Averaging obscures details on the ground. Given the disparity in what you can get in different cities, wouldn't people in expensive cities be planning to spend more, and those in less expensive cities be planning to spend less, effectively meaning they are actually closer to their housing goals? Also, is that 53% of non-owners, or does that include those who already own? 

"Fifty-three per cent of the respondents nationally said they are willing to spend up to $350,000 for their home purchase. Thirty-five per cent of those surveyed said they already own a home ... In the GTA, $350,000 would be enough to acquire a “starter” condo with 910 square feet of living space, compared with the same budget in Fredericton landing a four-bedroom detached house with 2,568 square feet"