Skyline of Windsor
Cost of Living: 100 229,000

Windsor, Canada

Canada's southernmost city, a border city across from Detroit known for its automotive industry, the Windsor Riverfront, and Casino Windsor.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Windsor is a city in Ontario with a population of 229,000. Canada’s southernmost city, a border city across from Detroit known for its automotive industry, the Windsor Riverfront, and Casino Windsor. Housing is more affordable than the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Canada Avg (100)

Housing Index 80

Affordable

Median Income C$52,000

Household income

Unemployment 7.8%

Job market health

Windsor vs Canada Average

Cost of Living
Windsor: 100
Canada Avg: 100
Housing Index
Windsor: 80
Canada Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Windsor: 5.05%

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: C$52,000
  • Unemployment: 7.8%
  • Population: 229,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 210/year
  • Summer High: 81°F
  • Winter Low: 20°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: C$450,000
  • 1BR Rent: C$1200/mo

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Cost of Living

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

CategoryWindsorNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing80100-20.0%

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceC$450,000
Median Rent (1BR)C$1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)C$1,500/mo
Price per Sq FtC$300

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 Windsor:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityC$165
Heating & CoolingC$67Estimated 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$387Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC

Remote Work Score

Windsor scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 100
Rent
— C$1200
Sunny Days
— 210
Tax
— 5.05%
Unemployment
— 7.8%
Climate
— 81°F / 20°F
Safety
— 2.1 homicides/100k
Population
— 229,000
Internet Speed
— 180 Mbps

Climate

Windsor has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January40°F20°F2.5"
April66°F35°F2.8"
July81°F56°F1.5"
October61°F38°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Windsor 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 7.8%.

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.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#987
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University University of Windsor

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Windsor is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Arab
6.2%
Black
3.1%
Chinese
2.0%
European
72.2%
Filipino
1.0%
Indigenous
2.8%
Japanese
0.0%
Korean
0.1%
Latin American
1.6%
Other
3.8%
South Asian
4.8%
Southeast Asian
1.2%
West Asian
1.1%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
22.3%
High school graduate
31.6%
Less than high school
17.6%
Some college
28.5%

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 Windsor, Canada?

The cost of living index in Windsor is 100, which is Lower the Canada national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Windsor is C$450,000. The housing index is 80.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Windsor is approximately C$1200/mo.

Does Windsor, ON have income tax?

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

What is the climate like in Windsor?

Windsor enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 81°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°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.