Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 74)
Scarborough Village sits in the eastern reaches of Toronto, about 6 km from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), at an elevation of 76 m above sea level. The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, and the timezone is America/Toronto. Expats tend to settle in Scarborough Village Central, the neighborhood most often named by newcomers. The population is 17 thousand, and the expat community size is medium, which means familiar faces and a manageable social circle rather than a crowded international scene.
Rents are the first reality check. A 1-bedroom in the city centre runs $1,683/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $1,367/mo. For 3-bedrooms, expect $2,104/mo in the centre and $1,753/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single person spends about $1,100/mo, with utilities at $140/mo, internet at $48/mo, and a mobile phone plan at $35/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $105/mo and a gym membership $35/mo. Meals out are modest: $17 per person at an inexpensive restaurant, $70 for a three-course mid-range meal for two, and $4 for a cappuccino. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,955/mo, so a single adult can live on a budget tier of $1,383/mo, a mid-range tier of $2,135/mo, or a comfortable tier of $2,646/mo. Average internet speed is 100 Mbps.
Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is decent at an index of 35, again lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, which matters for families and older residents alike. English is widely spoken, so daily errands, appointments, and neighborly chats rarely require translation.
For longer stays, the Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) serves retirees, while the Canada Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the nearest airport, just 6 km away. The overall expat score is 74/100, the FIRE score is 65/100, the retiree score is 67/100, and the digital nomad score is 74/100. Scarborough Village fits budget-conscious singles, remote professionals, and retirees who want a calm, well-connected base with a medium expat community and straightforward access to a major airport.
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Scarborough Village at the budget tier comes to about $1,987 a month for one adult, with $1,367 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $182 on groceries, $67.00 on dining out, $44.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $222 on utilities and connectivity and $105 on transport.
Rent
$1,367/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$182/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$67.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$44.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$222/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$105/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Scarborough Village at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,212 a month for one adult, with $1,367 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $242 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $108 on entertainment and lifestyle, $222 on utilities and connectivity and $105 on transport.
Rent
$1,367/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$242/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$168/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$108/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$222/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$105/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Scarborough Village at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,825 a month for one adult, with $1,683 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $339 on groceries, $311 on dining out, $165 on entertainment and lifestyle, $222 on utilities and connectivity and $105 on transport.
Rent
$1,683/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$339/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$311/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$165/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$222/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$105/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 $1683.3/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Scarborough Village's cost of living compares with Summerland
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(Lower is safer)
Scarborough Village is a very safe, quiet residential community with minimal crime—ideal for expats seeking a low-risk environment. The main concerns are petty theft and occasional property crime rather than violent offenses. As a small Ontario town, it lacks the urban crime issues found in larger Canadian cities. Avoid isolated areas after dark, secure vehicles and homes properly, and stay aware of seasonal weather hazards. For Americans accustomed to major U.S. cities, this represents a significant safety upgrade with virtually no geopolitical risks.
See how Scarborough Village's healthcare compares with Summerland
Scarborough Village experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers (highs ~31°C) and very cold winters (lows ~-26°C), offering distinct seasons ideal for those seeking temperature variety but requiring preparation for harsh winter conditions.
Well-connected to Toronto with plenty of coworking spaces and amenities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus - Toronto - Scarborough Town Centre | Located in the heart of Scarborough Town Centre, this Regus offers a professional environment with easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. It's a reliable option for expats seeking a familiar and well-equipped workspace. |
| Spaces - Toronto - Scarborough | Situated in Scarborough, Spaces provides a modern and creative coworking environment. The location is convenient for those living in the area, and the amenities cater to a diverse range of remote workers. |
| Workhaus - Scarborough | Workhaus in Scarborough offers a vibrant community and flexible workspace solutions. It's a good option for digital nomads looking to connect with other professionals and enjoy a collaborative atmosphere. |
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 Scarborough Village long-term? Canada Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Scarborough Village's digital nomad life compares with Summerland
A residential neighborhood in Toronto with high immigrant density. Affordable for the GTA.
Areas of Scarborough Village 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, leafy, family-oriented
Guildwood is known for its beautiful parks, including the Guild Inn Gardens, and larger detached homes. It's a quieter residential area popular with families and retirees. While not a major expat hub, English is widely spoken, and it offers a safe and comfortable environment with good access to amenities and transit.
Diverse, affordable, convenient location
West Hill offers a mix of housing options, including apartments and townhouses, making it a more affordable option. It's a diverse community with good access to public transit and shopping. While it may not have the same upscale feel as some other areas, it's a practical choice for those on a budget.
Scenic bluffs, quiet residential
Cliffside boasts stunning views of Lake Ontario from the Scarborough Bluffs. It's a primarily residential area with a mix of housing styles. The area is relatively quiet and offers a more relaxed pace of life, appealing to retirees or those seeking tranquility. Public transit is available, but a car is helpful.
Charming village, community feel
Birch Cliff has a village-like atmosphere with local shops and restaurants along Kingston Road. It's a well-established residential area with a strong sense of community. While not heavily populated with expats, it's an easy place to settle in due to the prevalence of English and friendly locals.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1683/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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