Is Windsor Affordable? Cost of Living & Home Prices
Why Everyone’s Talking About Windsor
When people ask “Is Windsor affordable?”, it usually comes from two camps: locals watching housing prices creep up, and outsiders comparing Windsor to big-ticket markets like Toronto or Vancouver. For decades Windsor carried the reputation of being a quiet, affordable border town. But with remote work, immigration, and GTA buyers looking for relief, Windsor is no longer a hidden gem—it’s on the radar.
So how does Windsor really stack up in 2025 when it comes to affordability? Let’s break it down using hard numbers, cost-of-living comparisons, and some back-of-the-napkin calculations.
Windsor Home Prices vs. Toronto: The Numbers
As of July 2025, the average home price in Windsor–Essex is about $514,495 according to the Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors (WECAR).
Compare that to Toronto’s average home price of around $1,119,900 (Toronto Regional Real Estate Board).
That means Toronto buyers are paying more than double for similar properties.
Affordability calculation:
Let’s assume a buyer puts 10% down with a 5-year fixed mortgage at 5.2%.
In Windsor: A $514,000 home with 10% down = $462,600 mortgage. Monthly payment ≈ $2,750.
In Toronto: A $1.12M home with 10% down = $1,007,910 mortgage. Monthly payment ≈ $6,000+.
The difference? Nearly $3,300 per month. That’s the equivalent of another full-time salary in some households.
The Cost of Living in Windsor vs. Toronto
Affordability isn’t just about mortgages—it’s about daily life. Here’s where Windsor pulls ahead:
Groceries: Windsorites pay roughly 10–15% less for staples than Torontonians (Numbeo Windsor vs Toronto cost comparison).
Utilities: Gas and hydro costs are about on par with the provincial average, but Windsor’s smaller homes and milder winters keep bills manageable.
Transportation: With less congestion and cheaper parking, Windsor drivers spend less time (and money) stuck in traffic. A monthly Transit Windsor pass costs about $100, compared to Toronto’s TTC pass at $156.
Childcare: Licensed daycare spots are more available and often cost several hundred dollars less per month than in Toronto.
When you roll it all together, Windsor’s overall cost of living is about 25–30% lower than Toronto, depending on lifestyle.
Wages and Job Market Considerations
The catch? Windsor salaries are typically lower than in Toronto.
Median household income in Windsor sits around $83,000 (Statistics Canada).
In Toronto, it’s closer to $97,000.
That gap means while Windsor homes are cheaper, household budgets may not stretch as far without careful planning. However, the rise of remote work allows many professionals to earn Toronto wages while paying Windsor prices—a sweet spot for those lucky enough to land it.
Renting in Windsor vs. Toronto
Not everyone is buying right away. Renters feel the pinch differently.
Windsor average rent (2025): 1-bedroom ≈ $1,400, 2-bedroom ≈ $1,750 (Rentals.ca).
Toronto average rent (2025): 1-bedroom ≈ $2,600, 2-bedroom ≈ $3,300+.
For a renter, Windsor is $1,000+ cheaper per month—money that could go toward savings, investments, or a future down payment.
Beyond the Numbers: Lifestyle Value
Numbers aside, Windsor offers affordability in quality-of-life terms too:
Proximity to Detroit’s big-city amenities without paying U.S. healthcare costs.
Access to Lake Erie beaches, wineries, and trails that rival cottage country.
A slower pace of life that makes raising a family easier.
Affordability isn’t just about cost—it’s about value. Windsor delivers both
Is Windsor Affordable in 2025?
The short answer: Yes, Windsor is still affordable compared to Toronto and other major Canadian cities.
Housing is more than 50% cheaper.
Cost of living runs 25–30% lower.
Renting saves upwards of $12,000 per year.
For newcomers, families, and remote workers, Windsor offers a financial cushion that few Ontario markets can match.
FAQs
Q: Will Windsor prices keep rising?
Yes. Demand from GTA buyers and immigrants has pushed prices up year after year. But Windsor still has room to grow compared to other Ontario cities.
Q: Is Windsor good for first-time buyers?
Absolutely. With government programs like the First Home Savings Account and Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebates, buyers here stretch their dollar further.
Q: What about property taxes in Windsor?
Property tax rates in Windsor are slightly higher than Toronto’s, but because home prices are lower, the bills usually come out smaller in absolute dollar.
Windsor’s Affordability Advantage
If you’re wondering “Is Windsor affordable?”, the data shows a resounding yes—especially when stacked against Toronto. From cheaper mortgages to manageable daily expenses, Windsor remains one of Ontario’s most budget-friendly places to put down roots.
But the story is also about timing. Prices won’t stay this low forever as migration continues. If you’re considering a move, now’s the moment to run the numbers and explore what Windsor has to offer.
Thinking about making Windsor your home? Whether you’re relocating from the GTA, moving as a newcomer, or buying for the first time, I can help you find the right home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Contact me today and let’s get started on your Windsor journey.
