Is Vaughan Ontario an Expensive Place To Live?

I’ve lived in Vaughan my entire life and have helped families navigate Vaughan’s housing market for over 30 years. I get asked this question alot. The honest answer? Yes, Vaughan is more expensive than many places in Canada, but it’s not as costly as Toronto, and the value you get for your investment makes it worthwhile for many families.

Vaughan home prices have actually increased 3.7% year-over-year to $1,327,790 (WOWA.ca), which places us in the premium market within the York Region. However, when you consider what you’re getting – excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, proximity to Toronto, and strong community amenities – many families find the investment pays dividends in quality of life. Let me break down the real costs so you can make an informed decision about whether Vaughan fits your budget and lifestyle.

As someone who’s watched this community grow and evolve, I’ve seen how the economics have shifted over the decades, and I want to share both the challenges and the opportunities that come with calling Vaughan home.

The Reality of Vaughan Real Estate Costs

Let’s start with the biggest expense – housing. Current Vaughan MLS® stats indicate an average house price of $1,212,896, though recent data shows prices reaching even higher levels. This puts Vaughan well above the national average, but it’s important to understand what drives these numbers and what they mean for different types of buyers.

For families coming from Toronto, Vaughan often represents better value for money. You’re getting more space, often with a yard, garage, and the suburban lifestyle many crave, while still maintaining easy access to the city. I’ve helped countless families make this transition, and they’re consistently amazed at how much more house they can afford here compared to downtown Toronto.

The rental market tells a similar story. The average monthly cost of owned housing in Vaughan is $3,091, which reflects both mortgage payments and property taxes. For renters, costs vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation and neighbourhood, but expect to pay premium prices for quality housing.

What I always tell my clients is that Vaughan real estate has shown remarkable stability and growth over the long term. Even during market fluctuations, our proximity to Toronto and strong local economy help maintain property values. The average property’s days on the market increased to 39 in May 2025 across the GTA, giving buyers more negotiating power than we’ve seen in recent years.

Daily Living Expenses: What Your Budget Really Needs

Beyond housing, daily living expenses in Vaughan reflect our position as a desirable GTA community. The average person spends $479-$491 on groceries per month in Vaughan, which is comparable to other York Region municipalities but higher than smaller Ontario cities.

Transportation costs depend largely on your lifestyle and work location. The average monthly cost on public transit in Vaughan is $326, while the average monthly cost for a driver in Vaughan is $624. The good news is that our improved transit connections, including the subway extension to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, have made commuting to Toronto more affordable and convenient than ever.

Utilities are relatively reasonable compared to housing costs. The average monthly cost of utilities in Vaughan is $141, though this can vary significantly based on home size and energy efficiency. Many of our newer developments feature energy-efficient homes that help keep these costs manageable.

What I appreciate about living here is that while day-to-day expenses are higher than rural areas, we have access to competitive shopping and services. Vaughan Mills, Costco, and numerous grocery chains create healthy competition that helps keep prices reasonable for a GTA community.

How Vaughan Compares to the Greater Toronto Area

When clients ask me about affordability, I always encourage them to look at Vaughan within the context of the broader GTA market. The cost of living in Vaughan is 15% higher than the national average, but this needs to be weighed against the opportunities and lifestyle benefits we offer.

The average cost of living in Vaughan is $2267, which ranks 12th out of 153 cities in Canada. While this places us in the higher cost category, we’re still more affordable than Vancouver or downtown Toronto, while offering many of the same amenities and opportunities.

The average salary in Vaughan is $62,050, which is 14% higher than the Canadian average salary of $54,450. This higher earning potential helps offset some of the increased living costs. Many of my clients work in Toronto but choose to live here for the better value and family-friendly environment.

What’s particularly interesting is how our local economy has strengthened over the years. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre has attracted businesses and created local employment opportunities, reducing commute times and transportation costs for many residents. This economic development is one reason why Vaughan real estate continues to attract investment even during uncertain market conditions.

The Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Investment

Here’s where my perspective as both a lifelong resident and real estate professional becomes important. Yes, Vaughan is expensive, but you need to consider what you’re investing in. The safety, schools, recreational facilities, and community atmosphere create value that goes beyond the monthly budget.

The cost of living in Vaughan-Thornhill, Ontario is 28% higher than national average, but families consistently tell me they feel they’re getting excellent value for their investment. The peace of mind that comes with safe neighbourhoods, the convenience of having everything you need within reach, and the strong sense of community are worth the premium for many families.

Our proximity to Toronto means career opportunities aren’t limited by our choice to live in Vaughan. I’ve watched families build successful lives here while maintaining Toronto careers, getting the best of both worlds. The subway extension has made this even more feasible, and the real estate market reflects this improved accessibility.

For families with children, the investment in Vaughan often pays off through access to excellent schools and youth programs. The recreational facilities, from community centres to conservation areas, provide lifestyle benefits that would be much more expensive to access in Toronto.

Making Vaughan Work for Your Budget

The key to successfully living in Vaughan is understanding how to make the economics work for your specific situation. As someone who’s helped families at every economic level find their place here, I’ve learned that it’s not just about having the highest income – it’s about making smart choices that align with your priorities.

For young families, starting with a townhouse or smaller detached home can be a smart entry point into the market. I’ve seen many families grow into larger homes as their equity builds and their careers advance. The strong real estate market here means your initial investment typically appreciates well.

Empty nesters often find excellent value in Vaughan’s condo and townhouse options. You can downsize your housing costs while maintaining access to all the amenities and conveniences you’ve come to appreciate. Plus, staying in the area means keeping your established community connections.

The rental market, while expensive, can also work for families who want to experience Vaughan living before committing to purchase. I always encourage renters to think of it as a trial period to understand the true costs and benefits of living here.

If you’re considering making Vaughan your home, I’d love to help you understand how the current market conditions and cost structure might work for your specific situation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to understand what’s possible within your budget, or an established family looking to upgrade or downsize, there are strategies that can make Vaughan living financially sustainable. The investment in this community often pays dividends in quality of life that go far beyond the monthly budget. Let’s explore together how you can make Vaughan not just affordable, but a place where your family can truly thrive.