Choosing where to live, especially if you are looking to move to Canada from overseas or are not familiar with Canadian geography, this guide is for you. In this article, we will provide information on the best cities to live in Canada, that have been recognized as being excellent places to live. 

It is important to note that the cities and communities described in this guide are listed in no particular order. And we are taking the following factors into account when creating this guide: a community’s economy, affordability for living in a certain community, commute, crime, taxes, demographics, culture, amenities, health, and weather.

This article is no by no means the definitive guide on all of the best cities to live in Canada. What might be great for one person might not be a great fit for another? So, please take this information with a grain of salt and do your research because only you know what is best for you and your family.

If you are looking to move to a new city and are using this guide when you are doing your research, make sure that you are doing your research on wherever you are looking to live. Additionally, if possible, it is recommended that you visit your potential new city or community and spend some time there before making any hard and fast decisions about where and how you want to live.

Ontario and British Columbia’s dominance in these rankings can be explained by the fact that they have strong economies and better weather compared to the rest of Canada. Additionally, Ontario is known for having the shortest wait times for receiving health care in Canada. And Ontario’s smaller communities have the lowest crime rates in Canada. On the other hand, people living in British Columbia benefit from low-income taxes and sales taxes.

Related article: The Best Neighbourhoods in the City of Toronto

The Best Cities to Live in Canada During 2019 (based in 2018 and 2019 data)

The best cities to live in Canada during 2019

Oakville, Ontario

• Population: 210,350
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.5%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 107
• Median household income: $122,584

Ottawa, Ontario

• Population: 1,019,693
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Median Household Income: $92,579
• Average Household Net Worth: $721,100
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 117

Burlington, Ontario

• Population: 197,381
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $101,448
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,099,461
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.4%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 125 

Grimsby, Ontario

• Population: 28,631
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $98,669
• Average Household Net Worth: $880,615
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.5%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 121

New Tecumseth, Ontario

• Population: 38,504
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
• Median Household Income: $95,385
• Average Household Net Worth: $845,233
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.5%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C:  122

Salmon Arm, British Columbia (B.C.)

• Population: 19,153
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
• Median Household Income: $76,048
• Average Household Net Worth: $711,346
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C:  105

Brant, Ontario

• Population: 39,263
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $97,437
• Average Household Net Worth: $902,709
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 125

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

• Population: 18,652
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $93,425
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,255,495
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.6%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 128

Russell, Ontario

• Population: 17,391
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Median Household Income: $115,792
• Average Household Net Worth: $552,088
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.2%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 78

Tecumseth, Ontario

• Population: 24,277
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
• Median Household Income: $102,159
• Average Household Net Worth: $815,306
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 3.0%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C:  139

Aurora, Ontario

• Population: 60,042
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
• Median Household Income: $115,191
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,580,178
• Property Tax as % of Income: 2.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 119

West Kelowna, British Columbia

• Population: 34,392
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
• Median Household Income: $96,933
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,016,369
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.4%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 124

Haldimand County, Ontario

• Population: 47,635
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $84,225
• Average Household Net Worth: $629,581
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 117

Kingston, Ontario

• Population: 135,220
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
• Median Household Income: $73,007
• Average Household Net Worth: $573,435
• Property Tax as % of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 99

Oak Bay, British Columbia

• Population: 18,233
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
• Median Household Income: $106,589
• Average Household Net Worth: $2,314,752
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.9%
• Total Days Above 20°C: 86

LaSalle, Ontario

• Population: 31,868
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
• Median Household Income: $109,208 
• Average Household Net Worth: $783,274
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 3.0%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 139

Milton, Ontario

• Population: 132,508
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
• Median Household Income: $114,275
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,188,971
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.0%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 120

Nelson, British Columbia

• Population: 10,833
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $62,504
• Average Household Net Worth: $558,472
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 115

Toronto, Ontario

• Population: 2,988,140
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
• Median Household Income: $71,324
• Average Household Net Worth: $941,973
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.9%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 117

Wilmot, Ontario

• Population: 22,017
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
• Median Household Income: $103,877
• Average Household Net Worth: $902,570
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 117

Lincoln, Ontario

• Population: 24,891
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $96,064
• Average Household Net Worth: $975,321
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.3%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 121

Collingwood, Ontario

• Population: 24,127
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
• Median Household Income: $70,960
• Average Household Net Worth: $814,867
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.4%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 101

St. Albert, Alberta

• Population: 70,213
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 7.3%
• Median Household Income: $123,659
• Average Household Net Worth: $843,729
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.9%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 84

Hamilton, Ontario

• Population: 579,105
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $76,193
• Average Household Net Worth: $625,005
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.4%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 120

Colwood, British Columbia

• Population: 17,672
• Regional Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
• Median Household Income: $103,632
• Average Household Net Worth: $766,527
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.5%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 119

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec

• Population: 27,171
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
• Median Household Income: $96,757
• Average Household Net Worth: $864,221
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.6%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 118

Lacombe, Alberta

• Population: 13,906
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
• Median Household Income: $97,800
• Average Household Net Worth: $754,291
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.8%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 81

Canmore, Alberta

• Population: 14,930
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Median Household Income: $75,848
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,478,315
• Property Tax as Percentage3 of Income: 1.2%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 64

Westmount, Quebec

• Population: 21,083
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 7.5%
• Median Household Income: $117,755
• Average Household Net Worth: $3,953,205
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 117 

Saint-Lambert, Quebec

• Population: 22,432
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
• Median Household Income: $83,626
• Average Household Net Worth: $881,272
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 118

Halton Hills, Ontario

• Population: 65,782
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Median Household Income: $108,410
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,190,923
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.6%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 120

Camrose, Alberta

• Population: 19,488
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
• Median Household Income: $61,873
• Average Household Net Worth: $519,846
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.8%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 83

Fort St. John, British Columbia

• Population: 21,251
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Median Household Income: $106,327
• Average Household Net Worth: $440,481
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.1%
• Total Number Days Above 20°C: 64

Lévis, Quebec

• Rank in 2017: 9
• Population: 147,403
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Median Household Income: $79,323
• Average Household Net Worth: $387,146
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.0%
• Total Days Above 20°C: 94

King, Ontario

• Population: 26,697
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Median Household Income: $110,816
• Average Household Net Worth: $2,655,435
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.6%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 114

Whistler, British Columbia

• Population: 13,193
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Median Household Income: $86,423
• Average Household Net Worth: $1,460,422
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.2%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 83

The Nation, Ontario

• Population: 13,275
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Median Household Income: $88,088
• Average Household Net Worth: $478,620
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.2%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 113

Bonnyville No. 87, Alberta

• Population: 14,658
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
• Median Household Income: $103,652
• Average Household Net Worth: $789,157
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 1.4%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 86

Newmarket, Ontario

• Population: 90,908
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Median Household Income: $95,636
• Average Household Net Worth: $947,429
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 107

Whitby, Ontario

• Population: 136,657
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Median Household Income: $101,792
• Average Household Net Worth: $817,453
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.7%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 100

Niagara Falls, Ontario

• Population: 91,908
• Estimated Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Median Household Income: $66,801
• Property Tax as Percentage of Income: 2.6%
• Total Number of Days Above 20°C: 124