When families and retirees consider moving from the Greater Toronto Area to smaller Ontario communities, two popular comparisons often come up: Trent Hills (including Campbellford, Warkworth, and Hastings) versus suburban hubs like Whitby and Oshawa in Durham Region. Each area offers unique advantages, but the biggest deciding factor for many buyers is the cost of living.

In this post, we break down housing, daily expenses, and lifestyle costs to help you understand the difference.

Housing Costs

• Trent Hills
  Average detached home prices are significantly lower than in Whitby or Oshawa. Buyers can often find spacious homes, bungalows, or even waterfront properties for the price of a townhouse closer to the GTA. Properties with large lots, acreage, and even farmland are attainable, making Trent Hills attractive for downsizers, retirees, and families wanting more space.

• Whitby
  Whitby has one of Durham’s most competitive markets. Detached homes often start in the high $900,000s and can easily exceed $1.2M in sought-after neighbourhoods like Brooklin. Townhomes and semis are more affordable but still much higher than rural Ontario options.

• Oshawa
  Oshawa remains Durham’s most affordable option within commuting distance of Toronto. Detached homes average in the $800,000s, and condos or townhomes can be found at lower entry points. Still, it’s a step above Trent Hills pricing.

Property Taxes

• Trent Hills: Lower home values help keep annual property taxes manageable, even with rural rates slightly higher per $1,000 of assessment.

• Whitby & Oshawa: Higher property values mean higher overall tax bills, even if the mill rate is slightly lower.

Daily Living & Lifestyle

• Groceries & Services: Whitby and Oshawa benefit from big-box stores, malls, and a wide selection of restaurants, often at competitive urban prices. In Trent Hills, smaller-town shopping can mean higher prices for certain goods, but local farmers’ markets and butchers keep food quality high.

• Utilities: Rural living may include higher heating and internet costs, depending on location. Urban areas often benefit from more competitive service options.

• Commuting: Oshawa and Whitby residents often face higher fuel, toll, and transit costs if commuting into Toronto. In Trent Hills, local work or retirement living eliminates those expenses, though longer drives for major shopping or appointments may add costs.

Lifestyle Value

• Trent Hills offers peace, space, and a slower pace of life. Outdoor activities, waterfront living, and strong community connections provide lifestyle perks that can’t always be measured in dollars.

• Whitby & Oshawa provide access to major highways, GO Transit, schools, and big-city conveniences while still being more affordable than Toronto.

Final Thoughts

If your priority is affordability and lifestyle space, Trent Hills is tough to beat. If you need commuting access and urban conveniences, Whitby and Oshawa remain strong choices.

At the end of the day, the right move depends on your stage of life, career, and personal goals.

Ready to Compare Options?

At Team Prata Real Estate, led by Mark and Lorraine Prata, we specialize in helping families, downsizers, and investors make the smartest moves across Durham Region, Northumberland County, and the East GTA. Whether you’re exploring rural living in Trent Hills or suburban convenience in Whitby or Oshawa, our AI-powered marketing and community-first approach ensure your move is a success.

Let’s talk numbers for your next move. Contact Team Prata today.