Metal-support interaction in the catalytic combustion of toluene was studied, using metal oxides with different acid-base properties as supports. The combustion activity over Pd loaded on strong acidic or basic support was lower than over Pd on weak acidic or basic metal oxides. The study of Pd surface with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reaction order measurement showed that the affinity for oxygen changed according to the acid-base property of support. It was considered that the combustion activity of Pd was controlled by the acid-base property of support through an electronic interaction.