A new national report has ranked several Canadian cities for quality of life, with Oshawa in Durham Region securing a spot in the top 10, highlighting the region’s growing appeal as a place to live, work and raise a family.
The March 2026 study, conducted by Toronto-based digital agency dNOVOGroup, evaluated 28 of Canada’s largest cities based on livability, financial stability and safety. The report considered factors such as cost of living, average salaries, disposable income, pollution levels and access to attractions to determine overall quality of life scores.
While Kelowna, British Columbia claimed the top position with a perfect score of 100, several Ontario cities also performed strongly. Oshawa, Burlington and Oakville all ranked within the top 10, reflecting the strength of communities across the Greater Toronto Area, including Durham Region.
Oshawa stood out for its balance between affordability and lifestyle. The report noted that residents in Oshawa enjoy a relatively strong disposable income of over $1,000, allowing for financial flexibility beyond basic living expenses. This factor, combined with access to local amenities, employment opportunities and a growing community infrastructure, contributed to its high ranking.
The study also emphasized that many of the highest-ranking cities are not necessarily the most expensive. Instead, smaller and mid-sized cities like Oshawa are gaining recognition for offering a better balance between cost and quality of life. This trend is becoming increasingly important as more Canadians look for affordable alternatives to larger urban centres.
Other cities in the top rankings include Barrie in second place and Abbotsford in third, both praised for strong safety ratings and financial stability. Quebec’s Sherbrooke ranked fourth, offering the highest disposable income among top cities, while Sudbury, Regina and Windsor also made the list.
Researchers highlighted that quality of life is no longer defined solely by major metropolitan areas. Instead, cities like Oshawa are proving that residents can enjoy strong community living, access to services and financial sustainability without the high costs often associated with larger cities.
For Durham Region residents, Oshawa’s inclusion in the top 10 reinforces the area’s reputation as a desirable place to live. With continued development, improved infrastructure and growing opportunities, the region is becoming increasingly attractive to families, professionals and investors alike.
As housing affordability and lifestyle priorities continue to shape migration trends, reports like this suggest that Durham Region will remain a key player in Canada’s evolving urban landscape.
