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Immigrate to Canada

Toronto or Vancouver: which city to choose for an exchange in 2025?

written by
Natasha Machado
10/7/2025
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5 min
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Are you wondering between Toronto and Vancouver for your exchange in Canada? This is one of the most important decisions of your international journey. Both cities offer incredible opportunities, but each one has unique characteristics that can make all the difference in your experience. Discovering which one best aligns with your personal and professional goals is essential to make the most of this adventure.

Why Toronto and Vancouver lead the way in exchange student choices

Canada has established itself as one of the most sought after exchange destinations, and Toronto and Vancouver are at the top of the list for good reason. Both offer world-class education, genuine multiculturalism, and real opportunities for professional growth.

With programs like Public College in Canada and Private College in Canada - Co-op, these cities provide a complete experience that goes far beyond traditional studies.

Toronto: the metropolis of infinite possibilities

Economy and professional opportunities

Toronto is the economic center of Canada, home to more than 7 million residents in the metropolitan area. The city concentrates the country's main financial institutions and offers unique opportunities in:

  • Financial sector: National financial center with large banks
  • Tech: Growing tech hub with startups and consolidated companies
  • Media and entertainment: Center of the Canadian Film Industry
  • Health and biotechnology: World-renowned hospitals and medical research

Minimum wage in 2025: CAD $17.60 per hour, providing good conditions for students who work during the exchange.

Cost of living and housing

Toronto offers a slightly more affordable cost of living than Vancouver, especially when it comes to housing:

  • Average rent: CAD $2,200 for 1 bedroom apartment in the center
  • Public transport: CAD $156 per month (student pass available)
  • Food: CAD $400-500 monthly
  • Entertainment: Free and paid options for every budget

Climate and lifestyle

Toronto's climate is continental, with four well-defined seasons:

  • wintertime: Temperatures between -5°C and -15°C, with guaranteed snow
  • summertime: Temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, ideal for outdoor activities
  • Spring/Fall: Transition stations with mild temperatures

The city offers an intense cultural life, with festivals throughout the year, multiple ethnic neighborhoods, and a diverse food scene.

Vancouver: where nature and urbanity meet

Economy focused on innovation

Vancouver is recognized as one of North America's leading technology hubs, with a thriving ecosystem of startups and established companies:

  • Tech: Important hub for tech and innovation companies
  • Film industry: Nicknamed “Hollywood North”
  • Tourism and hospitality: Strong sector due to natural beauty
  • International trade: Important port for the Pacific

Minimum wage in 2025: CAD $17.85 per hour, slightly higher than in Toronto.

Cost of living and housing

Vancouver has a higher cost of living, especially for housing:

  • Average rent: CAD $2,500 for 1 bedroom apartment in the center
  • Public transport: CAD $124 per month (with student discount)
  • Food: CAD $450-550 monthly
  • Outdoor activities: Lots of free recreation options

Climate and quality of life

Vancouver's oceanic climate is milder than Toronto's:

  • wintertime: Temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, with more rain than snow
  • summertime: Temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, with low humidity
  • rain: Concentrated between October and March

The city offers unparalleled access to nature, with mountains, ocean, and forests just minutes from the urban center.

Educational opportunities: Be Easy partners

Institutions in Toronto

Our partner network in Toronto includes some of the best institutions in the country:

  • Humber College: Three strategic campuses with practical programs aligned with the market
  • Seneca College: Over 30 thousand students with solid partnerships such as ADOBE, KPMG and Google
  • ILAC Toronto: Campus in the financial heart of the city, next to Yonge Street
  • EC Toronto: Located in the vibrant Yorkville district
  • ILSC/Greystone College Toronto: Campus in the financial district with co-op programs

Institutions in Vancouver

Vancouver also offers great options through our partners:

  • Douglas College: Two modern campuses with a high employability rate (94%)
  • ILAC Vancouver: Campus in the historic center with a privileged location
  • EC Vancouver: Modern campus with stunning mountain views
  • ILSC/Greystone College Vancouver: In the city's dynamic commercial district

For those seeking Learn a language abroad, both cities offer our partner schools with innovative teaching methods and personalized support.

Practical comparison: which city is best for you?

Tabela Comparativa Minimalista - Toronto vs Vancouver
Aspecto
Toronto
Vancouver
População
7+ milhões
3,1 milhões
Salário mínimo 2025
CAD $17,60/hora
CAD $17,85/hora
Aluguel centro
CAD $2.200
CAD $2.500
Clima inverno
-5°C a -15°C
2°C a 8°C
Foco econômico
Finanças/Diverso
Tecnologia/Natureza
Acesso à natureza
Parques urbanos
Montanhas/Oceano

Toronto is ideal if you:

  • Seek maximum diversity of professional opportunities
  • Do you want to try the full four seasons?
  • Do you prefer a faster-paced metropolis?
  • Are you interested in sectors such as finance, media or health
  • It values an intense cultural life with many entertainment options
  • Are you looking for a slightly more affordable cost of living?

Vancouver is perfect if you:

  • Prioritize quality of life and contact with nature
  • It prefers a milder climate all year round.
  • Are you interested in the technology sector or creative industry
  • It values outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and water sports
  • Look for a more relaxed and sustainable environment
  • Don't you mind paying a little more for the lifestyle

Be Easy programs available in both cities

Regardless of your choice, our programs are available in both Toronto and Vancouver:

For those seeking technical training:

For full graduation:

For university preparation:

Decisive factors for your choice

If the climate is a priority

Vancouver has an advantage for those who don't like extreme cold. With milder winters and pleasant summers, the city offers more climate comfort all year round. Toronto, on the other hand, provides the full four-season experience.

If the budget is limited

Toronto offers significant financial advantages, especially in housing. The difference can reach CAD $300 per month in rent, which represents a considerable savings during the exchange.

Whether professional opportunities are the focus

Both cities offer excellent opportunities, but with different focuses. Toronto is more economically diversified, while Vancouver stands out in specific sectors such as technology and entertainment.

If lifestyle matters

Vancouver is unbeatable for those who value outdoor activities and contact with nature. Toronto offers a more intense urban life, with greater cultural and entertainment variety.

Practical tips for making your decision

  1. Define your priorities: Make a list of what's most important to you
  2. Consider your professional goals: Search for opportunities in your area
  3. Assess your budget: Calculate all the costs involved
  4. Think about the weather: Consider how each season will affect your experience
  5. Review study options: Check what programs are available

Conclusion: Both are winning choices

Both Toronto and Vancouver offer transformative experiences for exchange students. The ideal choice depends on your personal profile, professional goals, and lifestyle preferences.

The important thing is to make a decision aligned with your dreams and be prepared to take advantage of all the opportunities that these incredible cities have to offer. Whatever you choose, you'll be investing in a bright future and an unforgettable experience.

Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that choosing between Toronto and Vancouver is an important decision that could transform your life. Our specialized team offers personalized advice to help you make the best decision based on your profile and objectives. With consolidated partnerships with the best institutions in both cities, we guarantee complete support from planning to your arrival in Canada. Contact us today and discover how to transform your exchange dream into an extraordinary reality!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy