As one of the Prairie Provinces’ key cities, Regina offers a mix of urban convenience and small-town charm that continues to attract newcomers from across Canada and beyond. Each year, more individuals and families consider relocating to Regina, Saskatchewan, whether it’s for a new job opportunity, more affordable living, or a slower-paced lifestyle. 

But like any major move, it’s important to look beyond the surface. Understanding what life is truly like in Regina, from its cost of living and climate to good job opportunities and a diverse community, can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next chapter.

In this guide, we break down the top 5 pros and cons of moving to Regina in 2025 to give you a balanced perspective. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a fresh start, these insights will help you plan more confidently and realistically.

6 Interesting Facts About Regina, SK

Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s take a look at what makes Regina stand out from other Canadian cities. From hidden gems to surprising records, these interesting facts will give you a better feel for the city’s personality and history.

1. Regina is Nicknamed the “Queen City”

Regina was named in honour of Queen Victoria, whose Latin name is “Regina,” meaning queen. The city earned its regal title in 1882 when Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the then-Governor General of Canada, gave it the name.

This nickname reflects the city’s historical ties to the British monarchy and its symbolic importance in Saskatchewan’s development. Regina continues to embrace its royal branding with landmarks, events, and cultural touchpoints that proudly highlight its title as “The Queen City.”

2. Stone Hall Castle: Canada’s Only Medieval-Style Castle

Right in downtown Regina stands the Stone Hall Castle, a hidden gem and Canada’s only authentic medieval-style castle open to the public. Built in the 1920s as a private residence, it was later converted into an opulent, European-style castle with stone walls, vaulted ceilings, iron chandeliers, and hand-carved furniture.

This castle offers a rare medieval experience through private tours, attracting architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Visitors often describe the castle as stepping into a different era, a true surprise in the middle of the Canadian prairies.

3. Home to Canada’s Oldest Continuously Performing Orchestra

Regina is culturally rich, being home to the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO), founded in 1908. It is the oldest continuously operating orchestra in Canada. 

The RSO plays a significant role in promoting classical music in the region and performs regularly at the Conexus Arts Centre. With more than a century of history, it stands as a proud testament to the city’s commitment to the arts and musical excellence. 

For anyone moving to Regina, having access to such a renowned orchestra adds a unique artistic layer to everyday life.

4. Capital of Saskatchewan and Second-Largest City in the Province

As the capital city of Saskatchewan, Regina holds administrative and political importance. It is also the second-largest city in the province after Saskatoon.

It houses key government offices and legislative buildings, making it a central hub for policy and governance. This status means greater access to public services, cultural institutions, and employment opportunities, particularly in the public sector.

5. Ranked as Canada’s 16th Largest City

With a population of approximately 250,000, which is expected to reach 293,000 after the end of the year 2025, Regina is the 16th largest city in Canada. 

This size makes it big enough to offer the amenities of an urban environment, like public transit, healthcare, and entertainment, while still maintaining a small-town feel. 

Many residents appreciate the balance between opportunity and community, as it avoids the congestion and high cost of living found in larger metropolitan areas.

6. Home to Wascana Centre: One of North America’s Largest Urban Parks

Wascana Centre is a massive urban park that covers more than 2,300 acres, making it three times larger than New York City’s Central Park and two and a half times larger than Vancouver’s Stanley Park. It includes lakes, trails, gardens, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, museums, and the University of Regina.

This park is the heart of the city, offering recreational and cultural activities year-round. 

For newcomers, Wascana Centre provides both a place to unwind and a symbol of Regina’s commitment to preserving green, open spaces amid urban life.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Regina, SK

Like any city, Regina comes with both its benefits and challenges.

Below is a quick comparison table to help you weigh the positives and drawbacks of living in this prairie capital.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Affordable Cost of Living and Low Taxes Harsh Winters
Strong Local Economy and Job Opportunities Limited Nightlife
Quality Education Options Higher Crime Rate in Some Areas
Reliable Healthcare Access Flat Landscape and Isolation
Diverse and Welcoming Community, Arts, and Sports Job Markets Can Be Competitive in Some Fields

Advantages of Moving to Regina, SK

Regina offers several lifestyle perks for newcomers, from affordable living and a strong local economy to a strong sense of community.

In this section, we’ll break down the top five reasons people choose to call Regina home.

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Regina is widely recognized for its affordability compared to other Canadian cities. The cost of living index in Regina is 16% cheaper than in Toronto and 16.6% cheaper than in Vancouver. This makes the city an attractive option for families, students, and young professionals looking to stretch their dollars further.

Housing is where Regina shines the most. A one-bedroom apartment outside the downtown core averages $1,400/month, compared to well over $2,500/month in Toronto. And even apartments in central areas typically stay under $1,500/month.

Low Taxes

Saskatchewan, the province where Regina is located, has relatively low provincial income tax rates, starting at 10.5%, which is more favourable than in many provinces. The 6% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) plus the federal 5% GST totals 11%, still lower than places like Quebec and Nova Scotia. Residents also enjoy no mandatory provincial health premium, helping households save further on essential services.

Accessible and Cheap Public Transportation

Regina’s public transit system offers excellent value and accessibility. 

As of May 2025, a single adult fare is $3.25, with discounted rates for youth and senior riders. A monthly transit pass costs between $86 and $88, depending on vendor and purchase method, substantially lower than in major cities.

Regina Transit serves 22 weekday routes and provides covered and heated shelters with accessibility features like braille and wheelchair accommodations on select routes. The new Umo fare systems launched in August 2024 make loading passes easier via mobile or card, and fare capping ensures maximum savings for frequent riders.

2. Strong Local Economy and Job Opportunities

Regina, along with the rest of Saskatchewan, is seeing solid economic and job market growth. As of June 2025, Saskatchewan recorded the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.9%, below the national average of 6.9%. 

Regina alone added 6,400 jobs year-over-year, with a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.9%, ranking it among the top five lowest in major Canadian cities. Across the province, full-time employment rose by 26,300 (5.2%), with notable increases among women, Indigenous workers, and youth. 

Key industries like healthcare, construction, and public administration also saw strong job gains. 

Diverse Industry Base

Regina benefits from a balanced and evolving economy. Traditional sectors like agriculture, oil and gas, and potash mining remain strong, with major companies such as Viterra, EVRAZ, and the Co-op Refinery Complex headquartered in the city. 

Regina also hosts the Innovation Place Research Park, home to numerous tech startups and environmental research firms linked with the University of Regina.

Infrastructure and Logistics Hub

Regina’s Global Transportation Hub is Canada’s largest inland port, spanning over 1,800 acres and serving as a major logistics and distribution center connected via CN and CP rail lines and the Trans-Canada Highway. Such infrastructure attracts investment and strengthens Regina’s role in national and international trade.

Emerging Innovation and AgTech

Regina is a regional leader in agritech and bio-industrial research, with over 220 agribusiness firms, including Viterra and Bayer CropScience, working with local innovation centers to drive precision agriculture, carbon capture, and sustainable food production technologies.

3. Quality Education Options

Regina offers a strong and diverse education and infrastructure, making it a reliable choice for families and students.

Primary and Secondary Schools

The Regina Public School Division oversees 44 elementary and 9 high schools, serving over 26,000 students. Meanwhile, the Regina Catholic School Board operates around 29 faith-based schools, educating about 15,000 students. Schools feature full facilities including science labs, gyms, drama studios, and language programming in English and French.

Specialized and Private Schooling

Notably, Martin Collegiate and Balfour Collegiate are among Regina’s well-regarded public high schools offering advanced placement and technical programs. Private institutions like Luther College, Campion College, Regina Christian School, and Harvest City Christian Academy serve families seeking faith-based or specialized learning environments.

Post-Secondary Education

Regina hosts the University of Regina, known for its co-op and research partnerships with local industries, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic for hands-on, career-focused technical training. These institutions support seamless transition into local employment markets that value practical and academic skills.

4. Reliable Healthcare Access

Regina benefits from Saskatchewan’s public healthcare system, often regarded as the birthplace of Canada’s Medicare model. While challenges exist, particularly around emergency wait times, most residents value the city’s broad access to hospitals, specialists, and surgeries without the financial burden often seen in other cities.

Hospitals and Primary Care Coverage

Regina is served by two major hospitals:

Beyond hospitals, numerous Primary Health Care Networks, such as Albert Park Primary Health Centre and North Primary Health Care Centre, provide walk-in, family physician, and allied health services for ongoing needs. Saskatchewan residents with a valid health card receive access to insured medical services with no out-of-pocket cost at the point of care.

Community Experience and Perspective

While Regina’s healthcare system, like many in Canada, contends with staffing shortages and system strain, many residents value the peace of mind that comes with knowing they won’t face financial ruin due to a medical emergency. 

Families cite smooth surgery scheduling, compassionate staff, and consistent care through community clinics and specialists.

5. Culturally Diverse Community, Arts, and Sports

Regina offers newcomers a unique blend of inclusivity, natural beauty, cultural richness, and local passion for sports and entertainment.

Diverse and Welcoming Community

The Regina Multicultural Council, established in 1965, represents more than 40 ethno-cultural groups and serves approximately 20,000 members, organizing community events, language and orientation programs, and advocacy to smooth newcomers’ integration.

One of the highlights is Mosaic: A Festival of Cultures, a three-day cultural celebration held annually in June, featuring over 40 pavilions from diverse communities offering food, music, dance, and crafts. Attendance regularly surpasses several thousand visitors and fosters a strong sense of inclusion and belonging.

Rich Arts and Culture

Regina supports a vibrant arts scene across visual art, performance, and community culture. The MacKenzie Art Gallery, located at the edge of Wascana Centre, houses over 5,000 works and hosts exhibitions spanning Canadian and Indigenous perspectives.

The Globe Theatre, founded in 1966, is Saskatchewan’s first professional theatre and a major performing arts hub. It reopened as a fully renovated, heritage-era venue in late 2024, capable of housing 406-seat theatre-in-the-round productions and a 100-seat black box space for emerging artists.

Regina also promotes Indigenous art through nonprofits like Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective, which hosts the annual Storyteller’s Festival, bringing together musicians, poets, and performance artists to celebrate Indigenous voices and community storytelling.

Sports Scene and Entertainment

Sports are woven deeply into Regina’s social fabric. The city cheers for its CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, at Mosaic Stadium, drawing loyal crowds and creating a vibrant game-day culture. Local hockey, soccer leagues, and community sports clubs further foster active lifestyles and neighbourly connections.

Annual festivals fill Regina’s calendar nearly year-round. From Queen City Ex to the Regina Folk Festival, JazzFest, and Cathedral Village Arts Festival, locals enjoy a lively event scene supported by civic and corporate partnerships.

Even pop culture gets its spotlight: the Regina Comic Arts Festival is hosted at the public library, featuring workshops, cosplay, and artist talks, offered entirely free to the public.

Disadvantages of Moving to Regina, SK

While Regina has its charm, it’s not without its downsides. 

Here we’ll go over a few realities you should be aware of before making the move, so you can plan accordingly and avoid surprises.

1. Harsh Winters

Regina experiences long, bitter winters that can significantly impact daily life, especially if you’re not accustomed to Prairie weather.

Duration and Snow Coverage

Regina endures a snowy season lasting approximately 6.1 months, from mid-October to mid-April, during which daily snowfall is common.

At any given time during this period, there’s typically at least 1 cm of snow on the ground for around 125 days per year, with mid-winter snowpacks averaging 18 cm deep.

Temperature and Cold Extremes

Average winter temperatures in Regina range from about -20 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius, with nights regularly dipping well below -20 degrees Celsius and wind chills making it feel like -30 degrees Celsius or colder. 

Strong Winds

Regina’s flat geography contributes to strong winds. These conditions amplify the already bone-chilling temperature, making outdoor exposure feel more severe.

Daylight and Seasonal Affective Impact

Winter days in Regina are short, offering just about 8 to 9 hours of daylight during December and January.

These short, dark days combined with cold weather lead to limited time outdoors, contributing to seasonal fatigue and affecting mood for some residents.

2. Limited Nightlife

While Regina offers some nightlife options, many locals say the city lacks the late-night energy and variety found in larger Canadian urban centers.

Few Late-Night Venues and Early Closures

Many downtown bars and clubs in Regina close as early as 10 or 11 p.m., unlike larger cities where venues stay open until 2 a.m. Locals frequently drive to Saskatoon on weekends for more vibrant social scenes.

Limited Variety and High Turnover

Regina has a few popular spots like The Lobby Public House, Leopold’s Tavern, and Bushwakker Brewery, but many establishments focus more on late lunch, brunch, or early evening socializing rather than nights out.

Several venues close or struggle due to insufficient demand for trivia nights, live music bars, or themed nightlife events.

3. Higher Crime Rate in Some Areas

Like many mid-sized cities, Regina has areas where crime is more prevalent, particularly property crimes like theft or break-ins. 

In the Regina CMA, in 2024, the Total Crime Severity Index decreased by 11% from that of 2023. The city has also seen improvements in community policing and crime prevention programs.

It’s important to note that crime isn’t evenly spread across the city. Some neighbourhoods, such as North Central, have higher reported incidents, while areas like Wascana View and The Creeks are often highlighted by residents for their safety and sense of community.

Many locals emphasize that, with proper awareness and by choosing the right neighbourhood, day-to-day life in Regina feels safe and peaceful. Community-led initiatives, neighbourhood watch programs, and strong local policing all help to maintain security.

4. Flat Landscape and Isolation

One of the defining features of Regina is its prairie geography; wide, flat land that stretches for miles in every direction. Unlike cities surrounded by mountains, forests, or coastlines, Regina’s terrain is mostly flat with few natural elevation changes.

For some newcomers, especially those used to more varied topography, this can initially feel monotonous or isolating.

But while it may lack dramatic landscapes, many locals argue that this same flatness is what gives Regina and the Saskatchewan prairies their distinct charm. The region is known for vast skies, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and the feeling of peaceful openness that’s hard to find in more congested cities.

The wide horizon line means you can see for miles, making even a quick walk outside feel expansive and calming.

However, many residents embrace this slower pace of life in Regina. They say it fosters a close-knit community feel and allows for easy access to nature, short commutes, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Plus, outdoor enthusiasts can still explore:

If you value variety in terrain or close access to big-city amenities, it may take some adjustment. But if you’re open to the serenity of prairie life, there’s plenty of quiet beauty to enjoy.

5. Job Markets Can Be Competitive in Some Fields

While Regina does offer employment opportunities across several industries, newcomers may encounter some challenges depending on their profession and background.

If you’re in a niche or highly specialized profession, such as high-level tech, advanced engineering, media, or corporate management, job opportunities can be limited. 

Regina’s economy is relatively smaller compared to big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, so roles in these fields are fewer and often more competitive.

Credentials and Experience Requirements

In some sectors like healthcare or trades, even if jobs are available, employers may require:

  • Canadian certifications or licenses
  • Prior local work experience
  • Language proficiency or specific soft skills

These requirements can make it more difficult for newcomers or recent graduates to break into the workforce quickly.

Are You Planning to Move to Regina, SK?

If you’re thinking about relocating to Regina, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and potential challenges. 

Whether you’re moving to a studio apartment or a two-bedroom apartment, this city offers a welcoming atmosphere, affordable living, and strong community values, but like any place, it’s not without its considerations. From understanding the job market to navigating things to consider when moving, a smooth relocation starts with preparation.

Not sure where to start? 

Let’s Get Moving can help make sure your moving transition is stress-free. Whether you’re comparing DIY moving vs hiring professional movers, need help packing valuable items, or are searching for climate-controlled storage units, we’re here to support your needs every step of the way. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly moving solution, hiring a professional moving company in Regina may be a safer and smarter option.

Final Thoughts

Regina, SK, offers a unique mix of small-city charm and big-city essentials. With affordable living, quality education, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a welcoming community, it’s an attractive place for many individuals and families looking to settle down or start fresh.

That said, like any city, it has its challenges, from long winters to a slower nightlife scene and certain job market limitations. But for those who plan ahead and align their lifestyle with what Regina has to offer, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling place to call home.

In the end, the key is to understand your own priorities. If you value a more relaxed pace, community-centered living, and room to grow, both personally and professionally, Regina might just be the right move for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Regina, SK, a good place to live?

Yes, Regina can be a great place to live, especially for those seeking affordable housing, a slower pace of life, and access to nature. It offers essential amenities, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and a strong sense of community.

2. Is Regina good for immigrants?

Regina welcomes a growing number of immigrants each year and offers settlement services, multicultural communities, and career opportunities in sectors like healthcare, construction, and education. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) also supports newcomers seeking permanent residency.

3. What is the best and nicest neighbourhood in Regina?

Wascana View, The Creeks, and Harbour Landing are often considered among the nicest neighbourhoods in Regina. These areas offer modern housing, good schools, parks, and a peaceful environment, ideal for families and professionals alike.