Cost of living in London, Ontario: Complete guide for 2025

Part urban, part nature, London, Ontario is an exciting city in the southwestern corner of Canada. London, Ontario is well known for its friendly locals, affordable cost of living, and thriving cultural scene – and is an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
This guide will give you an insight into the expense of living in London Ontario which includes housing, food, transportation, health care, education, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses. With this understanding of London, Ontario, costs you can be better able to weigh the tradeoffs in living in London, Ontario, and make logical budgeting decisions.
This guide serves to inform whether you're considering residing in London Ontario for work, study or simply to experience a new way of life.
London, Ontario: An Overview
Located in southwestern Canada, London, Ontario, a city steeped with unique qualities is located. The cost of living in London, Ontario in general is lower than in the larger cities of Canada such as Toronto and Vancouver, yet it’s important to know what costs will be incurred. Read this comprehensive guide to learn all about the cost of living in London, Ontario and receive detailed information about the prices of housing, transportation, food, healthcare, education, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses.
Housing Costs in London, Ontario
London, Ontario, doesn’t have too much difficulty in terms of housing costs, especially compared to other major Canadian cities. But prices do vary according to the location, size and amenities of the property.
For rent Apartments and Houses
- One-bedroom apartment: That's approximately CAD 1,000 - 1,300 per month.
- Two-bedroom apartment: In the order of CAD 1,300 - 1,600 per month, about.
- Three-bedroom house: CAD 1,600 – 2,000 per month.
Utilities and Home Insurance
- Utilities: This is approximately CAD 150 - 200 per month, all of which includes electricity, heating, water and internet.
- Home insurance: It should come up to about CAD 50 — 100 per month.
Transportation Costs in London, Ontario
Public Transportation
- Bus pass: So CAD 70 – 90 per month.
- Taxi: CAD 5 to 10 per kilometre.
Car Ownership
- Car purchase: A used car that costs approximately CAD 15,000 – 25,000.
- Car insurance: On the order of CAD 1,000 - 1,500 /year.
- Gas prices: CAD 1.50 – 2.00 per litre.
Food Costs in London, Ontario
Food and costs in London, Ontario are not too bad, there are lots of groceries and Restaurants to choose from.
Grocery Shopping
- Weekly grocery bill: Cost range of CAD 100 - 150 per person.
- Popular grocery stores: Sobeys, Metro, Walmart.
Dining Out
- Casual dining: About CAD 15 – 20 per meal.
- Fine dining: CAD 30 - 50 per meal.
Healthcare Costs in London, Ontario
Provincial Health Insurance
- Cost: It’s free for residents of Ontario.
- Coverage: Most medically necessary services, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, are covered.
Or Prescribing Drugs and Dental Care.
- Average cost per prescription: Medication (varies, depending on medication and insurance coverage) CAD 20-50.
- Government programs: Certain prescription drugs for eligible residents are covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB).
- Private insurance: The plans that many employers offer for private health insurance coverage may also cover prescription drugs.
- The average cost for a general checkup and cleaning: is CAD 100-150.
- The average cost for a filling: is CAD 150-300.
- The average cost for a root canal: is CAD 500-1000.
- Dental insurance: Dental insurance is not compulsory, but may greatly reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental care.
Education Costs in London, Ontario
Education costs in London, Ontario are competitive, with several reputable universities and colleges offering a variety of programs.
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate programs: CAD 15,000 - 25,000 per year.
- Graduate programs: CAD 18, 000 - 30, 000 per year.
Student Housing and Meal Plans are offered.
- On-campus housing: Meal plans (including) about CAD 7,000 - 10,000 per year.
- Off-campus housing: Somewhere in the range of CAD 6,000 - 8,000 per year.
Entertainment Costs in London, Ontario
London, Ontario offers a variety of entertainment options, from outdoor activities to cultural events.
Leisure Activities and Attractions
- Museums and galleries: Approximately CAD 5 - 10 per admission.
- Sports events: Approximately CAD 20 - 50 per ticket.
- Outdoor activities: Free or low-cost.
Miscellaneous Costs in London, Ontario
In addition to the costs mentioned above, there are a few other expenses to consider.
Personal Care and Grooming
- Haircuts: Approximately CAD 20 - 30.
- Clothing: Approximately CAD 50 - 100 per month.
Taxes and Fees
- Income tax: Varies depending on income level.
- Sales tax: 13%.
Cost of Living in London, Ontario for International Students
Living Expenses for Students
- Monthly budget: About CAD 1,500 – 2,000 for a single student.
- Factors affecting costs: Personal preferences, accommodation, transportation, food.
International Students Universities in London, Ontario
- Western University: Canada's top-ranked university with a wide variety of programmes.
- Fanshawe College: An applied education and applied research polytechnic institute.
Cost of Living in London, Ontario for Indian Students
- Monthly budget: This would range in price from approximately CAD 1,500 - 2,000 per student.
- Factors affecting costs: Accommodation and transportation, food, and personal preferences.
- Universities of London, Ontario for Indian Students
- Western University: They offer different types of programmes for Indian students.
- Fanshawe College: It provides a practical education with lots of career opportunities for Indian students.
Conclusion
In general, London, Ontario is a great place to live with a high quality of life and lots of opportunities for growth for both personal and professional reasons. The cost of living can be high, especially housing and transportation, but the city’s conviviality, rich economy, and fine schools continue to attract many.
If you’re thinking about moving to London, Ontario you first need to ensure that your budget is well planned with all the costs required to live in the city researched. Knowing how much they spend, helps you make the right decisions, and helps have a smooth transition.
London, Ontario is an environment that is welcoming and inclusive whether you are a student, a young professional or a family. London, Ontario is a city where not only live and work, but you can also play.