Brianna HarrisonAtlanta vs Toronto: What’s the Difference?
If your calling is living in the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city, Atlanta or Toronto are both great choices. But what’s the deal breaker?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a city to build a stable career with a lower cost of living, good healthcare accessibility, and the opportunity to be exposed to a highly diverse community, then Toronto could be your home.
Alternatively, if you’re after a slower-paced lifestyle in a less-crowded and smaller city, then Atlanta is the better pick.
Below are some comparisons and discussions as to how we came up with that conclusion!
Atlanta vs Toronto: What’s the Difference?
Cost of living in Atlanta vs. Toronto
The cost of living in Atlanta is 6% higher than Toronto’s. The average monthly living cost in Toronto is $2,348, while it’s $2,482 in Atlanta.
We considered housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare in coming up with the estimate monthly cost of living per city.
We broke this data down to make it easier to absorb. Check the table below to statistics from LivingCost.org:
Atlanta and Toronto are both major cities with an expected high cost of living. Therefore, the difference in the living costs is not very drastic.
Nonetheless, Toronto is your best bet if you want to save some bucks.
Real Estate Prices in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Toronto has higher real estate prices compared to Atlanta.
The average price of a single-family home in Toronto is 169.27% more expensive than in Atlanta. On the other hand, a condo apartment is 56.04% cheaper in Atlanta.
When it comes to buying housing properties, choosing Atlanta is a wise decision. Why?
The table below shows the comparison between the average price of single-family homes in the suburbs and condo apartments in Atlanta and Toronto.
Diversity and Demographics in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world. More than half of its inhabitants (about 54.6%) are born in foreign countries.
On the other hand, only 13.7% of Atlanta’s population is foreign-born. The largest ethnic group in Atlanta is Black/African American, followed by White and Asian
Land area and population-wise, Atlanta is a much smaller city compared to Toronto. It also has a younger median age and a lower life expectancy at birth than Toronto.
On the other hand, Toronto is massive and is the most populous city in Canada and the 4th most populous city in North America.
It’s a lot easier to observe demographic diversity when you look at a place’s respective populations’ racial composition. Here are statistics gathered from World Population Review to break it down:
In comparison, Toronto’s population and communities are a lot more culturally varied compared to Atlanta’s.
Nonetheless, Atlanta’s foreign-born population has grown significantly in recent years and experts are expecting the same trend in the future.
Career Opportunities in Atlanta vs. Toronto
As of June 2023, Toronto has a lower unemployment rate of 6.1% compared to Atlanta’s 9.6%. Thus, Toronto is more favourable for job seekers.
The average annual salary in Toronto is 21.72% higher than Atlanta’s. Also, take note that while the costs of living in the two cities don’t stray too far from one another, it’s still cheaper to live in Toronto than in Atlanta.
Better career opportunities in a more affordable city also mean that there are more opportunities to save up or invest.
Crime and Safety in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Toronto is generally safer than Atlanta in terms of violent and property crimes reported. As of 2022, Toronto’s safety index is 36.85% higher than Atlanta’s.
Below is a comparison of Atlanta’s and Toronto’s violent crime rate, property crime rate, and safety index according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program in 2022.
High crime rates are one of the major concerns of residents in Atlanta. The good news is, it’s been on the decline in recent years and a 10.7% decrease in the violent crime rate has been observed over the past three years.
Lifestyle in Atlanta vs. Toronto
If you prefer a cheaper, safer, bustling, and multicultural city, then Toronto is the place for you. However, if you’re looking for a place that’s not crowded or if you’re a fan of outdoor recreational activities, you’ll fit in better in Atlanta.
To get a better glimpse of the kind of lifestyle each city offers, we compared the two urban centres based on various aspects, including the weather, recreational opportunities, and healthcare services.
Weather in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Atlanta generally has hotter and more humid summers compared to Toronto, while Toronto experiences colder and snowier winters.
If you prefer a milder winter climate, Atlanta might be more appealing, but if you enjoy the distinct seasons and a snowy winter, Toronto may be a better fit for you.
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, so it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Atlanta in January is 46°F (8°C), and the average temperature in July is 88°F (31°C).
Toronto, on the other hand, has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The average temperature in Toronto in January is 26°F (-3°C), and the average temperature in July is 77°F (25°C).
Things to Do in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Both Atlanta and Toronto have a thriving sports community, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities.
However, if you’re looking for rich cultural experiences, a diverse food scene, and outdoor activities in parks and vast green spaces, Toronto might be your best bet.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is ideal for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking opportunities. This is also a great place to explore the arts and music scene.
Healthcare in Atlanta vs. Toronto
Toronto has a universal healthcare system, meaning all residents have access to basic healthcare services, regardless of their income or employment status.
On the other hand, Atlanta has a private healthcare system and people typically have to pay for their healthcare services out-of-pocket.
Thus, in terms of support, Toronto has a better healthcare system. Nonetheless, the best one for you will still depend on your individual preferences and needs.
Atlanta and Toronto: Which City is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best city for you will depend on your individual preferences and priorities. Both Atlanta and Toronto have their own unique pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.
Here’s a little summary to help you out:
