Affordability and cost of living are top concerns for Torontonians: poll

Summary

In a recent City News poll, 79% of Torontonians find their city unaffordable, with rising costs impacting daily life. A staggering 91% believe living and working in the city is too expensive, highlighting issues such as soaring grocery prices and housing expenses. The poll revealed that 66% struggle with grocery costs, while 43% face challenges with rent or mortgage payments. Many residents are cutting back on dining out and travel, rating the city's affordability at an alarming eight out of ten. As the conversation around housing affordability continues, City News will delve deeper into this pressing issue.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cost of living in the city is increasingly difficult for residents to manage.
• 📊 A recent poll found that only 21% of people believe the city is affordable, while 79% disagree.
• 🏙️ Urban areas are particularly affected by rising costs, with many residents struggling to make ends meet.
• 🍞 Grocery prices are the top concern for 66% of respondents, indicating significant financial strain.
• 🏠 Housing costs are a major contributor to the city's unaffordability, affecting both renters and buyers.
• 💸 Many residents report feeling overwhelmed by everyday expenses, with 91% believing it is too costly to live and work in the city.
• 🚫 Lifestyle changes include cutting back on dining out, with 43% of people dining less frequently.
• ✈️ A significant number of residents (30%) are foregoing travel and vacations due to financial constraints.
• 🍽️ 31% of respondents are reducing their spending on food, highlighting the impact of rising prices.
• 📅 Further discussions on housing issues are planned, as it remains a critical topic for city residents.

Q & A

What is the overall sentiment regarding affordability in the city?

The sentiment is largely negative, with 79% of respondents agreeing that the city is unaffordable.

What percentage of people in Toronto feel they are struggling to make ends meet?

75% of people in Toronto reported finding it tougher to make ends meet.

Which costs do residents struggle with the most?

Residents primarily struggle with grocery costs (66%), followed by mortgage or rent payments (43%) and utilities (23%).

How have residents adjusted their spending in response to rising costs?

Residents have cut back on dining out (43%), travel or vacations (30%), and reduced food spending (31%).

What is the rating given to the affordability of the city on a scale from 1 to 10?

One individual rated the city's affordability as an 8 out of 10, indicating it is highly unaffordable.

What did the exclusive City News poll reveal about the perception of affordability?

The poll revealed that only 21% of participants agreed that the city is an affordable place to live.

What are the top two concerns among the city's residents according to the poll?

The top two concerns are affordability related to regular expenses.

What is one of the major contributors to unaffordability in the city?

Housing, whether renting or buying, is highlighted as a major contributor to the city's unaffordability.

How does the issue of affordability compare across the country?

The issue of unaffordability is widespread across the country, with urban areas particularly affected.

What action have cities taken in response to rising costs?

Cities have had to raise taxes in response to the rising costs of living and essential goods.