A new survey shows that Canadians overall have a similar level of happiness compared to Americans, but there are significant differences among the provinces and states in both countries. What factors influence people’s sense of happiness?
The Canadian polling company Leger released the “Happiness Index 2026”. The survey, based on a scale of 100 points, revealed that the national average happiness index in Canada has increased from 68.7 points last year to 70.5 points this year.
Interestingly, the national average happiness index in the United States is also 70.5 points, aligning perfectly with Canada.
Among the provinces in Canada, Quebec scored the highest with 74.5 points, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador with 71 points, and New Brunswick with 70.3 points.
Ontario had a happiness index of 69.3 points, ranking in the middle. Prince Edward Island was slightly lower at 67.7 points but still showed a slight increase from last year’s 66.5 points.
In the major cities of Canada, Montreal ranked first with 72.7 points, Brampton second with 71.7 points, and Toronto third with 69.4 points.
While some U.S. states have higher happiness indices than most Canadian provinces, there are also states with significantly lower scores. The survey indicates that the gap in happiness indices between different U.S. states is even wider than among Canadian provinces.
Florida topped the list with 75.3 points, followed by Kansas with 74.5 points, and New Jersey with 74.4 points. West Virginia had the lowest ranking with only 62.5 points.
Andrew Enns, Executive Vice President of Leger Canada, stated that one possible reason for the increase in the happiness index this year could be due to the timing of the survey.
The 2025 survey was conducted in March to April, while this year’s survey took place in June. Enns pointed out that in Canada, March and April are still transitioning from winter, with some regions experiencing poor weather conditions. In contrast, June generally has better weather, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities, which could have contributed to a slight increase in overall happiness.
The survey highlighted that factors truly contributing to increased happiness are mainly related to community, interpersonal relationships, the natural environment, and family.
Enns emphasized that money and financial ability are not the main drivers of increased happiness, but financial pressure and cost of living can significantly reduce happiness levels.
In Canada, 46% of respondents stated that feeling safe in their living area is a key source of happiness, while in the U.S., this figure is 51%.
Next is proximity to the natural environment, representing 40% in Canada and 27% in the U.S. as an important factor.
Good community life was chosen by 27% of respondents in both Canada and the U.S.
When asked about factors hindering happiness, financial issues emerged as the primary concern.
In Canada, 58% of respondents cited the cost of living affecting their happiness, a figure slightly higher at 61% in the U.S.
Overall financial pressure, including cost of living, housing, debt, income, and future financial security, was considered a major stressor by 57% of Canadians and 58% of Americans.
Following that is physical health, noted by 57% in Canada and 58% in the U.S.
For mental health, 23% of Canadian respondents reported being affected, compared to 26% in the U.S. Uncertainty about the future impacted 23% of Canadians and 21% of Americans.
This study was conducted through online surveys, interviewing 63,710 Canadian adults and 6,408 American adults, all over the age of 18.
Data collection took place from June 9th to June 29th, 2026.