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Report Reveals Canada’s Most Affordable Provinces With the Best Quality of Life in 2025
A recent ranking has highlighted the most affordable provinces in Canada that also offer a high quality of life in 2025.
The list, compiled by Montreal-based moving company MovingWaldo, was created by evaluating key factors such as neighborhood safety, housing affordability, rental costs, and the overall cost of living.
The Most Affordable Canadian Provinces Offering a Great Lifestyle
This ranking outlines some of the top budget-friendly provinces in Canada that still provide a high standard of living. Additionally, immigration pathways available for those looking to settle in these regions are detailed below.
For those wishing to live outside of Quebec, Canada’s federal Express Entry system provides a pathway to permanent residency, allowing immigrants to settle in any province of their choice. Alternatively, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a route to residency for candidates with lower scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), helping them secure opportunities in specific provinces.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador ranked as the most affordable province due to its low cost of living, which includes the lowest housing prices and rental costs in the country. This easternmost province offers a mix of urban and rural lifestyles, excellent amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene set against breathtaking landscapes. Booming industries such as mining, hydropower, and fishing further add to its appeal, along with relatively low tuition fees.
Immigration Pathways:
1. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- NL Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Skilled Worker Category
- International Graduate Category
- International Entrepreneur Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
which helps skilled workers and international graduates secure permanent residency through a job offer from a designated employer.
Recently, the NLPNP secured a higher immigration allocation from the federal government, nearly doubling its initial intake in exchange for accepting 290 refugees over three years.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick, the largest Maritime province, is known for its low housing and rental costs, along with affordable essential services such as water, gas, and electricity. However, the low cost of housing is partly attributed to limited employment opportunities.
Immigration Pathways:
1. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Express Entry Stream
- Skilled Workers Stream
- Business Immigration Stream
- Strategic Initiative Stream
- Critical Worker Pilot
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan offers a relatively low cost of living and affordable housing. Additionally, it is Canada’s sunniest province, allowing residents to enjoy more time outdoors.
Immigration Pathway:
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- International Skilled Worker Category (including Saskatchewan Express Entry)
- Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Manitoba
Manitoba stands out for its low hydroelectricity rates and vibrant summer festivals. However, those considering a move should be prepared for its harsh winter climate.
Immigration Pathways:
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
1. Skilled Worker Stream
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM)
- Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO), including the Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
2. International Education Stream (IES)
3. Business Investor Stream
Prince Edward Island
As Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is known for its affordable housing, stunning landscapes, and fresh seafood. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like cycling and swimming along its scenic coastline.
Immigration Pathways:
1. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- PEI PNP Express Entry Category
- Labour Impact Category
- Business Impact Category
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Quebec
Although Quebec’s housing costs are higher than those of the other provinces on this list, it remains more affordable than Ontario and British Columbia. Quebec also offers a lower overall cost of living, including groceries, transportation, and utilities.
Immigration Pathways:
1. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (paused until June 20, 2025)
2. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which includes:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Stream
- Quebec Graduate Stream (paused until June 30, 2025)
Quebec applicants must first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying for permanent residency through the federal government.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia rounds out the list with its lively cultural scene, beautiful trails, and beaches. While housing costs are higher than in some other provinces on the list, they remain more affordable than in Ontario and British Columbia.
Immigration Pathways:
1. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Enhanced Streams:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Base Streams:
- Occupations in Demand
- Critical Construction Worker Pilot
- International Graduates in Demand
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Entrepreneur
- Physician
- Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Ranking Methodology
MovingWaldo based its ranking on data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) for housing prices and Zumper for rental rates of one-bedroom apartments. The cost of living data was collected from Numbeo, with a focus on each province’s most populous city.
Additionally, feedback from people who recently moved to these areas was taken into account, particularly regarding job opportunities, education, healthcare, public transportation, safety, and recreational facilities. This ranking provides valuable insights for individuals considering relocating to a more affordable yet high-quality province in Canada.