Coldwell Banker Real Estate recently released the 2013 Home Listing Report (HLR), which ranked Malibu as North America’s most expensive place to live. Western Canada continues to command some of the nation’s highest prices, as subject homes in Vancouver and the surrounding area lead Canadian rankings.

According to the annual report, an apples-to-apples comparison of four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes in more than 2,000 real estate markets across the United States and Canada, a sample-sized home in the affluent beach community of Malibu lists for $2.15 million, compared to $952,069 for the subject home in the Greater Vancouver area.

“Western Canada locations continue to attract buyers from across Canada and internationally,” says Susanita De Diego, broker of Your Calgary Home Selling Team.  “Energized by a thriving economy and solid employment generated by the oil and gas industries, buyers get the economic benefits, teamed with a sense of community,  magnificent scenery and world-class amenities.”

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“Whether moving for lifestyle or a new job, homebuyers can use the Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report to compare the average listing prices of similar homes throughout North America,” says Andy Puthon, president of Coldwell Banker Canada.  “Although home prices have reached record highs in many markets across Canada, affordable options remain available to Canadian homebuyers, especially for those who are able to work from home, or who make the decision to trade location for commute.  This comparison provides homebuyers with useful information about the many great opportunities that exist across Canada.”

* Canada’s most expensive market, the Greater Vancouver area, far outdistanced the second most expensive market, Fort McMurray, Alta. at $630,184.

* Western Canada had five spots in Canada’s top 10, all from B.C. and Alberta.

* Ontario had four of Canada’s 10 most expensive markets for the subject home.

* Grand Falls, N.B. was Canada’s most affordable market studied, with an average list price of $160,171 for a four-bedroom, two-bath home.

* Only Vancouver placed in the ranking of the top 25 most expensive North American markets in the study.

* California holds 13 of the top 25 spots for the most expensive markets in North America.

* Cleveland ranked as North America’s most affordable at $63,729.

The complete list is at https://hlr.coldwellbanker.com/FullData.html