Moving to Moncton?
Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re leaving the Toronto housing market behind or making the move from Nova Scotia, Moncton offers an affordable, family-friendly quality of life that’s hard to find anywhere else in Canada right now.
Talk to a Moncton Relocation Expert →Moncton is having a moment. The city has added over 27,000 new residents since 2021, driven largely by interprovincial migration from Ontario and BC — and it’s easy to see why. For the cost of a Toronto condo down payment you can buy a detached family home here outright. The pace of life is calmer, the commutes are shorter, and the community feel is genuine.
Whether you’re a Toronto family priced out of the GTA market, a Halifax professional looking for more house for your money, or a remote worker who can live anywhere and has finally decided to make the move — this guide covers everything you need to know about relocating to Greater Moncton.
The average Toronto home costs over $1.1 million. The average Moncton home costs $386,000. Many GTA buyers arrive in Moncton and can buy a detached home outright — or put 20% down and have a mortgage smaller than their old rent payment.
Moncton is 28% cheaper than Halifax on a cost-of-living basis. You’re still in Atlantic Canada — but with lower home prices, no provincial sales tax on many items, and a faster-growing job market.
Cost of Living: Moncton vs. Toronto vs. Halifax
The numbers tell a compelling story. Moncton is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada — and the gap with Toronto and Halifax is significant enough to materially change your financial life.
| Category | Toronto | Halifax | Moncton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $1,100,000+ | $550,000+ | $386,000 |
| Average 1BR Rent | ~$2,400/mo | ~$1,800/mo | ~$1,200/mo |
| Overall Cost of Living | Highest in Canada | 11% below Toronto | 36% below Toronto |
| Monthly Food (1 person) | ~$500–$600 | ~$436 | ~$443 |
| Average Commute Time | 45–90 min each way | 20–35 min | 10–20 min |
| Provincial Sales Tax | 13% HST | 15% HST | 15% HST (NB) |
| Income Tax (avg) | Ontario rates | NS rates (higher) | NB rates (competitive) |
The Halifax comparison is equally compelling. Moncton is 28% cheaper than Halifax on a cost-of-living basis, while offering faster population growth, a more affordable housing market, and a bilingual economy with strong employment across multiple sectors. For Nova Scotians looking to stretch their dollar further while staying in Atlantic Canada, Moncton is the logical next step.
Where Should You Live? A Newcomer’s Neighbourhood Guide
Greater Moncton is made up of three municipalities — Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe — plus surrounding communities like Shediac. Here’s how to think about each one as a newcomer:
The urban core with the most diverse housing stock and the widest price range. Best for buyers who want the most options at the lowest price point. Average home: ~$386,000. Great access to services, retail, and employment.
Quiet, green, and extremely safe (29% below NB crime average). Connected to Moncton by two bridges — 5–10 minute commute. Larger lots, strong schools, and an 80% homeownership rate. Average home: ~$430,000.
Atlantic Canada’s fastest-growing city. Newer construction, bilingual community, 34% below-average crime rate, and above-average household incomes. Premium pricing reflects strong demand. Average home: ~$480,000.
25 minutes east of Moncton on the Northumberland Strait. Home of Parlee Beach — the warmest saltwater beach in Atlantic Canada. Ideal for remote workers or buyers who want a coastal lifestyle. Average home: ~$479,000.
Active new development areas within Moncton city limits. Great for buyers coming from suburban Ontario who want a modern home with a double garage and an open-concept layout. Prices from $450,000.
A walkable urban core with restaurants, arts venues, and the Highfield Square development. Ideal for young professionals or empty-nesters who want an active urban lifestyle. Condos from $250,000.
Richard works with relocating buyers every week and knows exactly which neighbourhoods suit different lifestyle priorities. Book a consultation and he’ll give you a personalized neighbourhood recommendation based on your budget, commute needs, and family situation.
Schools & Family Life in Greater Moncton
For families with children, school quality is often the deciding factor in where to buy. Greater Moncton has a strong public school system with both English and French-language options — an advantage that most Ontario and NS communities can’t match.
Serves Moncton and Riverview with English-language K–12 schools. Includes Riverview High School and several well-regarded elementary schools.
Serves Dieppe and French-speaking communities across Greater Moncton. Strong academic reputation with K–12 French-language instruction.
Available in several Greater Moncton schools. A popular option for English-speaking families who want their children to develop bilingual skills in Moncton’s bilingual environment.
One of Canada’s largest French-language universities. Located in Moncton with strong programs in business, engineering, law, and health sciences.
Located 45 minutes from Moncton in Sackville NB. Consistently ranked Canada’s top primarily undergraduate university by Maclean’s.
NBCC Moncton campus offers trades, technology, and professional programs. Strong placement rates in local industries including healthcare and construction.
Family Life Beyond School
Greater Moncton punches above its weight for family amenities. The city has a strong minor sports culture (hockey, soccer, baseball), excellent trail systems including the Riverview waterfront trail, Magnetic Hill Zoo, Parlee Beach within 25 minutes, and a growing arts and culture scene anchored by the Capitol Theatre and the Moncton Museum. The pace of life is noticeably slower than Toronto — in a good way.
Moncton’s Job Market — What’s Available
Moncton is the economic engine of New Brunswick. The Moncton-Richibucto region added 6,900 jobs in 2024 — a 5.5% growth rate that led all of New Brunswick’s economic regions. As of late 2025, approximately 136,200 people are employed in the Greater Moncton area, with real GDP forecast to reach $9.79 billion in 2025 and continue growing through 2028.
Vitalité and Horizon Health Networks are among the region’s largest employers. Strong ongoing demand for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
Moncton has a growing tech sector with strengths in cybersecurity, gaming/animation, and fintech. One of the lowest-cost tech environments in North America.
Major insurers and financial institutions including Assumption Life, Westland Insurance, and several major bank regional offices are headquartered or significantly present here.
180+ operating firms in transport, logistics, and warehousing. Moncton’s location as Atlantic Canada’s distribution hub drives consistent demand in this sector.
Over 20,000 employed in tourism-related fields. Moncton is Atlantic Canada’s retail capital with Champlain Place being one of the region’s largest shopping centres.
Construction added 3,100 jobs in NB in 2024 — driven by housing demand and public infrastructure. Strong ongoing demand for skilled trades across Greater Moncton.
Remote Workers
Moncton has become a top destination for remote workers who can live anywhere. The combination of affordable housing, fast fibre optic internet, and a genuinely livable city makes it an easy decision for location-independent professionals. If you’re working remotely and paying Toronto rent, moving to Moncton could be one of the most financially impactful decisions you make.
Your Moncton Moving Checklist
Use this checklist to track your relocation. Click each item to mark it complete.
Frequently Asked Questions — Moving to Moncton
Ready to Make the Move to Moncton?
Talk to a relocation specialist who has helped hundreds of families move to Greater Moncton — and can guide you through the entire process from anywhere in Canada.
