Guelph Ranks First for Canadian Affordability
Zolo's ranking of 36 Canadian cities places Guelph, Ont. at the top for affordability and quality of life.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Canada
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Zolo ranked 36 Canadian cities on affordability and quality of life, with Guelph, Ont. placing first. Winnipeg, Man. came second, rising from eighth place a year earlier.
Why it matters
The ranking weighed home prices alongside household income, crime, unemployment and access to healthcare, giving buyers and renters a comparison point as home prices remain high nationally. With the average Canadian home at $666,538 in September and interest rates at 2.5 per cent as of Oct. 28, affordability is a pressing concern for households across Canada.
Guelph's benchmark home price was $720,200 in September 2026, against a national average of $666,538 in September. Winnipeg's benchmark home price is $392,100 with an average household income of $99,600, and Regina's is $343,900.
The players
Zolo
Zolo is a Canadian real estate platform that publishes city-level affordability and livability rankings.
Guelph, Ont.
Guelph is a city in southwestern Ontario that ranked first in Zolo's affordability and quality-of-life assessment.
Winnipeg, Man.
Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba and ranked second, rising from eighth place in the previous year's ranking.
The details
Zolo analyzed 36 cities using home prices, household income, population growth, crime rates, unemployment, access to primary healthcare, walkability and sunny days. Guelph, with a population of about 165,588, earned the top spot on higher-than-average household income and lower-than-average unemployment and crime rates.
Timeline
September: Average Canadian home price measured at $666,538.
October 28: Interest rates reached 2.5 per cent.
September 2026: Guelph benchmark home price measured at $720,200.
Travel Outlook
Zolo's ranking reflects a broader pattern in which large cities with strong employment and high incomes often rank well, while lower-priced cities with modest home costs gain ground on affordability. Guelph and Winnipeg illustrate how mid-sized Canadian cities can offer a balance of costs and stability that larger urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver do not.
Households weighing a move can use the ranking as a starting point, comparing benchmark home prices and household incomes in cities such as Guelph, Winnipeg and Regina. Buyers should also account for the 2.5 per cent interest rate noted as of Oct. 28 when estimating monthly costs.
The takeaway
Affordability in Canada varies widely by city, and mid-sized centres such as Guelph and Winnipeg can offer lower home prices alongside solid incomes and quality of life. Comparing local benchmark prices against household income before choosing a destination or relocation can help set realistic expectations.
Further reading
Explore more on Canada for travel and relocation context across the country's cities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dailyhive.
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