City Profile
Oakville, Ontario
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Oakville, Ontario, located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is a highly desirable community known for its blend of economic strength and exceptional quality of life. It consistently ranks among Canada's most livable cities, attracting both families and professionals. The town is characterized by its picturesque lakefront, historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.
Ontario, Canada, is a large and diverse province known for its vibrant multiculturalism and varied landscapes, from fertile farmlands to the Canadian Shield. The economy is robust and diverse, with major industries including manufacturing (especially automotive, information and communication technologies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices), financial services, and other knowledge-intensive sectors. Living in Ontario generally offers a high quality of life with strong job markets, particularly in cities like Toronto and Ottawa, and access to healthcare and infrastructure. However, the cost of living is higher than the Canadian average, with housing, groceries, and transportation being the most significant expenses, and the climate features four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
How this 72/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 90 / 100 | 90.0 | 30% | 27.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 86.0 | 61.3 | 25% | 15.3 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $110,000 Income needed to live here: $68,904 Unemployment rate: 6.91% | 69.1 | 20% | 13.8 |
| Growth | No usable reading — dataset average used | 56.4 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 10% | 7.5 |
| Overall score | 72.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=70), last refreshed
5 August 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oakville is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by its elevated housing prices. While average rent saw a significant year-over-year drop of 14.6% in 2026, it still remains one of the priciest rental markets in the country. The median household income in Oakville is substantially higher than the national average, which contributes to the local rent reflecting this gap. For a single person, the average monthly cost of living in Oakville is estimated to be around $2,801 USD in 2026, covering housing, food, and transportation.
Income
Salary Insights
Oakville boasts a robust economy and a strong job market, contributing to its high livability rankings. The town has been recognized for its entrepreneurial climate and economic resilience. Major employers and growth sectors contribute to a stable environment for professionals. The average individual income in Oakville is significantly higher than the provincial average, indicating a strong earning potential for residents.
The average salary in Oakville is $76,896 per year. You would need approximately $68,904 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Public transportation in Oakville is primarily served by Oakville Transit. An adult monthly pass costs $147 CAD in 2026. Youth and seniors can ride for free with a valid PRESTO card. While public transit is available, a car is generally considered essential for getting around Oakville due to its suburban nature. The town's transportation network is considered robust, contributing to its overall livability.
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