Relocation Guide
Your guide to making
the move to PEI.
Moving to Prince Edward Island is about more than finding a house. It's about choosing a lifestyle: a slower pace, coastal living, and a community that welcomes newcomers. Here's what to expect.
Is Prince Edward Island right for you?
PEI is Canada's smallest province, and that's its greatest strength. With a population of around 176,000, the Island offers a quality of life that larger cities struggle to match: short commutes, low crime, excellent healthcare, and a coastline that's never more than a 15-minute drive from anywhere.
Charlottetown, the capital, has grown to nearly 50,000 residents and offers a walkable downtown, a university, a thriving arts scene, and access to all the services you'd expect from a small city, without the traffic, noise, or pressure of a major urban centre.
What does it cost to live on PEI?
While more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, PEI has seen significant price growth in recent years as demand from across Canada has increased. Here's a general sense of what to expect:
$400K-$600K
Character homes, starter homes, and well-maintained bungalows in established neighbourhoods
$600K-$1M
Larger family homes, newer builds, and updated properties in desirable areas
$1M-$2M+
Waterfront estates, luxury properties, and premium coastal homes
$1,500-$1,950/mo
Average rental rates in Charlottetown for apartments and townhomes
What should I know before moving to PEI?
You'll need a vehicle
PEI is small but spread out. Public transit exists in Charlottetown but is limited. Most residents drive, and distances are short; most of the Island is within an hour of the capital.
The pace is intentionally slower
Shops close earlier. Services run on Island time. This is part of the appeal, but it takes some adjustment if you're coming from a fast-paced city.
Community matters here
PEI is a place where people know their neighbours, support local businesses, and show up for each other. Getting involved, through volunteer work, sports, or the farmers' market, is how newcomers become part of the fabric.
You can buy property from out of province
Yes, you can buy property on PEI from another province or country. Cheryl regularly works with clients making long-distance purchases, handling the logistics so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Which PEI community is right for me?
The answer depends on the life you want to build. Do you want to walk to coffee shops and restaurants? Do you need great schools nearby? Are you looking for waterfront views and space to garden? Cheryl helps clients think through these questions: not just the property, but the lifestyle that surrounds it.
Explore community guidesPlanning a move to PEI?
Cheryl works with relocating clients every week. Whether you're moving from another province, another country, or just beginning to research; a conversation can make the whole process feel more manageable.