Moving in Canada: 2024 Moving Statistics

Over one-third of Canadian households moved in the past five years. These 2024 moving statistics reveal why Canadians move, housing affordability pressures, and forced relocations.

Moving is stressful even under ideal circumstances. According to Statistics Canada, more than 35% of Canadian households — about 5.4 million households — moved within the five years leading up to 2022.

While most moves were made for positive reasons, over one million households moved due to cost pressures or were forced out entirely. The data paints a picture that is equal parts hopeful, concerning, and at times, deeply troubling.

The Good: Moving forward

For most Canadians, moving represents progress — more space, better quality housing, or finally becoming a homeowner.

• 1.3 million households upgraded to a larger or better-quality home
• 990,300 households became homeowners
• 707,100 households moved to a more desirable neighbourhood

The Bad: Affordability pressure

Between 2018 and 2022, shelter costs rose by 20.6%. By 2022, dissatisfaction with housing affordability increased sharply — especially among renters, who were nearly twice as likely as owners to feel financial strain.

• 444,400 households moved to reduce housing costs
• Mortgage interest costs rose 16.7% year-over-year by Sept 2024
• Rent increased 8.2% nationally, with PEI & Alberta at 11.5%

The Ugly: Forced moves and displacement

Over 1 in 10 households that moved did so under some form of duress. These were not voluntary upgrades — they were forced relocations.

• 322,900 households moved due to disputes with landlords or tenants
• 281,400 households were forced out by landlords or financial institutions
• 25,600 households were displaced due to fires or natural disasters

Source: Statistics Canada, November 6, 2024. Used for informational purposes.