Guelph, Canada
A historic city in southwestern Ontario, known for its limestone architecture, the University of Guelph, and a vibrant local food scene.
Overview
Guelph is a city in Ontario with a population of 132,000. A historic city in southwestern Ontario, known for its limestone architecture, the University of Guelph, and a vibrant local food scene. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Guelph vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$68,000
- Unemployment: 5.2%
- Population: 132,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 14°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: C$700,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1700/mo
Cost of Living
Guelph's cost of living index is 112 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Guelph | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 112 | 100 | +12.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$700,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1700/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$2,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$466 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Guelph:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$83 | 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$403 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Guelph scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Guelph has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 29°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Guelph 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 5.2%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
March break (1 week). PA days vary by board.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Guelph 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 Guelph, Canada?
The cost of living index in Guelph is 112, which is Higher the Canada national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Guelph?
The median home price in Guelph is C$700,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Guelph is approximately C$1700/mo.
Does Guelph, ON have income tax?
Guelph is in ON, which has an income tax rate of 5.05%.
What is the climate like in Guelph?
Guelph enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 14°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.