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.
Overview
Burlington is a city in Ontario with a population of 193,000. A scenic lakeside city on Lake Ontario, known for its Royal Botanical Gardens, waterfront parks, and as a family-friendly suburb of Toronto. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Burlington vs Canada Average
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).
| Category | Burlington | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
| Housing | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$900,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$600 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Burlington:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$74 | 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$394 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Burlington scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Burlington has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 64°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 79°F | 54°F | 1.5" |
| October | 59°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Burlington 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 5.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
March break (1 week). PA days vary by board.
Demographics
The population of Burlington is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Statistics Canada Census 2021 (2021)
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.