Canada + USA · 63 places

Best places to live for big-city living in Canada and the USA

Big cities in Canada and the USA compared on cost, weather and what's close by.

Order: Lowest cost of living first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for big-city living in Canada

  1. #1 · Québec, Canada

    Québec City

    Historic walled French city with ski hills nearby.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$410,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFrench-speakingSkiingFood sceneLower cost
  2. #2 · Manitoba, Canada

    Winnipeg

    Affordable prairie city with arts, sun and cold winters.

    January / July
    -16°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    316
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 50m / 1h 5m / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$380,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costLake lifeFood scene
  3. #3 · Alberta, Canada

    Edmonton

    River valley capital with big festivals and cheap homes.

    January / July
    -10°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    325
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 1h / 35 min
    Typical home price
    C$430,000
    Cost of living
    90 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costGolfLive music
  4. #4 · Québec, Canada

    Montréal

    Festivals, food and French culture at big-city value.

    January / July
    -9°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 30 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$600,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingBig cityNightlifeFood sceneLive musicLower cost
  5. #5 · Ontario, Canada

    London

    Forest City with a big university an hour from Lake Huron.

    January / July
    -6°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 1h / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$620,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    Big cityBeachGolf
  6. #6 · Ontario, Canada

    Ottawa

    Leafy capital with a skateable canal and Gatineau Park.

    January / July
    -10°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    305
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$680,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake life
  7. #7 · Ontario, Canada

    Kitchener-Waterloo

    Tech hub with two universities and Oktoberfest.

    January / July
    -6°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 1h 30m / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$760,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneGolf
  8. #8 · Alberta, Canada

    Calgary

    Sunny prairie city an hour from the Rockies.

    January / July
    -7°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    333
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$640,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingGolf
  9. #9 · Ontario, Canada

    Hamilton

    Waterfall city on the escarpment with a growing food scene.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    C$820,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingFood sceneLake life
  10. #10 · Ontario, Canada

    Toronto

    Canada's biggest city, with neighbourhoods for every taste.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 15 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    C$1,050,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Big cityNightlifeFood sceneLive music
  11. #11 · British Columbia, Canada

    Vancouver

    Ocean, mountains and a big-city food scene in one place.

    January / July
    4°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    165
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$1,250,000
    Cost of living
    135 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingSkiingBig cityFood sceneNightlife

Best for big-city living in the USA

  1. #1 · Oklahoma, USA

    Oklahoma City

    Low-cost living, revitalised districts and wide open skies.

    January / July
    3°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    234
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    83 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costLake life
  2. #2 · Tennessee, USA

    Memphis

    Blues, barbecue and some of the cheapest big-city homes.

    January / July
    5°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 1h / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$220,000
    Cost of living
    84 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLive musicFood sceneLower cost
  3. #3 · Alabama, USA

    Birmingham

    Affordable Southern city with great restaurants and wooded hills.

    January / July
    7°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    212
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 40 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$250,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costFood sceneGolfLake life
  4. #4 · Arkansas, USA

    Little Rock

    Affordable capital with river trails and Ozark lakes nearby.

    January / July
    5°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    86 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costHikingLake lifeGolf
  5. #5 · Ohio, USA

    Cleveland

    Affordable Lake Erie city with great museums and orchestra.

    January / July
    -3°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    166
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$120,000
    Cost of living
    87 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicLower cost
  6. #6 · Kentucky, USA

    Louisville

    Bourbon country, the Derby and an affordable river city.

    January / July
    1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 40 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$260,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneLower costGolf
  7. #7 · Michigan, USA

    Detroit

    Rebounding Motor City with cheap homes and a riverfront.

    January / July
    -4°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    183
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 30 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$95,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLive musicLower costFood scene
  8. #8 · Missouri, USA

    St. Louis

    Gateway Arch city with cheap historic homes and free museums.

    January / July
    0°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 1h / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$200,000
    Cost of living
    89 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLive musicFood sceneLower cost
  9. #9 · Texas, USA

    San Antonio

    River Walk charm, Tex-Mex and affordable big-city living.

    January / July
    11°C / 30°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 45 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$290,000
    Cost of living
    90 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBig cityFood sceneGolfLower cost
  10. #10 · Indiana, USA

    Indianapolis

    Easygoing, affordable capital with sports and racing.

    January / July
    -2°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    187
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 45 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$245,000
    Cost of living
    91 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costGolf
  11. #11 · Ohio, USA

    Cincinnati

    Hilly river city with historic neighborhoods and breweries.

    January / July
    -1°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    182
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 1h / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$250,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneLower cost
  12. #12 · Missouri, USA

    Kansas City

    Barbecue and jazz capital with low costs and big skies.

    January / July
    -1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 45 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$250,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLive musicFood sceneLower cost
  13. #13 · New York, USA

    Buffalo

    Snowy, affordable lake city near Niagara Falls.

    January / July
    -4°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    155
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$260,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeFood sceneLower cost
  14. #14 · Nebraska, USA

    Omaha

    Friendly, affordable Plains city with a strong job market.

    January / July
    -4°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$290,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costFood scene
  15. #15 · New Mexico, USA

    Albuquerque

    High desert city with balloons and green chile.

    January / July
    2°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 3h+ / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertHikingSkiingLower cost
  16. #16 · Wisconsin, USA

    Milwaukee

    Lake Michigan city of festivals, beer and affordable homes.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    189
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 5 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$220,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicLower cost
  17. #17 · Pennsylvania, USA

    Pittsburgh

    Hilly river city with strong hospitals, tech and low prices.

    January / July
    -2°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingFood sceneLower cost
  18. #18 · Ohio, USA

    Columbus

    Young, growing capital with a big university and tech scene.

    January / July
    -2°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    178
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$285,000
    Cost of living
    94 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneLower cost
  19. #19 · Florida, USA

    Jacksonville

    Sprawling river city with wide Atlantic beaches and lower prices.

    January / July
    12°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachSurfBig cityGolf
  20. #20 · Texas, USA

    Houston

    Diverse food capital, mild winters and Galveston an hour away.

    January / July
    12°C / 29°C
    Sunny days a year
    204
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 1h / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBig cityFood sceneNightlifeBeach
  21. #21 · Louisiana, USA

    New Orleans

    Jazz, Creole cooking and French Quarter festivals all year.

    January / July
    12°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$280,000
    Cost of living
    98 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBig cityLive musicFood sceneNightlifeFrench-speaking
  22. #22 · Virginia, USA

    Richmond

    Historic capital with a big food scene and James River trails.

    January / July
    3°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 1h 45m / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$380,000
    Cost of living
    98 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHiking
  23. #23 · Tennessee, USA

    Nashville

    Music City, with fast-growing neighbourhoods.

    January / July
    3°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Live musicNightlifeFood sceneBig city
  24. #24 · Florida, USA

    Tampa

    Gulf beaches, a growing downtown and no state income tax.

    January / July
    16°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    245
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$420,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachBig cityGolfFood scene
  25. #25 · North Carolina, USA

    Charlotte

    Banking hub with Lake Norman nearby and mountains in two hours.

    January / July
    5°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$410,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeGolfFood scene
  26. #26 · Maryland, USA

    Baltimore

    Harbor city with rowhouses, crabs and low home prices.

    January / July
    1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$190,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneLive musicLower cost
  27. #27 · Florida, USA

    Orlando

    Theme parks, lakes everywhere and an hour to Atlantic beaches.

    January / July
    16°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    233
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    101 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBig cityGolfLake lifeNightlife
  28. #28 · North Carolina, USA

    Raleigh

    Research Triangle jobs, top universities and green suburbs.

    January / July
    5°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    102 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHikingLake life
  29. #29 · Colorado, USA

    Colorado Springs

    Pikes Peak views and red rock trails in town.

    January / July
    0°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    243
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 3h+ / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$470,000
    Cost of living
    103 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingSkiingGolf
  30. #30 · Texas, USA

    Dallas

    Big-city jobs, sports and steakhouses with no state income tax.

    January / July
    8°C / 30°C
    Sunny days a year
    232
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 25 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$430,000
    Cost of living
    103 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneNightlifeGolfLake life
  31. #31 · Georgia, USA

    Atlanta

    Leafy neighbourhoods, huge airport and a booming job market.

    January / July
    7°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    217
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 50 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$420,000
    Cost of living
    104 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneLive musicNightlifeGolf
  32. #32 · Minnesota, USA

    Minneapolis

    City of lakes and bike trails with long, snowy winters.

    January / July
    -9°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    198
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$330,000
    Cost of living
    104 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicFood scene
  33. #33 · Texas, USA

    Austin

    Live music, tech jobs and warm winters.

    January / July
    11°C / 30°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$550,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersLive musicNightlifeRemote-work hubFood sceneBig city
  34. #34 · Nevada, USA

    Las Vegas

    Desert sun, no state income tax and big shows.

    January / July
    9°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    294
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 35 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$460,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertNightlifeGolfHiking
  35. #35 · Arizona, USA

    Phoenix

    Mild winters, desert hikes and a booming job market.

    January / July
    13°C / 35°C
    Sunny days a year
    299
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h 30m / 45 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersDesertGolf
  36. #36 · Pennsylvania, USA

    Philadelphia

    Historic, walkable big city with a lively food scene.

    January / July
    1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    207
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h 15m / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    106 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneNightlifeLive music
  37. #37 · Illinois, USA

    Chicago

    Lakefront city with world-class food and architecture.

    January / July
    -4°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    189
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 10 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    107 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeNightlifeLive musicFood scene
  38. #38 · Idaho, USA

    Boise

    River greenbelt living with a ski hill above town.

    January / July
    0°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 20 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  39. #39 · Colorado, USA

    Denver

    A sunny city base for mountain weekends.

    January / July
    0°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    245
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 30 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingBig cityRemote-work hub
  40. #40 · Utah, USA

    Salt Lake City

    World class powder 35 minutes from downtown.

    January / July
    -1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    222
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$560,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  41. #41 · Nevada, USA

    Reno

    Tahoe access and no income tax at a lower cost.

    January / July
    2°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 45 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingLake lifeNightlifeHiking
  42. #42 · Alaska, USA

    Anchorage

    Wilderness at the city edge and long summer days.

    January / July
    -8°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    100
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 10 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  43. #43 · California, USA

    Sacramento

    Farm to fork capital between Tahoe and the Bay.

    January / July
    8°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    265
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$500,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWine countryFood sceneHikingSkiing
  44. #44 · Florida, USA

    Miami

    Beaches, nightlife and no state income tax.

    January / July
    20°C / 29°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachNightlifeFood sceneBig city
  45. #45 · Oregon, USA

    Portland

    Food carts, bridges and Mount Hood an hour away.

    January / July
    5°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    144
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h 30m / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$540,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHikingSkiingLive music
  46. #46 · District of Columbia, USA

    Washington DC

    Capital city with free museums and leafy neighborhoods.

    January / July
    2°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    203
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 1h / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Big cityNightlifeFood sceneLive music
  47. #47 · Massachusetts, USA

    Boston

    Historic, walkable city of universities, biotech and seafood.

    January / July
    -1°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 20 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$760,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneBeachNightlife
  48. #48 · Washington, USA

    Seattle

    Tech jobs, coffee and mountains on the horizon.

    January / July
    6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    152
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$850,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingSkiingFood sceneRemote-work hub
  49. #49 · California, USA

    Los Angeles

    Sunshine, beaches and endless neighbourhoods to explore.

    January / July
    14°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    284
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    165 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersBeachSurfNightlifeFood scene
  50. #50 · New York, USA

    New York City

    The ultimate big city for culture, food and career.

    January / July
    1°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    234
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 40 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$780,000
    Cost of living
    165 (100 = national average)
    Big cityNightlifeLive musicFood sceneBeach
  51. #51 · California, USA

    San Francisco

    Foggy hills, world class food and wine country nearby.

    January / July
    11°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,250,000
    Cost of living
    175 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneWine countryHikingBeach
  52. #52 · Hawaii, USA

    Honolulu

    Year round warmth, surf and island city life.

    January / July
    23°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    185 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersBeachSurfHikingFood scene
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Best places to live for big-city living in Canada and the USA · Pinned