We’ve all heard that Canada can be an extremely expensive place to live, especially in the higher-populated areas such as Toronto or Montreal. But what about the less populous areas? Property outside of the major cities is significantly cheaper, so if Vancouver’s prices are a little high, there are still plenty of great options for you.
In this article, we have compiled what we believe to be the 5 cheapest places to buy property in Canada.
St. Catharines, Ontario
St. Catharines is a beautiful, historic city just outside of Toronto. The average house price is $440,000, about half the price of its neighbour. A one-bedroom apartment is around $1,200, which is average for Ontario. It carries the nickname of “The Garden City” because of its 1,000 acres worth of gardens, parks, and lush greenery.
Quesnel, British Columbia
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Quesnel is one of Canada’s smallest cities and an average house price of $249,000, while rent is just under $1,000. It main attraction is its gorgeous landscape. and is great for anyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing, or just some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city. That being said, it sits only a few hours north of Vancouver, just in case you miss a little hustle and/or bustle.
Rimouski, Quebec
Rimouski’s breathtaking natural landscape, including the largest estuary in the world, makes it a wonderful place for kayaking, bird watching, or hiking. It also boasts some of the best jobs for women in science and engineering. All of this makes it so hard to believe that a house in such a paradise would cost only $217,000. You may need to brush up on your French, though – according to a 2011 census, 98.3% of the population reported speaking only French.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
The third largest city in Ontario is also one of the cheapest in the whole country. Like many small cities in Canada, it has a significant number of jobs in a variety of industries, with rent being only $1,000 on average. The average house price is only $200,000, and may be the best bet for anyone trying to maximize cost-effectiveness. While it is quite far from the major city of Toronto, you’ll be too dazzled by its natural beauty to even mind. It sits on the St. Marys River and has a beautiful view of the Agawa Canyon. Winter sports are a major part of its culture, so if that sounds at all appealing, Sault Ste. Marie may be the place for you.
Timmins, Ontario
Timmins, while famous for being the birthplace of Shania Twain, is also a community known for its lumbering distribution and fast-growing job market. The average house will fetch you only $180,000, while a month’s rent will be around $1,000. Beware though – while it is one of the cheapest in the country, and the cheapest on this list, it has also consistently topped lists of the most dangerous cities in Canada with its soaring crime rate.