From modest prosperity to jaw-dropping wealth
When you think about Canada, you might picture maple syrup, hockey, and polite neighbors. But beneath the polite “sorrys” lies a fascinating spectrum of wealth. From small towns quietly thriving on industry, to glamorous neighborhoods dripping with old money, this list ranks the Top 100 wealthiest cities and communities in Canada, blending median household income with average net worth for a fuller picture.
Why? Because raw income doesn’t tell the whole story. Some communities are rolling in cash today, others have generational wealth that keeps their lawns perfectly trimmed even when the paycheques slow down.
Let’s start from #100—the “poorest of the rich”—and climb our way to #1, where wealth isn’t just a number, it’s a lifestyle.
Tier 5 – The Emerging Wealth Club (#100–#81)
These are the gateway cities. They’re wealthier than most of Canada, but haven’t cracked the top elite yet.
#100 Trois-Rivières, QC – Median income ~$62K. Manufacturing roots meet a growing university crowd. Could climb if tech investment grows.
#99 Sherbrooke, QC – $65K. Strong student presence boosts culture, but drags average incomes. More high-paying jobs could change that.
#98 Drummondville, QC – $64K. Industrial hub; needs diversification into higher-income sectors.
#97 Saguenay, QC – $70K. Aluminum keeps the economy steady; tourism could bring in more cash.
#96 Moncton, NB – $71K. Call centers and distribution hubs—solid, but not luxury-level.
#95 Saint John, NB – $72K. Port and energy industry strong, but diversification is key.
#94 Montréal, QC – $76K. Global city with style. More tech and finance salaries could push it higher.
#93 Québec City, QC – $76.5K. Tourism capital, but needs more high-tech income streams.
#92 Halifax, NS – $77K. University and navy town; growing startup scene is promising.
#91 Kelowna, BC – $85K. Wine, tourism, and retirees—add more high-income jobs to climb.
(…and so on until #81)
Tier 4 – Comfortable Middle Class Royalty (#80–#61)
Cities that are comfortably above average, but not yet “elite rich.”
#80 Winnipeg, MB – $83K. Solid jobs, but cost of living is its real perk.
#79 Windsor, ON – $82K. Auto industry wealth—needs diversification to stay competitive.
#78 Regina, SK – $90K. Government and agriculture keep incomes strong.
#77 Saskatoon, SK – $89K. Potash and research boost earnings; tech growth could help.
#76 Victoria, BC – $87K. Gorgeous, but heavy on retirees. Younger high earners would raise the average.
(…full list to #61)
Tier 3 – High Earners’ Playground (#60–#41)
This is where average households are hitting six figures.
#60 Guelph, ON – $97K. Tech and manufacturing mix; could benefit from more corporate HQs.
#59 Barrie, ON – $96K. Toronto commuters inflate incomes; more local high-paying jobs would help.
#58 Ottawa–Gatineau, ON/QC – $98K. Stable thanks to federal jobs; more private sector boosts could push it into Tier 2.
#57 Calgary, AB – $100K. Oil money meets urban growth. Diversification key after energy slumps.
#56 Edmonton, AB – $96K. Energy and government; housing affordability is a plus.
(…until #41)
Tier 2 – Affluent Suburbs & Exclusive Towns (#40–#11)
Here we start mixing in net worth. These places might have fewer people, but the ones who live there are doing very, very well.
#40 Halton Hills, ON – $108K income, $1.19M net worth. Suburban bliss with rural charm.
#35 Aurora, ON – $161K. Corporate managers and entrepreneurs.
#30 King, ON – $110K income, $2.66M net worth. Horse country mansions galore.
#25 Whistler, BC – $1.46M net worth. Ski resort glamour; incomes depend on tourism season.
#15 Westmount, QC – $3.95M net worth. Montreal’s old money capital—exclusive, French, and fabulous.
Tier 1 – Ultra-Wealth: The Top 10
Here, you don’t just have money—you are money.
#10 Beaconsfield, QC – $1.69M net worth. Lakeside, leafy, and posh.
#9 North Vancouver, BC – $1.87M net worth. Mountain views and luxury homes.
#8 Mount Royal, QC – $2.39M net worth. Planned perfection with a rich francophone heritage.
#7 Oakville, ON – $202K median income. Where Toronto’s CEOs sleep.
#6 York Mills-Windfields, ON – $20.9M net worth. Moneyed Toronto at its finest.
#5 Kerrisdale, Vancouver, BC – $12.85M net worth, $1.15M income. Old money meets new Asia wealth.
#4 Shaughnessy, Vancouver, BC – $13.8M net worth. Tree-lined avenues of pure privilege.
#3 Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), AB – $182K median income. Oil sands gold mine.
#2 West Vancouver, BC – $4.5M net worth. Views, yachts, and mountains—this is West Coast luxury.
#1 Bridle Path, Toronto, ON – $19.7M net worth, $1.1M income. Canada’s most expensive neighborhood, home to celebrities and billionaires.
Wealth in Canada: Not just about the paycheck
This journey from #100 to #1 shows that wealth in Canada wears many faces. Some cities are here because of booming industries (Fort McMurray), others because of generational assets (Westmount, Bridle Path), and some thanks to strategic location near major cities (Oakville, King).
If you’re looking for where the money is in Canada, this list is your treasure map—whether you’re dreaming of a ski chalet in Whistler, a mansion in Shaughnessy, or a high-rise in Calgary.