Living in BC vs Toronto?

Question

Ok so, I am going to Canada and I have some choices but I wanted to explore the two.

A) Toronto: do a Post Graduate program for a year and then have the option of working 1 year under a work permit and possible apply for PR

B) Do my PhD at the University of Victoria. 5 LONG TEDIOUS years of studying and research....and oh yeah the cost.

Besides all of this I would like to know what the differences are between Toronto and BC as far as living cost and other expenses.

Answer 1

You'll probably find Victoria cheaper to live in, but maybe not by much though your heating bill will be a lot less since Victoria's much warmer. It's a much smaller place so there won't be as much choice in housing, and definitely less public transit available. But since it's smaller, it's easy to get around in town since nothing is far away, and riding a bike year round is fine if a tad damp at times in winter. Might depend what school you're going to in Toronto--if it's U of T, travel won't be an issue at all. If you like being able to get out into nature, Victoria is great for that.

Answer 2

Living costs and expenses I would say there isnt a whole lot of difference. Toronto is one of the most expensive cities and BC is one of the most expensive provinces. Your choices are so very different. BC is very picturesque, and beautiful and has a quality of life that would rival any place in the world. Toronto is a large cosmopolitan metropolis, very fast paced, and exciting city with much ethnic diversity.  My personal choice is Toronto but only because it suites my lifestyle, I can totally understand why people want to live in BC, it just isnt for me.

So whatever suites your lifestyle would be your best choice. I think you have good opportunities in both places to have a great time in school and have a career. Cheers!

Answer 3

I don't know about BC, but you can learn more about Toronto by going to this very useful site I've found for you. It's a travel guide to Toronto, and hopefully it'll make an impression on you. Toronto's my favourite city.

Answer 4

Yeah, Toronto is expensive as somebody above me expressed but so is Victoria.

Real estate in Victoria, BC is expensive too. Not a very accessible market. But lovely.

Personally, I love BC.

And Victoria has the charm and atmosphere I like.

Weather-wise, winters are not as harsh as in Toronto.