Sky-high housing prices and the search for a better quality of life are prompting increasing numbers of Canadians living in major urban centres to consider packing up and moving to more affordable communities, according to a new survey.
The poll found that more than half of residents in the Greater Toronto Area would be willing to relocate to one of Canada’s most affordable cities if employment opportunities or remote work arrangements made such a move possible. Similar sentiments were expressed by nearly half of residents in the Montreal and Vancouver regions, highlighting how affordability pressures are reshaping the housing aspirations of many Canadians.
Real estate experts say that although housing prices in Canada’s largest cities have eased somewhat over the past few years, homeownership remains out of reach for many buyers. As a result, moving to a smaller and less expensive community is increasingly being viewed not as a last resort but as a strategic lifestyle choice.
Lethbridge, Alberta, emerged as the country’s most affordable city, with average home prices significantly lower than those found in Toronto or Vancouver. Saint John, New Brunswick, Thunder Bay, Ontario and Red Deer, Alberta also ranked among the most affordable places to buy a home. Other cities making the list included Edmonton, Winnipeg and the Windsor-Essex region.
The survey suggests younger Canadians are particularly open to relocating. Members of Generation Z and Millennials showed the greatest willingness to purchase homes outside their current metropolitan areas, reflecting growing concerns about affordability and changing attitudes toward where people choose to live and work.
Lower living costs were cited as the main reason for considering a move, but affordability was not the only factor influencing decisions. Many respondents expressed a desire for a slower pace of life, while others said they hoped to live closer to nature and in less densely populated communities.
Industry observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in priorities. The rise of remote work, combined with the financial challenges of purchasing homes in Canada’s most expensive markets, has made smaller cities increasingly attractive to families and young professionals seeking both affordability and improved quality of life.
As housing costs continue to challenge buyers in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, communities once considered secondary destinations are emerging as viable alternatives, potentially reshaping migration patterns and fueling growth in smaller cities across the country.