Question 1

What data is used in the city comparisons?

Accepted Answer

Comparisons draw on board-published market statistics (the MLS® Home Price Index benchmark, its one-year change and the board's average days on market, each shown with the board and period it comes from) and the published average two-bedroom rent with its survey area (Statistics Canada or CMHC in Canada, HUD's Fair Market Rent in San Diego). Two cities in one survey area share that area's single figure. Demographic figures appear only where a published value exists. Comparison pages do not show listing counts: for current inventory, open each city's homes-for-sale page.

Question 2

How is cost of living compared?

Accepted Answer

We do not compute a cost-of-living score or index. The comparison shows the average two-bedroom rent each city's published survey reports, with the survey and its area named. Consumer prices, household income and other figures are on each city's cost-of-living page, each with its source and the geography it covers.

Question 3

Can I compare cities in different provinces or states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can compare any two cities within the same site. On the Canadian site, this means any two Canadian cities regardless of province. On the San Diego site, comparisons are between San Diego County communities. Board statistics come from each city's own board, so check the Source row when two cities are covered by different boards.

Question 4

How often is the comparison data updated?

Accepted Answer

Real estate boards publish their statistics monthly, and each comparison shows the latest period we hold with its source named. Cost-of-living figures are refreshed when new price-index and rent data is released. For current listings, use each city's homes-for-sale page, which follows the MLS® feed.

Question 5

What factors are included in the market overview?

Accepted Answer

The market overview shows the board-published benchmark price (MLS® HPI), its one-year change, the board's average days on market, and the board and period the figures come from. Where a board publishes no figure for a city, the row shows a dash rather than an estimate.

Compare Cities — Real Estate Market Comparison

Select Two Cities to Compare

Popular Comparisons

How the City Comparison Tool Works

Frequently Asked Questions