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Thinking of Moving in 2026? Here Are the Best Cities in Canada
If you are thinking about moving to a new city in Canada, a new report makes it easier to compare your options. The 2026 ranking from Global Citizen Solutions lists the top 15 cities based on what matters most: cost of living, salary, safety, and housing.
The key takeaway? You don’t have to live in Toronto or Vancouver to get a good salary and a high quality of life. Smaller cities like Fredericton and Charlottetown are scoring high for affordability, while Calgary remains the top choice for the second year in a row.
Here is what you need to know about the best cities to live in Canada for 2026.
The Top 5 Cities at a Glance
The report ranks cities based on a mix of affordability, safety, climate, employment, and housing. Here are the top five:
- Calgary, Alberta – Average salary: $63,700. Moderate cost of living.
- Ottawa, Ontario – Strong job market and high safety scores.
- Edmonton, Alberta – Lower home prices than Calgary, with good salaries.
- Montreal, Quebec – Lower housing costs than Toronto or Vancouver.
- Fredericton, New Brunswick – Very affordable housing and high quality of life.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The report provides specific numbers that show the real difference between cities.
For example, a family of four in Toronto (ranked 11th) faces a monthly cost of living of $5,665 (excluding rent). The average home price is $1.1 million.
Compare that to Fredericton (ranked 5th). A family of four there spends about $5,052 per month, and the average home price is just $395,000.
Vancouver (ranked 8th) remains expensive. While it offers a great lifestyle, the average home price is over $1.2 million, making it hard for many buyers.
Calgary offers a strong balance. With an average salary of $63,700 and home prices significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver, it is a top choice for workers.
Who Is Affected
This report is useful for three main groups of Canadians:
- Home buyers: You can compare average home prices to find a city where your down payment goes further.
- Job seekers: You can see which cities offer the highest average salaries relative to the cost of living.
- Retirees or remote workers: You can find smaller, safer, and more affordable cities like Fredericton or Charlottetown.
What You Should Do
If you are considering a move, use this data to make a smart decision.
- List your priorities. Do you want the highest salary? The lowest home price? The best climate? Rank these from most to least important.
- Compare the numbers. Look at the average salary for your job type in each city. Then, subtract the average cost of living (including rent or mortgage).
- Check your budget. If you are a family of four, use the report’s cost-of-living data to see how far your income will go.
- Visit before you move. If possible, spend a week in your top two or three cities. See if the lifestyle matches the data.
- Read the full report. For more details on safety scores and climate data, visit the Global Citizen Solutions website.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to live in the biggest city to get the best life. Calgary offers the best overall package of salary and affordability. Fredericton and Charlottetown are excellent choices if you want to buy a home without a huge mortgage.
Before you pack your bags, compare the specific numbers for your family size and job. The right city for you depends on whether you value a high salary, low housing costs, or a quiet lifestyle.