
Looking for the cheapest place to live in southern Ontario?
When it comes to choosing a place to live, many factors need to be considered.
A great home is a good investment and a proper lifestyle.
Favorable cost of living, climate, and access to amenities, among others, are just a few things you need to consider while choosing an affordable place to live.
With all the options in Southern Ontario, choosing an affordable place to live may not be as clear as it seems.
In this post, we’ll explore the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario and we do hope it helps you make an informed decision about where to live.
Our selections were mainly based on factors like quality of living, accessibility to necessary resources, crime rates, market pricing, job prospects, and available housing and apartment prices.
Why People Move to Southern Ontario
There are a variety of reasons why people want to live in Southern Ontario, some of which are:
1. Diverse economy: Some might be attracted by the province’s diverse economy, which offers opportunities in various sectors.
Southern Ontario is also home to world-class cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton.
See Also: How to apply for a Canadian study permit
2. Province’s natural beauty: Southern Ontario is a beautiful and varied region of Canada.
From the shores of Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment, there is much to explore in this part of the country.

3. Beautiful culture: Others might be attracted by the province’s vibrant cultural scene, including several world-renowned festivals and events.
4. Warm and welcoming community: The region is known for its friendly people.
There is always something to do in Southern Ontario, and the region has something to offer everyone.
5. Some people come for job opportunities: Job opportunities are one of the biggest reasons people move to Southern Ontario.
The region is home to many leading businesses and industries, and there are plenty of opportunities for skilled workers.
6. Some for the weather: The weather is another big draw for people moving to Southern Ontario.
The region has a mild climate, and it’s a great place to escape the cold winters of the north.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of good reasons to consider moving to Ontario and if you ever consider moving, here are the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario.
Cheapest places to live in southern Ontario
The first on our list is Tecumseh
1. Tecumseh
Tecumseh is a town in Essex County, Ontario, Canada.
Located just north of Windsor and south of Sarnia, Tecumseh enjoys the abundant natural beauty and is embraced by numerous outdoor activities.
The town has over 21,000 people and is located just east of Windsor.
Tecumseh is a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable home in Southern Ontario.
The town has various housing options, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other parts of the province.
You can save more than 20% on rent a year!
With its low cost of living, you can enjoy a comfortable place to call home without constantly worrying about how much it will cost you each month.
Tecumseh also has several different amenities and is close to Toronto and Detroit, making it a great place to live for those who want to be close to major cities.
Whether new to the area or looking for a charming community, Tecumseh offers everything you need for the least amount of money.
2. Oakville
Oakville is a town in southern Ontario, Canada. It is one of the cheapest places to live in the province, with a cost of living that is 6.4% lower than the provincial average.
The town has a population of 193,832 and is just 30 minutes from Toronto.
Oakville is a great place to live if you’re looking for affordable housing.
The town has various housing options, from single-family homes to apartments.
Housing costs in Oakville are also very affordable, with the average home price around $400,000.
And, because it’s so close to Toronto, you can easily commute to the city for work or leisure.
The town has many amenities, including various shops, restaurants, and parks.
There is also a good selection of schools, both public and private.
Oakville is worth considering if you’re looking for a cheap place to live in Southern Ontario.
3. Oshawa
Oshawa is a city in Southern Ontario that is quickly becoming a popular place to live. The city has over 200,000 people and is just a short drive from Toronto.
The cost of living in Oshawa is significantly lower than in other nearby cities, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save money.
There are various reasons why Oshawa is such an affordable place to live.
The city has lower than average housing, transportation, and food cost.
Additionally, the city offers a variety of discounts and programs that can help residents save even more money.
Oshawa is worth considering if you’re looking for a cheap place to live in Southern Ontario.
The city has a lot to offer residents, and you can’t beat the low cost of living.
You should check out Oshawa if you’re looking for a place to live without breaking the bank.
With its low cost of living and affordable housing, Oshawa is a great place to call home.
4. Sarnia
Sarnia is a small city located in Southern Ontario, near the US border. Despite its small size, Sarnia is a popular place to live due to its affordable cost of living.
The city has a lower-than-average cost of housing, and the cost of living in Sarnia is lower than the provincial average.
Sarnia also has a lower-than-average unemployment rate.
Sarnia is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Southern Ontario.
The city has a lot to offer regarding the quality of life, and you’re sure to find a place that fits your budget.
Sarnia is a great place to raise a family. In recent years, Sarnia has become increasingly popular with young families and retirees alike.
There are plenty of things to do in the city.
Sarnia should be top of your list whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family or simply looking for a cheaper place to live.
5. Hamilton
Hamilton is located in southern Ontario at the western end of the Niagara Peninsula and wrapped around the westernmost point of Lake Ontario.

Most of the city, including the downtown area, lies on the south shore.
Hamilton is often thought of as an expensive place to live. However, compared to other nearby cities in Southern Ontario, Hamilton is quite affordable.
Hamilton’s average cost of living is 8.6% lower than the provincial average. This is partly due to the city’s lower-than-average housing costs.
The city has a variety of housing options to suit all budgets.
Hamilton has something to offer whether you’re looking for a starter home or a luxury estate.
And with its proximity to Toronto, Hamilton is an ideal place to call home for those who want to experience all that Southern Ontario offers.
6. Milton
Milton is a town in Southern Ontario, Canada. It is located about 40 km west of Toronto.
Milton is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario.
The cost of living in Milton is 9.8% lower than the provincial average, and the town has over 110,000 people.
The average house price in Milton is about $400,000, which is significantly lower than the average house price in Toronto, which is over $1 million.
Milton also has a lower cost of living than Toronto, with cheaper groceries, transportation, and utilities.
Despite its low cost of living, Milton is a beautiful town with plenty of things to do.
There are over 100 parks and recreation areas, and the town is home to the Canadian Museum of Indigenous Peoples.
Milton should be on your list if you’re looking for a cheap place to live in Southern Ontario.
7. Pickering
Pickering, which has a population of over 88721(2011 population stat), is a city in Durham Region, southern Ontario, Canada, just east of Toronto.
Pickering is one of the most affordable cities in the province, with an average cost of living that is significantly lower than the provincial average.
Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family or a place to retire, Pickering could be an excellent option for you.
With its low cost of living and proximity to Toronto, Pickering is a city worth considering.
Your property taxes are significantly lower than in other parts of the GTA.
In Pickering, you’re far enough away from Toronto to have the advantage of living small town but close enough to enjoy all that a big city has to offer.
The weather is excellent! You get all four seasons, and you are on the water.
If you love sports, you’ll love Pickering. There are golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers, and much more.
Beaches? Check! Three waterfront areas (Pickering Beach, Frenchman’s Bay, and Petticoat Creek) where you can swim, fish, sail, and even scuba dive!
See Also: 10 Best Universities in Canada for Masters Degree Studies
A healthy environment is essential to everyone. Pickering offers bike lanes and trails where you can take your kids for walks or take your dog for runs along the lake.
Pickering also boasts many beautiful parks with playgrounds and picnic areas.
8. Whitby
Durham Region contains the town of Whitby on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby is situated in Southern Ontario, east of Ajax and west of Oshawa.
Despite its beautiful look, Whitby is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario.
In Whitby, the cost of living is about 8% cheaper than the provincial average.
Whitby’s housing costs are also about 18% cheaper than the provincial average.
The average price of a home sold in Whitby in 2019 was $750,000, the lowest in the area.
There are plenty of new housing developments in Whitby.
With a median income of $83,000, you can make a great living in Whitby.
There are 47 schools in Whitby, making it easy for parents to choose one for their children.
Whitby has several grocery stores, and residents can choose from multiple malls.
Whitby is a community of families with kids, and teenagers outnumber adults.
Forty-one percent of the population aged 20-39 and 19 percent aged 5-17.
You can quickly get around without a car in Whitby since it has its GO station and bus routes that travel to Toronto and other nearby cities.
Whitby has decent walkability scores, with most errands accomplished on foot.
The town also has an active arts community with a local theatre company that puts on shows for all ages and many festivals and events every year.
Whitby is the place to be if you’re looking to live in the GTA but don’t want to break the bank.
9. Ajax
Ajax is a town in the Durham Region of Southern Ontario, Canada, with a 2016 population of 119,677.
It is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, approximately 25 kilometers east of Toronto.
Ajax is one of the most affordable places to live in Southern Ontario, with a median household income of $76,466 and a median home price of $430,000.
The town also has a low crime rate (In 2005, Ajax was the fourth safest city in Canada) and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to live for families and individuals alike.
Every year for one Saturday in June, the city has a “Kids’ Safety Village,” where kids can learn how to be safe when crossing streets and other essential safety practices.
Ajax has several secondary and post-secondary schools.
The town is home to many sports teams and associations, including the Durham Attack Volleyball Club.
There are more than 100 parks in Ajax, 50 kilometers of trails, nine community centers, and numerous programs for people of all ages.
See Also: Benefits of studying in Canada for international students
There are many local events throughout the summer, such as a free outdoor movie series and music in the park.
There are good schools and many opportunities for students to learn about science through local programs offered by school boards and privately-run organizations.
Ajax is a good place for people who want to live close to Toronto but don’t want the high cost of living that comes with it.
Ajax is a great place to live for young families and retirees alike.
10. Mississauga
Mississauga is a city in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada.

It is the sixth-largest city in the province, with a population of 721,599 as of the 2016 census.
A recent study has found that Mississauga is one of the most affordable places to live in Southern Ontario.
The cost of living is nearly 10% lower than the average city in Southern Ontario.
So why is Mississauga so affordable? One reason may be because there is a large number of jobs available in the city.
With over 700,000 jobs, Mississauga has a robust job market that can help keep the cost of living down.
The city also has several affordable housing options to help keep costs down.
Mississauga is worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Southern Ontario.
Other places worthy of mention among the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario are Windsor, Stratford, Oshawa, Brantford, Dorchester, Collingwood, Niagara Falls, and Amherstburg.
Once again, here is the list of the cheapest places to live in Southern Ontario
- Tecumseh
- Mississauga
- Oshawa
- Sarnia
- Oakville
- Hamilton
- Milton
- Pickering
- Whitby
- Ajax
Conclusion on the cheapest places to live in southern Ontario
Most people want to live in the best position possible. They want to pay as little as possible for housing but ensure they’re getting quality space.
This is why I’ve put together a list of the cheapest places to live in southern Ontario, where you can find affordable and secure apartments and a welcoming community of people.
I hope this list helps you find the right place.
Join our Social Media CommunityRepublished by Blog Post Promoter
Leave a Reply