Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan and is among the fastest-growing cities in Canada. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Saskatchewan River, the city benefits from good weather and lovely scenery. Saskatoon has also gained the name “Paris of the Prairies” from its many picturesque bridges.
The region has been experiencing an increase in growth mainly from the number of people moving to live here. With a vibrant economy that’s supported by the numerous industries present in the region, the unemployment rate is low, driving its appeal for young professionals and those seeking a high quality of life.
If you’re interested in living in Saskatoon, there are a number of reasons to relocate here! The team at GoodDoors Property Management has compiled this list to help with your choice.
Last updated: April 2026.Quick answer (2026)
Saskatoon's combination of steady demand, limited housing supply, and relative affordability continues to make it an attractive place to live and invest in 2026. The city's strong job market and lower cost of living compared to Ontario and British Columbia are drawing newcomers, creating both opportunity for landlords and motivation for renters to become homeowners.
Reasons to Live in Saskatoon
Low Cost of Living
Life in Saskatoon is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Canada. Residents are able to live a comfortable life with the average salary without much financial strain. Housing costs are also lower than big cities like Toronto, meaning that rent and mortgage prices are at a fair level.
Most people have opted to live in this city due to the availability of numerous amenities, such as unique local shops, that they are able to afford thanks to the lower living costs compared to similar areas in the country.
Employment
The availability of jobs is one of the major factors that make people decide whether or not to move to a certain region. Saskatoon has experienced an influx of professionals over the years, taking advantage of the numerous jobs in the city and the strong economy.
The Saskatoon region is known for agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining, among many other industries. In addition, the world’s largest potash producer, Nutrien, and the world’s largest publicly traded Uranium Company, Cameco, are both located in Saskatoon.
The availability of these jobs has also paved the way for other service industries to come up and thrive. Healthcare, for example, has also grown considerably which means more diversified employment opportunities for Saskatoon’s residents.
Weather
The weather in Saskatoon is something that many residents have come to fall in love with. The town experiences four distinct seasons. Residents of Saskatoon experience relatively warm summers and cold to mild winters. The city has a drier climate than its neighbours and so it experiences low annual rainfall and humidity. Saskatoon has above-average sunshine every year in comparison to the rest of Canada.
There are also several activities that are celebrated in the city to complement the weather which is a bonus to those who are less thrilled with the winter. Some of the activities that you could enjoy include cross-country skiing or the WinterShines Festival.
Neighbourhoods
The city of Saskatoon is divided into nine suburban development areas. As such, you are able to experience a variety of living experiences in this city.
The northern community of Dundonald consists of a quiet suburban lifestyle that is perfect for families, especially due to the proximity of Dundonald Park that is used as a space for picnics, walks, and playgrounds for children.
Nutana is another neighbourhood in the city, perfect for individuals working in the Central Business District. It offers a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle with minimal commutes. The neighbourhood also enjoys beautiful views from the river nearby.
There are also student-friendly neighbourhoods such as Greystone Heights and Grosvenor Park that are located just a short distance from the University of Saskatchewan. Other neighbourhoods include City Park and Caswell Hill that are located close to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Favorable Immigration Policies
Saskatchewan has a program that welcomes over ten thousand immigrants from all over the globe. The program is referred to as the Provincial Nominee Program, created to ease the immigration process for individuals with skills and experience. The city has also registered the highest number in the people moving into to the city compared to those leaving.
Beautiful Scenery
The city of Saskatoon sits on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River that offers beautiful views to its residents. It’s an ideal space for people who enjoy the outdoors. The city has several cycling and jogging trails around the river.
Saskatoon has also gained the title “Land of the Living Skies” from its gorgeous sunsets and stunning cloud formations. The northern lights are also occasionally visible from Saskatoon throughout the year, providing a breathtaking visual experience that many never have the chance to see outside of this region.Overall, Saskatoon is a beautiful city to live in .
Convenient Transportation
Regardless of where you live in Saskatoon, many destinations are within walking distance. There is also the Saskatoon Transit that provides a fleet of buses that moves across various routes throughout the city. Most of the buses are equipped with racks that are used to hold passengers’ bicycles. There is also an Access Transit which is a shared-ride service that operates accessible vehicles on a door-to-door basis within the city for people with mobility challenges.
Other modes of transport include the VIA rail train that is found in the downtown area and the John Diefenbaker International Airport that offers one-stop connecting flights to domestic and international destinations.
Recreation
Saskatoon has a number of recreational activities and leisure centres. There are several parks, museums, and theatre festivals in the city where residents can visit and enjoy the sights. A notable mention is the Western Development Museum where you get to learn about the economic history of our country.
Bottom Line
Are you convinced that you’d like to move to Saskatoon ? If so, then you’ve made a great choice! The city offers an excellent quality of life, beautiful scenery, and plenty of employment opportunities. You can’t go wrong with this choice!
What's new in 2026
Saskatoon's resale market strengthened significantly through 2025-2026, with average residential prices rising 5 percent from $421,100 in 2025 and sales transactions climbing 2 percent going into 2026. Active listings have contracted sharply to just 448 units as of February 2026, creating a pronounced sellers' market where properties in the $400-600K range are receiving 10+ offers. Purpose-built rental supply is expanding due to government incentives and projects nearing completion, which may ease rental vacancy rates that have been historically tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saskatoon still affordable for someone relocating from Ontario or BC?
Yes. Saskatoon's lower cost of living compared with Ontario and British Columbia continues to attract relocating professionals and families. The benchmark price in January 2026 was $417,800, substantially lower than major metros in those provinces, and rental costs remain moderate despite tight supply.
What's the rental market like for landlords in 2026?
Rental vacancy rates have been tight, keeping demand strong and supporting rental income stability. However, purpose-built rental supply is expected to increase in 2026 as new projects complete, which may gradually ease vacancy rates from historically low levels.
How many active listings are available for buyers right now?
As of February 2026, Saskatoon had just 448 active listings available, down sharply from historical averages. This severe inventory shortage means properties sell quickly and attract multiple offers, creating a competitive environment for both owner-occupiers and investors.
Why are accidental landlords moving to Saskatoon?
Immigration and relocation for work are driving population growth. The city's affordability, lower cost of living, and steady job market attract young families and professionals, many of whom become tenants, sustaining rental demand for property owners.
Will housing prices continue rising in 2026?
Prices are projected to grow moderately through 2026, supported by strong buyer demand and limited inventory. However, growth is expected to be measured rather than rapid, making it a more stable market than headlines sometimes suggest.
What landlords often get wrong
Many assume Saskatoon's tight housing market means prices are skyrocketing unaffordably. In reality, Saskatoon remains significantly more affordable than other Canadian provinces, and first-time buyers typically search in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, making it accessible compared to alternatives.
