Moving to Barrie from Toronto is one of the most common GTA relocations right now, and it is easy to see why. Housing costs less, yards are bigger, and the pace of life is slower in a way that is genuinely noticeable. That said, moving from a major urban centre to a mid-size city is not without tradeoffs. This guide covers what you actually need to know before you pack the truck.
In this article
Why so many Torontonians are making the move
Barrie sits about 90 kilometres north of Toronto on the western shore of Lake Simcoe. For families who feel squeezed out of the GTA by housing prices, it has become a genuine option rather than a last resort. You can get a detached home with a backyard for what a condo costs in the east end of Toronto, and that gap has only widened over the last several years.
Beyond price, people move to Barrie for the outdoors. The waterfront is walkable, skiing at Horseshoe Resort is about 20 minutes away, and the summers around Kempenfelt Bay are genuinely beautiful. For families with kids, the school options are solid, and the city has grown its amenities considerably over the last decade.
Did you know?
Barrie was the fastest-growing city in Canada for several years running in the early 2020s. Much of that growth came directly from Toronto and the GTA, as remote work made the commute a less frequent concern for many families.
Cost of living: Barrie vs Toronto
The housing difference is the headline, but it is not the only thing that changes when you move to Barrie from Toronto. Here is a realistic comparison across the main spending categories.
| Category | Toronto | Barrie |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. detached home price | $1.1M to $1.6M+ | $650K to $900K |
| Avg. monthly rent (2BR) | $2,800 to $3,500 | $1,800 to $2,300 |
| Groceries | High | Slightly lower |
| Dining out | High | Moderate |
| Transit (GO Train monthly pass) | N/A (local TTC) | $400 to $500/month |
The housing savings are real. The commuting costs are also real. Whether the math works for you depends on how often you need to be in Toronto.
Barrie neighbourhoods worth knowing
Barrie is not huge, but it has distinct areas that suit different lifestyles. If you are arriving without a strong sense of the city, here is a quick orientation.
Downtown and the waterfront
The downtown core along Dunlop Street has been revitalized with restaurants, breweries, and independent shops. The waterfront boardwalk along Kempenfelt Bay is genuinely nice. Condos and older character homes are the main housing stock here. Parking is the main complaint.
South Barrie (Painswick and Innis Shore)
This is where most Toronto transplants end up. Newer subdivisions, strong schools, good highway access via Highway 400, and a more suburban feel that is familiar to anyone coming from Mississauga or Vaughan. The South Barrie GO station makes this area the top choice for commuters.
Allandale and Holly
Older, more established neighbourhoods with larger lots and more mature trees. Generally a bit more affordable than south Barrie. The Barrie South GO station is accessible from here as well.
People often ask: is Barrie a good place to raise a family?
Generally yes. Schools in south Barrie are well-regarded, outdoor activities are abundant year-round, and the city is safe compared to Toronto. The main tradeoff is that cultural amenities and job diversity are more limited. Families who can work remotely or commute occasionally tend to find Barrie very livable.
Commuting from Barrie to Toronto
This is the part that trips people up. The commute from Barrie to downtown Toronto is roughly 90 minutes each way on a good day. On a bad day, Highway 400 can stretch that to two hours or more.
GO Transit runs trains from Barrie South station to Union Station. The trip takes about 90 minutes and trains run in the mornings and evenings on weekdays. For daily commuters, this is the most stress-free option. A monthly GO pass from Barrie runs around $400 to $500. If your workplace is not close to Union Station, factor in a connecting TTC trip as well.
Pro tip
If you plan to commute by GO Train, seriously consider which Barrie neighbourhood puts you closest to the Barrie South station before you commit to a house. A 10-minute drive versus a 25-minute drive to the station adds up quickly over a year of commuting.
Planning the actual move
The Toronto to Barrie corridor is one of our most common routes at Move It Right. A few things to know about the move itself.
The drive from most parts of Toronto to Barrie takes 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic, which means a same-day move is very manageable. Most jobs we do on this route are completed in a single day. Pricing is based on hourly rates from $129/hour for 2 movers, and the clock runs door to door, so you are not paying for drive time to and from a depot.
Book your move date well in advance if you are targeting late spring or early summer. April through August is peak season and availability fills up fast, especially on weekends. We serve moves to and from Barrie regularly, as well as moves from Toronto to other parts of Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
How long does moving to Barrie from Toronto take?
For a typical 3-bedroom home, plan for 6 to 9 hours including loading, the drive, and unloading. The drive itself is usually 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most Toronto to Barrie moves are completed in a single day.
What does a Toronto to Barrie move cost?
Pricing starts at $129/hour for 2 movers. A typical 2 to 3 bedroom move on this route usually runs 6 to 8 hours all in. Get a quote based on your specific situation since volume, number of movers needed, and access at both ends all affect the final time.
Do I need to book parking in Barrie?
For most homes in Barrie, a moving truck can park on the street or in the driveway without any special arrangements. If you are moving into a condo or an apartment building in the downtown area, confirm parking and elevator access with your building manager in advance.
Is it worth moving to Barrie if I still work in Toronto?
It depends entirely on how often you need to be in the office. For people who commute 2 to 3 days a week, the housing savings typically offset the commuting cost and time. Full-time in-office roles are harder to justify given a 90-minute each-way commute.
Ready to make the move? Move It Right handles moves to Barrie from Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, and across the GTA. Call us at 1 (866) 558-8564 or book your move online for a free quote.
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