Barrie, Canada
A rapidly growing city on Lake Simcoe, a popular weekend getaway from Toronto known for its waterfront, winter sports, and Kempenfest arts festival.
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Barrie vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$65,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 147,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 12°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: C$750,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1800/mo
Cost of Living
Barrie's cost of living index is 115 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Barrie | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$750,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$500 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Barrie:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$88 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$408 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Barrie scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Barrie has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F | 12°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 27°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 30°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Barrie faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Most of Canada experiences severe winter storms and blizzards.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
River and coastal flooding.
Southern Canada experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.05%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
March break (1 week). PA days vary by board.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Barrie, Canada?
The cost of living index in Barrie is 115, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Barrie?
The median home price in Barrie is C$750,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Barrie is approximately C$1800/mo.
Does Barrie, ON have income tax?
Barrie is in ON, which has an income tax rate of 5.05%.
What is the climate like in Barrie?
Barrie enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 12°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.