Canadian Happiness Rankings Reveal High Housing Costs

A recent survey conducted by Leger highlights the relationship between happiness levels and housing costs in Canada’s largest cities. The findings, released in July 2025, reveal that while Canadians rate their happiness at an average of 68.7 out of 100, significant disparities exist based on location and housing prices.

The survey indicates that 28 percent of Canadians feel less happy than they did a year ago, while 49 percent report no change in their happiness levels. Only 23 percent claim to have experienced an improvement. Among the cities surveyed, Mississauga emerged as the happiest, scoring 70.3, followed by Montreal at 69.4 and Hamilton at 67.5. Conversely, Toronto, with a score of 65.8, ranks as the least happy major city.

Housing Costs Impact Happiness

Real estate company Zoocasa further explored the connections between happiness and housing prices, comparing Leger’s happiness data with average home prices from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Their analysis calculated a “price per happiness point,” revealing that residents in Mississauga pay an average of $969,501 for homes, equating to approximately $13,788 for each point of happiness.

In contrast, Montreal’s price per happiness point stands at $8,343, highlighting a significant financial burden for those seeking happiness in the highest-ranked cities. Angela Serednicki, a spokesperson for Zoocasa, noted that the findings demonstrate a stark contrast between housing costs and happiness levels across different urban centers.

The analysis also uncovered the best value for happiness in Western Canada. Winnipeg offers the most affordable living, with a price per happiness point of just $5,790, while Calgary and Edmonton follow closely at $8,425 and $6,289, respectively. This affordability enables Western Canadians to enjoy a better “happiness return” on their housing investments, according to Serednicki.

Balancing Happiness and Affordability

Cities like Montreal and Calgary present a balance between emotional satisfaction and accessible housing prices. Both cities achieve high happiness scores while maintaining mid-range home costs, with a price per happiness point of around $8,000. This suggests that livability and affordability can coexist, allowing residents to experience well-being without the financial strain common in pricier metropolitan areas.

In stark contrast, Toronto and Vancouver rank among the lowest in happiness while facing the highest housing costs. With home prices exceeding $1 million in both cities, residents are paying upwards of $16,000 per happiness point. The data indicates that even with vibrant job markets and cultural opportunities, the affordability crisis continues to impact overall life satisfaction for many residents.

The findings from the Leger survey and Zoocasa’s analysis provide a comprehensive look at how the cost of living affects happiness in Canada. As urban centers grapple with rising housing prices, the challenge remains to ensure that citizens can find both joy and affordability in their daily lives.