Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 76)
Richmond Hill sits 200 meters above sea level in Ontario, Canada, within the America/Toronto timezone. Its continental climate brings warm summers and cold winters. The city of 202,000 residents is well known among expats, who often settle in the Oak Ridges and Bayview Glen neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods benefit from Richmond Hill's large and active expat community and from the fact that English is widely spoken.
Living costs here are notably lower than in New York City, with a cost of living index of 85/100. A single person's monthly expenses, excluding rent, amount to $1,350/mo. For a family of four, that figure is $4,800/mo. One-bedroom apartments in the city centre rent for $1,781/mo, while outside the centre they cost $1,758/mo. Three-bedroom units in the city centre go for $3,023/mo, and outside the centre for $2,355/mo. A budget tier total, which includes rent, is $1,630/mo; a mid-range tier total is $2,554/mo; and a comfortable tier total is $2,774/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,965/mo. A typical inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 per person, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $70. A cappuccino runs $4. Monthly utilities average $140, internet is $46, a mobile phone plan is $35, a public transport pass is $108, and a gym membership is $45. Average internet speed is 100 Mbps.
Richmond Hill scores a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100, indicating a very low crime rate. Its air quality index of 45 is considered good. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, which provides peace of mind for residents and visitors alike.
For retirees, the Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) is available. Digital nomads can use the Canada Digital Nomad Visa program. The nearest airport is YYZ, just 6 km away. Richmond Hill earns an expat score of 75/100, a FIRE score of 57/100, a retiree score of 63/100, and a digital nomad score of 75/100. It suits anyone seeking a safe, health-conscious community with solid public services, reasonable costs, and direct air access.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Richmond Hill, Canada. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Richmond Hill at the budget tier comes to about $2,383 a month for one adult, with $1,758 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $187 on groceries, $70.00 on dining out, $39.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $221 on utilities and connectivity and $108 on transport.
Rent
$1,758/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$187/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$70.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$39.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$221/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$108/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Richmond Hill at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,622 a month for one adult, with $1,758 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $250 on groceries, $176 on dining out, $109 on entertainment and lifestyle, $221 on utilities and connectivity and $108 on transport.
Rent
$1,758/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$250/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$176/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$109/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$221/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$108/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Richmond Hill at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,934 a month for one adult, with $1,781 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $349 on groceries, $316 on dining out, $159 on entertainment and lifestyle, $221 on utilities and connectivity and $108 on transport.
Rent
$1,781/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$349/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$316/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$159/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$221/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$108/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 $1781.02/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 Richmond Hill's cost of living compares with Summerland
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Richmond Hill is a very safe suburban community with a strong sense of security for expats. The affluent, family-oriented neighborhoods like Oak Ridges and Bayview Hill have minimal street crime. Primary concerns are petty theft from vehicles and occasional package theft rather than violent crime. Avoid isolated areas late at night, but overall this is an excellent choice for remote workers and retirees seeking a secure, quiet Canadian suburb with good schools and amenities.
See how Richmond Hill's healthcare compares with Summerland
Richmond Hill experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers (around 32°C) and very cold winters (dropping to -28°C), offering distinct seasons with moderate air quality suitable for most outdoor activities.
A suburban setting with access to Toronto’s amenities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus - Richmond Hill - Commerce Valley Drive | Located in the Commerce Valley area, this Regus location offers a professional environment with standard amenities like meeting rooms and business support. It's a reliable option for those seeking a straightforward coworking experience in a central business district. |
| My Garage Cowork | Located in the heart of Richmond Hill, My Garage Cowork offers a vibrant and collaborative environment. It's known for its community events and flexible membership options, making it a great choice for digital nomads looking to connect with other professionals. |
| Workhaus - Richmond Hill | Situated in a convenient Richmond Hill location, Workhaus provides a modern and stylish coworking space with various amenities, including private offices and meeting rooms. It's a good option for remote workers who need a professional setting with networking opportunities. |
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 Richmond Hill long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Richmond Hill? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Richmond Hill's digital nomad life compares with Summerland
A safe, affluent suburb in the Greater Toronto Area with top-tier schools and large international communities.
Areas of Richmond Hill 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.
Established, diverse, convenient amenities
South Richvale offers a mix of housing options, from detached homes to condos, and is known for its diverse population. It's close to shopping centers, restaurants, and public transit, making it a convenient location. While not specifically an 'expat area,' the diversity and accessibility make it easy to settle in.
Residential, green spaces, family-focused
North Richvale is a primarily residential area with many parks and green spaces. It's a popular choice for families with children due to its good schools and quiet streets. Like South Richvale, it's generally expat-friendly due to the prevalence of English and diverse community, but a car is recommended for getting around.
Transit-oriented, modern, convenient living
Langstaff is centered around the Langstaff GO Station, making it ideal for commuters. It features newer condo developments and a variety of shops and restaurants. The area is very accessible and caters to a younger demographic, and is generally welcoming to newcomers, including expats.
Historic charm, community feel, scenic
Mill Pond is known for its historic village core and the beautiful Mill Pond Park. It offers a strong sense of community and a more relaxed pace of life. While not a major expat hub, the area is safe, walkable in the immediate village area, and English is widely spoken.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1781/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 Richmond Hill 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.