Cost of Living in Barrie
Detailed cost of living data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Cost of Living in Barrie, Ontario
The cost of living in Barrie is generally considered to be slightly above the national average in Canada, particularly concerning rental prices [9]. As of June 2026, the average rent for an apartment in Barrie is approximately $2,350 CAD, which is about 16.74% higher than the national average. While housing costs are a significant factor, the median list price for homes in Barrie, at around $714,900 CAD in mid-2026, remains considerably lower than in the Greater Toronto Area. Utilities, groceries, and transportation contribute to the overall expenses, with monthly utilities averaging around $257 CAD.
Monthly Costs
Detailed Breakdown
About Barrie, Ontario
Barrie, Ontario, situated on the western shore of Kempenfelt Bay, approximately an hour north of Toronto, has transformed from a quiet lakeside town into a vibrant city of over 160,000 people. Its strategic location offers residents a blend of natural beauty, urban amenities, and reasonable commuting access to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) [6]. The city is recognized for its picturesque waterfront, extensive parkland, and a lifestyle that balances outdoor recreation with a growing urban core. Barrie's appeal lies in its family-friendly environment, lower housing costs compared to the GTA, and a comprehensive range of healthcare, education, and recreational facilities [6].
About Ontario
Ontario, Canada, is a large and diverse province known for its vibrant multiculturalism and varied landscapes, from fertile farmlands to the Canadian Shield. The economy is robust and diverse, with major industries including manufacturing (especially automotive, information and communication technologies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices), financial services, and other knowledge-intensive sectors. Living in Ontario generally offers a high quality of life with strong job markets, particularly in cities like Toronto and Ottawa, and access to healthcare and infrastructure. However, the cost of living is higher than the Canadian average, with housing, groceries, and transportation being the most significant expenses, and the climate features four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.