A new survey from Royal LePage reveals that a majority of residents in Canada's largest metropolitan areas are considering relocating to more affordable regions. The study, conducted in early 2026, found that 60% of respondents in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have thought about moving due to rising housing costs and cost-of-living pressures.
Survey highlights and regional differences
The survey polled over 1,500 adults living in Canada's six largest census metropolitan areas: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa. Among them, Vancouver residents showed the highest inclination to move, with 64% considering relocation, followed by Toronto at 62% and Montreal at 58%. In contrast, Calgary and Edmonton had lower percentages, at 52% and 50% respectively, reflecting relatively more affordable housing markets.
According to Royal LePage CEO Phil Soper, “The desire to move is not just about housing prices. It's about quality of life and the ability to afford a home that meets a family's needs.” He added that the trend is particularly strong among younger Canadians aged 18 to 34, with 72% of that demographic considering a move.
Reasons for considering a move
When asked about the primary motivators, 78% of those considering a move cited the high cost of housing as a key factor. Other reasons included lower cost of living (45%), desire for more space (38%), and job opportunities in other regions (22%). The survey also noted that 15% of respondents are actively looking for a home in a different city or province.
“The pandemic-era shift to remote work has given many Canadians the flexibility to live where they can afford a home,” Soper said. “This is reshaping the country’s population distribution.”
Impact on housing markets
The potential exodus from major cities could have significant implications for both the cities losing residents and the smaller communities gaining them. Royal LePage forecasts that demand for housing in mid-sized cities and suburban areas will continue to rise, potentially driving up prices in those regions. Meanwhile, some experts warn that if large numbers of residents leave, it could strain municipal budgets and reduce economic activity in urban centers.
The survey also found that 30% of respondents who are considering a move would prefer to stay within their current province, while 20% are looking to move to another province. Popular destinations include Atlantic Canada, particularly Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as well as smaller cities in Ontario and British Columbia.
Policy implications
Housing affordability remains a key issue for policymakers. The federal government has introduced measures such as the Housing Accelerator Fund and incentives for first-time homebuyers, but many Canadians feel these have not gone far enough. Soper emphasized that “addressing housing supply is critical. Without more homes being built, the affordability crisis will persist.”
The survey results come as Canada’s housing market shows signs of cooling after several years of rapid price increases. However, prices remain elevated in major cities, with the average home price in Toronto exceeding $1.2 million and in Vancouver over $1.4 million.
Conclusion
As Canadians grapple with the highest housing costs in decades, the Royal LePage survey underscores a growing trend of migration away from expensive urban centers. Whether this shift will alleviate pressure on big-city housing markets or simply transfer the affordability challenge to other regions remains to be seen.
