City Profile
Burlington, Ontario
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Burlington, Ontario, is a vibrant city nestled on the western end of Lake Ontario, forming a key part of the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe urban region. Established in 1874 and achieving city status in 1974, Burlington is renowned for its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, bordering the Niagara Escarpment and offering extensive waterfront access. The city consistently ranks high in livability surveys, attracting residents with its strong community feel, excellent quality of life, and strategic location that provides easy access to major economic hubs while maintaining a distinct suburban charm. People are drawn to Burlington for its picturesque parks, diverse cultural scene, and a balanced lifestyle that combines outdoor activities with a thriving local economy.
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.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 85.0 | 62.5 | 25% | 15.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $77,330 Income needed to live here: $58,490 Unemployment rate: 6.91% | 51.9 | 20% | 10.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.54% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 44.3 | 15% | 6.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 61.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 3 (deep think), q=82), last refreshed
1 July 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Burlington is generally higher than the national average in Canada, making it one of the pricier cities in Ontario. As of 2026, the average monthly rent for all property types is approximately $1,635 USD. Housing costs, including both rental and ownership, are significant drivers of the overall cost of living. While groceries and restaurants might be slightly lower than some other Canadian cities, expenses for childcare, clothing, transportation, and entertainment tend to be higher. A single person can expect to spend around $2,000-$2,800 USD per month excluding rent, with a recommended annual income of approximately $58,490 USD to live comfortably.
Income
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Burlington boasts a robust and diversified economy, characterized by a strong presence in sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Professional & Technical Services, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Clean Technologies, IT Communications, and Food & Beverage. The city's strategic location within the Golden Horseshoe, with access to major highways, airports, and rail networks, makes it an attractive hub for businesses and professionals. While specific job growth rates for 2026 are not readily available, the city's continuous development in key industries suggests a stable job market. The average annual salary in Burlington is around $49,679 USD, reflecting a competitive earning environment. The proximity to Toronto also provides opportunities for remote work or commuting to Canada's largest financial and business capital.
The average salary in Burlington is $49,679 per year. You would need approximately $58,490 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Burlington primarily involves driving, although public transit options are available. The city is well-connected by major highways, including the Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 403, and Highway 407, facilitating commutes within the Greater Toronto Area. Burlington Transit provides local bus services, and GO Transit offers commuter rail and bus services, connecting residents to Toronto and other regional centers. While specific walkability and transit scores are not readily available for 2026, the city's suburban layout suggests a medium car dependency, particularly for those living outside the downtown core. The average monthly cost for a transit pass is approximately $72 USD.
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