Best Places to Live in Canada

Benefits of Moving to Canada

Universal Healthcare

The government funds Canada’s public healthcare system through taxes, popularly known as Medicare. Each province is responsible for managing the residents’ healthcare system.

Provinces will issue a health card giving you access to public hospital care. This card is valid for accessing both emergency and non-emergency care. Canadian citizens and permanent residents apply for public health insurance and access both care and medication for free in public hospitals.

If you are a visitor in Canada or choose to use private healthcare, you’ll have to pay for the service. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can still enrol on Medicare, provided you have a Canadian visa. To enrol in Medicare, visit the healthcare website of your territory/province of residence and apply.

Safety

According to the Global Peace Index report, Canada is the 11th most peaceful country in the world and the first in North America. Canada has a passive political environment and a low crime rate. Crime is rarely reported even in tourist locations that attract large crowds, like Niagara Falls, Stanley Park, and the CN Towers.

Quality of Life

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an international organization that sets global standards for quality of life, ranks Canada fifth globally. This ranking is measured by considering several indices, such as job security, environmental quality, education, healthcare, life satisfaction, individual freedom, gender equality, and political stability. The life expectancy in Canada is currently 82 years.

Job Opportunities

Canada is open to foreign workers, provided they have the proper authorization. You can apply for a job in Canada from the US, get an employer to sponsor your application, and then move to Canada. Recently, the Canadian government launched a permanent residency pathway for foreigners who wish to work in Canada as care workers.

Accessible Education

Education in Canada is mainly managed and funded by the federal government. The average score for Canadians when evaluated by the OECD for reading, math, literacy, and sciences is 517, which is greater than the world average of 488. Canada is also a top destination for international students. As of 2024, over 1 million international students studied in Canada across all education levels. Canada also has an inclusive education policy that ensures the underprivileged or disabled have equal access to education.

Robust Economy

Canada is a good place to do business. Its robust economy is the 9th largest in the world, and it has free markets where you can set up your business.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Canada has many features that make it a hotspot for tourists. From mountain ranges to blue lakes, expansive forests, and outstretched valleys, Canada offers a breathtaking experience. In 2018, Canada had a record-breaking figure of 21.13 million tourists.

Living in Canada vs the USA

We compare the indices to see which is better for living, Canada or USA.

Immigration Pathways

Express Entry

Express Entry is the online platform the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to access skilled worker applications. The Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Worker Program are the 3 immigration routes you can apply to using the Express Entry. While each program has the same application process, the requirements differ.

To apply for any of the immigration routes via Express Entry:

• Use the score-checking service on the IRCC website to check your CRS score.
• Gather your supporting documents specific to the immigration pathway, including a valid passport and police character certificate.
• Create a profile on IRCC’s website. You must submit your profile within 60 days of starting.
• If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score meets the cut-off, you’ll be invited to apply for PR. You must submit your PR application within 60 days.
• If your application is approved, IRCC will send you confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) or a PR visa. You must travel to Canada within the dates on the visa or COPR.

Canadian Experience Class

This immigration pathway is for US citizens who have been working in Canada and are seeking permanent residency. To be eligible for this route, you must:

• Have worked in training, education, experience and responsibilities. This is known as TEER (0,1,2 or 3).
• Have been a resident in Canada while working as a temporary resident. Remote workers can apply; however, they have to show they have been living in Canada and working for a Canadian employer.
• Have carried out the major duties in your job description.
• Have been paid for your work. Unpaid internships and volunteering are not acceptable.
• Have worked for at least 1 year or 1560 hours in the last 3 years preceding your application. You can meet this requirement by either working full-time for 30 hours weekly for one year or working part-time for 15 hours for 2 years. Student apprenticeships and self-employment do not count as eligible work hours.
• Have English or French test scores showing you can read, write, listen, and speak the chosen language. Acceptable English language tests are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General test), IELTS General, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Core). Acceptable French language tests are Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada).
• Plan on living in any Canadian province except Quebec.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

US citizens without Canadian work experience can apply for permanent residency via the Federal Skilled Worker Program. To apply for PR through this route, you must:

• Be a supervisor or manager in your field.
• Have apprenticeship training, a college diploma, or a degree.
• Be in TEER 0,1,2 or 3.
• Show that the role you want to apply for has a National Occupation Classification (NOC).
• Show that you performed all the duties listed under your job role based on the NOC’s role description.
• Have worked for at least 10 years in your field.
• Have been paid for your role. Unpaid internships and volunteer work do not apply.
• Have at least 1560 hours of work in the past year.
• Present test scores in English or French showing you can read, write, listen, and speak either language. Acceptable English language tests are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General test), IELTS General, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Core). Acceptable French language tests are Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada).
• Present education qualifications which must have undergone Education Credential Assessment.
• Score at least 67 points out of 100.
• Show you have enough money ($14,690) to live in Canada. This amount increases if you intend to move with your family. You are exempt from this requirement if you already have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Plan on living in any Canadian province except Quebec.

Federal Skilled Trade Program

You can apply for permanent residency in Canada if you are an expert in skilled trade. Your trading expertise must be in construction, natural resources and agriculture, manufacturing and industrial, and transportation. You must show that:

• Your trade or job matches the ones in NOC Major Groups (72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93), Minor Group 6320, and Unit Group 62200.
• You did the duties as listed in the role description.
• You were being paid for your skill.
• You practiced your skills in a country where you were qualified to practice.
• You have worked for at least 2 years or 3120 hours out of the 5 years preceding the application date.
• You have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 12 months.
• Show you a qualification certificate from any province, territory, or federal authority.
• Prove you can read, write, listen, and speak English or French properly by submitting test scores.
• Show you have $14,690 to cater to yourself in Canada. This amount increases if you plan on moving with your family. If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, then you are exempt from this requirement.
• Plan on living in any territory or province outside of Quebec.

Fees and Processing Times for Express Entry Routes

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The PNP is designed for provinces to choose overseas skilled workers to move to their province or territory to live and work. Every territory or province has its programs and requirements. They also have the type of people they are targeting. The usual targets for PNPs are:

• Entrepreneurs
• Semi-skilled workers
• Students
• Skilled workers

The provinces and the PNP programs they offer are:

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)

As a provincial nominee, you are expected to:

• Posses the education, skills, and work experience that will help the economy of the territory or province
• Live in the territory or province that nominated you
• Become a permanent resident in that territory or province.

The exact application process to follow and the documents required depend on the provincial program you’re applying to. However, there are generally 2 ways to submit a PNP application:

Provincial Nomination Program By Express Entry

To apply for PNP via Express Entry, you must:

• Confirm that you meet the requirements for the PNP and any of the 3 programs under the Express Entry
• Create your profile under Express Entry and choose the territories and provinces you wish to live in
• Wait for a province or territory to respond by sending a notification of interest
• Reach out to them and apply for nomination
• Update your nomination on your profile and get 600 points from the IRCC
• Wait for the IRCC to invite you to apply for PR online.

Non-Express Entry Provincial Nomination Program 

To apply for Non-Express Entry PNP, you must:

• Confirm you are eligible for the PNP of your province or territory of choice
• Reach out to the territory or province and apply online
• Apply for PR after you receive your nomination

Fees and Processing Time

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Canada?

Moving from one country to another can be capital-intensive. Here is a breakdown of the things to consider and their estimated costs:

Immigration Fees

The exact amount you need to budget for this depends on the immigration pathway and your family size. For immigration purposes, you’ll pay application, biometric, medical exam, and police clearance certificate fees. You can expect to spend up to $3000 CAD. This amount can go up to $8000 if you’re applying with your spouse and one child.

Transportation

The cost of transportation depends on the airline and how many people are traveling with you. Flair Airlines, Westjet, Air Canada, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines are some airlines that fly directly from the US to Canada. You can expect to spend up to $750 CAD per person for flights if you’re travelling from New York to Vancouver and about $500 CAD if you’re flying from Los Angeles to Toronto. A land trip from New York to Toronto will take about 8 hours and might cost you up to $100 CAD.

Initial Set-up

Depending on your budget, furnishing your house can cost anything from around $3500 and above.

Below is a breakdown of the average cost to buy a house in Canada in each province and territory, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Where to Live in Canada

Your PR may determine your choice of location if you got a PNP. However, below are some of the best places to live in Canada based on lifestyle and job opportunities:

Provinces

Ontario: This is the largest and most expensive province in Canada. It houses Canada’s most popular city, Toronto. With the teeming population of residents and visitors, Ontario is the best place to be if you want to enjoy and experience Canadian vigour. Due to the population of the province, public transportation is efficient. Ontario is also Canada’s largest economy. Hence, many job opportunities exist in sciences, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and finance. Global companies like Cisco, KPMG, IBM, and UPS all have offices in Ontario.

Alberta: Alberta is known for its breathtaking landscapes. The province is located at the edge of the Rocky Mountains. The capital city of Calgary is another hub for tourists. Alberta is a large province with large stretches of land. It can be helpful to own a car. It is also one of the cities in the world without rats. You can move to Alberta if you love nature and outdoor fun. Alberta is also a province with job opportunities. Due to the tar sands found in the province, lots of energy, engineering, oil, and construction companies are found in Alberta.

British Columbia: One of the main attractions of British Columbia is its mild weather. Winters in the province are wet and warmer than any other province. Like Ontario, British Columbia has an energetic and vibrant population and an efficient public transport system. Due to its location on the Pacific coast, British Columbia has beautiful beaches that attract people worldwide.

Manitoba: Manitoba’s economy revolves around natural resources. The oil and gas industry offers the most employment, followed by drilling, mining, and agricultural industries. Manitoba is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada and has the lowest unemployment rate.

Saskatchewan: The province’s nickname is ‘breadbasket of the world’, and this is because the province is Canada’s largest oilseed and grain producer. Agriculture is the biggest export in this region, making it one of the cheapest places to get food. It is also one of the most affordable places to live in Canada. Aside from agriculture, Saskatchewan has a thriving tech environment with research centres like the Canadian Light Source, Saskatchewan Research Council, and Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre.

Best Canadian Cities

Toronto is Canada’s most popular and populous city and the center of its dynamism, culture, and urban life. The city has a vibrant nightlife and amazing theatres. It is home to many international students studying at the University of Toronto, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Many companies are set up there to take advantage of the culturally rich environment.

Montreal: Montreal is a city in Quebec with a European-style nightlife. It has been described as the most welcoming city in Canada. There are lively neighbourhoods and a rich culture. Some of the tourist attractions in Montreal include Notre-Dame Basilica, the Montreal Botanical Garden, and the Bell Centre.

Vancouver: This Canadian city is a haven for people who love the outdoors. Due to its location between the Pacific and coastal mountains, the beautiful city has many scenic natural places. Many people hike in summer and ski in winter. Vancouver is also one of the top choices for international students. Leisure, tourism, and engineering companies thrive and offer various job opportunities to residents.

Halifax: Nova Scotia province’s biggest city is well known for its rich maritime history and a blend of modernity. The city is crowded with tourists for the Pride Week and Jazz Festival in the summer, between July and August. Halifax has a booming economy powered by tech, education, financial services, transport, and logistics. It is one of the most livable cities in Canada, and it is a good place for young families and professionals.

Calgary: This is the 3rd largest city in Canada and where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet. The industries employing the workforce in Calgary the most include healthcare, education, business services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.  Unsurprisingly, as of 2015, Calgary had the most millionaires in Canada. Calgary’s most famous sites include the Banff National Park (a breathtaking view of the turquoise-coloured Lake Louise and the Moraine Lake), Heritage Park, and Columbia Icefield Glacier.

Language Considerations

The official languages of Canada are English and French. While English is more widely spoken, Quebec city dwellers speak predominantly French. You can also find some French speakers in New Brunswick, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. You can take French lessons from online classes like Duolingo to adapt to bilingual areas. Watching French TV shows and listening to French podcasts is also helpful. Reading and writing are also a good way to learn, especially if you practice daily. The most natural way to learn is to converse with locals frequently.

Do You Need a Visa?

US citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to enter Canada. However, this permit is valid only for tourism and lasts for a maximum of 180 days per year. For studies, employment, or permanent residence, you’ll need a visa suited to your immigration needs.

Traveling to Canada with a DUI

DUI means driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that is punishable by fine, criminal record entry, restriction of a driving license, or even jail term. You can get a DUI record by driving a motorbike, car, aircraft, or boat. If you have a DUI record, you are considered to be criminally inadmissible in Canada.

So, can you go to Canada with a DUI? There are ways to enter Canada even if you have a DUI. Here are some of those ways:

Temporary Resident Permit

The IRCC may permit you to enter Canada with a DUI by issuing you a temporary resident permit. You can get the temporary permit if you have not committed any other offense since the last one and if it has been less than 5 years since you finished your sentence. Your visit to Canada must also be genuine. Upon getting to the Canadian border, an immigration services officer will make the final decision on your admission to Canada.

Discharge or Record Suspension

You can apply for record suspension or discharge to the Parole Board of Canada or the US. If your application is successful, you will become admissible to the country.

Individual Rehabilitation

It is possible to enter Canada if you can prove that you have undergone rehabilitation. You’ll have to apply for this at the same time you’re applying for your visa. The onus is on the Minister or the delegate to approve your application. When applying, you need to show that:

• You have been rehabilitated
• There is a low chance of you committing another crime
• 5 years have passed since you served your sentence
• 5 years have passed since you committed the crime
• You have not committed another crime since the last one that rendered you inadmissible.

Deemed Rehabilitation

Canada’s immigration law views one as rehabilitated if much time has passed since they committed the DUI offense. You are deemed rehabilitated if the following apply:

• 10 years have passed since you committed the crime or since you finished serving the sentence
• You have not committed any other crime since your last act or since you finished serving the initial sentence
• You have only one criminal offense on your record

Taxes in Canada

The federal government of Canada sets tax rates for businesses and individuals, and the territories and provinces also set their tax rates. So, how much you’ll pay in taxes will depend on your location. Also, the higher your income, the higher your taxes. On the federal level, here are the tax rates:

• First taxable income of up to $53,359 is taxed at 15%
• Income between $53,359  and $106,717 is taxed at 20.5%
• Income between $106,717 and $165,430 is taxed at 26%
• Income between $165,430 and $235,675 is taxed at 29%
• Income over $235,675 is taxed at 33%

Important things to know about taxes in Canada include the following:

• You must file and pay your income tax for the past financial year by April 30. Failure to do so attracts penalties of 5% of the tax unpaid and an extra 1% for every month you delay. If you are self-employed, you must file your return by June 15. You can file by mail or online. Doing it online is faster and reduces mistakes.
• Get T4 slips from your employer, T5 slips from the bank, and receipts of expenses that are not eligible for taxation, like child care expenses and medical bills.
• Create an account with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify tax and refund status
• Apply for Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit if you are a low to middle-income earner
• Apply for Child Benefit if you have children below 18

Is Healthcare Free for Immigrants?

You can apply for public health insurance if you migrated to Canada via the PR pathway or if you hold an employment or study visa. You will not pay for most care and emergency medical services. To access public health insurance, register with your province and get a health card, which you must present any time you visit a public hospital. Most treatments and medications you get in public hospitals via your family doctor are free. You’ll pay for any medication you purchase in a pharmacy.

The public health service does not cover your dental care. If you are only visiting Canada, apply for private insurance. However, in case of an emergency, you may be treated for free. Register with the provincial health service immediately when you arrive in Canada on a visa or as a permanent resident, as it can take up to 3 months for your application to be approved. While waiting, purchase private medical insurance in case you fall sick before your health card is issued.

Interim Health Insurance

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a temporary healthcare solution provided to people not eligible for territorial or provincial health insurance like:

• Refugee claimants
• Resettled refugees
• Protected persons in Canada

The IFHP covers:

• The immigration medical exams and treatment of any condition discovered during the examination
• Vaccination
• Health support in the event of a disease outbreak
• Medical support during the trip to Canada

Job Market Overview

Here are the in-demand skills and industries in Canada:

Healthcare: The healthcare industry is one of the biggest employers of immigrant labour in Canada. 25% of health professionals in Canada are immigrants, while over 40% of immigrants from 2016 to 2021 were healthcare workers. The demand for healthcare workers is due to the growing population of Canada and the pressure this rise in population is giving to Canada’s public healthcare sector. The in-demand roles include registered nurses, pharmacists, dentists, physicians, and support workers.

Transportation: Canada is the world’s second-largest country by landmass, which can be challenging for business owners who wish to transport goods from one part of the country to another. Truck drivers are in -demand in Canada as they transport food and other essential products over long distances. Unlike healthcare professionals, you do not need a degree; a secondary school qualification, driving license, accreditation, and experience are needed.

Education: Education is a thriving industry in Canada that constantly needs talented people to work as early childhood educators or assistants, child development practitioners, kindergarten and primary school teachers, and math, science, and language teachers in secondary schools.

Information Technology: Canada is undergoing massive digitization in various sectors, especially healthcare, banking and finance, education, and industry. The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive technology is driving and opening up employment opportunities in various provinces in Canada. AI is currently being integrated into healthcare to assist hospital management in reducing the wait times in public hospitals. It is also useful in banking and finance to offer personalized services to customers. Teachers are also using technology to enhance delivery and student participation. In-demand areas in IT in Canada include artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, data analysis, business analysis, information systems, database administration, health records management, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

Agriculture: As Canada’s population grows, so does the demand for food. The quest for white-collar jobs has left this industry looking for professionals who can grow food and other essential produce. Many agriculture opportunities include animal rearing, planting, horticulture, ground maintenance, landscaping, farm supervision, and butchering. Agric professionals who know how to use industry-related equipment like tractors are preferred.

Trade: Skilled workers needed in this area include carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, machine fitters, installers, machine repairers, lift mechanics, etc. With the relevant certification and experience, you can easily find a job in these areas in Canada.

Credential Assessment

If you have a US qualification and wish to study or work in Canada, your qualifications must be evaluated to ensure they meet the Canadian standard. When you apply for any program or role, take these steps to transfer your qualifications:

• Read the job or program requirements carefully to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria
• Visit the website of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) and find your occupation code, if you wish to apply for a job
• Compare the requirements listed on CICIC with the qualifications you have
• Speak with the regulatory body for your profession on how to apply for assessment. The assessment process can begin even when you’re still in the US.
• Send your documents to the regulatory and assessment body for evaluation

Here are the evaluation agencies used by most schools and employers in Canada. Confirm with your school or employer which agency you should use for assessment.

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
• Comparative Education Service
• World Education Services – Canada
• International Credential Evaluation Service
• International Qualifications Assessment Service
• Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et Intégration du Québec