Mississauga ranks as one of Canada’s top 10 most expensive cities to live in—can you guess where it lands? After helping dozens of families settle in Mississauga, here’s what I’ve learned about its real cost of living.
Starting with Number 7, Let’s Have a Look at the Housing Costs.
Mississauga’s housing market has changed a lot over the last few years. Right now, the average home price is about $1,060k in November 2024 while watching the video, A Detached home costs around $1,024K , while Semi semi-Detached home averages $981K, Freehold Townhome Averages Costs $934K. A Condo Townhome averages Costs $797K & Condo Apartment Costs averages $615K. In November 2024, there were 1061 new listings and 468 homes sold, with most homes staying on the market for about 30 days. over the last 5 years, they’ve jumped by 25.8 %!
Mississauga’s population is also growing steadily. In 2024, about 804,872 people will live here. The population was 738,907 in 2012, and it grew to 721,599 by 2016. By 2041, experts think the population will reach approximately 919,900. Mississauga continues to grow as a diverse and lively city, with a mix of housing options and a community that’s getting bigger every year!
Coming in at Number 6, Let’s have a look at the cost of Groceries.
Grocery shopping in Mississauga can add up quickly! For example, a gallon of milk costs about C$6.50, and a loaf of bread is around C$3.35. If you’re buying meat, a pound of chicken breast costs about C$6.81, while a pound of beef round is roughly C$8.63. These prices show that groceries in Mississauga might be more expensive compared to other places, so it’s important to plan your budget carefully.
Eating out isn’t cheap either. A Big Mac Meal from McDonald’s costs around C$13. This can add up if you eat fast food often. Whether you’re buying groceries or grabbing a quick bite, these prices give you a good idea of the cost of living in Mississauga. Being mindful of your spending can help you stay on track and enjoy life in this vibrant city!
Moving on to Number 5, Let’s Talk about the Utility Cost.
Utilities in Mississauga can depend on the time of year and your usage. Electricity uses Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, where rates change based on the time of day. In the winter (November to April), the most expensive hours (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) are the priciest. Off-peak times, like late evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays, are the cheapest. For gas, residential customers pay about C$0.15 per cubic meter, and water costs around C$3.75 for 1,000 gallons.
For internet, cable, and phone services, prices vary based on the provider and package. Most people pay around C$150 a month for a bundle that includes internet, TV, and phone. These costs can add up, so it’s good to shop around for deals or consider only the services you need. Managing your utilities wisely can help save money while enjoying everything Mississauga has to offer!
ve times are weekday mornings and evenings (7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). During summer (May to October), midday
Coming in at number 4, Let’s talk about Taxes.
Living in Mississauga means understanding some key taxes and costs. The property tax rate for 2024 is 0.946649% while making this video, which is applied to your home’s assessed value. For example, if your home is worth $500,000, your property taxes would be about $4,733 a year. Sales tax in Mississauga is 13%, which combines the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Other costs include vehicle registration fees, which depend on your vehicle type, and home insurance. Most homeowners in Ontario pay around $1,200 to $1,500 a year for insurance, but the price can change based on your home’s value and location. The good news is that Mississauga doesn’t have any extra special taxes. Knowing these costs can help you budget better and feel more prepared for life in Mississauga!
Moving on to Number 3, Let’s Talk about Child Care Costs.
Child care in Mississauga can be expensive, but it depends on the type of care you choose. Licensed childcare centers cost about $1,000 to $2,000 per month for full-time care. Licensed home daycares are usually a bit cheaper, costing between $900 and $1,800 a month. If your child just needs before and after-school care, programs like PLASP or Kids & Company charge around $500 to $1,000 a month. These options give families flexibility based on their needs and budgets.
For education, public schools in Mississauga are free and provided by the Peel District School Board, but you may need to pay for supplies, activities, or bus transportation. Private schools, on the other hand, can cost $13,000 to $16,000 a year depending on the grade level. Pre-K options are available at licensed child care centers or private preschools, often with fees similar to regular child care. Kindergarten, however, is free for kids aged 4 to 5 and is part of the public school system. With all these options, parents can find the best fit for their family’s education and care needs!
Coming in at Number 2, Let’s Talk about Entertainment Costs.
Mississauga offers a variety of fun places for families and kids. Port Credit is a popular spot where you can enjoy the waterfront, parks, and playgrounds. For nature lovers, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area provides beautiful trails and wildlife viewing. If you're looking for indoor fun, Activate Mississauga offers interactive games that combine physical activity with technology. While there aren't any major amusement or water parks directly in Mississauga, Wet'n'Wild Toronto is nearby and offers water slides and pools for all ages.
Adults in Mississauga can enjoy various entertainment options. The city has several sports leagues, including adult soccer at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. For nightlife, there are venues like New Locomotion and Pure Gold Club. Additionally, the Las Vegas Sports Lounge offers a place to watch games with friends. While Mississauga doesn't have its own ski resorts, nearby areas offer winter sports activities. Overall, Mississauga provides a range of entertainment options for both families and adults to enjoy.
Moving on to Number 1, Let’s talk about Transportation Costs.
Getting around Mississauga involves various costs. If you drive on Highway 407 ETR, you'll pay tolls that change based on the time and your vehicle. For example, during busy times, cars are charged about 34.43 cents per kilometer, and during less busy times, it's around 22.56 cents per kilometer. Public transportation is a more affordable option. MiWay buses cover the city, and as of April 1, 2024, an adult PRESTO single fare costs $3.40, while a cash fare is $4.25.
For longer trips, MiWay connects with GO Transit. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available, offering different ride options to suit your needs.
If you own a car, fuel prices are an important consideration. As of December 24, 2024, the average gas price in Mississauga is about 150.9 cents per liter. Regular oil changes are essential for car maintenance, typically costing between $70 and $100, depending on the service and oil type. Commuting times in Mississauga usually range from 20 to 30 minutes, but this can vary with traffic and your specific route.
Understanding these transportation costs can help you plan your budget effectively.
Health care in Mississauga has options for everyone, but costs can depend on what you need. Doctor visits typically cost around $104 CAD, but most people don’t pay this out of pocket because of Ontario’s public health insurance, OHIP. OHIP covers many necessary medical services like hospital stays, surgeries, and check-ups. Prescription medications are also partially covered, though some costs might depend on your specific needs. Dental care, however, isn’t included in OHIP, so you’ll need to pay for that yourself.
A regular dental check-up costs about $150 to $200 CAD, and more advanced dental work can be much higher. For extra health services, there are both public and private options. Private health care, like elective surgeries or special treatments, isn’t covered by OHIP and can be expensive. Home healthcare services, like those from Bayshore HealthCare, can help people who need care at home, and these may be covered by government funding or private insurance.
If you need physical therapy, clinics such as Prime Health Care Inc. offer treatments, and these might also be covered by insurance or require payment out of pocket. Mississauga offers great health care options, but knowing what’s covered helps you plan your budget better.
Still unsure if Mississauga is the right choice for you? Let me help!
Visit my website to explore real estate listings, access personalized advice, and get a free consultation. Together, we’ll ensure your move to Mississauga is seamless, informed, and stress-free.