Cobourg and Quinte West have been named among the top 10 Canadian destinations to retire in 2026, according to a national report by Canadian real estate marketplace Zolo.
The report reviewed 38 cities and regions across Canada, measuring key retirement factors including cost of living, housing affordability, safety and access to amenities such as health care, recreation and community services.
Cobourg placed seventh on the list, with data showing the cost of living in the area to be about 6 per cent lower than the national average and benchmark home prices near $647,700 as of December 2025. The town’s waterfront location on Lake Ontario, community amenities and lifestyle options contribute to its retirement appeal.
Quinte West, ranked eighth, also stood out for its affordability and quality of life. Zolo’s metrics indicate that benchmark home prices in the Belleville and Quinte region, which includes Quinte West, are around $490,500, with cost of living roughly 11 per cent below the national average. The region offers retirees a blend of small-city services, outdoor recreation and access to health care.
Top 10 places to retire according to Zolo report.
1 Saint John
2 Moncton
3 Fredericton
4 Kingston and Area
5 Simcoe
6 Tillsonburg
7 Cobourg (Northumberland Hills)
8 Quinte & District
9 Peterborough & the Kawarthas
10 Sudbury
For those considering retirement in Ontario, the recognition highlights how communities like Cobourg and Quinte West combine affordability, amenities and lifestyle to create attractive options for future retirees.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
