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Oakville, Ontario

Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

80
Overall Score

Oakville, Ontario, located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is a highly desirable community known for its blend of economic strength and exceptional quality of life. It consistently ranks among Canada's most livable cities, attracting both families and professionals. The town is characterized by its picturesque lakefront, historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.

About Ontario

Ontario, Canada, is a large and diverse province known for its vibrant multiculturalism and varied landscapes, from fertile farmlands to the Canadian Shield. The economy is robust and diverse, with major industries including manufacturing (especially automotive, information and communication technologies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices), financial services, and other knowledge-intensive sectors. Living in Ontario generally offers a high quality of life with strong job markets, particularly in cities like Toronto and Ottawa, and access to healthcare and infrastructure. However, the cost of living is higher than the Canadian average, with housing, groceries, and transportation being the most significant expenses, and the climate features four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

233,700
Population
$77K
Avg Salary
86
Cost Index
80.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
84
Affordability
55
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Oakville is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by its elevated housing prices. While average rent saw a significant year-over-year drop of 14.6% in 2026, it still remains one of the priciest rental markets in the country. The median household income in Oakville is substantially higher than the national average, which contributes to the local rent reflecting this gap. For a single person, the average monthly cost of living in Oakville is estimated to be around $2,801 USD in 2026, covering housing, food, and transportation.

Average Rent
$1,749/mo
Groceries
$339/mo
Transport
$108/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$110/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$7.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$16.00
Monthly groceries
$339.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$70.00

Salary Insights

Oakville boasts a robust economy and a strong job market, contributing to its high livability rankings. The town has been recognized for its entrepreneurial climate and economic resilience. Major employers and growth sectors contribute to a stable environment for professionals. The average individual income in Oakville is significantly higher than the provincial average, indicating a strong earning potential for residents.

The average salary in Oakville is $76,896 per year. You would need approximately $68,904 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Education Healthcare Advanced Manufacturing Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
71.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Public transportation in Oakville is primarily served by Oakville Transit. An adult monthly pass costs $147 CAD in 2026. Youth and seniors can ride for free with a valid PRESTO card. While public transit is available, a car is generally considered essential for getting around Oakville due to its suburban nature. The town's transportation network is considered robust, contributing to its overall livability.

min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Oakville consistently ranks among the safest communities in Canada with a low crime rate.
The town offers excellent access to healthcare services, ranking highly in Ontario and Canada.
Oakville has a highly educated population, with over 85% of adults holding post-secondary degrees.
The median household income in Oakville is significantly higher than the provincial average, indicating strong economic prosperity.
Oakville is recognized for its vibrant community and high quality of life.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Oakville, particularly housing, is considerably higher than the national average.
Despite a recent drop, average rent in Oakville remains one of the highest in the country.
A car is generally essential for getting around Oakville due to its suburban layout.
Some services not covered by OHIP, such as doctor's notes or certain forms, incur additional fees.
While amenities are good, the amenities score can be surprisingly low in some livability assessments.

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