Skyline of Burlington
Cost of Living: 120 193,000

Burlington, Canada

A scenic lakeside city on Lake Ontario, known for its Royal Botanical Gardens, waterfront parks, and as a family-friendly suburb of Toronto.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)

Housing Index 130

Above Average

Median Income C$75,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.5%

Job market health

Burlington vs Canada Average

Cost of Living
Burlington: 120
Canada Avg: 100
Housing Index
Burlington: 130
Canada Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Burlington: 5.05%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.0%
  • Sales Tax: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: C$75,000
  • Unemployment: 5.5%
  • Population: 193,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 205/year
  • Summer High: 79°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: C$900,000
  • 1BR Rent: C$2000/mo

Cost of Living

Burlington's cost of living index is 120 (Canada average = 100).

CategoryBurlingtonNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing130100+30.0%

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceC$900,000
Median Rent (1BR)C$2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)C$2,500/mo
Price per Sq FtC$600

Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

C$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
C$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Burlington:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityC$165
Heating & CoolingC$74Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterC$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)C$65Broadband average
Garbage / TrashC$35Private service
Total UtilitiesC$394Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC

Remote Work Score

Burlington scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
120
Rent
C$2000
Sunny Days
205
Tax
5.05%
Unemployment
5.5%
Climate
79°F / 18°F
Safety
2.1 homicides/100k
Population
193,000
Internet Speed
180 Mbps

Climate

Burlington has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April64°F33°F2.8"
July79°F54°F1.5"
October59°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Burlington faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Wildfire High Risk

Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.

Blizzard High Risk

Most of Canada experiences severe winter storms and blizzards.

Avalanche High Risk

Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Pacific coast with tsunami risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Tornado Moderate Risk

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 5.5%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-June)
Summer Break Late June to September (10 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March (1 week)

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 Burlington, Canada?

The cost of living index in Burlington is 120, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Burlington?

The median home price in Burlington is C$900,000. The housing index is 130.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Burlington is approximately C$2000/mo.

Does Burlington, ON have income tax?

Burlington is in ON, which has an income tax rate of 5.05%.

What is the climate like in Burlington?

Burlington enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 79°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°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.