10 Affordable Cities in Ontario for Solo Homebuyers in 2025 | Live Comfortably on One Income

🏘️ The Ontario Housing Advantage for Solo Buyers in 2025

For solo buyers, purchasing a home in Ontario may seem daunting in an era of rising interest rates, climbing property values, and strict mortgage qualification rules. But the good news is that affordable, comfortable living on a single income is still possible—you just need to know where to look.

This 2025 list highlights the top 10 most affordable cities in Ontario for solo buyers—places with reasonable home prices, lower living costs, solid transit, local amenities, and growing communities ideal for young professionals, retirees, and first-time buyers alike.

✅ Selection Criteria

Each city on this list was chosen based on:

• Average home price under $600,000

• Cost of living and property taxes

• Transit access and proximity to larger job markets

• Lifestyle amenities for singles and professionals

• Growth potential for future equity

🔟 Top 10 Affordable Ontario Cities for Solo Buyers in 2025

1. Sudbury

Avg. Home Price: ~$390,000
Why It Works:
Sudbury offers affordable detached homes and condos, a thriving healthcare and mining sector, and beautiful green spaces. With access to big-city amenities and low living costs, it’s a top pick for solo professionals and retirees.

2. Sault Ste. Marie

Avg. Home Price: ~$335,000
Why It Works:
A hidden gem for single-income buyers, Sault Ste. Marie features a low cost of living, strong community support, and Lake Superior beauty. It’s ideal for solo buyers looking for serenity and value.

3. Windsor

Avg. Home Price: ~$510,000
Why It Works:
Right on the U.S. border, Windsor offers city energy with lower housing prices than nearby Detroit or Toronto. A growing tech and manufacturing job market adds appeal to young solo buyers.

4. Thunder Bay

Avg. Home Price: ~$385,000
Why It Works:
With one of the lowest average home prices in Ontario, Thunder Bay provides large lots, low crime rates, and a growing healthcare sector—perfect for independent buyers wanting space and safety.

5. North Bay

Avg. Home Price: ~$430,000
Why It Works:
This charming Northern Ontario city offers waterfront living on a budget. It’s walkable, peaceful, and ideal for solo homeowners craving balance between nature and urban convenience.

6. Welland

Avg. Home Price: ~$525,000
Why It Works:
Part of the Niagara Region, Welland is rising in popularity for solo buyers thanks to its manageable prices, scenic canals, and easy access to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and the QEW to Toronto.

7. Cornwall

Avg. Home Price: ~$415,000
Why It Works:
This bilingual border town offers an attractive lifestyle for solo buyers. Affordable homes, waterfront trails, and short drives to Ottawa and Montreal make Cornwall a sleeper pick for one-income homeowners.

8. Timmins

Avg. Home Price: ~$340,000
Why It Works:
A mining and forestry hub, Timmins offers some of the lowest real estate prices in Ontario. Solo buyers enjoy generous properties, small-town safety, and strong municipal services.

9. Belleville

Avg. Home Price: ~$545,000
Why It Works:
This growing Quinte Bay city is great for solo buyers who work remotely or commute to Kingston or Toronto. Belleville’s waterfront, affordability, and cultural scene make it increasingly attractive.

10. Peterborough

Avg. Home Price: ~$585,000
Why It Works:
A favorite among young professionals, Peterborough combines lifestyle and affordability with GO Train access to the GTA. It balances walkability, university-town vibrance, and lower housing costs than Toronto.

💡 Bonus Picks for 2025 Solo Buyers

If you’re open to smaller towns or looking for even deeper savings:

• Chatham-Kent – Ideal for rural lifestyle with urban perks

• Brockville – Quiet, riverside living near Ottawa

• Owen Sound – For those wanting a mix of nature and culture

• Elliot Lake – Ontario’s ultimate retirement bargain

🎯 Final Thoughts: Smart Buying on a Single Income

Ontario may be known for high housing prices in Toronto and Ottawa, but the province is also home to many affordable and livable cities perfect for solo buyers. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizer, or single-income investor, this list gives you the inside track on where you can truly afford to own a home and enjoy life in 2025.

As a solo buyer, your best strategy is to:

• Work with a knowledgeable Realtor

• Get pre-approved to understand your buying power

• Consider long-term lifestyle and resale value

• Look beyond the GTA for the best deals

👋 Looking for Help Navigating These Markets?

At Ana Bastas Realty, we help solo buyers confidently find their place in Ontario. Whether you're ready now or just exploring your options, we can guide you through the process from financing to closing.

📲 Call/Text: 647.938.8814
🌐 www.anabastas.ca
📍 Serving Halton Hills, Erin, Milton, Acton, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Toronto & the GTA since 2012