Everyone loves to talk about how “cheap” homes are in New Brunswick.
And honestly? Compared to places like Ontario, British Columbia, or even parts of Alberta… yes, housing can absolutely be more affordable.

But moving across Canada is not just about buying the house.

It’s the moving truck.
The fuel.
The hotels.
The takeout food because your pots are somewhere between Winnipeg and Quebec.
The surprise costs nobody warns you about until you’re sitting on your living room floor wondering why you spent $47 on garbage bags and extension cords.

So let’s talk about the real numbers.

Not scary numbers.
Not sugar-coated numbers.
Just realistic ones.

The Average Cost to Move Across Canada

If you’re moving to Moncton, Riverview, or Dieppe from another province, here’s a rough idea of what you may spend.

Moving Truck or Movers

This is usually the biggest expense.

Approximate costs:

• Ontario to New Brunswick: $4,000–$10,000+

• Alberta to New Brunswick: $7,000–$15,000+

• British Columbia to New Brunswick: $9,000–$18,000+

The price depends on:

• How much stuff you own

• Time of year

• Whether you pack yourself

• If you need storage

• If you have specialty items like pianos, gym equipment, or your grandmother’s 900-pound dining set nobody is allowed to touch

And yes… summer moves cost more because apparently everyone collectively decides July is “moving season.”

Gas Costs Add Up Fast

If you’re driving across the country yourself, fuel alone can become a serious expense.

Especially if:

• You’re hauling a trailer

• Driving a cube van

• Bringing multiple vehicles

• Traveling with kids, pets, or both (which honestly deserves hazard pay)

Depending on distance and fuel prices, many families spend:

• $800–$2,500+ on fuel alone

Copper would personally like to remind everyone that Basset Hounds do not enjoy 14-hour driving days.

Hotels and Food

This is the sneaky category people forget to budget for.

A cross-country move can easily take:

• 3–8 days of travel

Average costs:

• Hotels: $150–$300 per night

• Food: $50–$200 per day depending on family size

• Emergency coffee stops because somebody is losing their mind: unavoidable

A family relocating from Western Canada could easily spend:

• $1,500–$4,000 just getting here comfortably

Closing Costs on Your New Home

Then comes the actual house purchase.

In New Brunswick, buyers should still budget for:

• Lawyer fees

• Home inspection

• Property tax adjustments

• Utility hookups

• Insurance

• Land transfer tax

A good rule of thumb:

• Budget about 1.5%–4% of the purchase price for closing costs

So if you’re buying a $400,000 home, you may want:

• $6,000–$16,000 set aside

Not because anyone is trying to rob you.
It’s just adulthood and paperwork joining forces.

The “Oh Crap” Budget

This is the category nobody talks about enough.

Things like:

• New furniture because your old sectional suddenly looks ridiculous

• Snowblower

• Winter tires

• Extra storage

• Kids needing new schools supplies halfway through the move

• Internet installation

• Groceries after arriving to an empty fridge

The little things pile up shockingly fast.

Most families should realistically keep:

• $2,000–$5,000+ as a backup cushion

Because moving is basically controlled chaos with receipts.

But Here’s the Good News

Despite the moving costs, many people relocating to New Brunswick still find they gain:

• Lower housing costs

• More property for their money

• Less traffic

• Shorter commutes

• More outdoor lifestyle

• Slower pace of life

• Strong community feel

And honestly, that matters.

A lot.

Especially for families feeling stretched thin in larger Canadian cities.

My Advice?

Before you move:

• Price out movers early

• Get multiple quotes

• Declutter hard before packing

• Budget higher than you think you need

• Research communities carefully

• Talk to someone local who actually knows the area

Because moving across Canada is a huge life decision.
And the smoother the plan, the less stressful the experience.

And trust me… stress levels will already be high enough when you can’t find your coffee maker for four days.

Nicole Labarge
REALTOR® | Come Home to Moncton
Keller Williams Capital Realty
506-377-2279
tnicolelabarge@gmail.com

There’s a reason more and more people are packing up and heading to North Moncton. Actually… there are a lot of reasons.

Moncton North has become one of the fastest-growing and most family-focused areas in Greater Moncton. It has that sweet spot people are constantly looking for — newer neighbourhoods, good schools, parks everywhere, easy access to shopping, and enough community feel that your kids still run into classmates at the grocery store.

It feels busy in the best possible way. Growing, alive, and full of families building roots.

A Growing Community That Still Feels Like Home

Moncton itself has been seeing major growth over the last several years. Statistics Canada estimates showed the city population reaching over 85,000 residents in 2022, with growth rates outperforming much of Atlantic Canada.

That growth is especially noticeable in Moncton North.

Drive through the area, and you’ll see:

• new subdivisions

• Young families moving in

• expanding businesses

• playgrounds constantly being used

• walking trails packed year-round

Yet somehow it still manages to keep that community-driven feel people want when raising children.

You get city conveniences without feeling swallowed by a giant city.

Family Friendly Is Not Just a Buzzword Here

Moncton North was practically designed for busy family life.

Parents love the area because schools, parks, shopping, sports facilities, restaurants, and walking trails are all close together. You are not driving 45 minutes just to get your kid to soccer practice or grab groceries.

The area is also known for strong school options, including schools like:

• Evergreen Park School

• Northrop Frye School

• École Le Sommet

• Maplehurst Middle

Families are also drawn to the amount of recreation nearby. North Moncton gives kids room to actually be kids.

Some local favourites include:

• Mapleton Park

• Centennial Park

• Irishtown Nature Park

The Demographics Show Why Families Like It Here

Moncton continues attracting working-age adults and young families. Roughly 65% of the population falls into working-age demographics, while children under 15 make up about 15–16% of the population.

The average age in Moncton is approximately 41 years old, creating a balanced mix of young professionals, growing families, and long-time residents.

That mix matters.

It means neighborhoods feel active and established at the same time. You get new energy without losing community connection.

Why Buyers Love North Moncton

People moving from larger cities are often shocked by what they can still get here:

• larger yards

• newer homes

• quieter streets

• access to nature

• shorter commute times

• family-oriented neighborhoods

And unlike some larger urban centres, life here still feels manageable.

You can finish work, grab groceries, hit a trail, make hockey practice, and still be home at a reasonable hour without needing emotional support afterward.

That alone deserves recognition.

Community Still Matters Here

One of the biggest things people mention after moving to Moncton North is the sense of community.

Neighbors talk.
Kids play outside.
Local businesses remember your name.
Community events are everywhere.

For many families, that slower pace and connection is exactly what they were looking for.

And honestly? It is hard not to fall in love with that.

Nicole Labarge
REALTOR® | Keller Williams Capital Realty
506-377-2279
tnicolelabarge@gmail.com
comehometomoncton.com

Copper the basset hound invites new friends over for a drink | CBC News