Performance
Score Breakdown
Kitchener
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
35% higher compared to Kitchener.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kitchener's average rent is
83% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Kitchener | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,738 | $950 | +83% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $90 | $180 | -50% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,658 | $1,967 | +35% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 27% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kitchener is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Kitchener | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,950 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,684 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $87,000 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kitchener | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Kitchener.
Kitchener scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kitchener | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 72.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Kitchener is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kitchener | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 256,885 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.40% | % |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kitchener
Advantages
Strong job growth in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge CMA, with a 7.9% increase in employment in December 2024.
Affordable cost of living compared to many other major Canadian cities, with an estimated cost of living index of 95.
Highly walkable downtown core and good public transit options, including the ION light rail.
Vibrant cultural scene with major events like Oktoberfest and a rich German heritage.
Access to green spaces and recreational areas, including parks and trails along the Grand River.
Drawbacks
Crime rates are reported to be 35% higher than the Ontario average.
Public transit consistency can be an issue, with reports of punctuality problems.
Finding a family doctor can be challenging due to long waitlists at clinics.
Some areas of the city exhibit higher car dependency, impacting walkability outside the downtown core.
Recent slowdown in population growth, potentially impacting future economic momentum.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kitchener
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,738
Avg Salary
$51,950
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
72.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.40%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Toledo
#81Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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