Where does your housing dollar go furthest? We rank all provinces and territories by average home price, land transfer tax, and total buying costs.
Based on average home prices and total closing costs including LTT. Ranked from most affordable to least.
| # | Province/Territory | Avg Home Price | LTT on Avg Price | LTT Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Brunswick | ~$280,000 | ~$3,550 | Has LTT |
| 2 | Saskatchewan | ~$310,000 | $0 | No LTT |
| 3 | Manitoba | ~$355,000 | ~$4,900 | Has LTT |
| 4 | Alberta | ~$430,000 | $0 | No LTT |
| 5 | Nova Scotia | ~$380,000 | ~$6,500 | Has LTT |
| 6 | Yukon | ~$555,000 | $0 | No LTT |
| 7 | Quebec | ~$450,000 | ~$5,750 | Has LTT |
| 8 | Ontario | ~$780,000 | ~$12,850 | Has LTT |
| 9 | BC | ~$830,000 | ~$14,600 | Has LTT |
The cost of buying a home in Canada goes beyond the sticker price. Land transfer tax, legal fees, home inspection, title insurance, and mortgage default insurance all add to the total cost of acquisition. Understanding the full picture is essential for comparing markets accurately.
Saskatchewan consistently ranks among Canada's most affordable provinces for homebuyers. With average home prices around $310,000 in 2026 and zero provincial land transfer tax, total closing costs (legal fees, inspection, title registration) typically run $2,500–$3,500 — a fraction of what Ontario or BC buyers face. Saskatchewan's economy, anchored by agriculture and potash mining, has provided stable employment and moderate price appreciation.
Alberta combines relatively high average prices (reflecting Calgary and Edmonton's strong economies) with $0 provincial LTT. The result is that while homes cost more than in Saskatchewan, buyers keep their closing costs low. A $500,000 Calgary home costs $0 in LTT; the same $500,000 home in Toronto costs $6,475 in provincial LTT plus an additional $6,475 in Toronto municipal LTT for a total transfer tax bill of $12,950.
The three northern territories offer $0 territorial LTT, but housing costs in Yellowknife and Iqaluit are elevated by construction challenges and remote location. They rank favorably on LTT but not necessarily on overall affordability. Whitehorse (Yukon) is the most balanced — moderate prices by Canadian standards and $0 LTT.
Ontario and BC anchor the expensive end of the spectrum. Both charge significant transfer taxes on already-high purchase prices, creating the largest total closing costs in the country. Toronto's combination of provincial and municipal LTT makes it the most expensive city in Canada for total acquisition costs on properties below $2 million.
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