Last Updated On 16 November 2024, 9:15 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Most Affordable Cities in Canada 2024: With the rising cost of living, many Canadians and newcomers are looking for affordable places to settle without compromising on quality of life.
Fortunately, Canada has a diverse range of cities that offer affordable living, rich culture, and strong community vibes.
In this article, we’ll explore the 20 most affordable cities in Canada in 2024, diving into factors like housing costs, employment opportunities, quality of amenities, and overall livability.
Table of Contents
To compile this list, we considered several key affordability indicators:
- Housing Costs: Average rent and home prices.
- Cost of Living: Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation.
- Job Market: Availability of jobs and average salaries.
- Amenities: Access to healthcare, educational institutions, and recreational activities.
- Transportation: Availability of public transit and ease of commuting.
Full list of 20 most affordable cities in Canada in 2024
1. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg’s affordable housing options and vibrant arts scene attract newcomers who value culture without the high price tag.
- Average Home Price: $382,200
- Cost of Living: About 8% lower than national average
- Notable Attractions: The Forks, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
2. Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina’s affordable housing market and reasonable cost of living make it a go-to choice for those seeking value in the Prairies.
- Average Home Price: $411,600
- Job Market: Agriculture, energy, and finance
- Notable Attractions: Wascana Centre, Royal Saskatchewan Museum
3. Lethbridge, Alberta
Lethbridge offers affordable housing options, a low cost of living, and ample opportunities in agriculture and education sectors.
- Average Home Price: $427,980
- Employment Sectors: Agriculture, healthcare
- Notable Attractions: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Galt Museum & Archives
4. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
With lower housing costs than other Ontario cities, Sault Ste. Marie offers a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle alongside ample natural beauty.
- Average Home Price: $443,488
- Job Market: Steel manufacturing, public administration, and tourism
- Notable Attractions: Agawa Canyon, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
5. Thunder Bay, Ontario
For outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, Thunder Bay offers affordable living close to nature. Its growing job market makes it a practical choice for young professionals.
- Average Home Price: $469,000
- Employment Opportunities: Forestry, healthcare, and education
- Notable Attractions: Kakabeka Falls, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
6. Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John combines affordability with scenic coastal views, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious Canadians.
- Average Home Price: $471,000
- Cost of Living: Below national average
- Notable Attractions: Reversing Falls, Irving Nature Park
7. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
As the capital of PEI, Charlottetown offers a quaint lifestyle with low living costs and a strong sense of community. It’s especially affordable for young families.
- Average Home Price: $473,062
- Local Amenities: Access to quality healthcare and education
- Notable Attractions: Victoria Park, Confederation Centre of the Arts
8. Red Deer, Alberta
Red Deer provides an affordable lifestyle between Alberta’s two major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, with lower housing costs and access to recreational activities.
- Average Home Price: $474,371
- Key Industries: Agriculture, oil and gas
- Notable Attractions: Bower Ponds, Kerry Wood Nature Centre
9. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s is known for its friendly locals and budget-friendly living. It’s an ideal city for those who love a tight-knit community and ocean views.
- Average Home Price: $476,422
- Cost of Living: Lower than other major Atlantic cities
- Notable Attractions: Signal Hill, Cape Spear
10. Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Trois-Rivières is known for its historic architecture and picturesque St. Lawrence River views.
This city offers affordable rental options, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,252 monthly.
- Average Home Price: $484,557
- Job Market: Strong in manufacturing and healthcare
- Notable Attractions: La Mauricie National Park, Borealis Museum
11. Moncton, New Brunswick
Known for its welcoming community, Moncton boasts a low cost of living and a growing job market, particularly in tech and customer service industries.
- Average Home Price: $488,000
- Employment Sectors: IT, finance, and healthcare
- Notable Attractions: Magnetic Hill, Centennial Park
12. Sherbrooke, Quebec
Known for its universities and vibrant culture, Sherbrooke is an affordable city with strong educational and healthcare resources.
- Average Home Price: $492,300
- Employment Opportunities: Education, healthcare, and manufacturing
- Notable Attractions: Mont-Bellevue Park, Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts
13. Sudbury, Ontario
Known for its mining industry, Sudbury offers affordable housing and an array of outdoor activities, making it ideal for active residents.
- Average Home Price: $501,913
- Cost of Living: 15% below Ontario’s average
- Notable Attractions: Science North, Dynamic Earth
14. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is a vibrant coastal city with affordable housing options, especially for young families and professionals.
- Average Home Price: $578,675
- Employment Sectors: Technology, finance, and education
- Notable Attractions: Halifax Citadel, Point Pleasant Park
15. Laval, Quebec
Laval is a suburb of Montreal offering affordable living with easy access to the city’s vibrant lifestyle and job opportunities.
- Average Home Price: $585,000
- Job Market: Strong in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing
- Notable Attractions: Nature Center, Centropolis
16. Kamloops, British Columbia
Known for its mild climate and scenic landscape, Kamloops offers more affordable living compared to other B.C. cities.
- Average Home Price: $675,000
- Key Industries: Education, healthcare, tourism
- Notable Attractions: Riverside Park, Kamloops Wildlife Park
17. Kingston, Ontario
Kingston is an affordable university town with a historic charm, ideal for young adults and retirees seeking a relaxed pace of life.
- Average Home Price: $685,591
- Job Market: Education, healthcare, tourism
- Notable Attractions: Fort Henry, Thousand Islands
18. Brantford, Ontario
With its strategic location near Toronto, Brantford offers affordable living and access to a growing job market in tech and manufacturing.
- Average Home Price: $709,716
- Key Industries: Manufacturing, technology, education
- Notable Attractions: Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, Grand River
19. Guelph, Ontario
Guelph boasts a balanced cost of living, a strong job market, and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Average Home Price: $799,900
- Key Industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, education
- Notable Attractions: Riverside Park, Guelph Civic Museum
20. Abbotsford, British Columbia
Though B.C. is known for its high cost of living, Abbotsford remains a more affordable choice, especially compared to Vancouver.
- Average Home Price: $824,881
- Cost of Living: Moderate for British Columbia
- Notable Attractions: Mill Lake Park, Abbotsford Airshow
Canada has a variety of affordable cities catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
Whether you seek the vibrant arts scene of Winnipeg or the peaceful coastal charm of Saint John, there’s a city on this list that meets your budget and lifestyle needs.
For those looking to move in 2024, these cities offer a balance of affordability and quality of life, making them attractive options in a high-cost world.
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in Canada?
Vancouver, BCToronto, OntarioVictoria, BCMarkham, OntarioNanaimo, BCMississauga, OntarioCalgary, AlbertaSurrey, BCLondon, OntarioOttawa, Ontario
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 2 New CRA Benefit Payments For Ontario Residents in November 2024
New Canada LMIA work permit wage increase effective November 8
25 High paying diploma programs in Canada for 2025
BC Government Jobs Hiring Now Without Needing A Degree
most affordable cities in canada, most expensive cities in canada, cost of living in Canada, cheapest cities to live in Canada, most affordable cities to live in Canada,
