Blog > Moving From Toronto to Markham: The Financial and Lifestyle Trade-Offs
Is it worth moving from Toronto to Markham?
For many families, yes. Buying in Markham avoids Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax, which adds about $20,475 on a $1,200,000 home and about $26,475 on a $1,500,000 home. Markham’s 2026 residential tax rate is 0.722889%, compared with Toronto’s 0.767311%. You generally get more space and yard for the money, strong public schools and newer community centres. The trade-offs are a longer commute for many downtown jobs, more driving day to day and less walkable nightlife. Test the commute and your weekly routine before you decide.
The Land Transfer Tax Savings
Toronto is the only city in Ontario that adds its own municipal land transfer tax on top of the provincial tax. Markham charges none. For homes up to $2,000,000, Toronto’s rates match the provincial rates, so the municipal tax roughly doubles the bill.
| Purchase price | Ontario tax (both cities) | Extra Toronto municipal tax | Total in Toronto |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $16,475 | $16,475 | $32,950 |
| $1,200,000 | $20,475 | $20,475 | $40,950 |
| $1,500,000 | $26,475 | $26,475 | $52,950 |
Figures are before first-time buyer refunds. Ontario refunds up to $4,000, and Toronto refunds up to $4,475 of its municipal tax to eligible first-time buyers.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, walks Toronto buyers through the full cost comparison, including land transfer tax, property tax and commuting, before they choose which side of Steeles Avenue to search.
Property Tax Compared
| City | 2026 residential rate | Tax on $1,000,000 of assessed value |
|---|---|---|
| Markham | 0.722889% | $7,229 |
| Toronto | 0.767311% | $7,673 |
Your actual bill depends on your home’s MPAC assessed value. Because Markham homes often come with larger lots, the assessed value of a comparable-priced home can differ, so compare actual tax bills for the homes you are considering. For a full monthly budget, see what it really costs each month to own a home in Markham.
The Commute
The commute is the biggest trade-off for most Toronto movers. Markham’s main options:
- GO Transit: the Stouffville line serves Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, with trains to Union Station.
- Viva and YRT: the Viva rapidway along Highway 7 links to Viva and YRT routes toward Finch subway station today, and to the Yonge North Subway Extension in future.
- Driving: Highway 404, Highway 407 (a toll road) and the Don Valley Parkway.
Check current GO schedules and test your door-to-door trip at rush hour before you buy. A home a short walk from a GO station can save much more time than one a short drive away. For future transit, see how the Yonge North Subway Extension will affect Markham.
Thinking about leaving Toronto for Markham? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 for a side-by-side cost comparison and a neighbourhood tour.
Lifestyle: What Changes
| Toronto (most central areas) | Markham | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Smaller homes and lots for the price | More space and yard for the price |
| Daily errands | Often walkable | Mostly by car, walkable in some pockets |
| Schools | Wide range | Strong reputation, including Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, ranked 6th of 747 in Ontario in November 2025 |
| Community centres | Varies by area | Large, newer centres such as Cornell and Aaniin |
| Culture and dining | Wide variety downtown | Rich food scene, especially Asian cuisine, and a growing Markham Centre |
Markham Neighbourhood Styles, From Downtown to Angus Glen
- Downtown Markham and Markham Centre: condos and townhouses on Highway 7, closest to an urban feel.
- Unionville: heritage Main Street, mature trees and established family homes.
- Cornell: a planned, walkable community with rear-lane homes and a community centre.
- Berczy: established family streets that many buyers shortlist for schools.
- Angus Glen: larger detached homes around the golf club, at the higher end of the market.
For a guide to settling in, see what you need to know about moving to Markham, and for schools, see whether Markham school rankings affect home prices.
If You Are Selling in Toronto First
Many movers own a condo or semi in Toronto and need to sell to buy in Markham. Two things help. First, price your Toronto home from recent sales in your building or on your street, since both markets favour buyers this fall. Second, line up your closing dates so you are not carrying two homes for long. A longer closing on your Toronto sale often gives you time to find the right Markham home without rushing.
Remember that the land transfer tax savings apply to your purchase in Markham, not your sale in Toronto. Sellers in either city do not pay land transfer tax. If you are a first-time buyer moving out of a rental, the Ontario refund of up to $4,000 still applies in Markham.
How to Decide
- Price both cities for the same type of home, including land transfer tax.
- Test the commute at rush hour, both ways.
- Spend a weekend in the Markham neighbourhoods on your list.
- Sell or buy first? If you own in Toronto, plan the order carefully. See whether to buy or sell first.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Next Steps
- Explore Markham neighbourhoods: compare communities before you visit.
- Buying a home in Markham: how Michael helps relocating buyers.
- Use the mortgage calculator: compare payments in both cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much land transfer tax do I save by buying in Markham instead of Toronto?
You avoid Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax. On a $1,200,000 home, that is about $20,475, and on a $1,500,000 home about $26,475, before any first-time buyer refunds.
Are property taxes lower in Markham than Toronto?
Markham’s 2026 residential rate is 0.722889%, compared with Toronto’s 0.767311%. Your actual bill depends on your home’s MPAC assessed value.
How do I commute from Markham to downtown Toronto?
Most commuters use the GO Transit Stouffville line from Unionville, Centennial, Markham or Mount Joy stations to Union Station, or drive using Highway 404, Highway 407 or the Don Valley Parkway.
Is Markham good for families moving from Toronto?
Many families move for more space, strong public schools and large community centres. The main trade-off is more driving and, for many, a longer commute.
Does Markham have a municipal land transfer tax?
No. Markham buyers pay only the Ontario land transfer tax. Toronto is the only Ontario city with its own municipal land transfer tax.
Which Markham neighbourhoods feel most like Toronto?
Downtown Markham and Markham Centre along Highway 7 offer condo and townhouse living closest to an urban feel, with shops, restaurants and Viva rapid transit nearby.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps families relocating from Toronto compare the real costs and the day-to-day lifestyle on both sides of Steeles Avenue. That includes land transfer tax, property tax, commute testing and neighbourhood tours based on how your family lives. The goal is a move that fits your budget and your routine.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Moving from Toronto to Markham?
Michael John Lau helps relocating families compare costs, commutes and neighbourhoods before they buy.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Land transfer tax figures are calculated using Ontario and City of Toronto rates in effect in 2026, before refunds. Tax rates are published 2026 residential rates. School rankings are from the Fraser Institute’s November 2025 report as reported by CP24. This article is general information, not tax or financial advice. Your lawyer will confirm land transfer tax on closing.