In 2026, a "good" salary in Toronto is defined by the city's exceptionally high cost of housing and living. For a single person to live comfortably—meaning they can afford a one-bedroom apartment, save for the future, and enjoy the city's amenities—an annual gross salary of $75,000 to $85,000 CAD is considered the baseline. However, for a family of four, a combined household income of at least $150,000 to $170,000 CAD is required to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. This accounts for the average monthly cost of living for a family, which now exceeds $5,500 CAD excluding mortgage or high-end rent. High-demand fields like AI engineering and finance command much higher "good" salaries, often starting at $130,000 CAD. With the median individual wage in Toronto sitting around $66,000 CAD, many residents find themselves "house poor" or relying on roommates. A truly "comfortable" salary that allows for home ownership in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) generally requires a household income surpassing $220,000 CAD, given that average home prices remain well over the million-dollar mark and interest rates have stabilized at a higher level than the previous decade.