Townleap

Cost of Living: Ajijic vs Toronto (2026)

Mexico vs Canada — relocation comparison

TL;DRAjijic is 47% cheaper on rent ($879/mo vs $1659/mo). Toronto is safer — homicide rate 2.3 vs 24.9 per 100k. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
52
Livability Score
🇲🇽 Ajijic
Mexico
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇨🇦 Toronto
Canada
Full profile
Toronto scores 73 to Ajijic's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Ajijic has its charms, but the numbers favor Toronto.
💰
Cost of Living
Ajijic
$780/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Toronto
2.3 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Toronto
8.7/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
26°C vs 24°C summers
🗣️
English
Toronto
higher proficiency score
Ajijic
Metric
Toronto
$879/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1659/mo
$247/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$722/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$5,350
24.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
2.3 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
44 / 100
26°C
☀️
Summer high
24°C
12°C
❄️
Winter low
-6°C
Internet speed
125 Mbps
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
10.6 μg/m³
5.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.7 / 10
20/100
🗣️
Street English
100/100
$26k
💼
GDP per capita
$65k
4.7% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.4% · Boringly steady
52 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
Grid reliability
92/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
📋
Time to PR
3 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
declining
Industries
fintechaihealthcaremedia
Startup ecosystem
hub
Grid reliability
92/100
Time to PR
3 yrs
EU visa
Moderate
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 47% cheaper in Ajijic ($879/mo vs $1659/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Ajijic (26°C vs 24°C).
  • Toronto is safer by homicide rate (2.3 vs 24.9 per 100k).
  • Toronto scores higher on democracy (8.7 vs 5.3 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Toronto (100/100 vs 20/100).

Ajijic vs Toronto — Common Questions

Is Ajijic cheaper than Toronto?

Ajijic is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $879/month in Ajijic vs $1659/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Ajijic or Toronto?

Toronto is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Ajijic has a rate of 24.86 per 100,000 and Toronto has 2.27 per 100,000.

Should I move to Ajijic or Toronto?

Toronto scores 73 to Ajijic's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Ajijic has its charms, but the numbers favor Toronto. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Ajijic or Toronto?

Ajijic: no specific remote work visa. Toronto: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Ajijic or Toronto?

Ajijic is warmer in summer (26°C vs 24°C). Toronto has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Ajijic or Toronto without speaking the local language?

Toronto is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Ajijic (20/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.