{"id":23916,"date":"2025-11-13T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=23916"},"modified":"2026-02-23T07:56:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T12:56:25","slug":"best-places-to-live-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-canada","title":{"rendered":"Best Places to Live in Canada: Top 10 Affordable Cities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>No matter where you live, Canada\u2019s housing market is likely a hot topic, and most conversations revolve around price. Are prices going up? By how much? Is now a good time to buy? Where is the best place to buy? When purchasing a home, house prices are the primary determining factor for many Canadians. After all, the <a href=\"https:\/\/stats.crea.ca\/en-CA\/\">average home price<\/a> in Canada was $676,154 in September 2025, which is no small sum, even for high-earning families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, there\u2019s more to finding the right place to live than price. An affordable mortgage payment is great, but if you dislike the city you call home, have a long commute, or can\u2019t find a job at all, is it worth it? In reality, many factors go into finding a community where you\u2019ll thrive not just financially but also mentally, physically, and professionally. Keep reading to find our picks for the best places in Canada. These regions combine housing affordability with factors that contribute to a good quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The top-rated city in Canada is Guelph, Ontario, according to our rankings<\/li><li>Many of the most livable cities in Canada are large cities, thanks to good employment opportunities and household income<\/li><li>Cities with low average home prices and higher than average household income make up the top 10 best places to live in Canada<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"bg-white border-t border-b border-blacklight my-12 md:my-16 sticky md:relative top-0 md:top-auto z-10 md:z-auto alignwide  wp-block-zolo-block-toc \" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wrapper relative max-w-2xl mx-auto md:py-8 flex flex-col flex-shrink-0 max-h-screen md:max-h-none\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"hidden\"\/><label for=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"flex justify-between cursor-pointer md:cursor-auto py-4\"><div class=\"toc-title leading-normal font-medium m-0\">In this article<\/div><svg class=\"w-6 h-6 fill-current text-blue md:hidden transition-transform duration-150 ease-in-out\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10S2 6.5 2 12s4.5 10 10 10 10-4.5 10-10zM6.9 10.9l1.4-1.4 3.7 3.7 3.7-3.7 1.4 1.4L12 16l-5.1-5.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/label><nav id=\"toc-nav\" class=\"zolo-toc-nav max-h-0 md:max-h-full overflow-y-auto scrollbar-hidden overscroll-none\"><ul class=\"zolo-toc-list my-4\"><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#best-cities-to-live-in-canada\">Best Cities to Live in Canada<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#how-to-choose-a-city-in-canada-that's-right-for-you\">How to Choose a City in Canada that&#8217;s Right for You<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#how-to-buy-a-home-in-canada\">How to Buy a Home in Canada<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#how-we-calculated-the-best-places-to-live-in-canada-(methodology)\">How We Calculated the Best Places to Live in Canada (Methodology)<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#best-places-to-live-in-canada-faq\">Best Places to Live in Canada FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-cities-to-live-in-canada\">Best Cities to Live in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1213\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/best-places-to-live-canada-2025-1024x1213.jpg\" alt=\"Best Places to Live in Canada 2025\" class=\"wp-image-25180\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s much to consider when determining the best places to live in Canada. Home prices and household incomes are essential factors, but there are more nuances to consider. Many Canadians want to live in a safe community with high-quality jobs, green spaces, and access to healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine the most livable cities in Canada, we ranked regions according to the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Home price<\/li><li>Household income<\/li><li>Population growth<\/li><li>Unemployment rate<\/li><li>Crime rate<\/li><li>Access to a primary healthcare provider<\/li><li>Sunny days per year<\/li><li>Walkability<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"footable_parent_25174\"\n         class=\" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui \">\n                <table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"25174\" data-filter-delay=\"1000\" aria-label=\"Best Places to Live in Canada 2025\"            id=\"footable_25174\"\n           data-unique_identifier=\"ninja_table_unique_id_2852606_25174\"\n           class=\" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_25174 ninja_table_unique_id_2852606_25174 ui table  nt_type_legacy_table hide_horizonal_borders hide_vertical_borders striped compact vertical_centered  footable-paging-right ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro\">\n                <colgroup>\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_0 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_1 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_2 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_3 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_4 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_5 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_6 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_7 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_8 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_9 xs sm md lg\">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_10 xs sm md lg\">\n                    <\/colgroup>\n        <thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n                                                                                                                                                                                        <th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_rank \">Rank<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_city \">City<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_benchmark_home_price \">Benchmark Home Price<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_3 ninja_clmn_nm_population xs sm md lg\">Population<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_4 ninja_clmn_nm_population_growth_2016_2021 xs sm md lg\">Population Growth<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_5 ninja_clmn_nm_average_household_income xs sm md lg\">Household Income<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_6 ninja_clmn_nm_unemployment xs sm md lg\">Unemployment<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_7 ninja_clmn_nm_crime_severity_index xs sm md lg\">Crime Severity Index<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_8 ninja_clmn_nm_access_to_primary_care_provider xs sm md lg\">Access to Primary Care Provider<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_9 ninja_clmn_nm_of_sunny_days xs sm md lg\"># of Sunny Days<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_10 ninja_clmn_nm_walkscore xs sm md lg\">Walk Score<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n\n        <tr data-row_id=\"17417\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_17417\">\n            <td>1<\/td><td>Guelph & District, ON<\/td><td>$745,000<\/td><td>165,588<\/td><td>9%<\/td><td>$119,100<\/td><td>6%<\/td><td>56<\/td><td>89.7%<\/td><td>299<\/td><td>40<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17418\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_17418\">\n            <td>2<\/td><td>Saskatoon, SK<\/td><td>$431,400<\/td><td>264,637<\/td><td>7.6%<\/td><td>$103,900<\/td><td>5.2%<\/td><td>117.5<\/td><td>84.1%<\/td><td>320<\/td><td>46<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17419\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_17419\">\n            <td>3<\/td><td>Halifax-Dartmouth, NS<\/td><td>$559,100<\/td><td>465,703<\/td><td>9.1%<\/td><td>$98,900<\/td><td>5.8%<\/td><td>74<\/td><td>86.3%<\/td><td>290<\/td><td>97<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17420\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_17420\">\n            <td>4<\/td><td>Ottawa, ON<\/td><td>$627,200<\/td><td>1,017,449<\/td><td>8.9%<\/td><td>$126,700<\/td><td>7.1%<\/td><td>55.8<\/td><td>89.7%<\/td><td>303<\/td><td>45<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17421\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_17421\">\n            <td>5<\/td><td>Kingston & Area, ON<\/td><td>$555,000<\/td><td>172,546<\/td><td>7.1%<\/td><td>$103,000<\/td><td>6.1%<\/td><td>67.8<\/td><td>89.7%<\/td><td>299<\/td><td>39<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17422\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_17422\">\n            <td>6<\/td><td>Regina, SK<\/td><td>$337,000<\/td><td>224,996<\/td><td>4.8%<\/td><td>$106,000<\/td><td>6.4%<\/td><td>104.7<\/td><td>84.1%<\/td><td>321<\/td><td>44<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17423\" class=\"ninja_table_row_6 nt_row_id_17423\">\n            <td>7<\/td><td>London & St. Thomas, ON<\/td><td>$562,300<\/td><td>543,551<\/td><td>10%<\/td><td>$98,500<\/td><td>6.4%<\/td><td>65.9<\/td><td>89.7%<\/td><td>288<\/td><td>36<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17424\" class=\"ninja_table_row_7 nt_row_id_17424\">\n            <td>8<\/td><td>Winnipeg, MB<\/td><td>$381,500<\/td><td>758,515<\/td><td>6.4%<\/td><td>$99,600<\/td><td>6.2%<\/td><td>130.9<\/td><td>86%<\/td><td>318<\/td><td>48<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17425\" class=\"ninja_table_row_8 nt_row_id_17425\">\n            <td>9<\/td><td>Tillsonburg District, ON<\/td><td>$564,300<\/td><td>18,615<\/td><td>17.3%<\/td><td>$87,600<\/td><td>6%<\/td><td>56.4<\/td><td>89.7%<\/td><td>294<\/td><td>30<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"17426\" class=\"ninja_table_row_9 nt_row_id_17426\">\n            <td>10<\/td><td>Calgary, AB<\/td><td>$567,900<\/td><td>1,305,550<\/td><td>5.3%<\/td><td>$129,200<\/td><td>8%<\/td><td>63.3<\/td><td>87.3%<\/td><td>333<\/td><td>39<\/td>        <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody><!--ninja_tobody_rendering_done-->\n    <\/table>\n    \n    \n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guelph, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 3% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $119,100 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Manufacturing, education, agriculture and food innovation, and environmental management technology<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $745,000<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All things considered, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/guelph-real-estate\">Guelph<\/a> is an excellent place to live in Canada. Guelph boasts higher-than-average household income, low unemployment rates, and is considered one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guelphtoday.com\/police\/violent-crime-index-hits-record-high-in-guelph-stats-canada-11035175\">safest cities in Ontario<\/a> \u2013 all great reasons to move to Guelph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guelph residents love the small-town feel while having access to big-city amenities. Green space and walkability are important factors when choosing a place to live. Fortunately, Guelph boasts over 1,000 hectares of parks and more than 70 kilometres of paths and trails. Plus, the city offers a thriving arts scene, featuring a diverse range of entertainment options, festivals, and museums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saskatoon, Saskatchewan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 10% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Salary (Household Income):<\/strong> $103,900 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Agriculture, mining, healthcare, and education<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $431,400<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/saskatoon-real-estate\">Saskatoon<\/a> was dubbed the third <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/investing\/article-livable-cities-canada-young-professionals-2024\/\">most livable city for young professionals<\/a> in Canada, thanks to its affordable housing and the young population. Notably, Saskatoon enjoys one of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada, so your income stretches further, which is especially important for young Canadians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Saskatoon winters can be quite cold, the city is one of the sunniest in Canada, boasting approximately 320 days of sunshine per year \u2013 that\u2019s nearly 89% of the year! Additionally, Saskatoon boasts entertainment venues, a diverse food scene, and numerous outdoor trails.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ottawa, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 8% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $126,700 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Public administration, technology, healthcare, and education<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $627,200<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada\u2019s capital city is a great place to live, thanks to a low crime severity index and good household income. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/ottawa-real-estate\">Ottawa<\/a> residents enjoy access to green spaces, museums, and educational opportunities. As a prominent tech hub, the stable economy only adds to the city\u2019s desirability for families and young professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/most-affordable-cities-ontario\">Most Affordable Cities in Ontario to Buy a Home<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Another great perk of living in Ottawa is the city\u2019s proximity to other major cities in Canada. You can travel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/toronto-real-estate\">Toronto<\/a> or Montreal by train or car. Plus, the Ottawa International Airport easily connects you with many international and domestic destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Halifax, Nova Scotia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 9% lower than the national average&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $98,900 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Information technology and gaming, wholesale and retail, and healthcare<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $559,100<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As the capital city of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Atlantic Canada, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/halifax-real-estate\">Halifax<\/a> has a lot to offer. Haligonians love living near the ocean and nature. You\u2019ll often find residents strolling the boardwalk and through one of the many parks. Moreover, the downtown core is walkable and the city is full of restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the benchmark home price has increased by 16.1% over the past three years (as of September 2025), homes in Halifax remain relatively affordable. Additionally, Halifax\u2019s economy is robust, with unemployment rates at a low 5.8%. All of these factors make Halifax a great place to set down roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kingston, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 12% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $103,000 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Education, healthcare, and manufacturing<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $555,000<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/kingston-real-estate\">Kingston<\/a> seamlessly blends the benefits of living in a close-knit community with the advantages of urban living. The region boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring 24 museums, art galleries, and historic sites to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city has numerous post-secondary education opportunities, including Queens University, which ranks among the top 200 universities in the world, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.topuniversities.com\/qs-world-university-rankings\">QS World University Rankings<\/a>. Additionally, Kingston is roughly halfway between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/toronto-real-estate\">Toronto<\/a> and Montreal, which is great for weekend getaways to the big city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regina, Saskatchewan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living: <\/strong>11% lower than the national average&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $106,000 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Agriculture, oil and gas production, and advanced manufacturing<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $337,000<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there are numerous reasons to move to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/regina-real-estate\">Regina<\/a>, affordability is likely at the top of the list. Regina\u2019s house prices are over 50% cheaper than the national average. Additionally, Saskatchewan boasts the fifth-lowest income tax rate and the second-lowest sales tax rate (11%) in Canada. The combination of these factors means that your income stretches further in Regina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not just affordability that makes Regina great. The city boasts a strong job market with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Moreover, Regina is an excellent place to raise a family, thanks to its quiet and safe neighbourhoods, which are close to elementary schools, parks, and community centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winnipeg, Manitoba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 22% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $99,600 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $381,500<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Winnipeg is another affordable place to live in Canada. Housing prices are one of the lowest among major Canadian cities. Moreover, the city is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, with over 100 languages spoken by Winnipeg residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/10-cheapest-homes-in-canada\">Cheapest Houses in Canada For Sale<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>While the cold and snowy winters have earned the city its nickname \u201cWinterpeg,\u201d the city is actually one of the sunniest in Canada. Residents embrace the weather and spend plenty of time outdoors exploring one of the many parks, trails, or lakes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">London, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 7% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $98,500 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $562,300<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/london-real-estate\">London<\/a> census region (which includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/st-thomas-real-estate\">St. Thomas<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/strathroy-real-estate\">Strathroy<\/a>, and portions of Elgin and Middlesex counties) is one of the fastest growing in Ontario, partially led by immigration and outflow from the Greater Toronto Area. This growth, combined with a low benchmark home price and low crime rates, makes London a great place to call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Londoners have excellent access to green space, earning it the nickname \u201cForest City\u201d. Additionally, London boasts well-rated schools and hospitals, which are important factors for families to consider when choosing a place to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tillsonburg, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 10% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $87,600 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $564,300<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As the smallest town on our list, you might be surprised to learn that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/tillsonburg-real-estate\">Tillsonburg<\/a> has grown significantly over the past decade. The population increased 17.3% from 2016 to 2021, and is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tillsonburg.ca\/media\/253cae05\/population_-jan-2024.pdf\">projected to grow<\/a> by 24.6% from 2026 to 2035.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tillsonburg boasts a low unemployment rate of 6% and a low crime severity index of 56.4. These factors, combined with a lower-than-average benchmark home price, showcase Tillsonburg as a desirable place to live in Canada.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calgary, Alberta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 7% lower than the national average<\/li><li><strong>Average Household Income:<\/strong> $129,200 per year<\/li><li><strong>Biggest Industry:<\/strong> Aerospace, energy, and technology<\/li><li><strong>Benchmark Average Home Price:<\/strong> $567,900<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Last on our list of Best Places to Live in Canada, but certainly not least, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/calgary-real-estate\">Calgary<\/a> is an excellent place to call home. Many Canadians have been moving to western Canada over the last several years in search of lower home prices and job opportunities. Additionally, Calgary boasts some of the highest after-tax incomes in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/moving-to-alberta\">Moving to Alberta? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Calgary is great for families, offering plenty of recreation facilities. Moreover, parents won\u2019t be far from expert healthcare facilities as the Alberta Children\u2019s Hospital ranked 12th on <a href=\"https:\/\/rankings.newsweek.com\/worlds-best-specialized-hospitals-2025\/pediatrics\">Newsweek<\/a>\u2019s list of the World\u2019s Best Pediatric Hospitals in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-choose-a-city-in-canada-that's-right-for-you\">How to Choose a City in Canada that&#8217;s Right for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you choose where to live in Canada, you\u2019ll need to decide what factors are important to you. For instance, young adults may want to consider rent prices, unemployment rates, and walkability, while families may consider schools, home prices, and access to a primary care provider to be their top priorities. Here are some common considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Housing Prices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Housing prices are one of the most important indicators of the best places to live in Canada because a city could be an absolute utopia, but if you can\u2019t afford to live there, you won\u2019t be able to call that place home (we\u2019re looking at you, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/vancouver-real-estate\">Vancouver<\/a>). Consider your housing budget compared to the average property prices before choosing the right city to call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Population Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a city grows, it\u2019s usually a good indicator that Canadians find it a desirable place to live. Growing cities can support a larger residential population and usually have good employment opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Population Density<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in an urban centre close to employment, healthcare centres, and universities can be a real benefit for some Canadians. However, city life is not for everyone, and those seeking more space may prefer a small town with lower population density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unemployment Rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cities have very low home prices, but if the economy is struggling, it may not be sensible to move there. Therefore, it\u2019s essential to consider the key industries and unemployment rates before you choose to set down roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crime Rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the most important factors when choosing a place to live is whether you\u2019ll feel safe in your community. Consider the crime rate for the city as a whole, as well as the neighbourhood you plan to live in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walkability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s well documented that walkable neighbourhoods are associated with better <a href=\"https:\/\/spph.ubc.ca\/walkable-neighbourhoods-more-desirable-produce-better-health-outcomes\/\">health outcomes<\/a> and a general <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/carltonreid\/2023\/04\/17\/walkable-neighborhoods-are-happy-neighborhoods-finds-study\/\">increase in happiness<\/a>. These results are also borne out by home prices. Homes in urban, walkable areas tend to be more expensive, reflecting their high demand and popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Access to a Primary Care Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 6 million people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cma.ca\/healthcare-for-real\/why-it-so-hard-find-family-doctor\">lack access to a family doctor in Canada<\/a>. This may not be a problem for everyone \u2013 for example, a healthy 20-something may not value access to a family doctor. Other Canadians, such as those over 65 or those with young families, may find this lack of access problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Number of Sunny Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunshine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression\/benefits-sunlight#_noHeaderPrefixedContent\">increases the release of serotonin<\/a> in the human brain. This chemical release is associated with better mood and helps people feel calm and focused. For these reasons, it\u2019s no surprise that regions with more sunny days are considered desirable for many Canadians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-buy-a-home-in-canada\">How to Buy a Home in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After you\u2019ve chosen the best place to live in Canada according to your criteria, you may want to buy a home. The first step should be to determine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-much-house-can-i-afford\">how much you can afford<\/a> to spend on a home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a great way to narrow down your budget.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/mortgage-pre-approval\">How to Get a Mortgage Pre-approval<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, talk to a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent\">real estate agent<\/a> who specializes in the area where you wish to buy a home. They will assist you in finding a property that meets your needs and help you make an offer. Once you\u2019ve made an offer on a home and it\u2019s been accepted by the seller, you will work with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/real-estate-lawyer-guide\">real estate lawyer<\/a> and a mortgage provider to secure financing approval and remove conditions laid out in the purchase agreement. Finally, on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/home-closing-process\">closing day<\/a>, your lawyer will close the sale and hand you the keys to your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While everyone has their own preferences when it comes to choosing a place to live in Canada, most of us can agree that we want an affordable and safe city with good job opportunities. A local real estate agent can help you find the right neighbourhood in the city you choose. Search <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/\">Zolo.ca<\/a> for homes for sale in the best places to live in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-we-calculated-the-best-places-to-live-in-canada-(methodology)\">How We Calculated the Best Places to Live in Canada (Methodology)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this data report, we chose 37 cities and regions in Canada and used data from various sources, including Statistics Canada and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crea.ca\/housing-market-stats\/mls-home-price-index\/hpi-tool\/\">Canadian Real Estate Association<\/a> (CREA).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Home prices<\/strong> &#8211; We gathered the benchmark home prices for all types of residential properties in September 2025 and ranked each city and region. We ranked areas with lower home prices better in our calculations<\/li><li><strong>Population growth <\/strong>&#8211; We compared the population of each city and region in 2016 and 2021 and ranked them according to their growth in that time span<\/li><li><strong>Household income<\/strong> &#8211; We used the average household incomes for each area from Statistics Canada in our calculations<\/li><li><strong>Unemployment rate<\/strong> &#8211; We examined the unemployment rates for the cities and regions on this list and ranked them accordingly. Lower unemployment indicates better economic opportunities and a higher corresponding ranking<\/li><li><strong>Crime rate <\/strong>&#8211; We used the <a href=\"https:\/\/canadacrimereport.com\/crime-severity-index\">2024 crime severity index<\/a> to determine the safety of each city or region<\/li><li><strong>Walkability<\/strong> &#8211; We gathered the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkscore.com\/\">Walk Score<\/a> for each city and region. A higher walk score is more desirable<\/li><li><strong>Access to primary care provider<\/strong> &#8211; We gathered <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/82-570-x\/2023001\/section3-eng.htm\">provincial data from Statistics Canada<\/a> and used it to rank each city or region<\/li><li><strong>Number of sunny days<\/strong> &#8211; We looked at the number of sunny days per year in each city or region according to <a href=\"http:\/\/weatherstats.ca\/\">WeatherStats.ca<\/a> and used this data when calculating the best places to live<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We then assigned a ranking to each city, ranging from 1 to 37, in each data category. These rankings were then applied to a weighted calculation system, resulting in an overall score for each city or region. The highest-scoring cities rank at the top of the list, and the lowest-scoring cities rank at the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-places-to-live-in-canada-faq\">Best Places to Live in Canada FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Canadian city has the highest quality of life?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vancouver, British Columbia, boasts the highest quality of life index score of any city in North America, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mercer.com\/en-ca\/about\/newsroom\/canada-lands-five-cities-in-the-top-25-of-the-mercer-2024-quality-of-living-survey\/\">Mercer 2024 Quality of Living Survey<\/a>. Access to nature and recreation opportunities, combined with Canada\u2019s political and economic stability, are just a few of the factors that influenced Vancouver\u2019s high rating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the safest city in Canada to live in?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/canadacrimereport.com\/crime-severity-index?min_population=250000&amp;sort=crime_severity_index&amp;direction=asc\">crime severity index<\/a>, the safest cities in Canada are located in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/halton-real-estate\">Halton<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/durham-real-estate\">Durham<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/york-real-estate\">York<\/a> regions of Ontario, as well as Quebec City and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/ottawa-real-estate\">Ottawa<\/a>. These cities boast an overall low crime severity index, with both violent and non-violent crime rates lower than the national average.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What factors determine the best places to live in Canada?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The factors we used to determine the best places to live in Canada include housing prices, average household income, unemployment rates, population growth, crime rates, access to a primary care provider, number of sunny days per year, and walkability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What city in Canada has the lowest cost of living?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/sault-ste-marie-real-estate\">Sault Ste. Marie<\/a> had the lowest cost of living of the cities we compared. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Sault-Ste-Marie\">Numbeo<\/a>, the estimated monthly living costs for a family of four in Sault Ste. Marie is $4,610.00 per month (excluding rent), which is lower than the national average of $5,208.80.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We found the best places in Canada to live, known for safety, quality of life, job opportunities, and lifestyle perks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":25178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15089],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-23916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-places"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/112"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23916"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25432,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23916\/revisions\/25432"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23916"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=23916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}