What Does a Square Foot Cost in Canada?
Insights from the 2026 Century 21 Survey

When evaluating real estate value, average home prices don’t always tell the whole story. A $1,000,000 home could be a sprawling 3,000-square-foot house in one province, or a cozy 800-square-foot condo in another. That’s where price per square foot (PPSF) comes in—it is one of the most effective metrics for comparing true property values across different markets.

Century 21 Canada recently released its annual Price Per Square Foot Survey, analyzing sales data across 50 Canadian communities. The results reveal a massive divide in real estate values across the country.

Here is a breakdown of the highlights, including Canada’s most and least expensive markets and a special look at Ontario.

📈 Canada’s Most Expensive Markets

Unsurprisingly, British Columbia continues to dominate the top spots for the highest price per square foot in the nation. Vancouver’s West Side takes the #1 position, with detached homes topping $1,072 per square foot.

Top 10 Most Expensive Home Prices (PPSF)

📉 Canada’s Most Affordable Markets

If you are looking for maximum living space for your budget, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada offer incredible value. Regina leads the nation as the most affordable city in the survey at $225 per square foot for condos.

Top 10 Least Expensive Home Prices (PPSF)

🏙️ Ontario Market Highlights

In Ontario, high demand across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) continues to push detached home values well above the national average.

• Mississauga (Detached): $760 / sq ft

• Richmond Hill (Detached): $693 / sq ft

• Markham (Detached): $688 / sq ft

• Vaughan (Detached): $681 / sq ft

• Toronto Downtown (Condo): $650 / sq ft

💡 What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

• For Buyers: If you are willing to relocate or work remotely, your purchasing power changes dramatically depending on the province. For context, a 2,000-square-foot detached home in Saint John, NB (~$458,000) costs less than half of a 500-square-foot condo in Downtown Vancouver (~$513,000).

• For Sellers: Knowing your home’s price per square foot helps ensure you are pricing competitively relative to recent neighbourhood sales, rather than relying solely on arbitrary list prices.

Want to Know What Your Home is Worth Per Square Foot?

Real estate conditions vary block by block. If you’re curious about how your property compares in today’s market, reach out at 705-743-4444 for a complimentary home valuation!