Editor's note, October 6, 2026: this article was reviewed and rewritten in our accuracy check. An earlier version contained neighbourhood price levels, rent tables and market statistics we could not trace to a published source; they have been removed or replaced with figures from the sources listed at the end of the article.
Moving to Toronto from another province takes some paperwork. Here's a checklist in the order most people need it.
1. Health coverage (OHIP)
Ontario has no waiting period for OHIP: once you're eligible and your application is approved, you're covered. You must make Ontario your primary place of residence and be physically present here for at least 153 days in any 12-month period (including 153 of the first 183 days after you arrive). Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with the required documents. Keep your previous province's coverage until the switch is done.
2. Driver's licence and vehicle
You can drive on a valid licence from another province for 60 days after you move; after that you need an Ontario licence. Licences from other Canadian provinces and territories can be exchanged at a DriveTest centre. Register your vehicle in Ontario and arrange Ontario auto insurance.
3. Getting around
The TTC kept a single adult PRESTO fare at $3.30 in 2026, and from September 1, 2026 introduced monthly fare capping, replacing monthly passes. GO Transit and the UP Express connect the wider region and Pearson airport. Many neighbourhoods are walkable, and Bike Share Toronto covers much of the city.
4. Renting first
Most tenancies use the Ontario Standard Lease. Landlords can ask for first month's rent and a deposit of up to one month for your last month; damage deposits aren't allowed. Never send money for a unit you haven't seen. See our first-time renter guide.
5. Buying in Toronto
- Toronto charges a municipal land transfer tax on top of Ontario's: on a $800,000 home the two total $24,950 ($16,475 for an eligible first-time buyer).
- Toronto's 2026 total residential property tax rate (municipal, regional where applicable, and education) is 0.767311% of assessed value: about $7,673 a year on a home assessed at $1,000,000.
- Owners must declare each year for the Vacant Home Tax, even if they live in the home.
- Get pre-approved before you house-hunt. Lenders will want to see your income and, if you've just changed jobs, your new employment letter.
6. Other updates
- Update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency, your bank and employer.
- Set up hydro, internet and tenant or home insurance.
- Find schools with the TDSB and TCDSB school locators, which go by address.
- Register with a family doctor through Health Care Connect once you have OHIP.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my old province's health card while I wait?
Your previous province's coverage rules decide that, so check with them before you move. Ontario has no waiting period once you're eligible and approved for OHIP.
Do I have to rent before I buy?
No, but many newcomers rent for a few months to learn the neighbourhoods and commutes first. If you buy right away, get a pre-approval before you arrive and plan for Toronto's two land transfer taxes.
How is my property tax worked out?
Your bill is your property's assessed value, set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), multiplied by the total tax rate. Ontario has postponed province-wide reassessment, so 2026 property taxes are still based on assessed values as of January 1, 2016. A recent buyer's bill therefore reflects that 2016 value, not the price paid.
Thinking about buying here? Search current listings and recent sales on Summitly, talk to a licensed Summitly agent who works the area, or ask Zara, Summitly's AI virtual agent, for a neighbourhood briefing.
