Canadians Face High Housing Costs in Happiest Cities

A recent analysis has revealed that the happiest cities in Canada come with a significant financial burden. According to a survey conducted by Leger, which assessed happiness levels across the country, individuals residing in these cities face steep housing prices. Released in July, the 2025 Happy Cities and Provinces Survey provides insights into the well-being of Canadians, reporting an average happiness score of 68.7 out of 100.

While this average reflects a general sense of contentment, the report highlights more troubling trends. Approximately 28 percent of Canadians indicated that they feel less happy than the previous year, while nearly half reported no change. Only 23 percent of respondents noted an increase in their happiness levels. The survey ranked happiness in major Canadian cities, with Mississauga, Ontario, leading the way with a score of 70.3. Following Mississauga were Montreal at 69.4 and Hamilton, Ontario, at 67.5.

Link Between Happiness and Housing Prices

In a deeper examination of the findings, real estate company Zoocasa analyzed how happiness correlates with housing costs. By comparing Leger’s happiness data with average home prices from the Canadian Real Estate Association and the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Zoocasa calculated a “price per happiness point.” The results indicate that residing in the happiest cities requires substantial financial investment. In Mississauga, the average home price is $969,501, translating to roughly $13,788 for each happiness point.

This figure is nearly double that of Montreal, where the price per happiness point is $8,343. Zoocasa spokesperson Angela Serednicki remarked on the stark contrast in affordability among the largest Canadian cities. “The eight other largest cities by population fall below it, even with their abundance of amenities, job opportunities, and urban conveniences,” she stated.

The analysis revealed that the price per happiness point varies significantly across Canada, ranging from the lowest at $5,790 in Winnipeg to the highest at $17,220 in Vancouver. This suggests that cities in Western Canada provide better value for happiness. Edmonton ($6,289 per point), Calgary ($8,425), and Winnipeg ($5,790) rank among the most affordable, allowing residents to enjoy a sense of well-being without the financial strain present in pricier markets.

Comparative Analysis of Major Cities

Both Montreal and Calgary manage to strike a balance between happiness and housing affordability. With around $8,000 per happiness point, these cities offer a livability that does not compromise financial stability. “These markets show that livability and affordability can coexist, offering residents a sense of well-being without the financial strain found in Canada’s most expensive metropolitan areas,” explained the Zoocasa analysis.

Conversely, Canadians living in Vancouver and Toronto experience some of the lowest happiness levels while grappling with the highest housing costs. In both cities, home prices exceed $1 million, resulting in residents paying more than $16,000 for each happiness point. Serednicki emphasized that despite the vibrant job markets and cultural opportunities these cities offer, affordability issues continue to impact overall life satisfaction.

These findings raise important questions about the relationship between happiness and housing costs in Canada. As residents in the happiest cities navigate the challenges of high real estate prices, the data suggests a complex interplay between emotional well-being and financial realities. The analysis underscores the need for ongoing discussions about housing affordability and its impact on quality of life in urban settings across the country.