Best Places to Live in Canada in 2024
Table of contents
Canada is filled with beautiful places to live and work from coast to coast, yet there’s no doubt that affordability varies considerably between cities and even provinces.
The Globe and Mail recently published their top 100 most liveable cities list. This list was compiled to help Canadians find communities that contained what they valued most, including safety, housing costs, and other economic factors.
Of course, there are other important things to consider when choosing a place to call home, so we’ve also included some extra information on the top 10 cities below to help you decide where to move if you’re considering relocating in the new year.
Key Takeaways
- British Columbia dominates the top 10, with 6 cities making the list.
- The rankings are based on factors that include the local economy, cost of housing, and safety of the communities.
- The most affordable cities on the list when looking at home affordability are Winnipeg and Regina.
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#1 Victoria, British Columbia
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and boasts abundant parks and trails to explore. The area is known for having one of the mildest climates in Canada, making it a great place to live for those not into Canadian winters.
Best City for: Those who prefer a mild climate
Worst City for: The budget-conscious
| Population | 95,384 |
| Population density (per km2) | 4,638 |
| Average household income | $93,598 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Average house price | $862,357 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,704 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,238.60 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 5,819 |
| Median age | 42.7 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 475.9mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 33.4cm |
| Temperature high and low | 19c to 3c |
#2 North Vancouver, British Columbia
Located on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver is known for its many hiking and skiing trails. North Vancouver is close to top attractions, including Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain, both receiving Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for 2023.
Best City for: Those who love the outdoors
Worst City for: Those who hate traffic
| Population | 161,469 |
| Population density (per km2) | 559 |
| Average household income | $157,772 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Average house price | $1,451,417 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,007 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,450.40 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 2,561 |
| Median age | 44 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 2522mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 75.8cm |
| Temperature high and low | 23c to 2c |
#3 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city in Manitoba. It’s Canada’s sixth-largest city and eighth-largest metropolitan area. The city is one of the most affordable in Canada and has the third fastest-growing economy among major Canadian cities.
Best City for: Employment opportunities and affordable housing
Worst City for: Crime rate
| Population | 797,004 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,660 |
| Average household income | $107,532 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% |
| Average house price | $348,932 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,354 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $2,710.60 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 6,088 |
| Median age | 38.1 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 366.8mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 148cm |
| Temperature high and low | 27c to -19c |
#4 Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan, is the second largest city in the province. The city is one of the fastest-growing Canadian cities due to its relatively low cost of living and higher incomes. The city is known as the sunniest capital city in Canada, with an average of 322 days of sunshine a year.
Best City for: Affordable living
Worst City for: Those who love to travel
| Population | 247,200 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,343 |
| Average household income | $115,421 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Average house price | $325,960 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,192 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $2,532.30 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 5,257 |
| Median age | 36.2 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 249.7mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 100cm |
| Temperature high and low | 26c to -19c |
#5 Burlington, Ontario
Located on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Burlington is the perfect mid-sized city to raise a family. The city has many outdoor attractions and parklands, with the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail and The Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in Canada.
Best City for: Family-friendly neighbourhoods
Worst City for: Cost of living and real estate
| Population | 201,028 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,060 |
| Average household income | $150,373 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Average house price | $984,880 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,439 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $2,730.80 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 2,776 |
| Median age | 42.5 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 976mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 118.1cm |
| Temperature high and low | 26c to -8c |
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#6 West Vancouver, British Columbia
Located on the northern shore of English Bay, West Vancouver is one of the main ports connecting mainland British Columbia with Vancouver Island. The area is great for those who love the outdoors, with Cypress Mountain close by, but still want the perks of urban living.
Best City for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Worst City for: Transportation and traffic
| Population | 48,340 |
| Population density (per km2) | 504 |
| Average household income | $218,610 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Average house price | $3,120,290 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,007 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,556.90 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 3,518 |
| Median age | 50.6 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 1457mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 44.6cm |
| Temperature high and low | 23c to 0c |
#7 Saanich, British Columbia
Saanich boasts convenient living close to Victoria, providing easy access to amenities and the perks of suburban living. The area has many regional parks and lakes to enjoy the outdoors year round.
Best City for: Mild weather
Worst City for: Housing demand and affordability
| Population | 128,212 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,131 |
| Average household income | $125,038 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Average house price | $1,041,145 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,704 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,238.60 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 3,019 |
| Median age | 43.3 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 1066mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 33.4cm |
| Temperature high and low | 23c to 2c |
#8 Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, with a strong economy boasting many jobs in the oil and gas industry. Calgary was ranked the #1 city to live in Canada and shares the ranking with Zurich as the third most liveable city in the world, as ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2022.
Best City for: Lower taxes
Worst City for: Unpredictable weather
| Population | 1,422,893 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,644 |
| Average household income | $137,843 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% |
| Average house price | $563,079 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,476 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,075.70 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 4,206 |
| Median age | 37.4 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 326.9mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 128.8cm |
| Temperature high and low | 23c to -11c |
#9 Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Between the Fraser River and Golden Ears mountains, Pitt Meadows is a growing safe and quiet area with a small community feel that’s great for raising a family. The area has easy access to wilderness, parks, and markets and is a 40km drive from Vancouver.
Best City for: Rural living
Worst City for: Those who enjoy nightlife
| Population | 21,124 |
| Population density (per km2) | 223 |
| Average household income | $129,962 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Average house price | $857,682 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,007 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,184.40 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 4,262 |
| Median age | 42 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 1508mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 55.2cm |
| Temperature high and low | 26c to 0c |
#10 Oak Bay, British Columbia
Oak Bay is an oceanfront community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Oak Bay is named after the Garry Oak trees that line the streets and is one of the most desirable places to live. This suburban area is close to Vancouver and has become a popular retirement community.
Best City for: Retirees
Worst City for: Housing starts
| Population | 19,471 |
| Population density (per km2) | 1,711 |
| Average household income | $162,122 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Average house price | $1,734,410 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,704 |
| Estimated cost of living (single person, with rent) | $3,238.60 |
| Crime rate (incidents per 100,000) | 2,256 |
| Median age | 53.8 |
| Average yearly rainfall | 961mm |
| Average yearly snowfall | 33.4cm |
| Temperature high and low | 21c to 3c |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the lowest home prices for first-time buyers?
From the cities that made the top 10 list, Winnipeg and Regina rank as the most affordable for first-time buyers looking to enter the housing market.
How can I determine how much mortgage I can afford?
Using an online mortgage affordability calculator is the easiest way to determine how much mortgage you can afford. You can use nesto’s affordability calculator and input your financial details, including your income, any co-applicant income, down payment, and any debts you may have to give you an estimate of how much home you can afford.
When is the best time to look for a home?
If you’re looking for the best deal or want more negotiating power, the best time to look for a home is in the fall and winter months once the traditional spring and summer housing frenzy finishes. However, if you want more inventory to choose from, spring and summer are typically peak seasons for home buying.
Final Thoughts
Canada, with its diverse landscapes and communities, offers something for everyone. However, the cost of living varies significantly across the country. The best Canadian city for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
If you’re ready to start your homeownership journey, reach out to a mortgage expert today.
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