For visas, the Canada Super Visa is available for parents and grandparents, and the Canada Digital Nomad Visa is an option for remote workers. The nearest airport is YXU, located 10 km away. This city suits expats, digital nomads, and retirees, with an overall expat score of 76 out of100, a FIRE score of69, a retiree score of65, and a digital nomad score of76.
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🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
$1,763/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: budget lifestyle
London on a budget budget comes to about $1,763 a month for one adult, with $1,141 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $186 on groceries, $84.00 on dining out, $40.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $233 on utilities and connectivity and $79.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,141/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$186/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$84.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$40.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$233/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$79.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$622/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$2,016/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle
London on a mid-range budget comes to about $2,016 a month for one adult, with $1,141 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $248 on groceries, $211 on dining out, $104 on entertainment and lifestyle, $233 on utilities and connectivity and $79.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,141/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$248/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$211/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$104/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$233/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$79.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$875/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$2,392/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: comfortable lifestyle
London on a comfortable budget comes to about $2,392 a month for one adult, with $1,262 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $347 on groceries, $316 on dining out, $155 on entertainment and lifestyle, $233 on utilities and connectivity and $79.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,262/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$347/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$316/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$155/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$233/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$79.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$1,130/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1261.88/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
London, Canada is a genuinely safe mid-sized city with low violent crime and a stable community feel. Property crime exists but remains well below North American averages. The downtown core and residential neighborhoods like Old North are secure for daily life. Main concerns are typical Canadian urban issues: occasional package theft and petty shoplifting rather than serious threats. No significant geopolitical risks. For American expats, this is a straightforward, low-stress relocation with reliable police services and predictable safety patterns.
A collaborative space in downtown London focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship. Offers a mix of open coworking and private offices, plus meeting rooms and event space. A good option for expats looking to connect with the local community.
Located in the heart of downtown London within Citi Plaza, this Regus offers flexible workspace solutions including coworking, private offices, and meeting rooms. A convenient option with professional amenities and easy access to shops and restaurants.
A modern coworking space in downtown London offering a variety of workspace options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Features include high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a kitchen area. Caters to startups and small businesses.
More of an incubator/accelerator, but offers coworking space for tech startups and entrepreneurs. Located in downtown London, it provides access to mentorship, resources, and a supportive community. Ideal for expats involved in the tech sector.
See how London's digital nomad life compares with Sydney
🧳 Expat Life
English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Wortley Village, Richmond Hill, Masonville
Banks Nearby
64
ATMs Nearby
5
Expat Life Notes
A mid-sized city known for its university and healthcare sectors. It offers a more affordable alternative to Toronto with a high quality of life.
Pros
✓ High English prevalence
✓ Affordable housing for Canada
✓ Strong educational institutions
Cons
✗ Public transit is limited
✗ Cold winters
✗ Slower pace of life than major hubs
🏘️ Neighborhoods in London
Areas of London that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Downtown
Vibrant, urban, central hub
Downtown London offers a mix of condos, apartments, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and has good transit, but can be noisy and more expensive. Many young professionals and students live here, making it a lively but sometimes hectic environment for retirees seeking peace and quiet.
Old South
Historic, charming, residential, walkable
Old South is known for its beautiful Victorian homes and tree-lined streets. It's a desirable area with a strong community feel, good schools, and local shops along Wortley Village. Rent can be higher than average, but the neighborhood's charm and walkability make it appealing to families and retirees.
Byron
Family-friendly, suburban, green spaces
Byron is a suburban neighborhood with a mix of housing options, including apartments and single-family homes. It's known for its parks, community center, and Springbank Park. While less walkable than downtown, it offers a quieter lifestyle and is well-suited for families or retirees who prefer a suburban setting.
Masonville
Commercial hub, convenient, modern
Masonville is a commercial center with a large mall and many retail stores. There are newer apartment buildings in the area, offering convenient access to shopping and amenities. While not as charming as other neighborhoods, it's a practical choice for those who value convenience and proximity to services.
Wortley Village
Quaint, artistic, village atmosphere
Part of the Old South neighborhood, Wortley Village has a distinct village feel with independent shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It's a walkable and vibrant area with a strong sense of community. Housing options are limited, and prices can be higher due to its desirability.
Westmount
Established, residential, upscale, quiet
Westmount is an established residential area with well-maintained homes and mature trees. It's a quieter neighborhood with good schools and parks. While not as centrally located, it offers a peaceful and upscale living environment, appealing to families and retirees.
Argyle
Affordable, diverse, up-and-coming
Argyle is a more affordable neighborhood with a diverse population. It's undergoing revitalization, but still has some areas with higher crime rates. While not as polished as other neighborhoods, it offers a more budget-friendly option for those willing to overlook some drawbacks. Requires more research for newcomers.
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Could living/working in London cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1262/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
London has a population of approximately 422,324 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $3,155 per month in London, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1262/month.
The nearest airport to London is YXU, approximately 9.9km away.
London is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 77.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
London has an average internet speed of 120 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
London is ideal for expats seeking a quieter Canadian lifestyle with access to healthcare and education jobs. It’s less appealing for digital nomads or retirees who prefer warm weather.
Unlike some countries, Canada doesn't have a specific 'retirement visa.' Americans typically explore options like the Visitor Visa (for short stays), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if you have skills in demand, or family sponsorship if applicable. Consulting an immigration lawyer is highly recommended to determine the best pathway for your situation.
Canada has a universal healthcare system, but as a new resident, you'll need to apply for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card. There's a waiting period (usually 3 months) before coverage begins, so consider private insurance during that time. Many doctors speak English, and the quality of care is generally high.
London boasts excellent internet infrastructure. You can expect reliable high-speed internet from providers like Rogers and Bell, with speeds easily exceeding 100 Mbps. This makes it ideal for video conferencing, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks required for remote work.
Yes, London has a growing number of coworking spaces catering to freelancers and remote workers. Spaces like Innovation Works and The Cube offer various membership options, providing a professional environment, networking opportunities, and amenities like high-speed internet and meeting rooms.
London is generally a safe city, but some neighborhoods are considered particularly safe and family-friendly. Areas like Byron, Oakridge, and Masonville are known for their low crime rates and good schools. However, like any city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Groceries in London can be slightly more expensive than in some parts of the US, especially for imported items. Dining out is comparable, with a wide range of options from affordable pubs to upscale restaurants. Expect to pay around $20-30 CAD for a mid-range meal.
London has a decent public transportation system, including buses operated by the London Transit Commission (LTC). While a car is convenient, especially for exploring outside the city center, you can manage without one, particularly if you live near major bus routes. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated bike lanes in some areas.
London experiences a four-season climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Expect temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July. Be prepared for significant snowfall in the winter months.
English is the primary language spoken in London, Ontario, so you won't encounter any language barriers. While there is a diverse population, English is widely understood and used in all aspects of daily life.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit can help reduce your tax burden. Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes to ensure compliance with IRS regulations, including FBAR and other reporting requirements.
While not as large as in some major international cities, London has a welcoming expat community. You can find various groups and organizations online and through social media, offering opportunities to connect with other expats and share experiences.
Retiring comfortably on $3,000 USD (approximately $4,000 CAD) per month in London is possible, but requires careful budgeting. Rent outside the city center, cooking at home, and utilizing free activities will be key. It's definitely more achievable than larger Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
ATM fees vary depending on your bank and the ATM you use. Using ATMs within your bank's network is generally cheaper. For international money transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.
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