Performance
Score Breakdown
Sydney (Cape Breton)
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% higher compared to Sydney (Cape Breton).
Housing costs are a major driver: Sydney (Cape Breton)'s average rent is
89% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Sydney (Cape Breton) | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $950 | +89% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,967 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 54% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sydney (Cape Breton) is estimated at
$52,800 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Sydney (Cape Breton) | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,500 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,800 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,946 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $55,000 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sydney (Cape Breton) | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Sydney (Cape Breton) scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Sydney (Cape Breton) leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sydney (Cape Breton) | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 81.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Sydney (Cape Breton).
From a growth perspective, Sydney (Cape Breton) is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sydney (Cape Breton) | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,900 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.97% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sydney (Cape Breton)
Advantages
Overall crime rates in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality decreased in 2024, continuing a three-year trend.
The cost of living in Sydney is lower than the national and provincial averages, making it more affordable.
Sydney boasts a very walkable core, with a Walk Score of 81 out of 100.
The population of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is getting younger, reversing a long-standing trend.
Public transit in CBRM has been modernized with new payment options and a flat fare system as of June 2026.
Drawbacks
Despite overall crime rate decreases, violent crime severity increased in 2024 due to a rise in homicides.
Affordable housing is a serious issue in Cape Breton, with limited options available.
Employment in some sectors like manufacturing, finance, and professional/technical services is disproportionately low in Cape Breton compared to the provincial average.
Pedestrian navigation can be difficult outside of the very walkable core, and cycling infrastructure is poor.
Residents expressed crime prevention and policing as top concerns in early 2026, highlighting serious crimes.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Sydney (Cape Breton)
#13Nova Scotia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$32,500
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
81.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.97%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
74
Business
68
Toledo
#65Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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