Canada + USA · 64 places

Best places to live for small-town living in Canada and the USA

Small towns with a strong sense of place, from ski villages to harbour towns.

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

Best for small-town living in Canada

  1. #1 · New Brunswick, Canada

    Saint John

    Gritty port city on the Bay of Fundy with cheap homes.

    January / July
    -8°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$290,000
    Cost of living
    75 (100 = national average)
    Lower costHikingSmall town
  2. #2 · Québec, Canada

    Baie-Saint-Paul

    Charlevoix art village with Le Massif above the river.

    January / July
    -12°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 10 min / 1h 25m
    Typical home price
    C$380,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingFood sceneHikingSmall town
  3. #3 · Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

    Corner Brook

    Fjord-side mill town near Marble Mountain and Gros Morne.

    January / July
    -7°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 15 min / 50 min
    Typical home price
    C$270,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLower costRemote-work hubSmall town
  4. #4 · New Brunswick, Canada

    Fredericton

    Quiet riverside capital with low prices and trails.

    January / July
    -10°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    82 (100 = national average)
    Lower costSmall townHikingLake life
  5. #5 · Alberta, Canada

    Lethbridge

    Sunny, windy coulee city with low home prices.

    January / July
    -6°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    320
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 45m / 20 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$410,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Lower costGolfSmall town
  6. #6 · Québec, Canada

    Magog

    Lakeside resort town below Mont Orford.

    January / July
    -11°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 2 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$450,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingLake lifeGolfSmall town
  7. #7 · Prince Edward Island, Canada

    Charlottetown

    Small island capital near red sand beaches and lobster.

    January / July
    -8°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    285
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 25 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$420,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    BeachGolfFood sceneSmall town
  8. #8 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Wolfville

    College town in the Annapolis Valley wine region.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 20 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    C$520,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryFood sceneHikingSmall town
  9. #9 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Halifax

    An ocean city with a friendly, small-town feel.

    January / July
    -4°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 20 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    C$550,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    BeachLower costFood sceneSmall town
  10. #10 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Lunenburg

    Colourful UNESCO fishing town on the South Shore.

    January / July
    -5°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 15 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$520,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    BeachFood sceneHikingSmall town
  11. #11 · Ontario, Canada

    Muskoka

    Classic cottage country with hundreds of lakes.

    January / July
    -10°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 5 min / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$750,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeSmall townGolf
  12. #12 · Québec, Canada

    Mont-Tremblant

    A ski village in the Laurentians with lakes all around.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    5 min / 5 min / 1h 50m
    Typical home price
    C$700,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    SkiingLake lifeFrench-speakingSmall townGolf
  13. #13 · British Columbia, Canada

    Penticton

    Sunny lake town between two beaches in wine country.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 2 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    C$720,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryLake lifeBeachGolfSmall town
  14. #14 · Ontario, Canada

    Prince Edward County

    Rural island of wineries, farm food and Sandbanks dunes.

    January / July
    -7°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 15 min / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$750,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryBeachFood sceneSmall town
  15. #15 · British Columbia, Canada

    Golden

    Rockies rafting town below Kicking Horse resort.

    January / July
    -9°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 1h / 2h 45m
    Typical home price
    C$650,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  16. #16 · British Columbia, Canada

    Courtenay

    Comox Valley town where you can ski and paddle in a day.

    January / July
    3°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 10 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$780,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingBeachHikingGolfSmall town
  17. #17 · British Columbia, Canada

    Nelson

    Artsy heritage town on Kootenay Lake near Whitewater.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 2 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$720,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall townFood scene
  18. #18 · Ontario, Canada

    Collingwood

    Georgian Bay town next to Blue Mountain resort.

    January / July
    -7°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 5 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    SkiingBeachGolfHikingSmall town
  19. #19 · British Columbia, Canada

    Victoria

    Canada's mildest winters and a relaxed harbour town.

    January / July
    5°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    C$950,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingGolfSmall town
  20. #20 · British Columbia, Canada

    Revelstoke

    Deep-powder ski town with the biggest vertical in North America.

    January / July
    -7°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 10 min / 2h 20m
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  21. #21 · Alberta, Canada

    Canmore

    A Rockies mountain town next to Banff.

    January / July
    -7°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 15 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingSmall town
  22. #22 · Ontario, Canada

    Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Pretty wine village with theatre and lakeside parks.

    January / July
    -4°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 25m / 5 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$1,200,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryFood sceneGolfLake lifeSmall town
  23. #23 · Yukon, Canada

    Whitehorse

    Wilderness capital under the northern lights.

    January / July
    -15°C / 14°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 15 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$620,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Remote-work hubHikingSkiingSmall town
  24. #24 · British Columbia, Canada

    Fernie

    Old coal town turned powder-skiing and biking hub.

    January / July
    -7°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 30 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$900,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  25. #25 · Alberta, Canada

    Jasper

    Quiet park town with dark skies, lakes and wildlife.

    January / July
    -10°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 10 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$700,000
    Cost of living
    130 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hubSmall town
  26. #26 · British Columbia, Canada

    Whistler

    World-class skiing in winter, bike park and lakes in summer.

    January / July
    -4°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 10 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$1,450,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town
  27. #27 · British Columbia, Canada

    Squamish

    Climbing and biking town between Vancouver and Whistler.

    January / July
    1°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 10 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$1,150,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    HikingSkiingLake lifeSmall town
  28. #28 · Alberta, Canada

    Banff

    Mountain town inside a national park with three ski areas.

    January / July
    -9°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$1,300,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town
  29. #29 · British Columbia, Canada

    Tofino

    Rainforest surf village at the edge of the Pacific.

    January / July
    5°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    SurfBeachHikingRemote-work hubSmall town

Best for small-town living in the USA

  1. #1 · Mississippi, USA

    Ocean Springs

    Artsy Gulf Coast town with oak-lined streets and low costs.

    January / July
    11°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$280,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachSmall townLower costFood scene
  2. #2 · North Carolina, USA

    Asheville

    A creative mountain town in the Blue Ridge.

    January / July
    3°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 30 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    HikingLive musicFood sceneLower costSmall townRemote-work hub
  3. #3 · Minnesota, USA

    Duluth

    Rugged Lake Superior port with trails and cold winters.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / In town / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$280,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeHikingSkiing
  4. #4 · Vermont, USA

    Burlington

    A lake town near Vermont's ski resorts.

    January / July
    -8°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    SkiingLake lifeSmall townFood scene
  5. #5 · Michigan, USA

    Traverse City

    Lake Michigan bay town with wineries, beaches and cherries.

    January / July
    -5°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    165
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / In town / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    106 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeBeachWine countrySkiing
  6. #6 · Texas, USA

    Fredericksburg

    German heritage Hill Country town surrounded by wineries.

    January / July
    8°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 45 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Wine countrySmall townHikingFood scene
  7. #7 · Oregon, USA

    Bend

    Ski mornings and river afternoons in the high desert.

    January / July
    -1°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 20 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeGolfSmall townRemote-work hub
  8. #8 · Montana, USA

    Missoula

    River town with a college vibe and big wild nearby.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    170
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 1h 30m / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLive music
  9. #9 · Idaho, USA

    Coeur d'Alene

    Lakefront living with ski hills close by.

    January / July
    -2°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    170
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeSkiingGolfHiking
  10. #10 · New Hampshire, USA

    North Conway

    White Mountains town with skiing, hiking and no income tax.

    January / July
    -8°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    175
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 15 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHiking
  11. #11 · New York, USA

    Lake Placid

    Olympic Adirondack village with lakes, peaks and skiing.

    January / July
    -10°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / In town / 2h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$550,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  12. #12 · New York, USA

    Saratoga Springs

    Charming spa town with horse racing and summer concerts.

    January / July
    -7°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    175
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 15 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$500,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Small townFood sceneLive musicLake life
  13. #13 · Colorado, USA

    Fort Collins

    Craft beer, bike paths and Horsetooth Reservoir.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 15 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townHikingLake lifeFood sceneRemote-work hub
  14. #14 · New Mexico, USA

    Santa Fe

    Adobe arts capital with a ski hill up the road.

    January / July
    -1°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 3h+ / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townFood sceneSkiingDesertHiking
  15. #15 · Florida, USA

    Destin and 30A

    Emerald water, sugar-white sand and planned beach towns.

    January / July
    11°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    235
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachGolfSmall town
  16. #16 · Maine, USA

    Portland

    Coastal foodie town with lighthouses and an old port.

    January / July
    -6°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    203
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 10 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$560,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachFood sceneHiking
  17. #17 · Colorado, USA

    Durango

    Historic rail town in the San Juan Mountains.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 40 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$680,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  18. #18 · California, USA

    Palm Springs

    Mid century style, pools and warm desert winters.

    January / July
    14°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 3h+ / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townWarm wintersDesertGolfNightlife
  19. #19 · Arizona, USA

    Flagstaff

    Pine forest mountain town near the Grand Canyon.

    January / July
    -2°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 3h+ / 2h 20m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  20. #20 · Maine, USA

    Bar Harbor

    Island village at the gate of Acadia National Park.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    195
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 10 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townHikingBeachRemote-work hub
  21. #21 · Montana, USA

    Bozeman

    Mountain town near Yellowstone with a tech scene.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    185
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  22. #22 · Washington, USA

    Bellingham

    Bay views, Mount Baker powder and no income tax.

    January / July
    4°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    140
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingBeachRemote-work hub
  23. #23 · South Carolina, USA

    Hilton Head Island

    Resort island of bike trails, golf and quiet beaches.

    January / July
    10°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    US$700,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachGolfSmall town
  24. #24 · Vermont, USA

    Stowe

    Classic New England ski village below Mount Mansfield.

    January / July
    -9°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 30 min / 50 min
    Typical home price
    US$850,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  25. #25 · Massachusetts, USA

    Cape Cod

    Sandy peninsula of beaches, seafood and summer villages.

    January / July
    -1°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 50m / 5 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$780,000
    Cost of living
    132 (100 = national average)
    BeachSmall townFood sceneGolf
  26. #26 · Rhode Island, USA

    Newport

    Historic sailing town with mansions and ocean cliffs.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 5 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$900,000
    Cost of living
    135 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachFood sceneLive music
  27. #27 · Arizona, USA

    Sedona

    Red rock canyons and starry desert skies.

    January / July
    6°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 3h+ / 2h
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townDesertHikingGolf
  28. #28 · Oregon, USA

    Hood River

    Windsurf capital in the Columbia River Gorge.

    January / July
    2°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 1h 5m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingWine countryLake life
  29. #29 · California, USA

    South Lake Tahoe

    Alpine lake beaches in summer, Heavenly in winter.

    January / July
    -1°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 5 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingLake lifeBeachHiking
  30. #30 · Florida, USA

    Key West

    Laid-back island town at the end of the Overseas Highway.

    January / July
    21°C / 30°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 2 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachNightlifeSmall townFood scene
  31. #31 · Utah, USA

    Park City

    A ski town 40 minutes from a major airport.

    January / July
    -6°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    5 min / 15 min / 40 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,600,000
    Cost of living
    160 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingGolfSmall town
  32. #32 · Colorado, USA

    Steamboat Springs

    Champagne powder, hot springs and ranch heritage.

    January / July
    -9°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 40 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,400,000
    Cost of living
    165 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  33. #33 · California, USA

    San Luis Obispo

    Laid back college town between beaches and vineyards.

    January / July
    11°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    US$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    175 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachSurfWine countryHiking
  34. #34 · California, USA

    Santa Barbara

    Red tile roofs, beaches and nearby wine country.

    January / July
    12°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    US$1,900,000
    Cost of living
    190 (100 = national average)
    Small townWarm wintersBeachSurfWine countryFood scene
  35. #35 · Wyoming, USA

    Jackson

    Legendary skiing beneath the Grand Tetons.

    January / July
    -9°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$2,800,000
    Cost of living
    220 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake life
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