Utilities & insurance

Utilities and insurance: London vs Toronto

Utilities in London and Toronto are more alike than different, because many prices are set provincially. The bigger difference usually comes from the home: a larger, older house in London will use more energy than a Toronto condo. Insurance is where postal codes really matter.

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Electricity

An Ontario electricity bill has two main parts:

• The electricity itself (commodity). For most homes on the Regulated Price Plan, prices are set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and are the same across the province. You choose time-of-use, tiered or ultra-low overnight pricing.
• Delivery and regulatory charges, which are set for each local distributor and differ between Toronto Hydro and London Hydro.

So per kilowatt-hour, costs are broadly similar, with differences in delivery charges. The OEB's online bill calculator lets you compare a typical bill for each distributor. Your usage depends far more on home size, heating type (some homes have electric heat or heat pumps) and air conditioning.

Natural gas

Enbridge Gas serves most homes in both cities. However, London and Toronto are in different Enbridge rate zones, reflecting the legacy Union Gas and Enbridge Gas Distribution systems, so delivery rates aren't identical. The bigger factor again is the home: a detached house with an older furnace uses much more gas than a condo unit heated by a central system or electric baseboards.

Water and wastewater

Each city sets its own water and wastewater rates. In London, water is billed through London Hydro on behalf of the City. In Toronto, the City bills water separately. Rates per cubic metre differ, so check each city's current rate schedule. Usage depends on household size, and a lawn or garden adds summer usage.

Check the OEB, Enbridge Gas, London Hydro, City of London and City of Toronto websites for current rates and rate-zone details.

Internet and mobile

Both cities are served by the national carriers, and plans and prices are largely national. London also has Start.ca, a London-based internet provider that sells service on major networks. The main practical difference is availability: in new London subdivisions and on the rural fringe, check service at the exact address before you buy.

Home insurance

Home insurance premiums depend on the property: rebuild cost, age, roof and plumbing condition, heating type, claims history and local risks such as flooding. A detached London house will typically cost more to insure than a Toronto condo unit simply because you're insuring a whole building. Get quotes for the specific home during your conditional period.

Auto insurance

This is where many movers see real savings. Ontario auto insurance premiums vary widely by rating territory, which is largely based on where you live, and parts of the GTA have some of the highest premiums in the province. Many drivers moving to London see a lower quote. But your driving record, vehicle, coverage and annual distance matter enormously. If you'll be commuting long distances on the 401, your insurer may rate you differently.

Energy efficiency matters more than the city

Because so many London homes were built between the 1950s and 1980s, efficiency varies widely. Two London houses of the same size can have very different heating bills depending on insulation, windows and furnace age. Ask sellers for a year of utility bills, and look for upgrades such as a high-efficiency furnace, heat pump, new windows or added attic insulation.

The bottom line

• Unit prices for electricity, gas and internet are similar, with modest differences in delivery charges and water rates.
• Total utility bills often go up after a move from a Toronto condo to a London house, because you're heating, cooling and lighting more space.
• Auto insurance often goes down per vehicle, but many households add a vehicle.