Performance
Score Breakdown
Prince George
Summerside
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Prince George is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% lower compared to Summerside.
Housing costs are a major driver: Prince George's average rent is
15% lower than Summerside's.
| Metric | Prince George | Summerside | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $748 | $882 | -15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $312 | +44% |
| Utilities | $176 | $186 | -5% |
| Transport | $44 | $46 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $50 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,418 | $1,476 | -4% |
| Cost Index | 1633 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Summerside offers 90% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Summerside delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Prince George is estimated at
$3,413 vs $35,280 in Summerside.
| Metric | Prince George | Summerside |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $3,181 | $30,659 |
| Salary Needed | $3,413 | $35,280 |
| Purchasing Power | 195 idx | 30,969 idx |
| Household Income | $104,700 | $45,050 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Prince George | Summerside |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 57.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Prince George has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Summerside.
Summerside scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Summerside leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Prince George | Summerside |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 26.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Prince George is the larger city
— approximately 3.9x the population of Summerside.
From a growth perspective, Summerside is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Prince George has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Prince George | Summerside |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 76,708 | 19,557 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.90% | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 44.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.48% | 7.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Prince George
Advantages
Significantly lower housing costs compared to other major cities in British Columbia, offering substantial savings for residents.
Short average commute times, often around 15-17 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities year-round, including skiing, snowshoeing, and lake activities.
A resilient and diverse economy with strong sectors in forestry, resources, logistics, and healthcare.
Serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and government services, providing essential amenities and employment.
Drawbacks
Winters can be harsh with temperatures dropping significantly and substantial snowfall.
Labor market faces challenges due to an aging workforce and shortages in certain skilled trades and healthcare occupations.
Population growth has been modest, with recent stagnation attributed to a decline in non-permanent residents and limited net in-migration.
Competitiveness in industrial sectors needs to be improved relative to Northern Alberta, where land is cheaper and approvals are quicker.
Public transportation system is considered "okay" and car dependency is medium to high for most residents.
Summerside
Advantages
Growing economy with diversification into aerospace, IT, and renewable energy sectors.
Lower housing costs compared to many larger Canadian cities, attracting retirees and remote workers.
Strong sense of community and welcoming environment.
Access to local produce and seafood, contributing to a good quality of life.
Municipally owned electric utility, demonstrating leadership in green energy initiatives.
Drawbacks
Summerside's crime rates are significantly higher than the national average, particularly for property and violent crimes.
The city is largely car-dependent due to limited public transit options.
Average salaries in Summerside are lower than the Canadian national average.
The unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island (and by extension, Summerside) is higher than the national average.
Housing affordability is becoming a concern, with incomes lagging behind rising home prices, making it challenging for some residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Prince George
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$748
Avg Salary
$3,181
Cost Index
1633
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.90%
Unemployment
5.48%
Livability
74
Business
68
Summerside
#24Prince Edward Island, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$882
Avg Salary
$30,659
Cost Index
99
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
70
Business
72
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Prince George and Summerside.
Open Cost Calculator