Cost Comparison 2025

TorontovsMoscow

Canada
Russia

Overall

💰

-33.3%

Toronto is 33.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-50.0%

Housing is 50.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-26.7%

Restaurants 26.7% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-40.0%

Food shopping 40.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Toronto, Canada and Moscow, Russia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Toronto is more affordable than Moscow by approximately 33.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Toronto are higher than in Moscow by 100%. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto's city center costs around CA$2,400, while the same in Moscow is approximately RUB 80,000.

Dining out in Toronto is notably more expensive compared to Moscow. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Toronto versus RUB 600 in Moscow.

Public transportation in Toronto is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$156 compared to RUB 2,700 in Moscow.

Purchasing power in Toronto is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Moscow.

Grocery shopping in Toronto is more expensive by approximately 67%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Toronto can expect to spend approximately CA$739 per month (excluding rent), while in Moscow, the same lifestyle would cost around RUB 23,560. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,588 monthly in Toronto versus RUB 82,460 in Moscow. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Toronto, Canada
Moscow, Russia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,400
RUB 80,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,900
RUB 45,000
3BR City Center
CA$4,000
RUB 150,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
RUB 600
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
RUB 3,000
Cappuccino
CA$5
RUB 200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
RUB 200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
RUB 90
Bread (500g)
CA$3
RUB 45
Eggs (12)
CA$4
RUB 120
Cheese (1kg)
CA$15
RUB 700

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
RUB 60
Monthly Pass
CA$156
RUB 2,700
Taxi Start
CA$5
RUB 150
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
RUB 55

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$150
RUB 8,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$80
RUB 600
Mobile Minute
CA$0
RUB 3

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Moscow to Toronto, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Toronto to Moscow requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Toronto

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index95

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto more expensive than Moscow?

No, Toronto is approximately 33.3% cheaper than Moscow. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Toronto compared to Moscow?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 75% of your Moscow salary when living in Toronto. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Moscow, you'd need about $37,500 in Toronto for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Toronto and Moscow?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 100%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Toronto offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Toronto provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Toronto if you prioritize earning potential, or Moscow for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Toronto vs Moscow?

In Toronto, a single person needs approximately CA$2,639 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,588. In Moscow, these figures are RUB 68,560 for singles and RUB 167,460 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Toronto and Moscow in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Moscow to maintain your lifestyle from Toronto

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers