While housing affordability continues to challenge Canadians from coast to coast, one Ontario city is proving that happiness and homeownership can still go hand in hand.
According to Leger’s Happy Cities 2025 report, analyzed by Zoocasa, Mississauga ranks as Canada’s happiest large city, and the only major Ontario city with a happiness score above the national average.
The study examined how real estate prices correlate with happiness, using a new metric called the “price per happiness point.” This number represents the average home price divided by the city’s happiness score to show how much residents are effectively “paying” for each point of happiness.
How Mississauga Compares to Other Canadian Cities
Canada’s national happiness average came in at 68.7 out of 100, based on more than 39,800 survey responses. Only two of the country’s largest cities scored above that mark: Mississauga and Montreal.
In Mississauga, the average home price sits at $969,501, paired with a happiness score of 70.3. That means residents are effectively paying $13,788 per point of happiness.
By comparison:
- Toronto – Happiness score: 65.8 | Average price: $1,089,918 | Cost per point: $16,563
- Hamilton – Happiness score: 67.5 | Average price: $753,300 | Cost per point: $11,161
- Brampton – Happiness score: 66.7 | Average price: $928,542 | Cost per point: $13,922
Zoocasa notes that a higher cost per happiness point means residents are paying more for their quality of life, while lower figures reflect a stronger balance between affordability and well-being.
Why Mississauga Ranks High for Happiness
Beyond housing, Mississauga continues to grow as a vibrant, family-friendly city with strong employment opportunities and cultural diversity. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reports that detached homes in Mississauga average $1,380,811, while condos sit around $563,084, making it one of the more accessible major markets in the GTA.
Despite its proximity to Toronto, Mississauga offers slightly better affordability, green spaces, and community amenities — all factors that may contribute to higher happiness scores.
The Bigger Picture
Zoocasa’s data highlights a growing disconnect between affordability and life satisfaction in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Even though these metros offer strong job markets and cultural attractions, the high cost of housing continues to weigh on residents’ overall happiness.
In fact, a separate Zoocasa survey from June 2025 found that 52.6% of Canadians believe affordable, stable housing has the greatest impact on their quality of life, while over half (53.8%) of homeowners said that “there are no longer any neighbourhoods in their city that feel reasonably priced.”
References
- Leger: Happy Cities 2025 Report (July 2025)
- Zoocasa: Happiness-to-Housing Index (October 2025)
- CREA: October 2025 Home Price Data
- TRREB: September 2025 Market Report
Canada Housing Market 
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