Top 5 Cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia with the Best quality of life – 2024

Top 5 Cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia with the Best quality of life – 2023

Ranking Studies
Canada
Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of the Maritime and Atlantic provinces in Canada. With stunning offshore islands, gorgeous beaches, and charming waterfront cities, you won’t be disappointed with the beauty of the province. Living in Nova Scotia is definitely cheaper compared to other provinces in Canada like Ontario or British Columbia. However, if you are looking to maximize your money, here are the top 5 cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia with the best quality of life this year.

cheapest places to live in nova scotia map in 2025

Methodology

We ranked the five cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia by analyzing the average property prices and rental costs for one-bedroom apartments, along with the overall quality of life. Our data comes from trusted real estate websites.

To evaluate the “Best Quality of Life,” we gathered feedback from individuals who have relocated to these areas, sourced from our database and reliable online forums. We specifically focused on positive insights regarding job opportunities, education and healthcare quality, safety, public transportation, environmental cleanliness, and access to recreational facilities and parks.

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Cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia

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1. Amherst

  • Population: 9,548
  • Average monthly rent (1-bed): $900
  • Average property buying cost: $309,392

Amherst, the largest town in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, is a growing community with 9,548 residents. Positioned as Nova Scotia’s historic border town, it serves as the first stop for visitors from New Brunswick and is conveniently located near the Bay of Fundy and Northumberland Shore. Offering affordable living, Amherst is an ideal option for families and individuals seeking budget-friendly housing, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia.

Locals can enjoy a variety of family-friendly amenities, including the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary, Nova Scotia Welcome Centre, Mrs. Pugsley’s Emporium, Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio, and Maritime Mosaic. For active families, Amherst’s community is dedicated to becoming the healthiest and most active in Nova Scotia, providing both cost savings and a focus on community health events.

Statistics Canada (2021), Royal LePage® (Oct 2024) & Kijiji (Oct 2024)

Amherst, NS

2. New Glasgow

  • Population: 19,316
  • Average monthly rent (1-bed): $936.25
  • Average property buying cost: $249,900

New Glasgow is known as a picturesque riverside town with 19,316 residents in northern Nova Scotia. It stands as the commercial-service center for the region, embodying the metropolitan hub of the Northumberland Shore with a rich Scottish heritage. Positioned along the East River, it features a scenic riverfront, including the illuminated New Glasgow Marina and the 2.5-mile Samson Trail, perfect for outdoor activities that locals can enjoy.

Serving as the gateway to Pictou County and Nova Scotia’s north coast, New Glasgow is conveniently accessible by car or bus from Halifax. Known for its affordability, New Glasgow is one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice for families and individuals seeking a beautiful, budget-friendly place to live, surrounded by natural beauty and family-friendly amenities.

Statistics Canada (2021), Redfin (Oct 2024) & Kijiji (Oct 2024)

New Glasgow, NS

3. Trenton

  • Population: 2,407
  • Average monthly rent (1-bed): $1,050
  • Average property buying cost: $224,557

Known for its rich manufacturing history, Trenton is one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia, making it an ideal haven for budget-conscious families. Located just 1.5 hours from Halifax, Trenton seamlessly combines natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and affordability, making it a desirable place to call home.

With a population of 2,407 residents, Trenton boasts the expansive 565-acre Trenton Steeltown Park, which features two ball fields, a skateboard park, a tennis court, and the Trenton Minor Sports Community Centre. The park also includes 6.5 kilometers of walking and hiking trails, along with fishing ponds surrounded by century-old coniferous trees, providing plenty of outdoor enjoyment for locals. In the summer, families can take advantage of the family-friendly amenities at Trenton Park, including a playground and a 3,000-square-foot family swimming pool. As one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia, Trenton offers an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.

Statistics Canada (2021), Royal LePage® (Oct 2024) & RentCafe (Oct 2024)

Trenton, NS

4. Bridgewater

  • Population: 8,790
  • Average monthly rent (1-bed): $1,250
  • Average property buying cost: $377,450

Bridgewater, a town in Lunenburg County with 8,790 residents, offers an affordable living option, making it an attractive choice for families seeking affordability without compromising quality of life. Known for being one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia, it provides residents with a budget-friendly lifestyle in a welcoming community.

Nestled along the LaHave River, outdoor enthusiasts can engage in activities like kayaking, fishing, and sailing. The town’s wooded parks, spanning approximately 100 acres, offer ample space for strolling, sports, and relaxation. The Centennial Trail features a 5-mile route for hiking and cycling during the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. Locals mention online that Bridgewater is more affordable than Halifax, reinforcing its reputation as a great place to call home.

Statistics Canada (2021), Redfin (Oct 2024) & Kijiji (Oct 2024)

Bridgewater, NS

5. Yarmouth

  • Population: 7,848
  • Average monthly rent (1-bed): $1,350
  • Average property buying cost: $349,000

Yarmouth, the regional center of Southwestern Nova Scotia, boasts a population of 7,848 residents, which doubles on weekdays due to its bustling local activity. With over 260 years of rich history, 15 parks, and scenic trails, the town is renowned for its stargazing opportunities. Positioned in southwestern Nova Scotia, Yarmouth offers an affordable maritime living experience, making it ideal for families—both current residents and potential newcomers—seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without compromising the charm of coastal living.

Yarmouth features a variety of affordable housing options, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Nova Scotia. This vibrant community is an attractive choice for families and those looking for budget-friendly living, all while enjoying the unique coastal lifestyle.

Statistics Canada (2021), Redfin (Oct 2024) & Kijiji (Oct 2024)

Yarmouth, NS

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Conclusion

These towns in Nova Scotia stand out as some of the cheapest places to live in the province. Each town offers its unique charm, affordability, and a range of recreational activities, making them appealing options for families and individuals seeking budget-friendly living without compromising on quality of life. From the picturesque landscapes of Trenton to the historical richness of Yarmouth, the active community focus in Amherst, the riverside beauty of New Glasgow, to the affordability and outdoor opportunities in Bridgewater, these towns provide a diverse range of choices for those considering a move to Nova Scotia on a limited budget. 

Whether it’s enjoying local amenities, outdoor adventures, or community events, these towns present cost-effective living options that make Nova Scotia an attractive and affordable destination for those looking to call it home. Are you moving to Nova Scotia soon? Check out the best movers in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

  1. Trenton
  2. Yarmouth
  3. Amherst
  4. New Glasgow
  5. Bridgewater

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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