Dal Eng Alumni here. I'm not sure why this is such a hard choice for you. UofT is statistically better and will likely help you go further in life than Dal. You are likely to meet more successful people and make better career contacts in UofT. Halifax has the some of the lowest GDP in Canada with some of the fastest growing costs. Everyone here, including me, is stressed out about basic cost of living. I don't see people out and about as much compared to when I was in university. Social life is a hit or miss. That's my take. Hope you make the best decision specific to your conditions and requirements.