What $600k Gets You in Toronto vs. Atlantic Canada vs. Alberta

Six hundred thousand dollars sounds like a serious chunk of change, but in 2025, what that amount buys varies wildly across Canada.

In this article, we’ll break down what $600K gets you in three very different markets:

  • Toronto and the GTA
  • Atlantic Canada
  • Alberta

You’ll see what that budget really looks like, how much space it buys, and where you might find the best value.


Why Compare Regions?

The affordability gap between provinces has never been wider.

  • In Ontario, many buyers are priced out of detached homes.
  • In Atlantic Canada, you can still find full-sized homes with land and ocean views.
  • In Alberta, that same budget can buy a spacious family home in a desirable neighborhood.


What $600K Gets You: Region by Region

🏙 Toronto / Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

At $600,000, your options in the GTA are limited, but not impossible.

link to MLS

In many central neighborhoods, that budget gets you:

  • small condo or starter townhouse
  • Units often needing updates or with limited amenities
  • Detached homes in desirable areas? Way out of reach.

What you trade off:

  • Smaller square footage
  • Older buildings
  • Higher maintenance fees
  • Less desirable neighborhoods or longer commutes

🌊 Atlantic Canada

Here’s where things start to look brighter. In Atlantic Canada and surrounding communities, $600,000 stretches a lot further.

Halifax

link to MLS

link to mls

Newfoundland

Link to mls


🏔 Alberta

In Alberta, $600,000 gives you serious value — especially compared to Ontario.

Calgary

link to mls

Edmonton

link to mls

What you get in Alberta:
✅ Larger, newer homes
✅ Lower property taxes
✅ Strong job markets (especially in Calgary & Edmonton)
✅ More modern layouts and finishes

Trade-offs:

  • Some neighborhoods farther from downtown
  • Winter weather and energy-sector dependency


Final Thoughts

The $600K Dilemma highlights how dramatically real estate value changes across Canada.

If you could pick one of these where would you live?

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