Is 60k a Good Salary in Toronto?

Toronto skyline and cityscape - salary and cost of living overview
Quick Answer

60,000 is a decent salary in Toronto, placing you above roughly 53% of earners. After taxes (~20.6% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $3,969/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,100/month (53% of net income).

If you're earning—or considering—a 60k salary in Toronto, you need to understand the full financial picture. Rent, taxes, commuting costs, healthcare, and savings potential all factor into whether this salary delivers the lifestyle you're looking for.

Salary Rating in Toronto
Average — Top 47%53/100
Toronto (pop. 2.8 million) is moderately expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 75 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,100/month and a monthly transit pass costs $130. It's considered a strong tech market with a tech score of 7/10.

Toronto at a Glance

Map of Toronto showing key areas and neighborhoods
CategoryMonthly% of Net
Gross Income$5,000
Est. Taxes & Deductions−$1,031
Net Take-Home$3,969100%
Rent (1BR)$2,10053%
Groceries$3519%
Transport$1303%
Utilities$1133%
Leisure$1885%
Savings$1,08727%

Market data suggests that salaries in Toronto reflect both local demand and broader economic trends. A 60k salary should be evaluated not just against current costs, but against the city's trajectory. Is the cost of living rising faster than wages? Are new employers entering the market and pushing compensation up? These trends affect whether your salary will feel comfortable next year too.

Career progression in Toronto follows patterns influenced by industry concentration, company types, and competitive dynamics. Your current salary of 60k is one data point in a longer trajectory. In rapidly growing sectors, professionals often see 20-30% increases within 3-5 years through a combination of raises, promotions, and strategic job changes.

Financial planning with a 60k income in Toronto requires understanding local norms for savings, housing costs, and discretionary spending. Local financial advisors typically recommend that housing costs stay below 30% of gross income, transportation below 15%, and that at least 15-20% goes toward savings and investment. How does 60k measure up against these benchmarks in Toronto?

The comparison between 60k and local median incomes provides important context. If you're earning significantly above the median household income in Toronto, you likely have substantial financial flexibility. If you're near or below it, budget discipline becomes more important, and understanding where to optimize spending can make a meaningful difference.

International professionals considering Toronto should also factor in currency exchange effects, relocation costs, and any differences in benefits structure. What's considered a standard benefit in one country (like health insurance in Europe) might need to come out of pocket in another, effectively changing the value of 60k significantly.

📊 How does this salary compare? vs. city median: $60,000 is close to the Toronto median of $58,000 (103% of median).
Earner percentile: Top 47% (above 53% of earners in Toronto).
Purchasing power: moderate (index: 82, where NYC = 100).
Equivalent salary: New York: $79,800 | London: $67,800 | Berlin: $49,600.
$60,000 in Toronto equals...
London
$67,800
+13% cost of living
New York
$79,800
+33% cost of living
Vancouver
$58,200
-3% cost of living
📋

Key Factors That Influence Your Earnings in Toronto

  • Savings & Investment Goals: Whether you're building an emergency fund, saving for a home, or investing for retirement, your financial goals determine how adequate 60k feels.
  • Household Size: A single person on 60k in Toronto has a very different financial situation than a family of four. Housing needs, childcare, and education costs scale significantly.
  • Benefits Package Value: Healthcare, retirement contributions, paid time off, and perks like education stipends can add 20-40% on top of base salary in effective compensation value.
  • Remote Work & Flexibility: Hybrid or fully remote arrangements may come with geographic pay adjustments, but also reduce commuting costs by $2,000-5,000+ annually.
  • Company Size & Type: Large corporations, venture-backed startups, and SMEs in Toronto offer different compensation structures. Total comp at large tech firms can be 50%+ higher than base salary alone due to equity and bonuses.
💡

Tips to Negotiate a Better Salary in Toronto

  • Consider the long-term trajectory: a role with faster promotion paths or better learning opportunities may outweigh a marginally higher starting salary.
  • Get the offer in writing before accepting. Verbal offers can change, and having everything documented protects both parties.
  • Never reveal your current salary if you can avoid it. In many regions, it's illegal for employers to ask. Focus on the value of the role, not your current pay.

Common Questions About Earning 60k in Toronto

Is 60k a good salary in Toronto in 2026?

60k is a decent salary near the middle of the income distribution in Toronto. The local median salary is $58,000, so earning $60,000 puts you at the 53th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $2,100/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.

How much tax will I pay on 60k in Toronto?

On a gross salary of $60,000 in Canada, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 20.6%. This means roughly $12,372 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $47,628 per year ($3,969 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.

What is the average rent in Toronto in 2026?

As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Toronto is approximately $2,100 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $2,900 per month. On a 60k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 53% of your after-tax income, which is a very high share of income.

How does 60k in Toronto compare to other cities?

Purchasing power varies by city, so 60k in Toronto is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($79,800), London ($67,800), San Francisco ($84,000). Toronto has a purchasing power index of 82 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes somewhat less far than in New York.

What is the cost of living in Toronto in 2026?

Toronto has a cost of living index of 75 (where New York = 100), making it a moderately expensive city. Key monthly costs include: rent ($2,100 for 1BR), groceries (~$351), transport ($130), and utilities (~$113). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $2,882 before discretionary spending.

Can I save money on 60k in Toronto?

On 60k in Toronto, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $3,969 after taxes. With typical expenses of $2,882/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $1,087 per month ($13,044/year). This provides solid room for building an emergency fund and investing.

Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.

Disclaimer: This page uses market data and cost-of-living sources for guidance. All figures and advice are estimates, not guarantees. Local conditions and personal circumstances may vary.

Get Your Free Salary Analysis

Find out exactly where you stand. Our tool analyzes your salary against real market data for Toronto.

Check Your Salary Now →