The Most Affordable Cities to Live in Canada in 2026

That’s why we put together this 2026 list of the most affordable cities to live in Canada. We’ve selected the most affordable city per province, across the 10 provinces (excluding the territories). To keep the list practical and comparable, we only considered cities with populations over 50,000.

How we built the 2026 rankings

Affordability isn’t just about rent. To create our rankings, we combined cost data with broader quality-of-life indicators using two key sources:

• Numbeo for local cost estimates across housing, groceries, transportation, and other common expenses (data cited from 2026).
• The Globe and Mail’s Most Livable Cities data for context beyond price, like local incomes, housing pressure, healthcare access, and community wellbeing.

The result is a province-by-province shortlist of cities that offer a stronger balance of lower housing costs, manageable monthly expenses, and livability fundamentals. We also compare the changes from the most affordable cities to live in 2025.

Ready to find your best-fit affordable city for 2026? Let’s get into it.

#10 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is a vibrant coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean and the economic hub of Nova Scotia. With major universities, a busy port, and a growing tech scene, it’s become a popular destination for newcomers and young professionals. That popularity has also kept pressure on the housing market, making Halifax the least affordable city on this year’s list.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $2,102.05/month (2025: $2,050 | +$52.05)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,739.75/month (2025: $1,670 | +$69.75)

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $92,071/year (2025: ~$87,000 | up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 22% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 6% (2025: 9.4% | improved)

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail, 2026):

• Food: $968 (2025: $1,139 | down)
  
• Transportation: $868 (2025: $1,203 | down)

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 82% (2025: 83% | slightly down)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 71%
• Walkable vs Canadian average: -26%

#9 – Cornwall, Ontario

Cornwall earns Ontario’s spot again in 2026. Located along the St. Lawrence River about five hours east of Toronto, Cornwall offers a more affordable alternative to many parts of southern Ontario – especially compared to the GTA. It’s a smaller city with a practical, industrial economy and easy access to bigger centres like Ottawa and Montreal.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,475/month (2025: $1,475 | no change)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,300/month (2025: $1,300 | no change)

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $69,310/year (2025: just above $65,000 | up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 22% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 8%

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $839 (2025: $946 | down)
  
• Transportation: $742 (2025: $915 | down)

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 92% (2025: 90% | up)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 67%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -52%

#8 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s is the easternmost city in Canada and the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Known for its colourful row houses, dramatic coastal scenery, and welcoming community, the city offers a unique lifestyle compared to larger Canadian centres.

While the weather can be unpredictable, St. John’s continues to stand out for its strong local culture and relatively affordable housing compared to many other provincial capitals.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,336.67/month (2025: $1,270 | +$66.67)
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,072.22/month (2025: $1,000 | +$72.22)

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $86,373/year (2025: ~$87,000 | roughly stable)
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 22% (same as 2025)
• Unemployment rate: 8% (2025: 9.4% | improved)

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $1,033 (2025: $1,194 | down)
• Transportation: $817 (2025: $1,344 | down)

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 85% (same as 2025)
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 75%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -49%

#7 – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and the province’s largest city. Known for its historic architecture, strong tourism industry, and coastal lifestyle, the city offers a slower pace of life compared to larger urban centres. However, growing demand and limited housing supply have pushed rental prices higher in recent years.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,813.50/month (2025: $1,500 | +$313.50)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,593.33/month (2025: $1,200 | +$393.33)
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $78,396/year (2025: $77,700 | slightly up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 24% (same as 2025 – highest on this list)
  
• Unemployment rate: 8% (2025: 8.4% | slightly improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $931 (2025: $1,066 | down)
  
• Transportation: $802 (2025: $1,044 | down)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 79% (2025: 80% | slightly down)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 72%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -46%

#6 – Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and a key economic centre for Canada’s prairie region. Known for its strong ties to agriculture and energy industries, the city offers relatively affordable housing compared to many other provincial capitals. Regina also benefits from shorter commute times and a more balanced housing market.

Housing costs (Numbeo, 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,480.50/month (2025: $1,300 | +$180.50)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,170/month (2025: $1,140 | +$30)
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $102,255/year (2025: $106,500 | slightly down)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 19% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 7% (2025: 7.7% | slightly improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $1,098 (2025: $1,365 | down)
  
• Transportation: $1,135 (2025: $1,255 | down)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 81% (2025: 76% | improved)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 72%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -8%

#5 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

Medicine Hat represents Alberta on the 2026 list. Located in southeastern Alberta, the city is known for its sunny climate and strong local economy tied to agriculture and energy. Medicine Hat offers a quieter lifestyle than larger Alberta cities while still providing relatively affordable housing.

Unlike last year’s list, which featured Lethbridge for Alberta, Medicine Hat takes the province’s spot in 2026 due to its competitive rental prices and manageable monthly costs.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,162.50/month
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,075/month
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $75,612/year
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 19%
  
• Unemployment rate: 8%
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $1,048
  
• Transportation: $956
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 86%
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 70%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -36%

#4 – Prince George, British Columbia

Prince George continues to represent British Columbia on this list. Located in northern BC, the city is surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, making it a hub for outdoor recreation. Prince George also serves as a regional economic centre for forestry, mining, and healthcare industries.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,396/month (2025: $1,320 | +$76)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,234/month (2025: $1,260 | -$26)
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $106,961/year (2025: $100,000 | up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 16% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 6% (2025: 10.2% | improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $1,088 (2025: $1,294 | down)
  
• Transportation: $1,121 (2025: $1,399 | down)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 76% (2025: ~80% | slightly down)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 71%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -40%

#3 – Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton is often called the “Hub City” of Atlantic Canada thanks to its central location and role as a transportation and economic hub for the region. The city is known for its bilingual culture, growing job market, and relatively affordable housing compared to many other cities in eastern Canada.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,425.56/month (2025: $1,395 | +$30.56)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $1,112.50/month (2025: $1,125 | -$12.50)
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $75,186/year (2025: $75,600 | roughly stable)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 19% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 6% (2025: 7.1% | improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $986 (2025: $1,022 | down)
  
• Transportation: $850 (2025: $1,167 | down)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 88% (2025: 91% | slightly down)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 69%
  
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -46%
  

#2 – Brandon, Manitoba

Brandon, Manitoba’s second-largest city, continues to rank as one of the most affordable places to live in Canada. Often referred to as the “Wheat City,” Brandon has deep agricultural roots and offers a quieter lifestyle than larger prairie cities while still providing essential services and employment opportunities.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $1,100/month (2025: $1,100 | no change)
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $800/month (2025: $800 | no change)

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $89,992/year (2025: $84,700 | up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 16% (same as 2025)
  
• Unemployment rate: 6% (2025: 7.5% | improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $1,001 (2025: $1,082 | down)
  
• Transportation: $1,101 (2025: $1,103 | roughly the same)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 84% (2025: 75% | improved)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 66%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -15%

#1 – Trois-Rivières, Québec

Trois-Rivières once again takes the top spot as the most affordable city on our list. Located roughly halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, the city is one of the oldest in North America and is known for its strong French-Canadian culture, historic downtown, and growing tourism sector.

It’s worth noting that French is the primary language spoken in the city, and speaking French can significantly improve employment opportunities and integration into the local community.

Housing costs (Numbeo 2026):

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $860/month (2025: $860 | no change)
  
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $600/month (2025: $600 | no change)
  

Income, housing pressure, and employment (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Median household income: $73,186/year (2025: $70,000 | up)
  
• Households spending 30%+ of income on housing: 13% (same as 2025 – lowest on this list)
  
• Unemployment rate: 5% (2025: 6.4% | improved)
  

Typical monthly expenses (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Food: $899 (2025: $943 | down)
  
• Transportation: $791 (2025: $1,018 | down)
  

Livability indicators (Globe & Mail 2026):

• Have a regular health care provider: 76% (2025: 82% | slightly down)
  
• Strong sense of belonging to local community: 62%
• Walkability vs Canadian average: -38%

Affordability looks different for everyone. For some people, lower rent is the top priority. For others, factors like job opportunities or community feel may matter just as much.

The cities on this list show that while the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, there are still places where housing and everyday expenses remain relatively manageable. Smaller cities and regional hubs often offer a better balance between affordability and quality of life.

Of course, affordability is only one piece of the puzzle. Before choosing where to live, it’s important to consider factors such as employment opportunities in your field, climate, transportation options, and whether the local community fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning a move within Canada or preparing to arrive as a newcomer, exploring different cities can open the door to opportunities you might not have considered before.

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