London or St. Thomas: where should you buy?

London is southwestern Ontario's largest city, 422,324 people in 2021, with Western University, Fanshawe College and the widest choice of homes. St. Thomas, the Railway City just south, had 42,918 and is the seat of Elgin County. Compare their live median asking prices side by side, then weigh space, commute and what each town offers day to day.

By Rob and George Georgopoulos, 5 min read, Updated

The long red-brick Canada Southern Railway station in St. Thomas

How different are they?

London and St. Thomas at a glance
LondonSt. Thomas
Population (2021 census)422,32442,918
CountyMiddlesex (separated city)Elgin (seat, independent of the county)
Known asThe Forest CityThe Railway City
Today's asking prices for both are in the live panel alongside.

Which is cheaper?

It changes with the listings, so check the live panel for today's median asking price in London and St. Thomas, and the mix of home types. These are asking prices, not sale prices. For a like-for-like comparison, compare the same type: homes for sale in St. Thomas with homes for sale in London.

How do I choose?

Choose London for the widest choice of neighbourhoods and home types, and to be close to Western, Fanshawe and the hospitals. Consider St. Thomas if you want a smaller city with its own downtown and are comfortable driving into London for work or appointments. Either way, set your number in What your budget buys: St. Thomas appears on the same map.

Before you move ahead

  • Compare the same home type in both places.
  • Map your commute and daily trips.
  • Visit both on a weekday and a weekend.

General information for Ontario buyers and sellers, current as of September 26, 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details for your own purchase or sale with your lawyer, lender or accountant.

From clients who have been there

Read every review

Garry Shortt

We coming up 6 years that we moved to StThomas. Rob was very accommodating with us and very helpful. The house we sold in Orangeville was a stressful time. Rob knows south western Ontario very well, we looked at a number of homes and he was always available to us. To this day we keep in touch Rob. Garry Shortt

Read more of Garry Shortt's review

Quick answers

Is St. Thomas part of London?

No. St. Thomas is a separate city and the seat of Elgin County, independent of the county.

Do you sell homes in St. Thomas?

Yes, we work with buyers and sellers there. One client wrote on Google about moving to St. Thomas with Rob's help.

Buying, selling, or just curious?

Call Rob or George directly, or send a message and one of them will get back to you. A home evaluation is free and prepared by a person, never a formula.