City Profile
Oshawa, Ontario
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Oshawa is located in Southern Ontario on the shoreline of Lake Ontario and serves as the eastern anchor of the Greater Toronto Area. Historically renowned as the automotive capital of Canada due to its deep roots with General Motors, the city has successfully diversified into education, healthcare, and technology sectors. Today, Oshawa combines its industrial heritage with a growing urban center, featuring vibrant arts districts, sprawling parklands, and expanding residential communities that attract families and professionals alike.
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 63/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $74,000 Income needed to live here: $50,000 Unemployment rate: 6.5% | 64.4 | 20% | 12.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.1% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 70.8 | 15% | 10.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 62.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
15 October 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 Oshawa is generally more affordable compared to central Toronto, though it has experienced upward pressure due to its proximity to the GTA housing market. Housing costs, including both renting and purchasing, remain a primary driver of monthly expenses for residents. However, everyday expenditures such as groceries, local transportation, and utilities tend to align reasonably with provincial averages, offering a slightly more accessible entry point for newcomers.
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Oshawa's economy has transitioned from a purely manufacturing-driven base into a multifaceted hub anchored by higher education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Major institutional employers like Ontario Tech University and Durham College drive significant innovation and talent development within the region. Additionally, Lakeridge Health provides extensive employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, while a growing number of residents commute westward or engage in remote work while enjoying local amenities.
The average salary in Oshawa is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $50,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Oshawa is facilitated by Durham Region Transit, providing comprehensive bus services connecting to neighboring municipalities and GO Transit rail lines for commuters heading into Toronto. Highway 401 cuts directly through the city, making automotive travel a primary mode of transit for many residents. Walkability varies significantly, being highest around the downtown core and university districts while remaining car-dependent in sprawling northern suburbs.
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