Oshawa, Canada
Data updated Jul 2, 2026
📊 Scores
Oshawa sits on the Lake Ontario shoreline, an hour’s drive east of Toronto. It’s a practical choice for expats who want proximity to Canada’s largest city without Toronto’s sky-high costs. The economy here leans heavily on healthcare, education, and GM’s revived car assembly plant, which reopened in 2021 after a C$1.3 billion retooling investment.
Living in Oshawa means dealing with suburban sprawl and a car-dependent lifestyle. Public transit exists but isn’t Toronto-level efficient. Downtown is undergoing growth, but it’s still a work in progress. The city’s post-secondary institutions, like Ontario Tech University, give it a youthful energy, though nightlife options are limited. Winters are cold and snowy, so budget for heating costs.
Oshawa works best for expats who want affordable housing near Toronto and don’t mind commuting. It’s not ideal for those seeking urban density or a walkable lifestyle.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
Eating Out
Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Oshawa is a reasonably safe mid-sized Canadian city with a Security Index of 68, indicating above-average safety for the region. Property crime and petty theft are the primary concerns, particularly in downtown areas and near transit hubs. Violent crime rates are moderate and comparable to other Ontario industrial cities. Expats should avoid isolated areas after dark and exercise standard urban precautions. Overall, it's a stable choice for remote workers and retirees seeking affordability near Toronto, though it lacks the polish of more affluent Canadian cities.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Oshawa has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters (lows around -25°C) and warm, humid summers (highs around 29°C), offering distinct seasons with significant seasonal variation.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regus Oshawa - Simcoe Street | $200 | Located in downtown Oshawa on Simcoe Street, this Regus location offers a professional environment with private offices and coworking spaces. It's a reliable option with standard amenities, suitable for expats seeking a familiar and structured workspace. |
| Staples Studio Oshawa | $175 | Located within the Staples store on Harmony Road North, Staples Studio offers a convenient and accessible coworking space. It provides a mix of open areas and private offices, making it a good option for those who need flexibility and easy access to office supplies. |
| Worktopia | $250 | Worktopia offers a modern coworking environment in Oshawa. They provide flexible workspace solutions, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices, with amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a communal kitchen. |
Planning to live in Oshawa long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally in .
View full requirements →🧳 Expat Life
Expat Life Notes
Oshawa is an affordable neighbor to Toronto, popular with commuters and workers in the automotive sector.
Pros
- ✓ Direct transit to Toronto
- ✓ Affordable modern housing
- ✓ Safe suburbs
Cons
- ✗ Industrial feel in parts
- ✗ Urban sprawl
- ✗ Car dependency
🛂 Visa Options for Canada
Living on investment or passive income? Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) may be the right fit.
View full requirements →Not sure which Canada visa you qualify for?
Answer 10 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Could living/working in Oshawa cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1200/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Share This Guide
Oshawa won't stay this cheap forever.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Oshawa and the rest of Canada. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.