On This Page You Will Find:
- How quality of life is measured in Canadian cities
- Canada’s top-ranked city for 2026
- Best mid-sized cities for affordability and lifestyle
- Housing and cost of living trends across provinces
- What these rankings mean for immigrants and families
Canada continues to rank among the world’s most liveable countries, and several Canadian cities perform strongly in Numbeo’s 2026 Quality of Life Index. The index measures everyday factors that directly affect residents, including safety, health care, cost of living, housing affordability, commuting times, pollution, and climate.
Based on the latest data, these are the 10 best Canadian cities for quality of life in 2026, ranked by overall performance.
1. Ottawa – Ontario
Quality of Life Index: 198.1
Ottawa ranks first among all cities in the Numbeo table and leads Canada by a clear margin. The city performs consistently well across almost every indicator, combining high purchasing power with strong safety scores and relatively affordable housing compared to other large Canadian cities.
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa benefits from stable public sector employment, which helps support income security and economic resilience. Residents also enjoy shorter commute times than Toronto or Vancouver, lower pollution levels, and good access to health care services. The city’s extensive green spaces, bike paths, and proximity to nature further enhance day-to-day living.
2. Nanaimo – British Columbia
Quality of Life Index: 185.6
Nanaimo is the highest-ranked mid-sized Canadian city on the list. Located on Vancouver Island, it offers a coastal lifestyle with short commute times, relatively low pollution, and a mild climate by Canadian standards.
While purchasing power is lower than in major metropolitan centres, Nanaimo compensates with a slower pace of life and strong access to outdoor recreation. Housing affordability remains a challenge, but it is still more accessible than in nearby Vancouver or Victoria. The city appeals to families, retirees, and remote workers seeking balance between work and lifestyle.
3. Victoria – British Columbia
Quality of Life Index: 182.1
Victoria continues to rank highly for safety, health care access, and climate. The city’s mild winters, walkable neighbourhoods, and low pollution levels contribute to a strong overall quality of life.
Housing affordability remains one of Victoria’s main weaknesses, with a high property price to income ratio. However, residents benefit from strong public services, good employment opportunities in government, tourism, and technology, and a well-developed cultural scene. For many, lifestyle advantages outweigh the higher cost of housing.
4. Quebec City – Quebec
Quality of Life Index: 180.7
Quebec City stands out as one of the safest cities in Canada, with one of the highest safety scores in the table. Combined with relatively low living costs and stable housing prices, this makes it particularly attractive for families and newcomers seeking affordability.
The city offers strong public services, a vibrant cultural identity, and reliable health care access. While winters are long and cold, shorter commute times and lower congestion improve everyday living. Quebec City continues to offer one of the best affordability-to-quality ratios in the country.
5. Vancouver – British Columbia
Quality of Life Index: 180.7
Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most desirable cities due to its climate, access to nature, and global connectivity. The city scores well for health care, pollution levels, and climate, with mild winters compared to much of Canada.
The primary drawback is housing affordability. Vancouver’s property price to income ratio is among the highest in the country, which weighs on its overall score. Despite this, strong job opportunities, cultural diversity, and high-quality public amenities continue to attract skilled workers and immigrants.
6. Calgary – Alberta
Quality of Life Index: 179.1
Calgary combines strong purchasing power with relatively affordable housing, making it one of Canada’s most economically balanced cities. The city performs well in safety, health care, and commute times, helping offset its colder climate.
Lower taxes and competitive wages support higher disposable incomes, while access to parks and the Rocky Mountains enhances lifestyle appeal. Calgary continues to attract professionals, families, and immigrants seeking opportunity without the housing pressures seen in larger coastal cities.
7. Halifax – Nova Scotia
Quality of Life Index: 176.8
Halifax offers a growing job market, moderate living costs, and a strong sense of community. Its coastal location contributes to lower pollution and an appealing lifestyle, particularly for those seeking a slower pace than major urban centres.
While purchasing power is lower than in Alberta or Ontario cities, housing remains more accessible than in Vancouver or Toronto. Halifax’s expanding technology, education, and health sectors continue to strengthen its long-term livability.
8. Edmonton – Alberta
Quality of Life Index: 175.2
Edmonton scores highly for health care access and housing affordability, with one of the strongest health care index scores among Canadian cities. Lower housing costs and reasonable commute times support a stable cost of living.
Colder winters reduce climate scores, but strong wages and public services help balance this out. Edmonton remains an attractive option for families and newcomers prioritising affordability and access to essential services.
9. Kelowna – British Columbia
Quality of Life Index: 172.9
Kelowna continues to grow as a lifestyle-focused city, offering short commute times, low pollution, and access to outdoor recreation in the Okanagan Valley. The climate is milder than much of Canada, which boosts its overall appeal.
Housing costs have increased in recent years, putting pressure on affordability. However, residents benefit from a growing service economy, tourism, and remote work opportunities that support long-term livability.
10. Montreal – Quebec
Quality of Life Index: 172.0
Montreal remains one of Canada’s most affordable large cities. Lower housing costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver help offset longer commute times and moderate pollution levels.
The city scores strongly for safety and cultural life, with extensive public transport and vibrant neighbourhoods. Montreal’s bilingual environment, universities, and diverse job market continue to attract immigrants, students, and professionals.
What These Rankings Mean for Immigrants and Residents
The highest-ranked Canadian cities tend to strike a balance between affordability, safety, and access to public services. While major metropolitan areas still offer strong job markets, mid-sized cities increasingly deliver better day-to-day livability, particularly in housing and commuting.
For immigrants, these factors often translate into smoother settlement experiences, lower financial pressure, and stronger long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Numbeo Quality of Life Index?
The Numbeo Quality of Life Index compares cities using data on safety, health care, housing affordability, cost of living, commute times, pollution, and climate to reflect everyday living conditions.
Why does Ottawa rank first among Canadian cities?
Ottawa combines strong safety, stable employment, good purchasing power, and relatively affordable housing. Low pollution and manageable commute times further support its top ranking.
Are smaller Canadian cities becoming more attractive?
Yes. Mid-sized cities often offer better housing affordability, shorter commutes, and strong lifestyle benefits, which can outweigh slightly lower wages for many residents.
How important is housing affordability in these rankings?
Housing affordability plays a major role. Cities with lower property price to income ratios tend to rank higher overall, even if other indicators are slightly weaker.
Do these rankings reflect immigrant settlement experiences?
Indirectly. Cities with strong safety, health care, and affordability indicators typically provide easier settlement conditions for newcomers, especially during their first years in Canada.
