Saskatchewan is the 7th largest province in Canada. Your search for the best cities to live in Saskatchewan ends here, you will find complete information about these beautiful places.
Whether you are moving as a student or a new immigrant or retiring, the best cities to move to in Saskatchewan guide is for students, newcomers or anyone planning to move to Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan has recently become the 7th largest province by population in Canada with over 1,205,119+ (1.2 million) people living here. Saskatchewan has a total of 16 cities as of January 2024. The best cities to live in Saskatchewan are Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford, Warman, Weyburn, and Martensville. These cities offer an outstanding balance between life, work and recreation.
Saskatchewan is known as the ‘prairie’ province because its major prairie part is covered by the great plains grassland. Saskatchewan is one of the fastest-growing provinces and becoming the new immigrant hub.
Saskatchewan has excellent cities to live in and raise your families. I have visited most of the Saskatchewan cities, but here are the best cities to live in Saskatchewan based on significant factors such as expenses, population, traffic, job sector, industry and much more.
Here’s a quick list of the 10 best places to move to in Saskatchewan as new immigrants or new international students. (sorted by (approx.) the population as of January 2024)
| [City] | [Population 2024] | [Became City In] |
| Saskatoon | 3,37,000+ | 1906 |
| Regina | 2,46,000+ | 1903 |
| Prince Albert | 38,000+ | 1904 |
| Moose Jaw | 36,000+ | 1903 |
| Swift Current | 17,000+ | 1914 |
| Yorkton | 16,000+ | 1928 |
| North Battleford | 14,800+ | 1913 |
| Warman | 14000+ | 2012 |
| Weyburn | 10,800+ | 1913 |
| Martensville | 10,500+ | 2009 |
Best Cities-Places to Live in Saskatchewan 2024
Whether you are a new student or a new immigrant, this guide will help you to find your next destination in Saskatchewan.
let’s move forward and learn about these beautiful cities of the Prairie province. You will find important details about expenses in each city, crime rate, population and job opportunities.
I have sorted the list by population from largest to smallest.
Before taking much time, let’s discuss each city more in-depth and what they offer.
#1. Saskatoon
Saskatoon is the largest and most vibrant city in Saskatchewan. Saskatoon was founded in the year 1883 on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River and incorporated as a city in the year 1906.
| [About Saskatoon] | |
| Population | 3,37,000 |
| Total Area | 228.1 km² |
| Known As |
|
| Airport Code | YXE |
| University | University of Saskatchewan |
Saskatoon is located in the center (heart) of Saskatchewan with a population of around 3,37,000+ people and has become the 6th fastest growing city by population in Canada.
Nutana is the oldest neighbourhood in Saskatoon, and Nutana Collegiate is the first and the oldest public high school in Saskatoon.
Main highlights of Saskatoon, SK:
- Saskatoon is the biggest city in terms of area as well, with a total area of 228.1 km².
- Saskatoon is named after a ‘Cree’ word, Mis-Sask-Quah-Toomina. Which is an edible local wild red berry.
- Saskatoon is called the Paris of the Prairies, Its other names are Toon Town and Stoon.
- Saskatoon’s airport code is ‘YXE‘
- Saskatoon has most of the bridges in Saskatchewan, a total of 8 bridges as of January 2024.
- Saskatoon has the tallest building with a height of approx. 88 meters tall, named ‘Nutrien Tower’ in Saskatchewan.
- ‘Nutrien’ company which is currently the world’s biggest potash producer is headquartered in Saskatoon.
- The ‘University of Saskatchewan’ which is Saskatchewan’s biggest university is located in Saskatoon.
Living in Saskatoon Key Highlights:
Here are some of the key highlights and living factors of Saskatoon:
- Saskatoon has an excellent livability score, which is 72%
- Saskatoon’s rental prices are about 4% higher as compared to other cities on average in Saskatchewan.
- Living expenses are about 3% lower than in the province’s other cities.
- Saskatoon’s Job sector is stable and has the maximum number of jobs available as compared to other cities in the province.
- Saskatoon’s real estate market is 18% more costly than other province cities as it is a hub city.
- Saskatoon crime severity index in Canada is 105.97 by metropolitan area (Statista)
Cost of Living in Saskatoon:
The cost of living depends on several factors which can vary from person to person and family to family.
Some major expenses of the cost of living depend on these factors:
- Apartment or house rent
- Utilities (power+water+heating)
- Monthly Internet Bills
- Monthly Mobile Bills
- Transportation (Transit/Gas)
- Monthly Car insurance
- Childcare (preschool/daycare)
- Restaurant
- Groceries
- Recreation
- Clothing/Shoes
- Mortgage/Financing
New immigrants usually don’t have some of these expenses like mortgage/financing etc.
Here are some of the cost of living in Saskatoon stats:
Note: Stats show the approx average amount without rent. This may obviously vary from person to person and all depends on living style.
| [No. of People] | [Saskatoon: Cost of Living] |
| Single Person | $1000-1200 |
| Family of 2 | $1600-$1800 |
| Family of 3 | $2200-$2800 |
| Family of 4 | $3500-$4000 |
*Approx. value without rent | *Source: numbeo
The cost of living in Saskatoon is still on the lower side as compared to other big cities. If we compare with Toronto, Saskatoon is 8.61% cheaper and if we talk about rent in Saskatoon, that is about 47% lower than Toronto, which is about half of the rent prices in Toronto on average.
Saskatoon has strong historical roots, and there are tons of interesting facts about Saskatoon that you should know.
Saskatoon, SK Official & Important Sites:
here are some of the important links you should visit to learn more about this vibrant city, its history, tourist attractions, settlement agencies etc.
| |Don’t Miss: Pros and Cons of Living in Saskatoon, SK |
#2. Regina
Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and the 2nd biggest city in Saskatchewan. Regina was founded in the year 1882 and incorporated as a city in the year 1903, which became a city 3 years earlier than Saskatoon.
Regina is located in south-central Saskatchewan with a population of approx. 2,65,000+ and is the 2nd most populated city in Saskatchewan.
Nutana is the oldest neighbourhood in Saskatoon, and Nutana Collegiate is the first and the oldest public high school in Saskatoon.
Main highlights of the 2nd best city Regina, SK:
-
- Total Area: 180 km²
- Regina is the Capital of Saskatchewan
- Regina is the second-largest city in Saskatchewan
- Regina borders two U.S.A states, North Dakota and Montana.
- Regina was renamed [Latin for “queen”] after Queen Victoria in 1882.
- ‘Wascana’ (Buffalo Bones) was the old name of Regina.
- Regina city was known as Pile O’Bones for the heaps of bones left thereafter skinning and cutting buffalo.
- Regina has these major attractions, the Wascana Centre near Wascana Lake, the ‘Provincial Legislative Building‘, the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada.
Cost of Living in Regina, SK:
- The cost is living in Regina is a little less expensive than in Saskatoon. The overall cost of living in Regina is about 4% lower if compared with Saskatchewan.
- The unemployment rate is nearly 4% which is 40% lower than the national average.
- The median household income in Regina is about $89,000.
| [City: Regina] | [Average Cost of Living] |
| Regina: Median Household Income | $89,000 |
| Regina: Minimum Wage | $14 |
| Regina: Monthly Cost of Living | $1660 |
| Regina: Unemployment Rate | 4% |
| Regina: Average House Price | $330,600 (July 2022) |
Regina, SK Official & Important Links:
| Must Read Guide: Saskatoon vs. Regina: Where to move? |
#3. Prince Albert
Prince Albert with a population of approx. 38000 is the 3rd biggest city in terms of population in Saskatchewan.
Prince Albert became a city in the year 1904 and was founded in the year 1866.
Reverend James Nesbit is known to be the founder of the city. It has Saskatchewan’s biggest national park which is called ‘Prince Albert National Park’.
Main highlights of Prince Albert:
- Prince Albert is also known as the Gateway to the North.
- Prince Albert was named after Queen Victoria’s husband ‘Albert Prince Consort’
- Prince Albert’s name is called ‘kistahpinanihk‘ in the Cree language, which means a great meeting place.
- Prince Albert has Saskatchewan’s biggest national park with an area of 3,874 km2 called ‘Prince Albert National Park’
- In the year 1899, Prince Albert got its first hospital.
- Prince Albert has a current estimated population is 38000.
- Distance from Prince Albert to Saskatoon is around 138.1 km via Louis Riel Trail/Sk-11 S. (approx. 1 hr 25 minutes drive)
Cost of Living in Prince Albert, SK
Similar to the above-mentioned cities, the base salary in Prince Albert is $13/hr.
The cost of overall living index in Prince Albert is 85, which is 8% lower as compared to Saskatchewan’s 93.
The housing market in Prince Albert is much more affordable and is about 27% lower than Saskatchewan’s average housing market.
If you compare it with the National housing market Prince Albert is around 67% cheaper, as per areavibes.
Groceries prices in Prince Albert are about 2.7% higher if you compare them to Saskatoon.
If you talk about Restaurant prices in Prince Albert, they are whopping about 13%-14% if you compare to the biggest city Saskatoon. (as per Numbeo)
Prince Albert, SK Official & Important Sites:
#4. Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw comes at number 4 in the largest cities in Saskatchewan, Canada list in terms of population. Moose Jaw is the home of approx 36,000+ people as of January 2024.
Moose Jaw became a city in the year 1903. This Canada’s most notorious city is a historic city that has a deep history attached to its roots.
Main Highlights of Moose Jaw:
- Moose Jaw got its name from a Cree word called ‘moscâstani-sîpiy‘ means a warm place by the river.
- With a population of 36,000+, Moose Jaw is currently the 4th largest city in Saskatchewan in terms of population.
- Moose Jaw is 1892ft high from sea level.
- Moose Jaw recorded the hottest temperature of 42.3 °C in the month of August.
- Potash mining, tourism, NATO flying training, agriculture, and health care, are the major sectors that play a huge role in Moose Jaw’s economy.
- Distance from Moose Jaw to Saskatoon is around 228.6 km via SK-11 S. (that takes approx. 2 hr 27 minutes drive).
- Distance from Moose Jaw to Regina is around 73.7 km
Cost of Living in Moose Jaw, Sk
The average salary in Moose Jaw is around C$62000. Which is pretty good, as the city is one of the most affordable cities in Canada.
The overall cost of living in Moose Jaw, SK is 14% lower than the national average.
If we compare grocery prices between Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, Moose Jaw is about 4.41% cheaper than Saskatoon as per Numbeo.
Moose Jaw, SK Official & Important Sites:
#5. Swift Current
Swift Current is the 5th largest city in Saskatchewan, Canada with a population of 17000+ as of November 2022.
Swift Current’s city settlement was established in 1882 and later became a city on January 15, 1914.
Swift Current Highlights:
- Swift Current’s name, came from the word Cree, called ‘Kisiskâciwan’, this Cree name which is called for the South Saskatchewan River, which means ‘It flows swiftly’.
- Swift Current is also known as ‘Speedy Creek’.
- According to a survey of 100 cities in Canada, Swift Current ranked #3 for its most sunshine.
- Swift Current has an average snowfall of 127 cm in winter.
- Swift Current is 2683 ft high from sea level.
- Distance from Swift Current to Saskatoon is approx 273.8 km via Sk-4 N and SK-7 E. (the journey would be 2 hr 27-minute).
- Distance from Swift Current to Regina is around 242.6km via Trans-Canada HwfSK-1 E
Cost of Living in Swift Current, Sk
Swift Current is one of the most affordable cities in Saskatchewan and Canada as well.
According to areavibes, The cost of living in Swift Current is around 13% cheaper if you compare it to Canada’s average cost of living.
If you compare Swift Current’s cost of living expenses, with Saskatchewan’s average, it’s 7% cheaper.
Swift Current, SK Official & Important Sites:
#6. Yorkton
Yorkton City is located in south-eastern Saskatchewan. Yorkton is the 6th largest city in Saskatchewan with a population of approx. 16,000+, and the project population will be 25,000 by 2040.
Yorkton was founded in 1882, it was incorporated as a town in 1900 and later became a city on February 1, 1928.
Yorkton, SK Highlights:
- Yorkton was known as ‘York City’.
- The place called Hamlet changed its name hamlet to ‘Yorkton’ after opening the first post office on January 1, 1884.
- Yorkton got its first hospital in 1902.
- Yorkton’s hottest temperature ever recorded was 40.6 °C on July 19, 1941.
- Yorkton’s coldest temperature ever recorded was −46.1 °C on January 20, 1943
- Yorkton is 1640 ft (500m) high from sea level.
- Distance from Yorkton, Sk to Saskatoon, Sk is approx 332.8 km via Sk-16 W which is around a 3 hr 23 m drive.
- Distance from Yorkton, SK to Regina, SK is around 187.5 km via Sk-10 W
Cost of Living in Yorkton, SK
The average pay in Yorkton varies between $42,000 to $45,000 annually, based on multiple data sources. This can be considered a good salary if you calculate the expenses of the city.
The average hourly pay in Yorkton varies from $21 to $24.
According to areavibes.com, as per the above-mentioned chart cost of living in Yorkton is about 8% cheaper than Saskatchewan’s average living expenses.
If you compare the cost of living with the national average, living in Yorkton is 15% cheaper.
Let’s compare grocery prices in Yorkton vs Saskatoon, Yorkton is about 5%-6% cheaper as per numbeo.
Yorkton, SK Official & Important Sites:
#7. North Battleford
North Battleford is a city located in the west-central of Saskatchewan. It became a city in the year 1913.
North Battleford is the 7th largest city with a population of 14,800+ in Saskatchewan.
Highlights of the city of North Battleford:
- North Battleford got its name from the nearby river of a similar name, known as the ‘Fighting River’.
- North Battleford’s land area is 33.55 km2.
- Battleford and North Battleford both communities are also known as ‘The Battlefords’.
- In North Battleford, an early European settlement began in the late 18th century.
- The first public library in North Battleford, SK was built in 1916.
- North Battleford got its first Railway station in 1956.
- Distance from North Battleford to Saskatoon is just 134.5 km via Sk-16 E. (approx 1 hr 19 mins journey).
- Distance from North Battleford to Saskatchewan’s capital Regina is 394.9 km via SK-16 E and SK-11 S.
Cost of Living in North Battleford, SK
According to areavibes living in North Battleford is about 12% cheaper as compared to Saskatchewan’s average cost of living.
If we compare North Battleford’s cost of living with the National average, it’s around 18% cheaper.
The average house price in North Battleford as of October 2022, is $292,426.
The average base salary in North Battleford is approx. $61,000+ CAD annually and the average hourly wage is approx. $29.50/hr.
North Battleford, SK Official & Important Sites:
#8. Warman
Warman is the 8th largest city in Saskatchewan in terms of a population of 14,000+.
Warman City is located just 21 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Warman is the newest and youngest city in Saskatchewan, became an official city on October 27, 2012.
Warman Highlights:
- Warman was a town before, and the real name of the town was Diamond.
- The city of Warman was named after Cy Warman, who was an American journalist and author.
- The city of Warman’s land area is 13.05 km2.
- Warman is also known as the fastest-growing city, in Saskatchewan.
- Warman is located about 1663.39 above sea level.
- Distance from Warman to Saskatoon is just 21 km via Louis Riel Trail/SK-11 S. (15-minute drive).
- The distance from Warman to Regina is 281.6 km via SK-11 S.
Cost of Living in Warman, SK
The cost of living in Warman, SK is around 3% cheaper than Saskatchewan’s and 10% cheaper than Canada’s average cost of living.
The average Salary in Warman, SK is about $64,000 CAD annually.
The average home price in Warman, SK as of November 2022 is $444,343.
Warman, SK Official & Important Sites:
#9. Weyburn
Weyburn is the 9th largest city in Saskatchewan with a population of 10,800+. It is located in the center of Southeast Saskatchewan. It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Saskatchewan in 2024.
There is an interesting story behind the ‘Weyburn’s name origin.
Wayburn was founded in the year 1899, incorporated as a village in 1902, became a town in 1903 and later became a city on September 1, 1913.
Highlights of the city of Weyburn:
- Weyburn, SK is located on the Souris River, 110 km southeast of the city of Regina.
- Weyburn is just 70 km from the U.S. border, located north of North Dakota State in the United States.
- The story behind the name of Weyburn started on a hot summer afternoon when explorer Scot, came by the South River and exclaimed ‘Wee Burn!’. That is how the community got its name Wee Burn and later the name changed to ‘Weyburn’.
- Weyburn got its first hospital in 1905.
- The hottest temperature in Weyburn ever recorded was 42.5 °C on July 24, 2007.
- The coldest temperature in Weyburn ever recorded was −42.2 °C on January 15, 1969.
- Weyburn is 1922.57 ft (585 m) high from sea level.
- Distance from Weyburn to Saskatoon is 377.5 km via Sk-39 N and SK-11 N that’s around a 3 hr 50 min drive.
- The distance from Weyburn to Regina is 115.7 km via Sk-10 W
Cost of Living in Weyburn, SK
The cost of living in Weyburn, SK is about 7% cheaper as compared to Saskatchewan’s average living expenses.
Weyburn is about 13% cheaper than Canada’s average cost of living. (via areavibes)
The average hourly wage in Weyburn, SK is about $30/hr CAD and the annual average salary is around $61,000+.
Weyburn, SK Official & Important Sites:
#10. Martensville
Martensville is a beautiful city located really close to Saskatoon. It’s just 18 km far, and a 16 min drive from Saskatoon.
Martensville, SK was founded in the year 1939 and became a city in the year 2009. It is the second youngest city in Saskatchewan.
Martensville currently has a population of approx. 10,500+.
Highlights of the city of Martensville:
- Martensville is located just in between the North Saskatchewan River and the South Saskatchewan River.
- Martinsville got its name from Isaac and his son Dave Martens, who purchased land in the north of Saskatoon in the year 1939. Later they sold three parts of the land to the people who wanted to settle down there and move out of Saskatoon. That community was named after Martens’s name and became Martensville.
- Martensville’s land area is 13.56 km
- The average hot temperature in Martensville, in the month of July, goes up to 18 °C and the average temperature in winter varies from -17 °C.
- Martensville is 1690 ft (515 m) high from the sea level.
- Distance from Martensville to Saskatoon is 18s km via SK-12 S, just under a 15-minute drive.
- The distance from Martensville to Regina is 278.2 km via Sk-11 S, takes about 3 hours to reach there.
Cost of living in Martensville, SK
The living cost in Martensville is 4% cheaper than Saskatchewan’s average cost of living.
Martensville is 11% cheaper as compared to Canada’s average cost of living.
The average salary in Martensville is about $30.80/hr and $64,000 CAD annually, which is considered to be a decent amount.
Martensville, SK Official & Important Sites:
How many total cities are there in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan has a total of 16 great cities as of January 2024.
The rest of the cities which are not included in the above list are, Estevan, Meadow Lake, Humboldt, Melville, Melfort, and Lloydminster.
Saskatchewan Population: Latest 2024 Stats
Saskatchewan’s population jumped by about 0.9% as compared to last quarter and the national average increased by 2.3%, becoming the 7th biggest province in terms of population in January 2024.
Saskatchewan’s current population as of January 2024 is 1,205,119+ (1.2+ million).
| Must Read: Why is Saskatchewan so Cold? (-40°C to -50°C) |
FAQs: Best Places to Live in Saskatchewan
Q. What’s the population of Saskatchewan in January 2024?
Saskatchewan has a population of 1.2+ million (1,205,119+) as of January 2024. Saskatchewan ranked #7 as the largest province in Canada in terms of population.
Q. What’s the biggest city in Saskatchewan?
Saskatoon with a population of 3,37000+ is the largest and the biggest city in the province.
Q. How many total cities are there in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan has a total of 16 great cities as of January 2024. Here is the list of total cities in Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford, Warman, Weyburn, Martensville, Estevan, Meadow Lake, Humboldt, Melville, Melfort, and Lloydminster.
Q. What are the top 5 places to live in Saskatchewan?
The top 5 places to live in Saskatchewan are Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
Q. What’s the capital of Saskatchewan?
Regina which is also the second largest city in the province is the capital of Saskatchewan.
Q. What are the cheapest places to live in Saskatchewan in 2024?
The top 5 cheapest places to live in Saskatchewan in 2024 are, Yorkton, North Battleford, Warman, Weyburn and Martensville.
Best Cities to Move in Saskatchewan: Conclusion
Each city has its own charm, pros and cons. You must have got a clear picture of about best places to live in Saskatchewan.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure you share it with your friends or anyone who is planning to move to Saskatchewan in the near future.
Hope this guide will help you choose your destination city from the best cities to live in Saskatchewan. All the best with your journey.
Hello Tanbir,
I want to travel to and holiday in Saskatchewan for three weeks, beginning in late July this year (2024). I like golf and swimming. I also like eating at fine restaurants and wearing very high quality clothing. I know Saskatchewan has plenty of golf courses, and a number of good outdoor and indoor pools. I will bring my fine Italian suits. My question is which town in Saskatchewan are located the finest upscale restaurants, where a gentleman and lady feel most appropriate and comfortable?
Thanks in advance for answering my question.