8 min. read

Quality employment and affordable housing are two key factors that motivate millennials to settle down in a new city. But this upbeat generation obsessed with life-work balance is looking for more than just a well-paying job and a nice house. They want engaging leisure activities, opportunities to socialize with other like-minded millennials, eco-friendly resources, and a safe but exciting city where they can thrive.

To determine Canada’s up-and-coming millennial hot spots in 2018, we compared 85 of the most populous cities by looking at nine factors, and based on the individual ranking of each factor we measured the cities’ overall attractiveness. Aside from housing affordability, we weighed seven other criteria that we thought are important to millennials: unemployment rate, life satisfaction, low crime rate, healthcare, climate, level of education (the percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or above) and the percentage of millennials of the total population.

You may think millennial hot spots such as Vancouver or Toronto took the rest of the competition down. Surprisingly, that’s not the case:

Quebec City takes the number one spot on our list as Canada’s most attractive city for millennials.

on our list as Canada’s most attractive city for millennials. None of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa or Calgary, made the top three.

7 of the top 10 best cities for millennials have a population of under 500,000.

Best Places for Canadian Millennials in 2018

1. Quebec City, QC

Quebec City is Canada’s best city for millennials. Not only does it rank the highest overall, it also boasts an affordable housing market compared to most of the other surveyed locations. Add this to the fact that the city has the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada and an above average yearly income, and it makes sense why it takes the number one spot on our list. For millennials looking to settle down and start a family, Quebec City also has a low crime severity index.

Did you know? Quebec City might be known for its rich cultural heritage, but millennials are creating a culture of their own, bringing new creative forces outside the city’s walls. Its less polished neighbourhoods are now bursting with trendy boutiques, chic cafes and bistronomy eateries.

2. Victoria, BC

According to the numbers, Victoria is a magnet city for young, educated Canadians, boasting the second highest percentage of millennials in the country, many of whom have a bachelor degree or above. Aside from having a low unemployment rate, this city also holds top position for climate. It comes as no surprise therefore that the BC capital ranks highest in the nation for life satisfaction of millennials.

Did you know? Home to the Biketoria cycling network, Victoria made the top of the list as Canada’s most “bikeable” city in UBC’s Cycling in Cities Research Program.

3. Guelph, ON

Compared to neighbouring Toronto, Guelph presents itself as a great alternative for millennials looking to settle down. While in Toronto the yearly income for millennials is only $67,880 and a home sells for $818,201, in Guelph a house costs less than half that ($406,800), and the yearly income ($82,910) is considerably higher – even higher than the Canadian benchmark of $79,660. Ranking eighth for life satisfaction of millennials, this peaceful city is the ideal destination for those looking to combine the benefits of a strong job market with a thriving living environment.

Did you know: Guelph’s Farmers’ Market offers fresh, local food and artisanal products, supporting the local economy and entrepreneurship, and is also one of the city’s oldest community spaces, having served as a gathering place since 1827.

4. Halifax, NS

With its highly affordable housing market and low crime rate, Halifax ranks as the fourth most attractive city for millennials. As millennials have been powering the housing market, bringing new life into Halifax’s downtown, the city is experiencing a renaissance both in residential and commercial real estate, becoming an attractive destination for young professionals.

Did you know? Halifax currently holds the title of the fifth-largest tech-hub in Canada.

5. Ottawa, ON

As a government town, Ottawa offers a steady job market and an above average income of $88,310. Besides having a good economy and well-paying jobs, Canada’s capital city also boasts a thriving cultural scene. In addition, it also ranks sixth for the highest percentage of Canadians with a bachelor’s degree or above. This makes it a top location for young professionals looking to interact with like-minded individuals.

Did you know? Ottawa is one of the youngest cities in Canada, with nearly half its population under 35.



Least Tempting Millennial Cities

1. Langley (Township), BC

The Township of Langley might have the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada, but it also has a high crime rate and a low percentage of millennials living here. And although a home in Langley sells for less than half the average price of a Vancouver property, its housing market is still severely unaffordable, which puts the township at the bottom of the list.

Did you know? In Langley you can drink some of the best wines in all of British Columbia. In fact, the township prides itself with award-winning wineries which are open to the public for tasting and buying.

2. Kawartha Lakes, ON

In Kawartha Lakes, the yearly income for millennials, $83,630, is way above the national benchmark. But despite enjoying one of highest wages in Canada, millennials are not exactly flocking to live in this Ontario city. Furthermore, Kawartha Lakes has the lowest percentage of Canadians with a bachelor’s degree or above. This being said, not being part of a community which includes like-minded individuals seems to outweigh the benefits of a good salary, making Kawartha Lakes the second least attractive city for millennials in Canada.

Did you know? If you’re looking to explore the cultural scene in Kawartha Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes Cultural Map allows you to locate over 700 points of interest, from live theatre and dance schools to handmade chocolate.

3. Brantford, ON

Ranked third-least attractive city for millennials in Canada, Brantford also draws some attention for the wrong reasons. Not only does Brantford have a high crime index, but it also has one of the lowest ratings in education. The fact that the yearly income for millennials is below the Canadian benchmark of $79,660 adds to the factors which place this city so low in the ranking.

Did you know? Brantford’s Public Library was the first in North America to join the UNESCO model library network.

4. Chilliwack, BC

On the one hand, Chilliwack stands out for having a low unemployment rate and a relatively mild climate. On the other hand, it has an extremely high crime rate and ranks fifth lowest for education, which are serious enough reasons to keep millennials away from this British Columbia city.

Did you know? Chilliwack has an active music scene, centred on rock and classical music, and also offers many community events and classes throughout the year.

5. Sault Ste. Marie, ON

While Sault Ste. Marie might have the sixth most affordable housing market in Canada, it also has the third highest unemployment rate. Aside from this, it also ranks lowest for life satisfaction of millennials. Taking everything into account, Sault Ste. Marie is not an attractive destination for millennials, with its position in the ranking further reinforced by the low percentage of millennials already living in the city.

Did you know? Sault Ste. Marie is the Alternative Energy Capital of North America. Energy projects that operate or are underway in the community include wind energy, hydroelectric energy, cogeneration, solar energy and reverse polymerization.

Check out the interactive table below for detailed data on the 85 most populous Canadian cities ranked for millennials:

Rank City Province Population % of Millennials of Total Population % Millennials of Population Rank Average Home Price Home Price Rank Millennials' Yearly Income Income Rank Unemployment Rate (%) Unemployment Rank % of Population with Bachelor's Degree or Above Education Rank Crime Severity Index Crime Rank Healthcare Index Healthcare Rank Climate Index Climate Rank Life Satisfaction of Millennials Life Satisfaction Rank 1 Quebec City Quebec 531,900 20.82% 28 $278,672 21 $85,270 14 4.9 3 31.6% 31 51.03 20 77.15 8 47.66 34 96.7% 13 2 Victoria British Columbia 84,289 27.00% 2 $620,400 61 $79,750 27 6 11 41.6% 12 63.77 38 68.89 26 92.25 1 99.0% 1 3 Guelph Ontario 131,794 22.29% 18 $406,800 45 $82,910 17 6.1 12 35.6% 22 54.61 25 76.39 9 53.02 33 97.2% 8 4 Halifax Nova Scotia 403,131 21.79% 22 $286,026 25 $79,130 29 7.3 20 35.2% 25 48.48 13 75.99 11 58.99 22 92.4% 32 5 Ottawa Ontario 947,000 20.77% 29 $425,256 46 $88,310 12 7.2 19 45.0% 6 52.6 21 72.76 19 41.35 39 96.3% 16 6 Saanich British Columbia 114,148 19.6% 44 $907,446 75 $79,750 27 5.7 8 37.7% 20 40.16 6 68.89 26 92.25 1 99.0% 1 7 Waterloo Ontario 104,986 24.26% 6 $456,198 48 $82,310 20 6.9 17 48.9% 4 60.83 33 67.36 29 53.57 31 94.7% 23 8 Kingston Ontario 123,798 21.72% 23 $323,566 33 $77,340 31 7.9 24 32.8% 29 62.22 34 80.32 7 59.2 21 94.7% 23 9 Trois-Rivières Quebec 134,413 18.04% 58 $145,240 2 $75,670 35 7.5 22 22.6% 59 50.81 19 94.44 1 54 30 97.4% 6 10 Vancouver British Columbia 631,486 26.82% 3 $1,439,652 84 $72,390 42 5.6 7 47.4% 5 114.47 64 72.54 21 91.13 4 97.3% 7 11 New Westminster British Columbia 70,996 23.44% 13 $651,600 62 $72,390 42 6 11 35.6% 24 78.84 50 72.54 21 87.66 6 97.1% 10 12 Levis Quebec 143,414 17.0% 73 $262,000 16 $85,270 14 4.1 1 27.2% 42 30.9 4 62.19 38 47.66 34 96.1% 18 13 Gatineau Quebec 276,245 20.0% 39 $219,000 10 $86,830 13 6.8 16 30.2% 35 59.64 32 22.04 52 43.59 38 97.4% 6 14 Burnaby British Columbia 232,755 24.03% 7 $1,078,227 81 $72,390 42 6.4 13 41.1% 13 77.11 48 72.54 21 86.94 8 97.1% 10 15 Calgary Alberta 1,239,220 23.26% 16 $475,918 52 $95,800 5 9.5 33 39.8% 16 73.68 43 72.95 18 33.41 43 96.1% 18 16 Sherbrooke Quebec 161,323 21.20% 27 $250,909 15 $73,520 41 6.9 17 27.5% 41 48.99 14 54.86 48 41.04 40 98.1% 2 17 St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador 111,796 23.81% 11 $308,036 31 $99,390 2 8.9 30 35.6% 23 79.23 51 66.92 32 56.4 27 91.1% 39 18 Hamilton Ontario 536,917 19.96% 40 $468,446 51 $83,790 15 7 18 25.0% 52 63.43 35 82.37 6 62.35 16 96.1% 18 18 Edmonton Alberta 932,546 25.66% 4 $370,484 41 $97,170 4 8.8 29 32.5% 30 117.6 66 75.59 12 26.58 45 95.9% 20 20 St. Catharines Ontario 133,000 19.65% 43 $345,796 37 $70,280 47 8.1 26 23.4% 57 50.34 18 76.29 10 69.93 11 97.9% 3 20 Fredericton New Brunswick 58,220 23.37% 15 $169,754 4 $78,230 30 8.8 29 43.0% 9 73 2 51.30 49 45.13 36 91.2% 38 22 Saskatoon Saskatchewan 246,376 24.93% 5 $331,889 35 $92,970 8 6.8 16 33.8% 27 128.38 69 61.78 41 17.12 48 97.5% 5 23 Moncton New Brunswick 71,889 21.24% 25 $175,300 7 $76,880 32 8 25 25.6% 47 75.68 46 85.88 4 45.13 36 92.3% 33 24 London Ontario 383,822 22.18% 19 $328,130 34 $75,470 36 7.9 24 30.6% 34 77.09 47 67.92 28 59.34 20 96.4% 15 24 Toronto Ontario 2,731,571 23.88% 10 $818,201 71 $67,880 49 8.2 27 44.1% 7 58.92 31 73.77 16 67.25 15 93.2% 31 26 Charlottetown Prince Edward Island 64,487 21.55% 24 $234,990 11 $74,910 38 10.5 40 34.3% 26 54.72 26 50.00 50 45.13 36 96.9% 11 27 Brampton Ontario 593,640 21.24% 26 $669,389 64 $67,880 49 8.3 28 30.2% 36 43.08 10 74.55 14 62.29 17 96.0% 19 28 Burlington Ontario 183,315 16.41% 75 $728,818 70 $67,880 49 5.6 7 38.7% 19 24.8 1 75 13 67.47 14 96% 16 28 Saguenay Quebec 145,949 17.44% 65 $171,803 5 $81,520 23 8.3 28 19.7% 66 57.58 30 76.39 9 47.66 34 97.6% 4 30 Barrie Ontario 141,434 20.56% 31 $481,987 53 $81,240 24 7.4 21 20.9% 62 50 17 73.77 16 47.42 35 97.2% 8 31 St. Albert Alberta 65,589 17.3% 67 $401,904 44 $97,170 4 6.6 15 29.8% 38 53.67 24 75.59 12 26.58 45 95.9% 20 32 Regina Saskatchewan 215,106 23.43% 14 $297,458 28 $91,500 10 6 11 25.3% 49 131.72 70 68.94 25 15.4 50 96.5% 14 32 Brossard Quebec 85,721 18.31% 57 $281,173 23 $73,950 40 7.4 21 39.3% 17 54.73 27 62.19 38 54 30 96.1% 18 34 Ajax Ontario 119,675 19.72% 42 $615,800 60 $67,880 49 8.2 27 30.2% 37 40.46 7 82.64 5 54.14 28 96.2% 17 34 Mississauga Ontario 721,599 20.16% 36 $685,860 68 $67,880 49 8.3 28 41.6% 11 43.08 10 65.98 33 62.2 18 96.0% 19 36 Kitchener Ontario 232,222 22.58% 17 $456,198 48 $82,310 20 6.8 16 27.1% 43 60.83 33 61.00 43 53.57 31 94.7% 23 37 Richmond British Columbia 198,309 20.36% 34 $985,000 77 $72,390 42 5.9 10 41.0% 14 74.54 44 72.54 21 87.31 7 93.9% 29 38 Vaughan Ontario 306,233 17.70% 62 $988,757 78 $67,880 49 5.8 9 40.7% 15 34.92 5 73.77 16 57.63 25 95.6% 21 38 Montreal Quebec 1,704,694 23.92% 8 $464,466 49 $73,950 40 9.3 32 39.0% 18 72.39 41 62.19 38 54 30 94.6% 24 40 Saint John New Brunswick 67,575 18.88% 52 $168,575 3 $82,110 22 9.6 34 19.9% 65 74.79 45 72.69 20 45.13 36 97.6% 4 41 Milton Ontario 110,125 17.78% 60 $723,170 69 $67,880 49 5.6 7 41.8% 10 52.71 22 73.77 16 53.02 33 96.3% 16 41 Coquitlam British Columbia 139,284 19.57% 45 $909,200 76 $72,390 42 6.1 12 37.4% 21 70.54 40 68.52 27 83.54 10 97.1% 9 41 Markham Ontario 328,966 19.15% 49 $1,034,384 80 $67,880 49 7.3 20 43.8% 8 34.92 5 71.06 24 57.24 26 95.6% 21 44 Lethbridge Alberta 92,729 23.89% 9 $263,443 17 $82,790 18 6.6 15 25.1% 51 121.56 67 55.62 47 44.22 37 94.4% 25 44 Red Deer Alberta 100,418 23.65% 12 $321,182 32 $97,850 3 10.2 38 19.7% 67 206.87 74 87.77 3 16.73 49 97.2% 8 46 Windsor Ontario 217,188 20.08% 38 $249,771 14 $72,270 43 9.2 31 25.2% 50 85.12 54 73.77 16 59.34 20 94.4% 25 47 North Vancouver British Columbia 85,935 14.4% 84 $1,093,900 82 $72,390 42 5.1 4 48.9% 3 81.25 52 72.54 21 91.43 3 97.6% 4 48 Oakville Ontario 193,832 15.09% 81 $1,098,781 83 $67,880 49 6.9 17 53.0% 1 24.8 1 62.5 37 68.35 13 96.3% 16 49 Niagara Falls Ontario 88,071 17.2% 70 $368,855 39 $70,280 47 7.7 23 18.3% 73 50 17 73.77 16 69.36 12 97.9% 3 50 Repentigny Quebec 84,285 15.91% 79 $280,188 22 $73,950 40 5.6 7 18.7% 70 28.93 3 62.19 38 54 30 96.8% 12 51 Sarnia Ontario 71,594 18.31% 56 $264,999 19 $88,880 11 9.2 31 18.4% 72 82.07 53 63.33 36 59.34 20 97.6% 4 52 Whitby Ontario 128,377 17.08% 72 $615,599 59 $67,880 49 7.4 21 31.1% 33 40.46 7 73.77 16 54.03 29 96.2% 17 52 Pickering Ontario 91,771 19.19% 48 $672,018 65 $67,880 49 8 25 31.4% 32 52.71 22 73.77 16 54.03 29 96.2% 17 54 Laval Quebec 422,993 17.54% 63 $337,293 36 $73,950 40 7 18 27.6% 40 47.93 12 62.19 38 53.29 32 94.2% 27 55 Grande Prairie Alberta 63,166 29.23% 1 $271,119 20 $114,980 1 9.7 35 16.7% 77 150.41 72 72.22 22 12.39 51 94.0% 28 56 Newmarket Ontario 84,224 17.73% 61 $823,727 72 $67,880 49 6.6 15 33.7% 28 52.71 22 73.77 16 57.72 24 95.6% 21 56 Peterborough Ontario 81,032 20.62% 30 $380,818 43 $75,350 37 8.9 30 24.9% 53 55.14 28 74.44 15 47.42 35 91.4% 37 58 Terrebonne Quebec 111,575 17.21% 69 $283,793 24 $73,950 40 6.1 12 17.1% 76 40.81 8 62.19 38 54 30 96.8% 12 59 Delta British Columbia 102,238 16.04% 77 $906,577 74 $72,390 42 5.3 5 28.0% 39 53.59 23 72.54 21 88.43 5 94.3% 26 60 Clarington Ontario 92,010 19.05% 51 $524,640 56 $67,880 49 7.4 21 18.9% 69 40.46 7 73.77 16 54.14 28 96.2% 17 60 Oshawa Ontario 159,455 19.75% 41 $483,851 54 $67,880 49 9.8 36 17% 78 40.86 9 87.78 2 54.14 28 96.2% 17 62 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec 95,114 11.9% 85 $263,787 18 $82,270 21 5.9 10 16.5% 79 49.7 16 62.19 38 54 30 96.1% 18 62 Kelowna British Columbia 124,951 20.41% 33 $615,122 58 $80,150 25 6.9 17 24.1% 54 100.25 60 67.32 30 59.65 19 96.0% 19 64 Surrey British Columbia 517,887 20.35% 35 $685,470 67 $72,390 42 6.5 14 27.0% 45 116.99 65 73.15 17 88.43 5 94.3% 26 65 Longueuil Quebec 239,700 16.00% 78 $306,870 30 $73,950 40 7.3 20 25.3% 48 49.66 15 62.19 38 54 30 96.1% 18 66 Prince George British Columbia 74,003 22.04% 20 $289,580 26 $92,680 9 9.3 32 19.5% 68 154.39 73 75.00 13 36.07 42 91.6% 36 67 Cambridge Ontario 129,000 19.09% 50 $454,808 47 $82,310 20 6.4 13 18.5% 71 60.83 33 64.81 35 53.57 31 94.7% 23 67 Chatham-Kent Ontario 101,647 15.90% 80 $185,477 8 $70,970 46 7.5 22 13.1% 84 66.4 39 73.77 16 59.34 20 97.2% 8 69 Richmond Hill Ontario 195,022 17.12% 71 $989,689 79 $67,880 49 6.9 17 51.1% 2 52.71 22 62.04 39 57.63 25 95.6% 21 70 Winnipeg Manitoba 705,224 21.81% 21 $294,843 27 $71,830 45 6.5 14 26.1% 46 108.13 62 67.12 31 26.04 46 91.8% 34 71 Drummondville Quebec 75,423 16.99% 74 $189,596 9 $74,150 39 7.2 19 14.9% 83 56.42 29 62.19 38 54 30 97% 6 72 Greater Sudbury Ontario 161,531 18.68% 54 $248,702 13 $94,230 7 8.3 28 20.5% 64 63.52 36 61.11 42 30.5 44 90.5% 40 73 Kamloops British Columbia 90,280 20.44% 32 $349,845 38 $88,880 11 7.5 22 22.1% 60 128.06 68 43.47 51 59.65 19 93.3% 30 74 Caledon Ontario 66,502 16.3% 76 $888,038 73 $67,880 49 5.5 6 27.1% 44 26.61 2 62.04 39 57.63 25 96.0% 19 75 Thunder Bay Ontario 107,909 19.41% 46 $245,242 12 $82,570 19 7.7 23 24.1% 55 88.63 55 58.95 44 23.03 47 91.7% 35 75 Cape Breton Nova Scotia 94,285 15.03% 82 $132,833 1 $70,140 48 17.4 41 18.2% 75 47.48 11 75.99 11 45.13 36 93.2% 31 77 Medicine Hat Alberta 63,260 19.27% 47 $299,288 29 $94,720 6 10 37 15.4% 82 103.85 61 72.95 18 44.22 37 94.4% 25 78 Maple Ridge British Columbia 82,256 17.80% 59 $680,100 66 $72,390 42 5.1 4 18.3% 74 93.24 57 72.54 21 83.54 10 97.1% 10 79 Abbotsford British Columbia 141,397 20.11% 37 $540,854 57 $72,210 44 6.6 15 20.6% 63 91.35 56 57.31 46 85.19 9 95.6% 21 80 Nanaimo British Columbia 90,504 18.54% 55 $501,400 55 $76,580 33 7.7 23 23.3% 58 111.51 63 61.84 40 92.14 2 95.3% 22 81 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario 73,368 17.42% 66 $174,913 6 $79,660 28 10.3 39 21.4% 61 77.39 49 71.83 23 38.41 41 88.6% 41 82 Chilliwack British Columbia 83,788 17.53% 64 $466,965 50 $79,970 26 6.4 13 15.5% 81 140.12 71 72.54 21 85.19 9 95.6% 21 83 Brantford Ontario 97,496 18.77% 53 $378,262 42 $76,220 34 6.9 17 15.7% 80 95.14 58 64.86 34 58.72 23 95.3% 22 84 Kawartha Lakes Ontario 75,423 14.64% 83 $370,000 40 $83,630 16 7.7 23 11.9% 85 63.65 37 73.77 16 47.42 35 93.9% 29 85 Langley Township British Columbia 117,285 17.3% 68 $668,356 63 $72,390 42 4.4 2 23.5% 56 99.22 59 57.87 45 83.54 10 94.3% 26

For reference, feel free to look over the national average values for each of the nine criteria:

Average % of Millennials of Total Population Average Home Price Millennials' Median Yearly Income Average Unemployment Rate (%) Average % of Population with Bachelor's Degree or Above Average Crime Severity Index Average Healthcare Index Average Climate Index Average Life Satisfaction of Millennials 19.5% $505,618 $79,660 7.7 28.5% 70.96 70.63 52.82 95.4%

Methodology:

To compile our list we looked at data available for Canada’s 85 largest cities by population.

For each city we analyzed nine different criteria which are attractive to millennials: yearly income, average home selling price, unemployment rate, life satisfaction, crime rate, healthcare, climate, level of education (the percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or above) and percentage of millennials of the total population.

We graded each criterion from 1 to 85 and then calculated a total attractiveness score for each city by summing these grades up. Based on this score, we determined their position in the ranking.

The data was researched within the last three months from Statistics Canada for unemployment rates, millennials’ life satisfaction, crime severity, education, the percentage of millennials of the total population and median income, from Numbeo for healthcare and climate, and from CREA and Real Estate Associations for the average home prices.