Hamilton

CanadaGMT-5

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

63.8/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$2,435/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

75Mbps

About Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, is a vibrant port city located at the western end of Lake Ontario, approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Toronto. Known as the 'City of Waterfalls,' Hamilton boasts over 100 waterfalls, including the famous Albion Falls and Webster’s Falls, offering stunning natural beauty and recreationalSnow White opportunities. The city is also home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and the Bruce Trail, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

With a population of over 793,000 in its metropolitan area, Hamilton is the third-largest city in Ontario and a significant industrial center, often referred to as the 'Steel Capital of Canada.' However, the city has been diversifying its economy, with a growing focus on the service sector, health sciences, and technology. This shift has attracted a new wave of residents, including digital nomads and expats, who are drawn to Hamilton's affordable cost of living compared to Toronto.

For digital nomads, Hamilton offers several advantages. Housing costs are significantly lower than in Toronto, with a variety of furnished apartments and coworking spaces available. The city's proximity to Toronto provides easy access to a larger job market and cultural scene, while still offering a more relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere. Hamilton's internet infrastructure is robust, with high-speed internet available in most areas, making it suitable for remote work. Additionally, the city has a growing digital nomad community, with around 500 nomads and 10 coworking spaces, fostering networking and collaboration opportunities.

Hamilton's cultural scene is flourishing, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Hamilton Fringe Festival and the Canadian National Exhibition. The culinary landscape is diverse, featuring a range of international cuisines, from Italian and Greek to Middle Eastern and Asian. Additionally, Hamilton's public transportation system, including buses and the upcoming light rail transit, makes it easy to navigate the city and explore its many neighborhoods.

Demographics

Population793,000
LanguagesEnglish, French, Mandarin, Cantonese

Location

CountryCanada
TimezoneGMT-5
Airport to City15 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Bus

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay180 days
Visa Cost$72
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$2,435
/mo
37.1% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Hamilton, Canada is $2,435, which is 37.1% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$1,300
53.4% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$270
11.1% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$541
22.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$108
4.4% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$144
5.9% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$72
3.0% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Hamilton offers robust internet infrastructure with major providers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Cogeco providing high-speed internet services. The median fixed broadband download speed is approximately 254.80 Mbps, indicating reliable and fast connectivity for residents. Public WiFi is widely available in libraries, parks, and other public spaces, enhancing accessibility. Additionally, 5G mobile networks are operational, providing advanced mobile connectivity. However, like any urban area, there may be occasional service interruptions or areas with weaker signals, but overall, the internet infrastructure in Hamilton is well-developed and supports both residential and commercial needs effectively.

Hamilton, Ontario, is home to a growing digital nomad community, attracted by its affordability, proximity to Toronto, and vibrant cultural scene. With approximately 500 digital nomads, the city offers a supportive environment for remote workers. There are around 10 coworking spaces, providing flexible work environments and opportunities for networking. Regular meetups and events are organized by local coworking spaces and digital nomad groups, fostering a sense of community. The city's social scene includes numerous cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it easy for nomads to connect and socialize. Additionally, Hamilton's natural beauty, with its waterfalls and hiking trails, offers plenty of outdoor activities for relaxation and recreation.

75Mbps
5G
4providers
500
Nomads
10+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Hamilton, Ontario, experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C in January to -2°C in December, and significant snowfall. Springs are mild, with temperatures warming up from 0°C in March to 13°C in May, accompanied by increasing rainfall. Summers are warm, with temperatures peaking at 21°C in July, and relatively high precipitation. Autumns are cool, with temperatures dropping from 20°C in August to 4°C in November, and moderate rainfall. The city sees year-round precipitation, with the wettest months being April, July, and October, each receiving around 90mm of rain. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing in winter to hiking and waterfall viewing in other seasons, making Hamilton an attractive destination for nature lovers.
Temperature Range
-5°C - 21°C
Avg: 8°C
Annual Rainfall
910mm
Monthly Avg: 76mm
Jan
01
-5°C
🥶
70 mm
❄️
Feb
02
-4°C
🥶
60 mm
❄️
Mar
03
0°C
🥶
60 mm
❄️
Apr
04
6°C
90 mm
May
05
13°C
80 mm
Jun
06
18°C
☀️
80 mm
Jul
07
21°C
☀️
90 mm
Aug
08
20°C
☀️
70 mm
Sep
09
16°C
☀️
80 mm
Oct
10
10°C
90 mm
Nov
11
4°C
🥶
70 mm
Dec
12
-2°C
🥶
70 mm
❄️
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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