Operational costs for a small marketing or professional services business are high in both Toronto and Vancouver. Vancouver generally has higher office rents, while labour and utility costs are similar in both cities.

For a small marketing or professional services business, Toronto and Vancouver are both expensive to operate, but the cost mix feels a bit different and can hit your nerves in different ways. Office rent and commercial space tend to be slightly higher in Vancouver, especially in prime downtown locations, so just having a desk can feel like a bigger burden there compared with Toronto. Toronto’s rent is also high but generally a bit more manageable on average outside premium spots, and utility costs (like electricity and internet) can trend a bit higher too.