A recent report by MovingWaldo has unveiled Canada’s most affordable provinces that offer an exceptional quality of life in 2025. The rankings are based on factors such as the safety of neighbourhoods, housing prices, rental costs, and the overall average cost of living.
| Province | Average monthly cost of living | Average 1-bedroom apartment/ monthly rent | Average property buying cost |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $2,411.87 | $845 | $297,000 |
| New Brunswick | $2,341.21 | $1,274 | $308,800 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,531.25 | $1,228 | $344,800 |
| Manitoba | $2,696.7 | $1,381 | $376,770 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,718.14 | $850 | $365,600 |
| Quebec | $2,665.56 | $1,776 | $525,732 |
| Nova Scotia | $3,101.53 | $2,100 | $564,000 |
With an average monthly cost of living of $2,411.87, average one-bedroom apartment rent at $845, and average property prices around $297,000, this province is known for its stunning coastal scenery and welcoming communities.
Immigration pathways
1. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The NLPNP allows the province to nominate individuals who meet specific criteria to the federal government for permanent residency. The program includes several categories:
– Skilled Worker Category
– Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
– International Graduate Category
– International Entrepreneur Category
– International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
3. Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador
Boasting the lowest monthly cost of living in the country at $2,341.21, with one-bedroom rents averaging $1,274 and property prices at $308,800, New Brunswick offers a peaceful environment and access to natural beauty.
Immigration pathways
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
The NBPNP is a key immigration program that allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on its labor market and economic development needs. The program includes several streams:
- – Express Entry Stream.
- – Skilled Workers Stream.
- – Business Immigration Stream.
- – Strategic Initiative Stream.
- – Critical Worker Pilot.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Known as the sunniest province in Canada, Saskatchewan has a cost of living of $2,531.25, one-bedroom rents at $1,228, and average home prices of $344,800. It appeals to those who value open spaces and recreational opportunities.
Immigration pathways
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The SINP has several streams tailored to different applicant categories:
International Skilled Worker Category: This stream targets skilled workers who want to live and work in Saskatchewan. It includes:
- – Employment Offer Sub-Categor
- – Occupations In-Demand Sub-Category
- – Express Entry Sub-Category
Saskatchewan Experience Category: Designed for foreign nationals already living and working in Saskatchewan. It includes:
- – Existing Work Permit Sub-Category
- – Health Professionals Sub-Category
- – Hospitality Sector Project Sub-Category
- – Long-Haul Truck Driver Project Sub-Category
- – Students Sub-Category
Entrepreneur and Farm Category: This stream targets individuals interested in owning and actively managing a business or farm in Saskatchewan. It includes:
- – Entrepreneur Sub-Category
- – Farm Owner and Operator Sub-Category
With a monthly cost of living of $2,696.70, one-bedroom rents at $1,381, and average property prices of $376,770, Manitoba offers vibrant city life in Winnipeg and serene landscapes, making it ideal for families and professionals.
Immigration pathways
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is the province’s PNP with these 3 streams:
- – Skilled Worker Stream.
- – International Education Stream (IES).
- – Business Investor.
In which Skilled Worker Stream features two pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM), and Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO). The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream includes the Manitoba Express Entry Pathway, an Express Entry aligned pathway (for those who have an active Express Entry profile).
As Canada’s smallest province, PEI has a cost of living of $2,718.14, with one-bedroom rents at $850 and average home prices at $365,600. It’s renowned for its breathtaking beaches and welcoming communities.
Immigration pathways
1. PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The PEI PNP is the primary immigration program, designed to nominate individuals who meet specific labor market and economic needs. It has three main categories:
- – Express Entry Category
- – Labour Impact Category
- – Business Impact Category
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
PEI participates in the AIP, a federal initiative to address labor shortages in Atlantic Canada.
Despite higher taxes, Quebec offers a cost of living at $2,665.56, one-bedroom rents averaging $1,776, and property prices around $525,732. The province provides a rich culture, diverse housing options, and quality public services.
Quebec has its own immigration system, with programs like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for individuals who meet specific criteria.
With a cost of living of $3,101.53, one-bedroom rents at $2,100, and average home prices of $564,000, Nova Scotia’s coastal charm and friendly communities offer a high quality of life.
Immigration pathways
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The NSNP allows the province to nominate candidates for permanent residency who meet specific labor market needs. Key streams under the NSNP include:
- – Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream: Targets highly skilled individuals with experience in occupations that are in demand in the province.
- – Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream: Designed for skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
- – Skilled Worker Stream: Assists employers in hiring foreign workers and international graduates with the required skills.
- – Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals who wish to start or buy a business and settle in Nova Scotia.
- – International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Tailored for recent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who have started or operated a business in the province.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Canada’s diverse provinces offer a range of affordable living options combined with high quality of life. For immigrants seeking new opportunities, these provinces not only provide economic stability and community support but also have streamlined immigration pathways to facilitate smooth settlement. As 2025 unfolds, these regions stand out as top choices for those aspiring to build a fulfilling life in Canada.
