Abbotsford, British Columbia, has been recognized as the third-best city to live in Canada, according to a new study by the dNOVO Group. The agency evaluated 28 major cities in the country based on various livability factors.
Livability Rankings and Criteria
The study highlighted key categories impacting livability, including:
- Disposable income
- Quality of life
- Safety (20% of total score)
- Pollution
- Number of attractions
In this evaluation, Abbotsford received a commendable rank, overtaken only by Kelowna and Barrie. However, the city’s performance in safety and pollution was less impressive. Abbotsford scored poorly on the pollution index with a rating of 37.4, ranking seventh-worst among the surveyed cities.
Quality of Life and Attractions
The overall quality of life in Abbotsford was average, placing the city in the middle of the rankings. Notably, the city recorded the lowest number of attractions, with only 127, surpassing only Oshawa, Ontario. This factor played a significant role in its overall score.
Affordability Drives High Ranking
Abbotsford’s high ranking can largely be attributed to its affordability. The study analyzed several financial factors:
- Average monthly salary: $4,297.04
- Average rent: $1,652.34
- Average cost of living: $1,391.85
- Disposable income: $1,252.86
This disposable income figure places Abbotsford among only 11 cities in Canada with more than $1,000 in disposable income. When these factors were weighted accordingly, Abbotsford firmly positioned itself as a top contender in livability.
Top 10 Best Cities for Living in Canada
| Rank | City | Province |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelowna | B.C. |
| 2 | Barrie | Ont. |
| 3 | Abbotsford | B.C. |
| 4 | Sherbrooke | Que. |
| 5 | Sudbury | Ont. |
| 6 | Burlington | Ont. |
| 7 | Oshawa | Ont. |
| 8 | Oakville | Ont. |
| 9 | Regina | Sask. |
| 10 | Windsor | Ont. |
A spokesperson from dNOVO noted a trend in Canadian cities. They mentioned that affordable cities are emerging as contenders for a higher quality of life, challenging the stereotype that great living always comes with a hefty price tag.
