Living & Working in Hamilton
Hamilton is a mid-sized city at the western end of Lake Ontario, undergoing a significant economic transformation from its industrial roots. It's now a major centre for healthcare (McMaster University Medical Centre) and education.
Hamilton offers significantly more affordable housing than Toronto (just an hour away by GO Transit) and has a growing arts and food scene. The city's newcomer population is growing rapidly.
Cost of Living
Top Employers
Hamilton Health Sciences
Healthcare
McMaster University
Education
ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Steel/Manufacturing
Settlement Resources
Settlement, employment, and language services for newcomers in Hamilton.
Community partnership coordinating newcomer services across Hamilton.
Newcomer-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Hamilton Mountain
Diverse residential area above the escarpment. Affordable housing with growing newcomer community.
Avg. rent: $1,500/mo
East Hamilton
Working-class neighbourhood with affordable rents and improving amenities.
Avg. rent: $1,400/mo
Browse by Category in Hamilton
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamilton a good affordable alternative to Toronto?
Yes — Hamilton offers rents 30-40% lower than Toronto with GO Transit commuter rail providing easy access. The city has its own strong job market in healthcare and education.