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Situated next to the thriving metropolis of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, is widely regarded as the more relaxed, cheaper alternative to the craziness of living in a large city. The city is, however, far more than just an alternative. With its beautiful waterfront, high average standard of living, unique culture, and proximity to wide open spaces, Mississauga has a special flavor you won't find anywhere else in Canada. But what is it that makes this place so special? What is it like to live in Mississauga? To help you find out, we've broken down several aspects of life here for you to consider when you immigrate to Canada.
About Mississauga
The History of Mississauga
Over 200 years ago, well before European settlement, Mississauga had its beginnings. In the early 1600s, French traders crossed paths with the Native peoples known as the Mississaugas along the North Shore of Lake Huron. These Mississaugas, belonging to the Ojibwa band, had, by the early 1700s, migrated southward, establishing their settlement in the region encompassing Etobicoke Creek, Credit River, and Burlington Bay. The name "Mississauga" holds significance, translating to "River of the North of Many Mouths."
The area was overtaken by English settlers in the late 17th century. The town was little more than a settlement until 1805, when it was named the Toronto Township. As the Toronto township, the city grew and changed over 160 years until it was incorporated under the name Mississauga in 1965.
Population
One of the things you'll love when you immigrate to Canada and settle in Mississauga is that this city has a hugely multicultural population. Census 2021 revealed that the city has a population of 717,961. Census data also shows that the city has an immigrant population of:
- 228,910 people from Asia
- 77,850 people from Europe
- 61,255 people from India
- 46,530 people from the Americas
- 25,430 people from Africa
Over 90% of Mississaugans are English speakers. The largest religion in Mississauga is Christianity, with over 60% of locals identifying as Christian in the last census. Islam was second at 12%, and there were also significant portions of the Mississauga population identifying as Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jewish.
Where is Mississauga on the Map?
Mississauga is strategically positioned in the province of Ontario, Canada, and it lies just west of Toronto. Geographically, it occupies a location along the southern edge of Lake Ontario, contributing to its status as a significant suburban city within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). To pinpoint it precisely, Mississauga is part of the Peel Region and is bordered by the Credit River to the east and Etobicoke Creek to the west. This prime location not only enhances its accessibility but also places it at the heart of economic and cultural activities in the region.
Climate/ Weather in Mississauga
Due to its southern position and proximity to bodies of water, the Mississauga weather is far milder and more temperate than the more central or western Canadian cities. Summers are generally warm, humid, and sunny, whereas winters remain below freezing.
Summer in Mississauga starts at the beginning of June and ends in mid-September. During this time, temperatures range between 26°C and 17°C. Mississauga's weather during the summer is humid, with much of the yearly rainfall happening during that period.
The winter in Mississauga generally starts in early December and ends around mid-March. During the winter, the weather in Mississauga is snowy and windy. The coldest month is January, where the average low is around -8°C and the daily highs are -1°C. As a result, the Mississauga weather has made the city widely regarded as a fun summer destination in Canada.
Jobs in Mississauga
The major industries in Mississauga are Manufacturing, Financial Services, as well as Information & Communications Technology. So if you want to work in Canada, more specifically Mississauga, here are just some of the in-demand jobs in the city and the average salary for each occupation, according to Talent.com.
| Occupation | NOC Code | Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial and Investment Analysts | NOC 11101 | 87,750 |
| Robot Manufacturing Technician | NOC 22301 | 79,954 |
| Cook | NOC 63200 | 36,091 |
| Computer Network Technician | NOC 21222 | 67,880 |
| IT Consultant | NOC 12101 | 120,539 |
| Administrative Assistant | NOC 13110 | 49,982 |
| Warehouse Worker | NOC 75101 | 35,100 |
| Customer Service Representative | NOC 64312 | 42,480 |
| Store manager | NOC 60020 | 59,290 |
| Childcare Worker | NOC 42201 | 42,480 |
If you want to work in Canada before you apply for Canadian permanent residency, learn more about Canadian work permits.
Cost of Living in Mississauga
Mississauga is a highly affordable city. Despite its closeness to Toronto, the average cost of living and housing is significantly lower, making Mississauga a fantastic option if you’re looking to find your feet in Canada. Below is an example of the cost of living in Mississauga compared to Toronto, according to
Numbeo.
| Cost of Living | Mississauga | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Renting an Apartment in the City | 2,550.00 CAD | 2,617.07 CAD |
| Renting a 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre | 3,287.50 CAD | 3,565.38 CAD |
| Gasoline per litre | 1.54 CAD | 1.66 CAD |
| A Loaf of Fresh Bread | 3.26 CAD | 3.78 CAD |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 75.83CAD | 74.32 CAD |
| A Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | 19.50CAD | 25.00 CAD |
Neighborhoods in Mississauga
Mississauga has a relatively unique neighborhood structure. Unlike many cities in Canada, Mississauga has fantastic housing opportunities both within and outside the city center. Certain communities in Mississauga can be so close-knit and welcoming that you'll feel like you're in a small town within the big city. Mississauga also has neighborhoods with great access to some of Canada's natural wonders. Here are a few examples of what neighborhoods in this city have to offer.
City Center
The City Center of Mississauga is perfect for those looking to feel the pulse of this thriving city. The relatively low housing costs in this area combined with its proximity to Mississauga's more prominent businesses and attractions, it's a natural choice for young professionals looking to live and work in the city of Mississauga.
Port Credit
For those looking for a small village feel within the big city, Port Credit is the one for you. Situated on the edge of Lake Ontario at the end of the Credit River Valley, this neighborhood is also known for its vibrant community. With regular special events, a unique restaurant culture, and a wide array of boutiques all within the glow of the famous Port Credit Lighthouse, this neighborhood is perfect for those looking to be part of an exciting, tight-knit community.
Erindale
Erindale is a perfect neighborhood for families due to its safety, proximity to top schools and universities, and affordability. Erindale also boasts easy access to hiking trails and wide open spaces, a perfect ideal for suburban living. This means those living in Erindale can get close to nature without leaving the city behind. So, if you are looking for a more peaceful time in Mississauga, Erindale is perfect.
Transportation
While many Mississaugans prefer to drive, the city's public transport network can ensure you can get where you need, even if you don't have a car. As part of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga has a fantastic public transport system.
The city of Mississauga's public transport is overseen by MiWay, which handles the city's bus and light rail systems. The MiWay bus system covers 51 local and three express routes throughout the city. On top of this, Mississauga's bus system covers 12 routes to ensure your kids get to school safely.
On the northeast part of the city lies the world-famous Toronto Pearson Airport. It is the largest airport in Canada, bringing in the second-largest amount of international passengers in North America.
Things to do in Mississauga Canada
Lakefront Promenade Park: Mississauga's Expansive Waterfront Oasis
Mississauga boasts an impressive array of over 500 beautiful parks, gardens, and trails, each with its unique charm. Among these, the crown jewel is the Lakeside Promenade Park, standing out as the largest waterfront park in the city. Stretching over 31.6 km along the waterfront, this expansive park offers a picturesque setting with a sea wall, meandering walkways, inviting boardwalks, a pristine sand beach, well-maintained baseball diamonds, outdoor gym equipment for fitness enthusiasts, a vibrant splash pad, and a play area for children. With ample spaces for relaxation, it provides an ideal environment for both walkers and bikers to explore.
Experience the Blooming Beauty of Cherry Blossoms at Kariya Park
In Spring, Kariya Park transforms into a haven of cherry blossoms and magnolia trees, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere within its charming Japanese Garden. Just a brief journey from Square One, Kariya Park derives its name from Mississauga's sister city, Kariya, Japan, which reciprocates the gesture with its own Mississauga Park featuring a replica of our City Hall. In this small yet enchanting Japanese Garden, floral marvels in various Japanese styles adorn the landscape, complemented by a captivating water feature that adds to the garden's allure.
Explore Canada's Sole Indoor Ski Slope
For those unacquainted with the thrills of skiing or snowboarding, Alpine Indoor is a swift and cost-effective venue for learning. If you're already adept at these winter sports, it provides an excellent opportunity for summer practice before hitting the mountain slopes for serious skiing or snowboarding. Conveniently situated at 915 Matheson Blvd. East, Mississauga, Alpine Indoor welcomes enthusiasts of all levels to experience the excitement of an indoor ski slope.
Education in Mississauga
If you're looking to access Canada's world-class education, Mississauga has plenty of options for you. Mississauga has over 250 public schools and 5 international schools that cater from early preschool to Grade 12. The city is also home to a campus of the University of Toronto, one of the best universities in the world. On top of that, Mississauga is home to some of the top colleges in Canada, like Humber College, Anderson College of Health Business and Technology, and the world-famous Evergreen College.
If you want to take advantage of the fantastic options Mississauga has for students, you will need a study permit. Find out how you can apply for a Canadian study permit.
Immigrate to Mississauga
Since this city is in Ontario, you can move to Mississauga and gain Canadian permanent residency quickly and easily through one of Ontario's Provincial Nominee Programs (OINP). The OINP is designed to give those who fulfill the province's needs the opportunity to get permanent residency, provided they choose to live in Ontario. The OINP has several categories:
- Employer Job Category
- Human Capital Category
- Business Category
Pros and Cons
Keen on moving to Mississauga? Then take a look at some of the pros and cons of living in this city.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Buying property is expensive |
| Proximity to Lake Ontario | Heavy traffic |
| Ease of access to Toronto | Not much of a nightlife |
FAQs
How close is Mississauga to Toronto?
Mississauga is 28.1km from Toronto, around an hour's drive.
How do I Know if my Job Matches the Description on the In-demand Occupations List?
One of the best ways to understand what the jobs outlined on the in-demand list entail is to understand each job's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, as the Canadian government website provides full job descriptions for each code. Find out more about the NOC system and what each code is here.
What's the Fastest Way I Can Move to Mississauga?
This generally depends on your links to Canada, your background, and your skills. The Express Entry system is the fastest way to get Canadian permanent residency in Canada. Find out more about the quickest ways to move to Canada here.
