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Top 10 Cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: November 7, 2023

Nova Scotia is one of the Maritime and Atlantic provinces in Canada. With stunning offshore islands, gorgeous beaches, and charming waterfront cities, you won’t be disappointed with the beauty of the province. Living in Nova Scotia is definitely cheaper compared to other provinces in Canada like Ontario or British Columbia. However, if you are looking to maximize your money, here are some of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia! These places were chosen based on their quality of life, access to essential facilities nearby and the average house and apartment prices.

Methodology

We based our ranking of the 10 cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia on the 2 following criteria: the average housing prices – house and apartment prices. We collected the date from Statistics Canada, AreaVibes, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. To help you compare, the average home price in Nova Scotia is $385,756 and a 2-bedroom rental averages $2,448 per month.

We’ve used this data to rank the 10 cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia while also considering their quality of life (health, pollution, green space and recreation, climate, education, and employment opportunities).

1. Trenton

Best for families

Population: 2,407
Average house sale price: $182,400
Average rent price: $664

Trenton is situated on the east bank of the East River of Pictou in Pictou County. Trenton Park is one of Nova Scotia’s best parks. With 6.5 km of walking and hiking trails and 565 acres of century-old trees, you won’t be disappointed. The average home price in Trenton is around $182,400, making it 53% lower than the average in Nova Scotia. This city is one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Trenton is $664 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Trenton, NS

2. Yarmouth

Best for walkability

Population: 6,829
Average house sale price: $207,600
Average rent price (3-bedroom): $900

Yarmouth is a town situated in southwestern Nova Scotia. People living in Yarmouth enjoy taking a walk in Broad Brook Wetland Park. You may also be able to see some local animals off the trails. The region is also known for some of the best locations for stargazing and clearest skies on the continent. The average home price in Yarmouth is $207,600. For a three-bedroom apartment in Yarmouth, the rent can be as low as $900 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Kijiji)

Yarmouth, NS

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3. Amherst

Best for tranquility

Population: 9,404
Average house sale price: $212,000
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $935

This town is also ideal if you need to cross the border regularly for work. Amherst is centrally located to both the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Shore, making it an ideal city if you like to admire the tides or if you like to swim in some of Nova Scotia’s warmest beaches. Moreover, Amherst is a good city to live in if you have family or friends in New Brunswick as it is located near the border between the two provinces. The average home price in Amherst is $212,000, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia. If you are looking for an apartment, the price of rent can get as low as $935 for an apartment in Amherst with one bedroom.

(*AreaVibes & Mitula)

Amherst, NS

4. New Glasgow

Best to enjoy warm beaches

Population: 9,471
Average house sale price: $250,000
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $970

New Glasgow is the biggest city in Pictou County. Founded by Scottish immigrants, the city is known for its Glasgow Square Theatre and its warm-water beaches. Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is only 20 minutes away from the city. This is one of the favorite beaches of people in Nova Scotia. Buying a house in New Glasgow is approximately $250,000. For a one-bedroom apartment in New Glasgow, the rent is around $970 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Numbeo)

New Glasgow, NS

5. Bridgewater

Best for young families

Population: 8,790
Average house sale price: $255,000
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $900

The city of Bridgewater is a city in Lunenburg County. The city is great for young families because it is home to many amenities, including excellent schools. If you and your family love water activities, Bridgewater is a perfect city as it is near a river and one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing are part of the activities you can do on the LaHave River. The average home price in Bridgewater is $255,000. For a one-bedroom apartment in Bridgewater, the price is around $900.

(*AreaVibes & Numbeo)

Bridgewater, NS

6. Sydney

Best for living near the ocean

Population: 132,019
Average house sale price: $274,000
Average rent price: $850

The city of Sydney is on Cape Breton Island, making it the perfect city to live in if you want to be near the ocean. All the major attractions of the Island like the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum are also close to the city. As the largest urban area on the Island, you won’t be disappointed by the number of shops and activities to do. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Sydney is around $274,000. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Sydney is $850 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Sydney, NS

7. Truro

Best for nature lovers

Population: 12,954
Average house sale price: $280,000
Average rent price: $1,000

With its Victorian and vernacular architecture of the 19th and early 20th century, Truro is located on the south side of the Salmon River floodplain in the center of Nova Scotia. Local shopping like the Nova Scotia Emporium and Stanfield’s Factory Outlet are some of the most popular destinations on Inglis Street. Plenty of specialty shops can be found on this street. If you are a nature lover, you can escape the city by taking a walk in Victoria Park situated in the center of the city. You can expect to buy a house in Truro at an average price of $280,000. As for an apartment, the average rent in Truro is $1,000 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Truro, NS

8. Lunenburg

Best for raising a family

Population: 2,396
Average house sale price: $280,000
Average rent price: $1,200

The Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its colorful colonial architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. With around 25,000 people living in Lunenburg, it is beyond doubt less populated compared to Halifax, but you won’t be disappointed with the number of things to do in the city. Therefore, this is one of cheapest places to live if you are looking for good amenities, affordable housing and a great quality of life in Nova Scotia. The average price for a house in Lunenburg is $280,000. You can also rent an apartment in Lunenburg for $1,200 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Mitula)

Lunenburg, NS

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9. Windsor

Best for hockey lovers

Population: 3,648
Average house sale price: $295,000
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,200

Windsor is in Hants County. The city is known for being the birthplace of hockey in Canada. It is also known for having the world’s largest pumpkins and the oldest agricultural fairs in North America. The average price for a house in Windsor is $295,000. For a one-bedroom apartment in Windsor, the rent is around $1,200 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Numbeo)

Windsor, NS

10. Lower Sackville

Best for young professionals

Population: 32,525
Average house sale price: $350,000
Average rent price: $1,550

Lastly, one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia is Lower Sackville. Lower Sackville is a 23-minute drive from Halifax. The average price for a house in Lower Sackville is cheaper compared to Halifax as it is approximately $350,000. You can also find an apartment in Lower Sackville for $1,550 per month. It is the perfect place to live if you work in the city and still want to enjoy all the advantages of the city while enjoying the quiet side of the suburbs.

(*AreaVibes & Kijiji)

Lower Sackville, NS

Conclusion

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. Trenton
2. Sydney
3. Amherst
4. Yarmouth
5. Bridgewater
6. New Glasgow
7. Truro
8. Windsor
9. Lunenburg
10. Lower Sackville

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Top 10 Cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia with the Best quality of life – 2023

Methodology

Featured in this article

1. Trenton

2. Yarmouth

3. Amherst

4. New Glasgow

5. Bridgewater

6. Sydney

7. Truro

8. Lunenburg

9. Windsor

10. Lower Sackville

Conclusion

Last year's ranking (2022)

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