though, when it comes to affordability.
Housing Costs:
One of the most significant expenses for most people is housing costs.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the London city center is around £1,716 (CAD $2,920), while in Toronto, it is around CAD $1,914.
However, outside the city center, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is slightly higher, at CAD $1,544 compared to CAD $1,347 in London.
In general, Toronto’s housing market is slightly more affordable than London’s.
Transportation Costs:
Buses, underground trains, and trams are all part of one of the largest public transportation networks in the world, which is found in London.
The cost of public transport in London is relatively high, with a single fare costing around £2.50 (CAD $4.25). In contrast, the cost of public transport in Toronto is slightly lower, with a single fare costing around CAD $3.25.
However, the cost of owning a car in Toronto is higher than in London due to the higher insurance rates and gas prices.
Food Costs:
Food costs are another significant factor to consider when comparing the affordability of the two cities.
According to Numbeo, the cost of groceries in Toronto is slightly lower than in London, with an average difference of 8%.
However, the cost of eating out in a restaurant is higher in Toronto, with an average meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costing around CAD $80, while the same meal in London would cost around £60 (CAD $102).
Weather: Which city has a better climate?
Each city has a distinct climate that is influenced by its location and immediate environs, including Toronto and London.
However, determining whether a city has a “better” atmosphere is subjective and dependent on personal preferences.
A moderate maritime climate characterizes London, with warm winters and chilly summers.
The average high temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 8°C (46°F), while the average high temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 23°C (73°F).
London is known for its frequent rain showers, and it receives about 23 inches of precipitation per year, with most of it falling during the fall and winter months.
However, it is not uncommon to experience a few days of sunshine during the winter months, which can be a welcome respite from the gloomy weather.
Toronto, on the other hand, has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
The average high temperature in January is around -1°C (30°F), while the average high temperature in July is around 26°C (79°F).
Toronto experiences four distinct seasons, with a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months.
The city also experiences thunderstorms during the summer months, which can be both refreshing and unpredictable.
In terms of climate, London has milder temperatures throughout the year, with less extreme temperature fluctuations compared to Toronto.
However, frequent rain showers may not be ideal for individuals who prefer sunny weather.
On the other hand, Toronto has more distinct seasons and experiences hot summers, which may be preferable for individuals who enjoy warmer weather.
Transportation: Which city is more accessible?
When it comes to accessibility, both London and Toronto have made significant progress in recent years. But there are some key differences between the two cities that make one more accessible than the other.
With the renowned London Underground (commonly known as the “Tube”) connecting almost every part of the city, London has one of the most extensive and well-developed public transit networks in the whole world.
In addition to the Tube, there are also buses, trams, and overground trains that make it easy to get around London.
The city is also home to many accessible taxis and ride-sharing services, which can be booked with a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) if needed.
It also has an extensive network of pedestrian and cycling paths, making it easy to navigate the city on foot or by bike.
With its subway, streetcars, buses, and trains, Toronto likewise has a decent public transit system, though it is not as comprehensive as London’s.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the city’s public transportation, and it has made efforts to improve accessibility by adding low-floor buses, Wheel-Trans (an accessible door-to-door transit service), and accessible streetcars.
However, the subway system is not fully accessible, with only a limited number of stations having elevators or ramps.
London has advanced significantly in recent years when it comes to accessibility in other areas.
With ramps, lifts, and other accessibility improvements, many of the city’s museums, art galleries, and tourist sites are now completely accessible.
The city has also made efforts to improve accessibility in its public spaces, with many pedestrian crossings and sidewalks now wheelchair-friendly.
Toronto has also made efforts to improve accessibility in public spaces, with the creation of AccessTO, an app that provides information on the accessibility of restaurants, shops, and other venues.
The city has worked to make its parks more accessible, and several of them now have accessible playgrounds and amenities.
Jobs: Which city has better job opportunities?
Both London and Toronto are significant economic hubs with a wide variety of employment options, but there are some obvious variations between the two locations in terms of the state of the job market, market trends, and overall opportunities.
Some of the biggest financial organizations in the world are headquartered in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, which boasts a robust financial sector.
Along with having a flourishing startup culture and a large number of media organizations, the city is also a center for the creative and tech industries.
In addition to this, there is a significant demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, engineering, and education.
However, it’s worth noting that the UK job market has experienced some uncertainty in recent years, with the impacts of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic affecting some industries more than others.
Toronto, on the other hand, is the largest city in Canada and is home to a diverse range of industries.
Similar to London, the city has a robust financial sector, but it also boasts a vibrant technological sector with many emerging startups and well-established IT corporations.
In addition, there is a huge need for experts in engineering, education, and medicine.
One advantage of residing and working in Toronto is its close proximity to the United States, which may provide access to a bigger market and additional employment opportunities.
All in all, deciding between London and Toronto ultimately comes down to priorities and personal tastes.
Both cities provide people with a distinctive urban experience, but they also each have their advantages and disadvantages.
You can choose the city that’s best for you by taking into account aspects like size, cost of living, weather, transportation, and job opportunities.