Edmonton Versus Toronto: Where to Buy Your First Home

First-time home buyers have quite a few decisions ahead of them. Before you can even begin thinking about your paint colour or what brand new furniture you want to treat yourself to, you first have to choose your city.

Fortunately, Canada has many fantastic options to consider. No matter what your lifestyle preferences may be, you’ll find a city and a neighbourhood to match. Toronto might be your most famous contender. In sheer size, it’s the biggest in terms of population, but is it the best? Not so, at least in my opinion. A compelling case can be made to set your sights on the west. To help you decide where to put down roots, here’s a comprehensive comparison between Toronto and Edmonton.

Are you planning to buy a house in Edmonton or the surrounding areas? My detailed Buyer’s Guide makes the process straightforward and even fun! Download your copy for free right here.

The Cost of Living?

Toronto draws many newcomers every single year, and it’s already Canada’s most populated city by far, followed closely by Montreal and our neighbour to the south, Calgary. One day, we’ll have to do another post where Calgary and Edmonton duke it out.

Today, let’s focus on the battle of Toronto versus Edmonton, starting with a look at the cost of living. We could dive into rent, the price of gas, groceries, and other necessities, but this conversation begins and ends with the cost of housing.

If you want to buy a house in Toronto, the average price is well over $1 million. For a regular ol’ house – not an opulent mansion as you might expect for that price. In Edmonton, you’re looking at approximately $490,000 for a detached house, $300,000 for a townhouse, or $185,000 for a condo. That’s as of the last quarter of 2024.

For first time buyers with limited funds, the choice is clear. Hands down, Edmonton wins. Thanks for coming out, Toronto! And we are still just getting started.

What kind of lifestyle can you expect in Southwest Edmonton? Learn more about our communities right here.

Fun Things to Do in Edmonton

Sure, Toronto has a reputation for its thriving entertainment scene and long list of fun things to do. There are museums, art galleries, and too many restaurants to name. We won’t argue that there are plenty of activities for people of all ages. But does it have a mall with a roller coaster and an epic indoor waterpark? Not a chance, which means Edmonton takes the prize yet again!

The West Edmonton Mall may be our most famous landmark, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of all of the vibrant experiences you can enjoy here. Shall we begin by talking about the gorgeous parks and green spaces, like the North Saskatchewan River Valley, where you can spend hours hiking, cycling, or basking in the scenery?

Or maybe we should start with Edmonton’s rich culture and arts scene, as evidenced by The Art Gallery of Alberta or the Royal Alberta Museum. We also have the Muttart Conservatory, where you can explore a series of climate-controlled pyramids with plants from around the world. It’s a great place to soak in some warmth on a chilly winter’s day! Speaking of winter, the majestic Edmonton Ice Castles is a sight of icicles and frozen waterfalls that will take your breath away. It’s enough to make even the most fervent hater of winter look forward to the snow!

When it comes to fabulous shopping and dining, Edmonton has it all, with fewer crowds, shorter line-ups, and lower prices than in Toronto. Plus, there’s no HST, so every experience is automatically easier on your bank account. And, of course, Edmonton wouldn’t be Edmonton without the Oilers, our local hockey heroes. You can see them in action and cheer them on at Rogers Place where they frequently face off against our rivals, the Calgary Flames. Go Oilers Go!

Are you convinced Edmonton is the right place for you? Check out some of my featured listings right here.

Where Opportunities Abound

Toronto shines on the world stage as a place where career and business opportunities are in great supply. However, do you know where people go for the best, highest-paying jobs in the country? If you guessed to the west, you’d be correct!

Energy is one of Canada’s top industries, and it will continue to be a major economic powerhouse for the foreseeable future. Edmonton is one of the leading cities for oil and gas extraction, which provides unlimited opportunities in the skilled trades.

As Alberta’s capital, there are numerous careers in the public sector and administration. Edmonton is also a national leader when it comes to education, with institutions like the University of Alberta and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) contributing to advancements in research. As a technology hub, you’ll find countless startups and established companies in all fields, including software development and AI.

Agriculture, construction, and hospitality are all a significant part of Edmonton’s economy. Whether you’re searching for your first job, advancing in your chosen position, or switching careers altogether, Edmonton is a place where you can grow and thrive. There are no limits to your future here!

Do you want to learn more about what it’s like to live in Edmonton? Send me an email to jolene@jolenelangelle.com or give me a call at 780.910.1317 today to chat about the possibilities.