Calgary and Edmonton are the only Alberta cities to make a new ranking of the best places to live in Canada, released this week by Global Citizen Solutions.
The international residency and investment consultancy placed Calgary first overall and Edmonton third in its Top 15 list for 2025. The report, updated August 18, highlights employment opportunities, average salaries, housing costs and lifestyle factors across the country.
According to the report, Calgary was named the best place to live in Canada, with an average salary of $58,243, average home price of $635,903, and living costs for a single person around $1,581 per month (excluding rent). Calgary was also ranked the fifth most liveable city in the world in 2024 by the Global Liveability Index.
The study cites low crime, low taxes, accessible outdoor recreation in the Rockies, and one of the largest education systems in the country. It adds the city has a “warm, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy for expats to feel welcome.”
The ranking places Edmonton in third, describing it as one of the sunniest regions in Canada with an average of 325 days of sunshine per year. It lists an average salary of $51,965 and an average home price of $431,300, with monthly costs for a single person at $1,486 (excluding rent).
The consultancy highlights Edmonton’s affordable housing, a balanced economy, and its “Festival City” reputation with more than 50 annual cultural events. It adds that Edmonton is home to West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest malls in North America, with shopping, dining, a water park and amusement area, and hosts the Edmonton Heritage Festival, a three-day celebration of multiculturalism.
For Airdrie readers, Calgary’s top spot may be notable, as a significant number of residents commute into the city for work.
Here is the ranking in order, from first to fifteenth:
-
Calgary, Alberta – avg. salary $58,243; avg. home $635,903; monthly costs $1,581. Low crime, low taxes, Rockies access, extensive education system, fifth-most liveable city globally in 2024, “warm, friendly atmosphere.”
-
Ottawa, Ontario – avg. salary $64,995; avg. home $719,800; monthly costs $1,479. Ranked top in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index for Canada. The report notes “cold and snowy winters” and highlights Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market.
-
Edmonton, Alberta – avg. salary $51,965; avg. home $431,300; monthly costs $1,486. Highlights include 325 days of sunshine, affordable housing, balanced economy, West Edmonton Mall, and its “Festival City” reputation, including the Edmonton Heritage Festival.
-
Montréal, Québec – avg. salary $57,246; avg. home $671,600; monthly costs $1,385. “If you want to live in Canada in an English-speaking city with a vibrant nightlife, then Montréal is an excellent destination.” The report describes public transit, bike lanes, festivals, and hospitals such as CHUM and Montreal General.
-
Hamilton, Ontario – avg. salary $46,045; avg. home $764,838; monthly costs $1,405. Called the “city of 100 waterfalls.” Notes its economy in healthcare, education and manufacturing, and a vibrant arts scene with venues like Theatre Aquarius and festivals such as Supercrawl and Art Crawl.
-
Victoria, British Columbia – avg. salary $54,007; avg. home $961,000; monthly costs $1,542. Highlights include appeal for primary care providers, lush landscapes, a mild climate, and beaches such as Spiral Beach, Clover Point, Ross Bay Beach and Cordova Bay Beach.
-
Halifax, Nova Scotia – avg. salary $59,447; avg. home $601,250; monthly costs $1,475. Ranks fifth on Numbeo’s Safety Index. Notes Halifax Jazz Festival, the Citadel, waterfront boardwalk, and access to Lawrencetown Beach.
-
Vancouver, British Columbia – avg. salary $69,512; avg. home $1,239,418. Ranks among the top 10 globally on the EIU Liveability Index. Highlights mountain and ocean setting and transit system. Monthly costs not provided in the report.
-
Winnipeg, Manitoba – avg. salary $51,031; avg. home $402,915; monthly costs $1,440. Highlights include hydroelectric power advantage, lower utility costs, diversity, and Folklorama, “the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival.”
-
Waterloo, Ontario – avg. salary $69,820; avg. home £764,844. Lists universities and adds: “Families with older children may consider the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College.”
-
Toronto, Ontario – avg. salary $57,549; avg. home $1,147,636; monthly costs $1,547 (single), $5,652 (family of four). “Over half of Toronto’s residents were born outside Canada, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.” Highlights global employers and extensive transit.
-
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – avg. salary $49,643; avg. home $405,400. Notes affordability, South Saskatchewan River views, Folk Fest, and states: “Housing costs are significantly lower than in major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver.”
-
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – avg. salary $45,220; avg. home $438,000; monthly costs $1,362. “It is one of the best cities to settle in on a tight budget for anyone who likes a quiet life and intimate surroundings.” Notes Victorian houses and historic district.
-
Fredericton, New Brunswick – avg. salary $51,197; avg. home $368,645; monthly costs $1,364 (single), $4,876 (family of four). “Fredericton is considered the cultural capital of New Brunswick, with a thriving arts scene showcased at venues like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and Fredericton Region Museum.”
-
Québec City, Québec – avg. salary $49,473; avg. home $416,774. Report says it is “one of the best places to live in Canada for families with high French proficiency seeking housing affordability.” Ranks first on Numbeo’s Safety Index and highlighted as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places to Live in Canada 2025
-
What are the best places to live in Canada in 2025? – “In terms of job market, affordability, and quality of life, some of the best places to live in Canada are cities like Edmonton, Quebec City, Calgary, Victoria, Ottawa, and Halifax.”
-
Where is the cheapest place to live in Canada with a good quality of life? – “That’s where mid-sized cities shine. Canadian cities like Halifax, Saskatoon, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Quebec City, and Waterloo have a high quality of life index score and cheaper rents.”
-
Which Canadian cities are best for tech jobs and innovation? – “Toronto is Canada’s most prominent tech hub, home to major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Cisco. Other Canadian cities that offer the same amenities across different tech companies with a high life index score include Montréal, Vancouver, Charlottetown, and Québec.”
-
Where in Canada can you find the best healthcare and infrastructure? – “Vancouver, BC, has some of the best healthcare institutions in Canada, such as the BC Children’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital.”
-
What are the best places to live in Canada for young adults? – “Young adults who live in Canada often prefer cities like Victoria, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax, mainly for their nightlife, high life index score, strong economy, and easy access to natural landscapes.”
-
What are the most livable small towns in Canada? – “If you prefer smaller towns for living in Canada, you may like Canmore, Lunenburg, Nelson, or Perth.”
-
What is the best city in Canada to live and work? – “Vancouver, a city in western Canada, near the Pacific Ocean, has plenty of job opportunities. The West End in downtown Vancouver, bordered by Stanley Park, is packed with cafés, restaurants, and local shops.”
-
Where is the best place to live in Canada for families? – “Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa can be great places to live in Canada if you want to raise a family.”
-
Where in Canada do most expats prefer to settle? – “Expats often choose to live in Canada’s largest cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, because they offer more job options, rich cultural experiences, and established communities of fellow expats.”
-
What are the best places in Canada for nature and lifestyle balance? – “For a good balance of city life and outdoor activities in Canada, British Columbia and Quebec are top choices.”
Global Citizen Solutions describes its ranking as a lifestyle guide rather than an official government measure, noting the results vary depending on individual preferences for cost, climate and city size. The report is not based on government statistics but on Global Citizen Solutions’ analysis of lifestyle factors.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.