The Ontario Reality Check
Priya and I met at Western University in London, Ontario. We both landed good jobs after graduation—she's a pharmacist, I'm a civil engineer. Combined income around $160K. By all accounts, we were doing well. But when we started house hunting in 2023, the cheapest detached home in a decent neighborhood was $850K. Townhouses started at $650K. We were pre-approved for a mortgage, but the math was brutal. Our monthly payment would consume 50% of our take-home pay.
We had a choice: stretch ourselves financially thin in Ontario, or consider alternatives. We chose the latter.
Why Saskatchewan?
I grew up in Regina, so I knew Saskatchewan wasn't the frozen wasteland people joke about (okay, January is rough, but it's manageable). Priya was skeptical at first—she's from Brampton and had never been west of Mississauga. But we did our research.
Saskatoon's economy is diversified: potash mining, agriculture, tech startups, and the University of Saskatchewan. The job market for both our professions was strong. Pharmacists are in demand everywhere, and Saskatchewan has major infrastructure projects that need engineers.
The clincher? Housing prices. The average detached home in Saskatoon was around $420K. We could afford a real house with a yard, garage, and finished basement for less than a cramped townhouse in Ontario.
The Move and Job Search
Priya secured a pharmacy position at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Saskatoon before we moved—pharmacist licenses transfer easily across provinces. I applied to several engineering firms and landed a job with the City of Saskatoon's infrastructure department. The salary was about 10% less than what I was making in Ontario, but the cost of living difference more than compensated.
We moved in August 2023. Our families thought we were crazy. "You're moving to Saskatchewan? Why not just move to Alberta like everyone else?" But we wanted to try something different.
Finding Our Home
We rented for three months while we got to know the city and different neighborhoods. We loved Nutana for its character homes and proximity to the river. Evergreen was great for families. Hampton Village had newer builds.
In November 2023, we bought a 1,400 sq ft bi-level in the Willowgrove area for $385,000. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, double attached garage, and a backyard big enough for a garden and a dog (we adopted a rescue husky named Koda two months later).
Our down payment was $77,000 (20%), which we'd saved over four years. Our mortgage payment is $1,850/month. Property taxes are $2,800/year. Utilities average $250/month. Total housing costs? About $2,350/month. In Ontario, we'd be paying double that for half the space.
Life in Saskatoon
The city has everything we need. Costco, IKEA, good restaurants (the food scene is better than we expected—try Ayden Kitchen & Bar). The Meewasin Valley Trail along the river is beautiful for cycling and running. Winters are cold, yes, but you adapt. We bought a block heater for the car, invested in proper winter gear, and learned to embrace outdoor activities like cross-country skiing.
The sense of community is strong. Our neighbors brought over baking when we moved in. People actually wave and say hello. It's a different pace of life—less hustle, more balance.
The Trade-offs
We miss our families. Flying back to Ontario isn't cheap, and it's not a quick drive. Saskatoon's airport is small, so we often connect through Calgary or Winnipeg. We miss the diversity of food options—you can't get authentic South Asian groceries as easily (though there are a few good stores). The arts and culture scene is smaller, though the Remai Modern art museum is genuinely world-class.
Healthcare access is a concern. We waited eight months to get a family doctor. Walk-in clinics are crowded. This is a real issue in Saskatchewan, and it's something to consider if you have ongoing health needs.
Financial Freedom
Here's the biggest difference: we have money left over at the end of the month. We max out our TFSAs. We're saving for a trip to India to visit Priya's extended family. We don't stress about every grocery bill. This is what financial breathing room feels like.
We're building equity fast. In 18 months, our home has appreciated to about $410K (Saskatoon's market is heating up as more people discover it). We're not house-rich and cash-poor—we're building real wealth.
Advice for Others Considering Saskatchewan
Visit first. Don't move sight unseen. Spend a week in Saskatoon or Regina in both summer and winter. Make sure you can handle the climate and the vibe.
Secure a job before moving. The job market is good, but it's not Toronto or Vancouver. Have something lined up, or at least strong leads.
Embrace the lifestyle change. Saskatchewan isn't trying to be Toronto. If you need 24/7 nightlife and endless cultural events, this isn't for you. But if you want a house, a yard, financial stability, and a strong community, it's incredible.
Don't underestimate the cold. Seriously. Buy a good parka, invest in a remote car starter, and learn to layer. But also know that summer is gorgeous—long days, warm weather, and festivals everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Saskatchewan was the best financial decision we've ever made. We're homeowners at 29 and 30. We have a dog, a yard, and a future that doesn't involve being mortgage-slaves for 30 years. The Prairies get a bad rap, but for young Canadians priced out of major metros, Saskatchewan is where the dream is still alive.