Here are the 15 best cities to live in Canada

Whether you’re thinking of moving or looking for a fresh start, a new report highlights the top cities in Canada to call home.

International consultancy firm Global Citizen Solutions recently published its “Best Places to Live in Canada 2026” report, which compares cities based on affordability, safety, climate, employment opportunities, and the housing market.

For the second year in a row, Calgary takes the number one spot. Not only is it considered one of the best cities in Canada to work and live in 2026, with good incomes (the average salary is $63,700), but it also has a moderate cost of living, great health care, low crime rates, and low taxes.

Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal are also on the list, ranking 11, eight, and four, respectively. However, not everyone wants to live in a major city. That’s probably why several smaller cities ranked highly for their affordability, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life that offers its residents the best of both worlds.

And as the report points out, the best choice really depends on each person’s priorities.

“Canada’s towns and cities cater to various lifestyles, whether you are after natural beauty, city conveniences, entertainment and attractions, or a quiet small town,” it states.

Cities are ranked based on cost of living, salary, housing, safety index, job market for employment opportunities, investments, retirement, and raising a family. Read on to find out the 15 best cities to live in Canada.

15. Québec City, Que.

Biggest employers: Finance, technology and innovation, life sciences, transportation, and manufacturing
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,315 (single), $4,891 (family of four)
Average annual salary: $60,000
Average home prices: $566,364
Best for: French speakers, families, heritage, and safety

14. Fredericton, N.B.

Biggest employers: Business, research, information and technology, retail, and health care
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,380 (single), $5,052 (family of four)
Average annual salary: $51,199 
Average home prices: $395,000
Best for: Families, affordability, arts and culture

13. Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Biggest employers: Agriculture, technology and innovation, construction, manufacturing, bioscience, and health care
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,354 (single)
Average annual salary: $43,024
Average home prices: $550,000
Best for: Quiet life, tight budget, small-town feel

12. Saskatoon, Sask.

Biggest employers: Agriculture, mining, energy, retail, technology, and life sciences
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,475 (single), $5,272 (family of four)
Average annual salary: $46,930
Average home prices: $465,000
Best for: Affordability seekers, outdoor recreation

11. Toronto, Ont.

Biggest employers: Technology and innovation, manufacturing, health care, real estate, finance, media, tourism, and life sciences
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,532 (single), $5,665 (family of four)
Average annual salary: $79,500
Average home prices: $1.1 million
Best for: Immigrants, finance, tech, creative industries

10. Waterloo, Ont.

Biggest employers: Automotive, food processing, manufacturing, aerospace, and technology
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,269 (single)
Average annual salary: $75,000
Average home prices: $770,000 to $870,000
Best for: Tech professionals, students, families

9. Winnipeg, Man.

Biggest employers: Manufacturing, aerospace, mining, tourism, and agriculture
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,384 (single)
Average annual salary: $48,000
Average home prices: $436,153
Best for: Affordable families, multicultural community

8. Vancouver, B.C.

Biggest employers: Technology and innovation, tourism, natural resources, entertainment, and construction
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,512 (single)
Average annual salary: $74,000
Average home prices: $1.2 million
Best for: Global careers, outdoors, cosmopolitan living

7. Halifax, N.S.

Biggest employers: Transportation and logistics, financial services, technology, ocean economy, and life sciences
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,433 (single)
Average annual salary: $65,000
Average home prices: $657,000
Best for: Safety-conscious movers, coastal lifestyle

6. Victoria, B.C.

Biggest employers: Technology, tourism, transportation, hospitality, and health care
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,542 (single)
Average annual salary: $54,007
Average home prices: $1.03 million
Best for: Young adults, tech and health care, coastal life

5. Hamilton, Ont.

Biggest employers: Food processing, agriculture, finance, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and life sciences
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,359 (single)
Average annual salary: $53,750
Average home prices: $720,000 to $777,000
Best for: Greater Toronto Area (GTA) access on a budget, arts and culture

4. Montréal, Que.

Biggest employers: Innovation and technology, visual effects and animation, artificial intelligence, life sciences and health care, cybersecurity, and food processing
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,339 (single)
Average annual salary: $71,000
Average home prices: $667,500
Best for: Bilingual professionals, arts, and affordable living

3. Edmonton, Alta.

Biggest employers: Agriculture, manufacturing, oil, gas, and mining, construction, real estate, retail, and wholesale
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,555 (single)
Average annual salary: $56,000 to $60,000
Average home prices: $391,612
Best for: Affordable homeownership, sunshine, festivals

2. Ottawa, Ont.

Biggest employers: Technology, health care, professional services, retail, education, construction, and administration
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,442 (single)
Average annual salary: $65,000 to $80,000
Average home prices: $712,184
Best for: Professionals, family life, purchasing power

1. Calgary, Alta.

Biggest employers: Business services, international trade, hospitality, construction, natural resources, and manufacturing
Monthly cost of living, excluding rent: $1,508 (single)
Average annual salary: $63,700
Average home prices: $665,695
Best for: Career growth, outdoor lifestyle, low taxes

Check out the full report.

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