Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Barrie
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% lower compared to Barrie.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
29% lower than Barrie's.
| Metric | Amherst | Barrie | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $1,810 | -29% |
| Groceries | $353 | $1,460 | -76% |
| Utilities | $132 | $259 | -49% |
| Transport | $185 | $91 | +103% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $3,620 | -46% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Amherst offers 735% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Amherst delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$40,000 vs $5,425 in Barrie.
| Metric | Amherst | Barrie |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $3,480 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $5,425 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,915 idx | 3,107 idx |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $67,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Barrie |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Barrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Amherst.
Amherst scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Amherst leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Barrie |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Barrie is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Amherst.
From a growth perspective, Barrie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Amherst has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Barrie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 179,450 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 4.20% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 12.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the Canadian national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower, at 37% below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities.
The town is actively working on growth and community enhancement, with 149 new housing units approved since 2025 and a strategic plan for development.
Amherst provides access to natural beauty, including nearby beaches and a network of waterfalls, supporting outdoor activities.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre offers comprehensive 24/7 medical services as a regional hospital.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 197% higher.
Public transportation options are very limited, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to high car dependency.
The average salary in Amherst is lower than the Canadian national average, potentially impacting earning power.
The median age of 46.2 suggests a relatively older population demographic.
Specific data on various quality of life metrics like dining and entertainment options is not extensively available, suggesting a smaller scene compared to larger cities.
Barrie
Advantages
Barrie was ranked as the second fastest-growing city in Canada in 2025, indicating strong population inflows.
The average home price in Barrie was $711,800 CAD in December 2025, which is more affordable than the Greater Toronto Area.
Barrie is recognized as a safe city, having been ranked among the safest in Canada with a low violent Crime Severity Index.
The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is undergoing a significant expansion, planning to double its size and build a new South Campus, enhancing healthcare access.
Barrie boasts over 350 hectares of park space, with 93% of residents having a park or green space close to their home.
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Barrie was 12.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
The average rent in Barrie, at $1,810 USD per month as of June 2026, is comparable to the national median rent, indicating it's not significantly cheaper than other areas in Canada.
Food costs are projected to increase, with an average family of four expected to pay an estimated $994.63 CAD more for food in 2026 than in 2025.
Barrie's cost of living is 12% higher than the national average.
The city's rapid growth has led to a shortage of developable lands within its municipal boundary, posing challenges for future housing and employment needs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#7Nova Scotia, Canada
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,290
Avg Salary
$29,060
Cost Index
94
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
60
Business
55
Barrie
#4Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,810
Avg Salary
$3,480
Cost Index
112
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.20%
Unemployment
12.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
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