Thinking of moving to or investing in Atlantic Canada in 2025? Moncton (NB), Halifax (NS), and Charlottetown (PEI) are three contenders, each with its own mix of price trends, rental returns, affordability, and growth drivers. Let’s dig in.
🏡 Price Trends & Growth Rates
Moncton
- Benchmark (MLS®) composite price in Moncton (NB) was up 6.2% year-over-year in August 2025. CREA Statistics
- The average Moncton home price in June 2025 was ~$348,900, also reflecting ~6.1% YoY growth.
- Some local reports show more modest gains (2-2.5%) depending on property type, as the market cools slightly.
Halifax
- New home prices in Halifax have risen 4.6% year-over-year (new construction) as of recent data. Statistics Canada
- The Halifax housing market (average home price) was about $603,650 (5.8% annual increase) in mid-2025, per Atlantic Canada housing update. WOWA
Charlottetown
- Data is more limited, but Charlottetown historically offers lower absolute housing costs.
- According to census data, the median value of a private dwelling in Charlottetown (2021) was ~$200,284, well below national averages.
- The city’s homeownership rate is relatively low (45.8% in 2021), suggesting demand and pressure on rentals. Statistics Canada
Verdict on price growth: Moncton is showing strong growth (6.2% benchmark jump) and remains relatively affordable. Halifax has solid gains, especially in new builds, but higher absolute price levels. Charlottetown is more modest in growth, but starts from a lower base.
💰 Affordability & Value
- Because Moncton’s prices are lower overall than Halifax’s, buyers get more square footage, more land, or newer homes for the same budget in Moncton.
- Halifax’s cost to construct homes is rising: e.g. cost to build a single-detached home in Halifax went up 3.7% YoY in Q4 2024. Government of Nova Scotia
- In Charlottetown, lower price base gives some cushion, but wages, incomes, and local job opportunities may limit how much people can stretch.
Thus, in terms of value per dollar, Moncton often delivers more “bang for your budget,” especially for entry and mid-tier buyers.
📈 Migration & Demand Drivers
- Moncton is benefiting from interprovincial inflow, especially from more expensive provinces. Its affordability and quality of life attract remote workers, retirees, and families.
- Halifax continues to draw people via employment, higher education, and urban amenities, which supports demand in more premium segments.
- Charlottetown has more limited scale, but attractive island lifestyle and lower overcrowding make it appealing to some.
Strong migration ties with affordability help Moncton’s housing demand relative to its supply.
📊 Rental Yields & Investor Appeal
- In Moncton, lower purchase costs allow higher yield potential (rent divided by purchase price) compared to more expensive cities.
- Halifax’s rent prices are higher, but so are property costs, which can compress yields in many cases.
- Charlottetown, with fewer large buildings, might offer modest yields but with lower entry costs and lower vacancy in certain areas.
Investors looking for stable, moderate-risk returns might favor Moncton for yield per dollar invested.
🔍 Final Take: Best “Deal” in 2025
If your goal is maximizing value + growth potential, Moncton stands out in 2025. Its strong YoY benchmark gains (6.2%), lower entry costs, and migration tailwinds make it a compelling pick for buyers and investors.
Halifax is attractive for those wanting premium urban amenities and long-term prestige, but you’ll pay significantly more. Charlottetown is a good choice for lifestyle buyers or modest budgets, but growth is more limited.
References:
- CREA / New Brunswick benchmark stats (Moncton) CREA Statistics+1
- Halifax new housing price growth (4.6% YoY) Statistics Canada
- Halifax/Nova Scotia housing average and trends WOWA
- Charlottetown census / housing value data Wikipedia+1
- Moncton local market reports East Coast Castles+2RE/MAX Canada+2
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