Are looking to move somewhere warmer and more affordable in Canada?
Well, there’s one thing that almost all Canadians can agree on – warm weather is hard to come by.
While there are some areas that offer relatively warm weather, such as Victoria, B.C., many of these cities and towns are also expensive to live in.
If you’re looking for the warmest and cheapest place to live in Canada, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ll outline cities and towns with great weather and affordable prices so you can get the best of both worlds!
Canada’s Climate: What To Expect
As a whole, Canada is known for its brutally cold winters and all-too-short summers. Don’t expect to find any tropical or desert climates in this country, even in the warmest places.
That being said, there are many cities and towns throughout Canada that have relatively warm weather compared to the rest of the country. These regions are typically located closer to the southern border of the country. The closer you get to the Arctic region, the colder it gets.
This is one of the reasons why Canada’s southern region is the most inhabited. Many of the northern areas of the country remain uninhabited (or sparsely) inhabited due to a lack of infrastructure, roads, and inhospitable living conditions. This explains why 81.75% of Canada’s population lives in an urban environment.
No matter where you live in Canada, you should expect a cold winter. Even the warmest cities I’ve listed below are going to see snowy winters, along with plenty of ice and frost.
However, many of the cities and towns mentioned below have warmer spring and summer seasons or longer-lasting summer months, allowing you to get the most out of the season.
- Related Reading: Warmest Places To Live In Canada
The Warmest And Cheapest Places To Live In Canada
Canadian cities like Vancouver Island and Toronto have a reputation for being some of Canada’s warmest and most populous cities. However, they’re also among the most expensive places to live in the country.
Below, I’ll share some places that offer the best of both worlds – a warm climate where you can live affordably.
I’ve also compiled some statistical cost of living data from Numbeo and various weather-reporting platforms, so you can see the raw data for yourself.
1. Kelowna, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperature: 20 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -4 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,810
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,298
Situated in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna and its surrounding region are characterized by a mild climate and striking natural beauty.
The city offers one of Canada’s warmer climates, with an average high of 20 degrees Celsius in July and relatively mild winters averaging -4 in December and January.
Aside from its weather, Kelowna also offers an attractive cost of living compared to other Canadian cities, making it a practical choice for families and retirees alike.
The average cost of living in the city is $1,298, not including rent, and average house prices are just over $869,000, which is significantly lower than Vancouver’s average home price of $1.2 million.
The affordability doesn’t compromise quality; residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with access to cultural events, quality healthcare, and outdoor recreation.
This blend of warmth and affordability makes Kelowna a standout choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while retaining a comfortable standard of living.
2. Osoyoos, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperature: 20 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -4 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300
Osoyoos, the southernmost town in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is one of the cheapest places to live for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle in a warm setting.
Known primarily as a summer destination, the area boasts hot temperatures with summer peaks reaching up to 25 degrees or more. The weather rarely drops below -8 during the winter and averages between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius.
Its warm climate tends to draw in a lot of tourists during the spring and summer months. The only downside of living in Osoyoos is that there aren’t a lot of job opportunities outside of peak tourism season.
That being said, it’s a great place for remote workers looking for a beautiful place to live with a low cost of living.
Like its neighbour, Kelowna, Osoyoos offers a favourable cost of living and provides a perfect backdrop for families and retirees to settle in. The town is home to a number of golf courses, vineyards and orchards as well.
3. Kamloops, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperature: 23 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -2 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,594
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,297
Nestled towards the edge of northern British Columbia, Kamloops offers an ideal setting for families and individuals alike, offering a blend of affordability, great climate, and natural beauty.
The average cost of living is $1,297, according to the latest data from Numbeo and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is just under $1,600.
Kamloops has warm summers that get up into the 20s and may even surpass 30 Celsius during the peak summer months, and it’s rare for the temperature to drop below -2 in the winter.
Kamloops is known for being an outdoor activity hub and offers everything from summer and winter hiking to water sports, mountain biking, and more.
4. London, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperature: 27 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -2 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,822
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,366
London, Ontario, is just a two-hour drive from Niagara Falls, which is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike during the warm summer months, which can get up to 27 degrees Celsius. Winters rarely see temperatures lower than -8, and the average winter temperature is -2.
London has a vibrant local culture and has a growing population. From art museums to colleges, local sports leagues, restaurants, parks, and more, this city has lots of fun stuff to do.
Overall, it’s a great place to consider moving for those who like the idea of living in the city but don’t want to put up with the high cost of living and city traffic of a larger city like Toronto.
The cost of living is just $1,366, according to Numbeo’s latest data. While this is more than you’d pay in a more rural region of Ontario, it’s quite fair considering the size of London and what the city has to offer.
5. Windsor, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperature: 20 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: 0 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,281
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,406
Located just a two-hour drive west of London, Windsor, Ontario, features a similar climate with average summer temperatures maintaining 15 to 24 degrees Celsius and an average winter temperature of 0. The highest average temperatures in the summer range between 25 and 28 degrees.
Situated just across the river from Detroit, Windsor offers an enticing blend of opportunity, affordability, and culture. It features a diverse job market, especially in healthcare and engineering sectors, making it a great place for young professionals are those with specialized trades.
Aside from being a hub for jobs and industry, Windsor also features some great restaurants, fun local activities, parks, and other family-friendly activities.
The average cost of living is just $1,406, which is relatively low compared to larger cities in the province, making homeownership a realistic goal for many residents.
6. Cornwall, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperature: 26 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -4 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,256
Positioned right on the Saint Lawrence River, Cornwall is one of the largest cities in eastern Ontario, with a population of 47,845. The city has a diverse economy that ranges from industrial manufacturing and logistics to service sectors, small tech, and hospitality.
Montreal is also just a one-hour drive to the east, which is a popular weekend destination for those looking to explore the larger city.
Cornwall is a popular spot for boaters and fishing enthusiasts due to its location on the river. The town’s warm summers range between 13 and 26 degrees Celsius and offer plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors before winter.
While the summers are excellent, winters in Cornwall can be frigid. January and February are the coldest months by far, and temperatures can drop as low as -15.
7. Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Average Summer Temperature: 24 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: 1 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,801
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,430
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and also serves as the province’s industrial hub, offering job opportunities in a number of different sectors. For a city with a population of 480,523, Halifax is one of the cheapest places to live when compared with other Canadian cities of the same size.
The average cost of living is $1,430, and a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for $1,801 in downtown Halifax (or cheaper in the suburbs).
Downtown Halifax has plenty of restaurants and is known for being a seafood haven, thanks to its location on the coast.
There’s also a bustling nightlife scene and plenty of shopping. If you ever get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can explore the numerous cliffs and trails just outside the city or rent a boat and spend the day out on the ocean.
8. Montreal, Quebec
- Average Summer Temperature: 26 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -5 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,593
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,288
Located in southern Quebec, the historic city of Monreal offers a warm climate with summers that range between 13 and 26 degrees Celsius. Unlike other huge cities in Canada, Montreal is often regarded as a “cheap city,” with apartments renting for as low as $1,500 per month and a low average cost of living.
Downtown Montreal is regarded as a hub for international food, and you can find cuisine from just about any culture in the world. The city’s historic streets are full of art galleries, museums, and small local businesses. Montreal is also home to McGill University, one of the most reputable universities in the country.
Quebec City, located just north of Montreal, is also notable for its low cost of living and vibrant culture.
9. New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
- Average Summer Temperature: 23 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -8 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $950
New Glasgow is a two-hour drive north of Halifax and is a good alternative for those who prefer small-town living to the big-city life you’d get in Nova Scotia’s capital. This town has a small population of just 9,000 people and is positioned right between two other small towns – Trenton and Priestville.
The town has fair weather in the summer months, peaking at around 23 degrees Celsius in August and dropping to a low of -8 in February. It’s positioned right on the ocean, so boating and fishing are very popular in the summer.
Climate aside, New Glasgow has a very affordable cost of living, and you can rent a small apartment for under $1,000. It’s also known for its Scottish roots, which can still be found in aspects of the town’s design and culture.
10. Moncton, New Brunswick
- Average Summer Temperature: 24 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -3 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,202
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,403
With average winter temperatures of -3 and average summer temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius, the small city of Moncton, New Brunswick, offers some of the best weather in the province. Moncton’s population is quickly growing, and the last reported census showed a population of 79,470.
The city is often called “Hub City” due to its varied job sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, commerce, and education. In recent years, it has seen a strong influx of both young professionals and small families alike.
From the low cost of living to the great weather, family-friendly atmosphere, and variable job opportunities, it’s easy to see why the city is growing so quickly.
11. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Average Summer Temperature: 24 Celsius
- Average Winter Temperature: -2 Celsius
- Average Rent For A 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,270
- Average Cost Of Living Without Rent: $1,400
Charlottetown is the capital of PEI and is a quaint city located right on the water’s edge. Boating and fishing are very popular activities here, and the city’s marinas are home to a large number of sailboats and yachts.
The city has a small population of just over 36,000 but offers a classic city feel with its brick construction, wide city streets, and local restaurants.
The cost of living here is relatively low, and you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Charlottetown for as low as $1,270, according to the latest data from Numbeo.
The main downside of this town is that there aren’t a lot of major job opportunities outside of the hospitality sector. Due to its small population and low cost of living, it’s more of a retirement and tourist destination. That said, it could be the perfect place for remote workers and freelancers.
Where Is The Warmest And Cheapest Place To Live In Eastern Canada?
If you’re looking for the warmest and cheapest place to live in Eastern Canada, I would say that Halifax, Nova Scotia is your best bet. The city has over 450,000 residents, ample job opportunities, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other Canadian cities of the same size.
Where Is The Warmest And Cheapest Place To Live In Western Canada?
The warmest place to live in Western Canada is, by far, Victoria Island and the Sunshine Coast. However, that’s also one of the most expensive places to live in the region.
From this list, I’d say that Kamloops and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia are some of the warmest and most affordable places to live in Western Canada.
Conclusion – Choosing The Best City For Your Lifestyle
While temperature and cost of living are a great place to start your search for a new city, they shouldn’t be your only metrics. You should also consider the local job opportunities, culture, and how friendly the people who live there are.
I suggest taking a one-week trip to a new city before you decide on moving there. During your trip, try to experience as much of the local culture as possible, talk to the people, and take some time to look at apartments and houses so you can get a feel for what life will be like there.
If safety is your primary goal, be sure to check out my list of the safest places to live in Canada next!
