Two B.C. cities are among the best to live in Canada in 2026
Two B.C. cities were included in a list of the best places to live in Canada.
Global Citizens Solutions, a consultancy that helps people with migration, compared 15 Canadian cities based on cost of living, salary, housing, safety, job market, investments, retirement, and raising a family.
Overall, Global Citizens Solutions said that “Canada is among the top 10 most desirable places for digital nomads due to its financial market, rich history, and political stability.” It also touted Canada’s health care coverage, infrastructure, and education.
It said that “some of the best places to live in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal,” but added that smaller cities offer sought-after traits like “affordability, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace of life.”
The two B.C. cities on the list are Vancouver (number eight) and Victoria (number six).
Global Citizens Solutions touted Vancouver’s natural beauty (mountains, Pacific Ocean, and forests), ethnic diversity, and outdoor recreation options like hiking, biking, and water activities.
It also said that Vancouver’s “excellent transport system” makes living in the city “easy.”
The consultancy firm also notes that Vancouver cracks into the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index, which ranks cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
However, it notes that Vancouver is “very expensive.” The city’s average salary is $74,000 per year, and the average home price is a whopping $1,209,000.
Moreover, Global Citizen Solutions said that the cost of living for a single person (excluding rent) is $1,512 per month. According to Rentals.ca, the average asking rent for a one-bedroom is $2,385 per month.
Meanwhile, in Calgary, which tops the list, the average salary is $63,700 per year, and the average home price is $665,695. Living costs (excluding rent) are almost on par to Vancouver, at $1,508 a month. However, Calgary’s average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,531.
Why did Victoria rank so high?
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Global Citizen Solutions highlighted Victoria for its “unique blend of city life and natural beauty.” It said that this, along with its career opportunities in tech, health, and tourism, makes it “one of the best places to live in Canada for young adults.”
It also listed a number of the city’s popular beaches that are “great for swimming and sunbathing,” like Spiral Beach, Clover Point, Ross Bay Beach, and Cordova Bay Beach.
“The only major drawback in British Columbia is the correspondingly high home prices. Living expenses are also slightly higher here, averaging $1,542 per person, excluding rent,” reads the report.
You can read the full list online.
What are your thoughts on the rankings? Let us know in the comments below.