How much does it cost a family to live in Markham?Beyond the mortgage or rent, a Markham family should plan for property tax (the City says the average home pays about $5,947 a year in 2026), water at $5.3694 per cubic metre, hydro and gas, child care, groceries and activities. Licensed child care in Ontario’s $10-a-day program averages about $19 a day in 2026 and is capped at $22. Canada’s Food Price Report estimates a family of four may spend up to $17,571.79 on groceries in 2026, or about $1,464 a month. Markham’s 2026 residential tax rate of 0.722889% is lower than Vaughan’s and Richmond Hill’s.
Most families moving to Markham focus on the price of the home. The monthly cost of daily life matters just as much: tax bills, utilities, daycare, groceries, swimming lessons and the occasional dim sum weekend all add up.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps relocating families build a full monthly budget before they choose a neighbourhood, so the home they buy leaves room for the life they want.
A sample monthly budget
| Category | Example monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | About $496 | City of Markham’s 2026 average bill of $5,947, divided by 12 |
| Water | About $107 | Example use of 20 cubic metres at $5.3694 |
| Hydro and gas | Varies | Ask the seller or landlord for 12 months of bills |
| Child care, one child | About $400 to $480 | Ontario’s program averages about $19 a day, capped at $22 |
| Groceries, family of four | Up to about $1,464 | Canada’s Food Price Report 2026 forecast |
| Recreation programs | Varies | Swimming, camps and sports through City programs |
Figures are examples drawn from the sources noted, as of October 6, 2026. Your costs depend on your home, family size and habits.
Property tax across York Region
| City | 2026 residential tax rate | Tax on $800,000 of assessed value |
|---|---|---|
| Markham | 0.722889% | About $5,783 |
| Vaughan | 0.749217% | About $5,994 |
| Richmond Hill | 0.760104% | About $6,081 |
| Toronto, for comparison | 0.767311% | About $6,138 |
Published 2026 residential rates. Your bill is based on your home’s MPAC assessed value, which is still based on 2016 values, not the price you pay.
Planning a move to Markham?
Michael John Lau can help you build a full monthly budget and match it with neighbourhoods that fit your family.
Book a relocation consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Utilities
Markham’s combined water and wastewater rate rose to $5.3694 per cubic metre on April 1, 2026, which the City estimated adds about $53 a year for the average home. Electricity comes through Alectra Utilities and natural gas through Enbridge in most of Markham. Bills depend heavily on the size and age of the home, the furnace, insulation and how many people live there. A newer townhouse in Cornell can cost far less to heat than a large older detached home.
Garbage, recycling and green bin collection are covered by property tax. See Markham’s garbage and recycling rules for how it works.
Child care
Licensed child care for children under six is part of the Canada-wide early learning and child care program. In Ontario, fees average about $19 a day in 2026 and are capped at $22 a day. The $10-a-day target has not yet been reached, and the federal and provincial governments announced an extension of the program on September 29, 2026, with current fees held through at least June 30, 2027.
- Spaces are limited, especially for infants and toddlers. Join waitlists early, often during pregnancy.
- York Region’s child care fee subsidy can help eligible families with children under 13. Income limits start at $43,000 for a family of two.
- Before- and after-school care for school-age children is a separate cost to plan for.
Groceries, dining and recreation
Canada’s Food Price Report 2026 forecast food prices rising 4% to 6%, with a family of four spending up to $17,571.79 on groceries for the year. Markham’s large Asian supermarkets, independent grocers and weekly farmers’ market on Main Street Markham give families plenty of ways to shop around.
Dining out is a big part of life here, from dim sum to bubble tea. Families often set a separate monthly budget for it so it does not quietly crowd out savings.
The City of Markham runs swimming, skating, camps and sports programs at its community centres. Program fees vary, and York Region offers recreation subsidies for eligible low-income families. For summer planning, see the parent’s guide to summer camps in Markham.
Transportation
Most Markham families own at least one car, and many own two. Budget for car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance and parking at work. Highway 407 is a toll road, and its operator said most personal transponder customers would see an average increase of about $5 a month in 2026.
Transit can lower the cost for commuters. GO Transit’s Stouffville line serves Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, and Viva rapid buses run along Highway 7. Living within walking distance of a GO station can make it realistic for a two-car family to become a one-car family, which is often one of the biggest savings available.
Insurance and other regular costs
- Home or tenant insurance, which varies with the age of the home, the roof and plumbing, and your claims history.
- Phone and internet, often bundled.
- Lawn care and snow removal for freehold homes, if you hire them out.
- Condo fees for condo owners, which cover some of these costs.
Putting it together
- Start with housing: mortgage or rent, property tax and condo fees if any.
- Add fixed monthly costs: utilities, insurance, child care and transportation.
- Add variable costs: groceries, dining, activities and travel.
- Keep saving: emergency fund, retirement and education savings should stay in the plan.
For the housing side in detail, see freehold townhouse vs. condo: the real cost. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
A clear budget makes it easier to choose a home and a neighbourhood with confidence. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is property tax in Markham?
Markham’s 2026 residential tax rate is 0.722889% of assessed value. The City says the average home, assessed at $822,671, pays about $5,947 a year.
Is Markham cheaper than Richmond Hill or Vaughan for property tax?
Markham’s 2026 residential rate of 0.722889% is lower than Vaughan’s 0.749217% and Richmond Hill’s 0.760104%. Actual bills depend on each home’s assessed value.
How much does daycare cost in Markham?
Licensed child care in Ontario’s program averages about $19 a day in 2026 and is capped at $22 a day. Spaces are limited, so families should join waitlists early.
How much do groceries cost for a family in Markham?
Canada’s Food Price Report 2026 estimates a family of four may spend up to $17,571.79 on groceries this year, or about $1,464 a month.
How much is water in Markham?
Markham’s combined water and wastewater rate is $5.3694 per cubic metre as of April 1, 2026. Your bill depends on how much water your household uses.
Is there help with child care or recreation costs in York Region?
Yes. York Region offers a child care fee subsidy for eligible families with children under 13, and recreation subsidies for eligible low-income families.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Sources include the City of Markham 2026 Final Tax Brochure, published 2026 municipal tax rates, Alectra Utilities’ April 2026 Markham water rate notice, Canada’s Food Price Report 2026, York Region Children’s Services and public reporting on Ontario’s child care program (September 2026). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
