Data updated Nov 14, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 78)
Oshawa sits on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, about 4 kilometers from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), in the province of Ontario. Its continental climate brings warm summers and cold, snowy winters, with the city's elevation at 85 meters above sea level. Expats tend to settle in the Samac and North Oshawa neighborhoods, which are popular for their family-friendly streets and access to parks and schools. The city's population of 175,000 offers a mid-sized feel, with a large and active expat community that makes it easier for newcomers to find their footing.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Oshawa, Canada. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Oshawa at the budget tier comes to about $1,809 a month for one adult, with $1,187 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $218 on groceries, $56.00 on dining out, $38.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $226 on utilities and connectivity and $84.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,187/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$218/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$56.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$38.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$226/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$84.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Oshawa at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,020 a month for one adult, with $1,187 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $290 on groceries, $140 on dining out, $93.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $226 on utilities and connectivity and $84.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,187/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$290/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$140/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$93.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$226/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$84.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Oshawa at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,482 a month for one adult, with $1,356 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $406 on groceries, $268 on dining out, $142 on entertainment and lifestyle, $226 on utilities and connectivity and $84.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,356/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$406/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$268/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$142/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$226/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$84.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1355.66/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Oshawa's cost of living compares with Hope
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
(Higher is better)
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.
Oshawa has a safety index of 39.8/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
Compare travel insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Oshawa's healthcare compares with Hope
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.
Indices last read Nov 14, 2026.
A robust infrastructure makes it ideal for digital nomads.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Oshawa - Simcoe Street | 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 | 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 | 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. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Oshawa long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Oshawa? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Oshawa's digital nomad life compares with Hope
Oshawa is an affordable neighbor to Toronto, popular with commuters and workers in the automotive sector.
Areas of Oshawa that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Urban, revitalizing, convenient amenities
Downtown is undergoing significant redevelopment, with new condos and businesses. It's walkable and has good transit, but can be noisy and experience higher crime rates than other areas. Suitable for those who want to be close to restaurants, entertainment, and the GO train for easy access to Toronto.
Lakeside, residential, family-oriented
Located along Lake Ontario, Lakeview offers a mix of housing options and beautiful waterfront views. It's a quieter, more residential area popular with families. While not as walkable as downtown, it offers parks, trails, and a more relaxed pace of life. Public transit is available, but a car is recommended.
Suburban, spacious, family-friendly
North Oshawa is characterized by newer subdivisions, larger homes, and plenty of green space. It's a great option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with good schools and parks. A car is essential, as walkability and public transit are limited. It's further from the lake and downtown amenities.
Established, diverse, convenient location
McLaughlin is a well-established neighborhood with a mix of housing styles and a diverse population. It offers a good balance of residential quiet and access to amenities. It's relatively walkable and has decent public transit options, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer not to rely solely on a car.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1356/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Not sure which Canada visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
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.