Canadian cities consistently score well in cost-of-living surveys compared to other international urban centers. Low inflation keeps the cost of living affordable in Ontario’s cities such as Thunder Bay. Consumer prices will remain stable in Ontario with expected inflation rates of 1.8 per cent in 2007.

In 2001 Ontario had over 4.3 million households. Two-thirds of dwellings in Ontario are owned by the occupant. Ontario offers a range of affordable housing, with the average price being C$150,000 in smaller communities like Thunder Bay.