Vancouver ranks fourth in happiness among Canada’s largest cities

Market research firm Leger surveyed 63,710 Canadians from June 9 to 29 for its 2026 Happiness Index. The annual survey asks people to rate their happiness from one to 10, then converts the results into a standardized score out of 100.

Vancouver recorded an average score of 69, placing fourth among Canada’s 10 largest cities. It trailed Toronto at 69.4, Brampton at 71.7 and Montreal at 72.7. Vancouver’s score rose 2.7 points from 2025.

When Leger asked what contributes to happiness in a municipality, respondents put feeling safe, access to nature and a good neighbourhood life at the top. The report said municipal happiness depends on services as well as feeling good in one’s community.

Nationally, Canada’s index rose from 68.7 to 70.5 over the past year. Cost of living was identified as a leading obstacle: 58 per cent said it affected their happiness, while 57 per cent ranked financial pressure first among their sources of pressure.

A Remitly study previously reported by Daily Hive found income satiation in major Canadian cities — the point at which additional earnings no longer increase happiness — peaks at annual income of $166,982. ZipRecruiter puts Vancouver’s median annual income at about $68,000, nearly $100,000 below that figure.

Vancouver has also appeared in other global rankings. It made the top 50 in this year’s Happy City Index, ranked 11th among the world’s most liveable cities for expats, and placed 37th on a list of the world’s 50 best cities.