Cost of Living in Mississauga (2026)
Mississauga offers Toronto-area jobs at rents a little below the city core, but car and housing costs still run high. Here is what it really costs to live there, with two sample budgets.
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How much does it cost to live in Mississauga?
The cost of living in Mississauga for a single person renting a one-bedroom is typically about $3,150 to $4,100 a month, and about $6,800 to $9,500 for a family of four, based on CMHC rent data and typical household costs. Rent is the largest expense, followed by transportation, since many households in Mississauga rely on a car.
The cost of living in Mississauga is among the higher ones in Canada, driven by Greater Toronto Area housing. A single renter usually spends about $3,150 to $4,100 a month on essentials and modest extras, and a family of four about $6,800 to $9,500. Rent is usually a little lower than in downtown Toronto, but not by much for newer condos.
Mississauga's strengths are its job base, including Toronto Pearson Airport and large head offices, plus GO Train access on the Lakeshore West and Milton lines. The costs to watch are rent, car insurance and the 13% HST on most purchases.
For the provincial picture, see our guide to budgeting in Ontario, and compare with budgeting in Toronto if you are deciding between the two.
Average rent in Mississauga
Average rent in Mississauga for a purpose-built one-bedroom was in the range of about $1,800 to $2,100 a month in CMHC's recent Rental Market Surveys (October 2024 and 2025). Condo units rented by individual owners and newly listed apartments usually ask more, often well above $2,200 for a one-bedroom near Square One.
| Unit type | Typical range | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Basement apartment | $1,400 to $1,800 | Common in Meadowvale, Malton and Erin Mills houses |
| One bedroom | $1,800 to $2,100 | Older rental towers ask less than new condos |
| Two bedroom | $2,150 to $2,600 | Popular with couples and roommates |
| Three bedroom | $2,700 to $3,300 | Mostly townhouses and semi-detached homes |
City Centre and Port Credit cost the most. Older rental buildings in Cooksville and Malton usually offer lower rents. In Ontario, units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the annual rent increase guideline, which was 2.5% for 2025, so check a unit's history before signing. Test a listing against your income with our rent affordability calculator and see average rent in Canada for context.
Transit and commuting in Mississauga
MiWay runs Mississauga's bus network, including express routes on the Mississauga Transitway. An adult monthly pass has cost roughly $130 to $160 at recent fares. GO Transit trains and buses connect to Toronto, and Ontario's One Fare program lets riders transfer between the TTC and MiWay or GO Transit without paying a second fare.
Most households still own at least one car. Insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance commonly run $700 to $1,000 a month for a financed vehicle, and car insurance in Peel Region tends to cost more than the Ontario average. Get quotes before you choose a neighbourhood far from a GO station or the Transitway.
Taxes in Mississauga: income tax, HST and property tax
- Sales tax. Ontario charges 13% HST, which combines the 5% GST with an 8% provincial portion.
- Provincial income tax. Ontario's lowest rate is 5.05%, with higher brackets as income rises, plus the Ontario Health Premium once taxable income passes $20,000. Our Ontario take-home pay calculator shows your net pay.
- Federal income tax. The lowest federal rate is 14% for 2026, applied on top of the provincial amount.
- Land transfer tax. Buyers pay Ontario's land transfer tax but, unlike in Toronto, no municipal land transfer tax. Estimate it with our Ontario land transfer tax calculator.
- Property tax. Homeowners pay City of Mississauga, Region of Peel and education property tax. Renters pay it indirectly through rent.
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Utilities, phone and internet in Mississauga
Alectra Utilities supplies electricity in Mississauga, Enbridge Gas supplies natural gas and the Region of Peel bills water and wastewater. Ontario lets households choose time-of-use, tiered or ultra-low overnight electricity pricing, and the Ontario Electricity Rebate is applied to most residential bills.
For a one-bedroom apartment where the tenant pays hydro, utilities usually total about $120 to $200 a month. Many condo rentals include water and heat. A detached or semi-detached house typically runs $250 to $400 in winter. Add about $130 to $180 for internet and one phone plan.
Sample monthly budget for Mississauga
These budgets are illustrative ranges built from CMHC rents, MiWay fares and typical household costs. They are not an official statistic. The family budget assumes two adults, two children, one car and one transit pass.
| Category | Single person | Family of four |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,800 to $2,100 (1-bed) | $2,700 to $3,300 (3-bed) |
| Utilities | $120 to $200 | $250 to $400 |
| Internet and phones | $130 to $180 | $190 to $260 |
| Groceries | $400 to $500 | $1,300 to $1,600 |
| Transportation | $130 to $160 (transit pass) | $800 to $1,200 (car plus pass) |
| Child care | None | About $500 to $1,000 |
| Insurance (tenant, life) | $20 to $40 | $60 to $120 |
| Personal, clothing, household | $150 to $250 | $350 to $500 |
| Entertainment and dining | $150 to $300 | $250 to $450 |
| Savings | $250 to $400 | $400 to $700 |
| Total | About $3,150 to $4,100 | About $6,800 to $9,500 |
Child care assumes a licensed centre in Ontario's Canada-wide early learning and child care system, where base fees for eligible children under six have been capped at $22 a day since January 2025. Spaces are limited and some families pay more. For a full breakdown, see the cost of raising a child in Canada.
Figures checked September 2026; confirm current numbers with CMHC, MiWay, the City of Mississauga and the Government of Ontario.
Budgeting in Mississauga: practical tips
- Compare total housing cost, not just rent. A cheaper unit far from transit can cost more once you add a second car.
- Get at least three car insurance quotes each year, since premiums in Peel vary widely between insurers.
- Use One Fare transfers if you commute into Toronto, and check whether a monthly pass or pay-per-ride is cheaper for your pattern.
- Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit when you file your taxes if you qualify.
- Track spending for one month before setting limits. EMOH Pay is free on iPhone, Android and the web, and its GST/HST tracking separates the tax on each expense if you need it for work claims.
- Check your plan against our guide to budgeting in Canada.
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Get started free➜Cost of Living in Mississauga (2026): frequently asked questions
Is Mississauga cheaper than Toronto?
Slightly, in most cases. Rents for older rental buildings are usually a little lower, and buyers avoid Toronto's municipal land transfer tax. Higher car costs can cancel out the savings if you commute by car every day.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mississauga?
A single renter spending about $3,600 a month needs roughly $60,000 to $70,000 a year before tax to cover costs and still save. A family of four with one car usually needs a combined household income of about $120,000 or more.
Are utilities included in rent in Mississauga?
It depends on the building. Many older rental towers and condos include heat and water, while hydro is often separate. Houses and basement apartments may split utilities with the landlord, so confirm in writing before signing.
How much is a MiWay monthly pass?
An adult monthly pass has cost roughly $130 to $160 at recent fares, with discounts for youth, seniors and low-income riders. Check MiWay's fares page for the current price.
What is the best way to track costs in Mississauga?
Start by recording every expense for a month so you can see where rent, car and food money goes. EMOH Pay is free to start and syncs across iPhone, Android and the web, so a household can share one budget.
Sources and further reading
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