Canada's best cities for buying real estate were revealed and they'll make you want to move
These hidden gems have it all — including a reasonable price tag. 🏡
Forget Toronto — these Canadian housing markets are a better buy in 2025.
If you've been feeling like buying a home in Canada is out of reach — especially anywhere near a city with jobs, decent internet and a grocery store — there's some good news.
A new report from MoneySense.ca and Zoocasa just revealed the best places to buy real estate in Canada right now, and it highlights a bunch of hidden-gem Canadian cities where you can actually get into the real estate market without giving up on job opportunities, amenities, cost of living or quality of life.
The annual ranking for 2025 shows that housing affordability is making a major comeback in smaller cities, thanks to easing interest rates, more listings and slower price growth in many regions. While the real estate market in Canada's biggest cities is still tough, more affordable markets are gaining traction — and fast.
Whether you're trying to escape sky-high real estate prices in Toronto and Vancouver or just want a shot at buying your first place without totally breaking the bank, this ranking is worth a look.
Zoocasa looked at 44 markets across the country and gave them a score out of five based on average home prices, growth trends over the last few years, plus local quality-of-life factors like income, health care access and general safety. It's not just about finding cheap homes — it's about value and long-term potential in the Canada real estate market.
Some of the best places to buy right now have homes priced hundreds of thousands of dollars below the national average, but still offer decent incomes, solid infrastructure and strong resale value. So if you're open to exploring mid-sized Canadian cities that aren't completely off the grid, this list might be your homebuying cheat sheet.
Here are the top 10 best places to buy real estate in Canada in 2025:
Saskatoon, SK
Benchmark 2024 home price: $396,200
Saskatoon is affordable — with a benchmark home priced at just over half the national average — but still growing. With a solid five-year price increase of 29% and a median after-tax household income of $77,500, this Prairie city offers a strong value score of 3.12. Plus, its real estate market is picking up steam again after a slower period.
Kingston, ON
Benchmark 2024 home price: $556,750
Canada's first capital city brings together historic charm, lakeside vibes and strong long-term growth — home prices have jumped by 57% over the past five years. It scored 3.13 on the ranking's value scale, thanks to a balanced mix of solid incomes, terrific health care access and mid-range prices that still undercut bigger Ontario cities.
Ottawa, ON
Benchmark 2024 home price: $640,508
Canada's capital isn't exactly cheap, but it's still a strong pick thanks to stable price growth and solid economic fundamentals. With a value score of 3.16, Ottawa balances high incomes and access to services with long-term investment potential.
Despite being the priciest spot in the top 10, it also has the best safety index and one of the highest median after-tax household incomes at $84,000.
Rideau St. Lawrence, ON
Benchmark 2024 home price: $557,833
If you want that small-town charm with big value, this eastern Ontario region is a hidden gem that's worth a look. Comprised of several charming waterfront towns between Kingston and Ottawa, it boasts a 75% increase in home value over five years and solid rankings for both safety and health care, earning it a value score of 3.17.
St John's, NL
Benchmark 2024 home price: $348,658
St. John's delivers strong value, with home prices rising 28% over five years. If you don't mind being a little farther away from the rest of Canada, you'll love this coastal city with culture, charm and relatively low prices — a rare combo in today's real estate market.
With benchmark prices less than half the national average, it's no wonder this little maritime capital has a respectable value score of 3.26.
Edmonton, AB
Benchmark 2024 home price: $391,458
With one of the highest median incomes on the list and affordable homes by big-city standards, Edmonton remains a solid choice. The market here is steady, and prices have only just begun to rise after a slower few years — making it the perfect time to get in on the ground floor of this up-and-coming city with a 3.44 value score.
Moncton, NB
Benchmark 2024 home price: $357,225
Greater Moncton is one of the fastest-growing markets in Canada. Even though prices have jumped by a whopping 107% over five years, it's still very affordable — although if it keeps growing at this rate, it might not be for long. That combo of growth and low entry costs earned it a value score of 3.47.
Saint John, NB
Benchmark 2024 home price: $311,225
With homes averaging $400,000 less than the national average, Saint John is a budget-friendly dream. It also ranks well for health care and has strong income-to-price ratios — reflected in its value score of 3.55. Growth has been steady here, with a 34% increase in the last three years and 71% over the last five.
According to the report, the local market here is "more competitive than ever," especially in the $350,000 to $450,000 range.
Calgary, AB
Benchmark 2024 home price: $577,367
Calgary is seeing major growth in its more affordable neighbourhoods. With a 41% five-year increase and a booming economy, it's a top pick for long-term value — and its 3.69 value score proves it.
Calgary's median household after-tax income of $87,000 is the highest in the top 10, making up for its comparatively higher home prices. Still, if you're looking for big-city living with an affordable price tag, you can't do much better than this.
Fredericton, NB
Benchmark 2024 home price: $310,925
Fredericton tops the list thanks to its unbeatable mix of low prices, big growth (72% over five years) and solid safety and health care rankings. According to the report, it's "almost unrivalled for affordability" and still competitive enough that bidding wars aren't uncommon.
Locals and returning residents are flocking here, and the market is heating up fast. With a value score of 3.74, it's officially the best bang-for-your-buck real estate market in Canada for 2025.
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