Karsten SturmayMoving to a new city, regardless of the reason or purpose, can be nerve-wracking. Of course, the thought of relocating is exciting, but it comes with challenges too.
Let’s talk about those and some of the other things you’ll have to consider if you’re moving from Toronto to Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton than in Toronto?
Based on what we’ve seen in the table below, we can say that the cost of living is generally cheaper in Edmonton than in Toronto.
Of course, this can still be subject to your lifestyle preferences and needs.
Is Alberta’s or Ontario’s healthcare system better?
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We can say that the healthcare system all over Canada is generally solid. Let’s compare it between these two locations, though.
Toronto’s Healthcare System
Toronto’s healthcare system is publicly funded by the Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP). It offers coverage to all eligible residents of the Ontario province.
What we like about Toronto’s healthcare system is that it’s affordable and accessible. You see, aside from government-funded healthcare, they also offer high-quality care in private clinics and hospitals for reasonable prices.
We commend their healthcare system because the minimum monthly premium is paid through automatic income tax deductions. Through this, the residents can have free access to doctors, specialists, and all necessary medical surgeries.
Moreover, healthcare coverage is comprehensive because it encompasses everything from primary care services to specialized treatments. This is great for people with complex healthcare needs.
Here are the free healthcare services you can access if you’re an eligible Toronto resident or expat:
- Dental care
- Immunization services for children (4-17 years old)
- Sexual Health
- Tuberculosis medical surveillance for newcomers
- Online resources for individuals
- Online settlement resources for agencies
Just note that only eligible Toronto residents and expats with residence or work permits can get this tax-funded health insurance plan.
Nonetheless, you can still rely on private health insurance if you’re not eligible for this plan.
Edmonton’s Healthcare System
On the other hand, Edmonton’s healthcare system is under Alberta Health Services. It’s an integrated health system that offers healthcare services to more than 4.4 million people in Alberta.
The city has 106 acute care hospitals, 8,513 acute care beds, 27,973 continuing care beds/spaces, 2,840 addiction and mental health beds/spaces, 40 primary care networks, and 5 standalone psychiatric facilities.
Apart from that, they also offer various health programs and services at more than 900 facilities throughout the province.
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCOP) provides full coverage for medically necessary physician services, dental and oral services, and surgical health services to all eligible Alberta residents.
Furthermore, the following medical services are covered by the publicly funded AHCIP:
- Medically required services provided by a physician
- Psychiatrist visits
- Medically required diagnostic services such as laboratory, radiological, and other diagnostic tests
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery services
- Bariatric surgery for Alberta residents eligible under the Weight Wise Program
- Breast augmentation and mastectomy for transgender surgery
We like the inclusivity of Edmonton’s healthcare system, especially with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Just note that the patient’s eligibility for breast augmentation and mastectomy is determined and approved before the surgery. It will also be completed under Alberta’s Gender Reaffirming Surgery Program.
What’s the difference between the weather in Toronto and Edmonton?
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It’s important to be aware of the weather you should expect if you plan on moving to another city.
Toronto is set on the shores of Lake Ontario, so the weather can change dramatically every season.
It’s in the northern part of America, but with its proximity to the waters of Lake Ontario, the winter nights are warmer, and the summer days are more humid.
Alternatively, in Edmonton, the locals experience diverse weather and climate throughout the year. It can get dry during summer, but it’s not as humid as in Toronto.
However, in winter, the temperature in Edmonton can drop drastically. The winter season in this city is harsh and frigid, plus the weather here is notoriously difficult to predict.
The city also experiences more snow in winter. Edmonton experiences more than 141 days of snow each year, while Toronto only experiences snow for 65 days.
All in all, we can say that the weather in Edmonton won’t bother you if you don’t mind the cold.
How big is Toronto compared to Edmonton?
Edmonton and Toronto are both the capital cities of their respective provinces. As you can see, Toronto and Edmonton’s size is not far apart, but there’s a significant difference between the population of each city.
Well, Toronto is Canada’s most populated city and is also known as the country’s international hub. According to Macrotrends, its current metro area population has gained a 0.93% increase from 2021.
Where are the best neighborhoods in Edmonton?
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Pros and Cons of Living in Edmonton
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The Pros
- Edmonton is much quieter than Toronto. Toronto is more of an international hub, so the constant buzz of traffic and public construction is pretty much part of every day.
- The GST (Goods and Services Tax) of Toronto and Edmonton are both set at 5%, but Toronto has a PST (Provincial State Tax) set at 8%. Edmonton has no PST, so tax is generally cheaper in this city.
- Edmonton’s overall cost of living is cheaper than Toronto’s. This includes house rent, transportation costs, taxes, and more.
- Edmonton is a melting pot for large corporations and businesses such as Telus, Grainger Canada, ATB, and Canadian Western Bank, so many employment opportunities exist.
Some of the popular job markets in this city are construction, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, food services, and healthcare.
- It features a diverse range of cultural and natural attractions. Some of the outdoor activities you can try are kayaking, ice fishing, hiking, and biking.
You can also visit parks for picnics, sightseeing, and get-togethers.
- You can enjoy a myriad of events and festivals throughout the year.
- It’s a family-friendly city with diverse educational institutions and universities.
The Cons
- According to Numbeo, Edmonton has increased its crime index in recent years. Crimes like vandalism and breaking into homes or cars are common in certain sketchy areas in downtown Edmonton.
- The winter season is long and harsh, especially for people not used to it. The temperature can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F).
- Having a car is 100% a necessity because the Edmonton Transit System is only good for traveling around the city center and not in remote areas. In fact, the popular attractions in the city are spread out, so if you wish to explore Edmonton fully, you really need a car.
