The average price of a home in Canada sits at $686,800 (1), so maybe ‘affordable’ is a stretch when it comes to buying a home in this great country. However, Canada’s housing market is cooling, with the national benchmark price falling 3.5% year-over-year as of September 2025. Some regions are holding steady — or even rebounding — thanks to strong community appeal, lifestyle value and local resilience. We rank 20 of Canada’s most desirable real estate markets from least to most expensive, highlighting not just their benchmark prices, but how much they’ve changed since spring. Whether you’re a buyer, browser or market watcher, these cities show where Canadians are buying homes and raising families.
1. Kingston and area, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $560,900
Change since March: ↓ $11,779 (-2.1%)
Kingston offers a unique fusion of lakeside serenity, academic energy and historic charm. Home to Queen’s University, Fort Henry and a bustling downtown waterfront, it’s a city where walkability meets intellect. Cultural festivals, limestone architecture and vibrant student life give Kingston its distinct personality. Centrally located between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, it’s a strategic hub for professionals and families alike.
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2. London and St. Thomas, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $570,500
Change since March: ↓ $28,525 (-5%)
London and St. Thomas offer a blend of innovation and affordability. With Western University at its core, London nurtures a dynamic student population and cultural life, while St. Thomas brings small-town warmth. Residents enjoy access to trails, museums and a growing food scene, making the region ideal for families and priced-out GTA buyers seeking value and vibrancy.
3. Niagara Region, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $599,900
Change since March: ↓ $22,196 (-3.7%)
Niagara offers more than tourist views. From vineyards and waterfronts to revitalized small towns, the region blends recreation with community. While prices dipped slightly, the area’s growing appeal for retirees, remote workers and cross-border commuters keeps it firmly in demand.
4. Woodstock-Ingersoll, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $604,600
Change since March: ↓ $21,766 (-3.6%)
Woodstock and Ingersoll are affordable, family-friendly and well-connected. With beautiful Victorian homes, local culture and quick 401 access, they serve as ideal alternatives for buyers who want charm without the urban chaos. The price drop offers additional appeal for entry-level buyers.
5. Ottawa, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $627,800
Change since March: ↑ $4,395 (+0.7%)
Ottawa continues to buck national trends, with modest price growth amid widespread declines. As the country’s capital, it offers political stability, scenic beauty and a rich cultural fabric. Families, professionals and newcomers alike benefit from its livability and access to nature.
6. Lakelands, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $676,700
Change since March: ↓ 29,775 (-4.4%)
Ontario’s Lakelands — home to Muskoka, Haliburton and cottage country — are no longer just weekend retreats. These communities offer tranquility, lakefront beauty and a creative spirit that draws both retirees and remote workers. With artisan shops, forest trails and rich seasonal life, the region embraces wellness and simplicity. The price drop may entice even more urbanites to make it a permanent move.
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7. Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $684,000
Change since March: ↓ $23,940 (-3.5%)
This twin-city tech hub continues to attract innovation and talent. Anchored by tech giants such as Google, as well as two top universities, it offers a dynamic urban experience without Toronto’s price tag. Transit expansions and green spaces add livability, while festivals and markets build a vibrant community spirit. The recent price decline only increases its appeal for young professionals and families.
8. Vancouver Island, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $709,700
Change since March: ↑ $7,807 (+1.1%)
Unlike most markets, Vancouver Island prices continue to rise, thanks to its laid-back coastal living, lush landscapes and balanced lifestyle. Towns like Nanaimo and Parksville offer an idyllic mix of outdoor activities, local art and a slower pace. Retirees, creatives and remote workers fuel demand in this paradise of waves and woods.
9. Cambridge, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $711,900
Change since March: ↓ $12,814 (-1.8%)
Cambridge is a city with soul — featuring three unique cores (Galt, Preston and Hespeler), historic architecture and riverside beauty. Close to the tech ecosystem of Waterloo and Toronto’s job market, it strikes a balance between community and convenience. Buyers seeking affordability with personality find Cambridge compelling, especially with this recent price dip.
10. Barrie and district, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $739,000
Change since March: ↓ $32,516 (-4.4%)
Barrie continues to be a magnet for GTA spillover, offering lakefront living, city amenities and four-season recreation. From skiing to waterfront festivals, it’s a lifestyle-forward city for both families and professionals. Though prices fell significantly, demand remains strong thanks to its blend of affordability, access and natural charm.
11. Chilliwack and district, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $746,800
Change since March: ↑ $10,455 (1.4%)
Chilliwack holds steady in value, reflecting its rising popularity as a scenic and accessible alternative to Metro Vancouver. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and farmland, this city offers an enviable mix of affordability, outdoor recreation and small-town hospitality. Whether it’s hiking, fishing or farm-to-table dining, Chilliwack delivers a slower pace of life without sacrificing essentials. Its grounded vibe and stability make it a sleeper hit among young families and retirees.
12. Guelph and district, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $750,300
Change since March: ↓ $28,511 (-3.8%)
Guelph’s sharp price drop contrasts with its enduring reputation as one of Canada’s most desirable small cities. Anchored by the University of Guelph, it boasts a strong economy, vibrant arts scene and a deeply community-focused culture. The city’s green belt, walkable neighbourhoods and progressive values make it a magnet for young families and professionals. For buyers seeking stability and charm, Guelph’s current affordability is a major opportunity.
13. Hamilton-Burlington, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $760,900
Change since March: ↓ $30,436 (-4%)
Hamilton-Burlington straddles the line between grit and grace. Hamilton’s revitalized arts scene, booming culinary landscape and post-industrial charm contrast beautifully with Burlington’s peaceful lakefront and top-rated schools. Both offer excellent access to Toronto, making them ideal for commuters seeking more space and value. With real estate cooling slightly, now might be the perfect time to invest in this dynamic urban-suburban region.
14. Victoria, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $880,800
Change since March: ↓ $6,166 (-0.7%)
Victoria’s refined energy and breathtaking natural setting make it a perennial favourite. As British Columbia’s capital, it combines British charm with island calm. Locals enjoy ocean kayaking, boutique shopping and fresh seafood — all under a temperate climate. Though prices dipped slightly, its desirability remains high among retirees, remote workers and eco-conscious families looking to escape mainland bustle.
15. Fraser Valley, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $932,600
Change since March: ↓ $28,911 (-3.1%)
The Fraser Valley is a land of opportunity just outside Vancouver. With communities such as Langley, Abbotsford and Mission, the region offers suburban amenities, agricultural richness and panoramic mountain views. Its appeal lies in offering space and nature without leaving the Lower Mainland. The recent price drop could signal a prime entry point for families looking to blend work and wilderness.
16. Greater Toronto Area, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $971,500
Change since March: ↓ $25,259 (-2.6%)
Greater Toronto remains Canada’s financial and cultural epicentre — even as prices have softened. From downtown lofts to suburban homes in Scarborough and Etobicoke, the region offers unmatched access to careers, cuisine, transit and the arts. While affordability is a concern, Toronto’s appeal to newcomers, students and entrepreneurs is unwavering. With a notable price correction this year, entry into this global city may be more accessible than it’s been in years.
17. Mississauga, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $981,900
Change since March: ↓ $40,258 (-4.1%)
Mississauga continues to thrive as a multicultural powerhouse. From Square One shopping to Port Credit’s marina lifestyle, it blends suburban calm with urban flair. Families value its top-tier schools and green spaces, while professionals benefit from proximity to Toronto and Pearson Airport. Despite a price dip, its strong infrastructure, transit and cultural diversity keep it near the top of buyer wish lists.
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18. Lower Mainland, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $1,075,900
Change since March: ↓ $30,125 (-2.8%)
Lower Mainland BC — home to communities such as Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond — remains a real estate powerhouse. Despite a mild dip, it continues to attract newcomers with its mix of urban convenience, cultural diversity and stunning natural scenery. Proximity to Vancouver, strong transit and bustling neighbourhoods make the Lower Mainland a top-tier choice for families, professionals and investors alike.
19. Greater Vancouver, BC
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $1,147,900
Change since March: ↓ $32,141 (-2.8%)
Vancouver combines world-class views with cosmopolitan living. Residents ski and sail on the same day, dine on global cuisine and work in industries ranging from film to tech. Though prices remain among Canada’s highest, the city’s sustainability, walkability and multicultural identity keep it resilient. Even a modest price decline hasn’t dampened its desirability for those seeking an elite West Coast lifestyle.
20. Oakville-Milton, ON
Benchmark price (Sept 2025): $1,119,500
Change since March: ↓ $31,346 (-2.8%)
Oakville and Milton represent two sides of the GTA luxury market: Oakville exudes prestige with its lakeside mansions and private schools, while Milton is one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities offering modern living near green space. Together, they balance refinement and family appeal. Though prices slid in recent months, this duo remains one of Ontario’s most aspirational locales.
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Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) (1)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.