Considering relocating to a new country? Canada is an attractive destination for new immigrants due to its beautiful scenery, free healthcare, and access to outdoor activities. The country offers a full range of benefits, such as better job opportunities, quality education, and a multi-cultural population.
Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit, study visa, or permanent residence status to start living in Canada. While Canada is not the cheapest country to live in, it offers political stability and a growing economy, which attracts many foreign investors and expats.
Moving to Canada requires careful planning and budgeting. But we can help. In this article, we’ll provide a realistic perspective of life in Canada.
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What is it like living in Canada as a foreigner?
Living in Canada offers a high quality of life with access to high-quality education and healthcare, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. However, housing and living costs can be high in its major cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, and winters can be harsh in certain regions.
The country’s ranking of 14 out of 163 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index proves it offers a safe and stable environment and a welcoming attitude toward immigrants.
Canada offers a strong economy with abundant opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Many foreigners like the vastness of Canada’s natural beauty, diverse landscape, and numerous outdoor activities. There are plenty of things to do in Canada year-round.
What are the pros and cons of living in Canada?
Living in Canada offers numerous advantages, but as with any country, there can be some downsides. It’s important to note that the pros and cons of living in Canada depend on individual preferences, circumstances, and the specific region within Canada.
The pros of living in Canada
- High quality of life
Canada consistently ranks highly in terms of quality of life due to its excellent health care system, well-developed infrastructure, and social welfare programs. On the Global Citizen Solutions 2025 Quality of Life Index, Canada ranks 12th out of 199 countries.
- Safety
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) fell by four percent in 2024 and is now 34 percent lower than its peak in 1998.
- Universal Canadian healthcare
The Canadian healthcare system is funded by Canadian taxes. Canadian citizens and permanent residents benefit from free access, regardless of their income or employment status. Canada’s healthcare system covers many services, including doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostic tests, preventive care, emergency response, and some prescription drugs, depending on the Canadian province.
- Multicultural society
Canada is known for its cultural diversity and tolerance. The country embraces immigrants and offers a welcoming environment for individuals from various backgrounds. Over 450 ethnic or cultural origins were reported in the country’s census in 2021.
- Top-rated and low-cost education
Canada has reputable educational institutions, including international schools, universities and colleges, known for their academic excellence. Several highly-rated universities include the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University. Also, permanent residents and citizens’ children can attend Canadian schools and high schools for free.
- Natural beauty
Canada boasts stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines, such as the Banff National Park in Alberta. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities throughout the country, including cycling and hiking through its stunning parks and trails. Places like Nova Scotia have easy access to the ocean for fishing and boating.
- Strong economy and growing start-up ecosystem
Canada has a stable and prosperous economy with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. It is known for its resource-based industries, the technology sector, and a strong financial industry. The country’s startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with a strong focus on innovation and talent attraction through its Canada Startup Visa program.
- Social programs
Canada supports its citizens through a range of public services, such as federal childcare initiatives, family allowances, and unemployment benefits.
- Natural resources
The country is a global producer of oils, minerals, gems, natural gas, and other materials, which play a key role in job creation and economic growth.
The cons of living in Canada
- Cold and long winters
Most of the country is below freezing for several months at a time. Depending on the location, winter lasts from December to March, with the coldest period in January. Winter temperatures can get as low as -30 Degrees C on the coldest days. However, summers can be quite warm. The average summer high temperatures range from 20 to 30 Degrees C, with temperatures in some interior locations occasionally exceeding 40 Degrees C.
- High cost of living, particularly housing
Canada ranks 22nd on Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index in 2025, showing that the country has a higher cost of living than most others. Living expenses vary from province to province. However, foreigners can expect the highest property prices and rent in Vancouver, a major city in British Columbia.
- Vast size with long distances between cities
Travel across Canada can be challenging. While public transportation is efficient and reliable in big cities, this is not always the case in smaller towns. Driving long distances can be difficult, as it can take days to get between major cities. Additionally, Canada’s vast natural landscapes and cold winters can lead to detours and roadblocks.
- Lengthy immigration process
Some visa application processes for Canadian immigration can take several years, and delays could occur without expert guidance.
How can I live in Canada without being a citizen?
Foreign nationals can live in Canada as a non-Canadian citizen by becoming permanent residents (PR) or temporary residents. The Canadian Government offers different immigration programs for expats to relocate to Canada.
Here is how they work:
- Becoming a permanent resident (PR). A permanent resident is a citizen of another country who can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. To gain permanent residency in Canada, foreigners can apply through immigration programs like Express Entry, Start-up Visa program, family sponsorship, or other options.
- Living with a visa or a work permit. Foreigners can apply for a student visa or a work visa for Canada through a federal skilled worker program to settle temporarily in the country. A student visa allows international students to study and work in Canada, while a work visa creates a pathway for skilled workers to boost their career opportunities. Visitor visas allow for working remotely in Canada.
How long do you have to live in Canada to be Canadian citizen?
To become a Canadian citizen, you must meet certain residency requirements. In order to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be permanently residing in Canada, having lived in the country for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the past five years before application.
It’s important to note that there are additional eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship, such as language proficiency and knowledge of Canada. You may also need to demonstrate your intent to reside in Canada after becoming a citizen. Once you become a citizen, you will be able to have a Canadian Passport, the 14th most powerful passport in the world, according to our Global Passport Index.
How much does it cost to live in Canada?
Canada is among the most expensive countries in the world. Most Canadians spend 35 to 50 percent of their salary on housing, rent, and utilities. While the cost of living in Canada varies from province to province, some major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, have the highest living costs. Many factors affect how much you will spend. Renting an apartment in Canada in rural areas or neighborhoods far from the city center can be more affordable.
Foreigners spend at least $5,200 a month for a family of four and an extra $3,000 for rent, which can bring the total cost to $8,200 or over. A single person can spend an average of $3,300 on monthly expenses, including rent. Vancouver, British Columbia, is the most expensive city in Canada, with an average monthly expense of $4,300 for a single person.
| Average living costs in Canada (in Canadian dollars) | |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant | $100 |
| Milk (regular), (one liter) | $3.08 |
| Monthly basic utilities for 85m2 Apartment | $205.53 |
| Rent for one bedroom apartment (in the city center) | $1,842.74 |
| Rent for one bedroom apartment (outside the city center) | $1,644.79 |
Living in Canada vs USA
There are a few significant differences between living in Canada and the USA. Both countries offer excellent career growth and investment potential. However, living costs in the USA, including rent, are 14.7 percent higher than in Canada.
Canadian healthcare is also significantly more affordable than that in the USA, with US residents spending almost twice as much on healthcare as Canadians.
Canada’s healthcare system has one of the most extensive coverage for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Canadian Government created a publicly funded system that drastically reduces sudden out-of-pocket costs.
Overall, Canada generally provides a higher quality of life with universal healthcare, lower crime rates, and a more relaxed pace of life, particularly on the coasts. The USA, however, offers a larger and more robust tech and finance job market.
Living in Canada vs UK
Canada and the UK are both excellent countries to live in, and the right one depends on your priorities, such as lifestyle preferences, career opportunities, educational goals, and personal circumstances.
The cost of living in the UK, including rent, is 6.8 percent higher than in Canada. Restaurant prices are also slightly higher, whereas groceries can be cheaper in the UK. The local purchasing power in the UK is higher than in Canada.
The UK is located in Europe, while Canadian life offers many open spaces and winter sports opportunities. Canada has harsh winters, while the UK has the infamous “British weather,” with rainy and dark days. Both countries are multicultural, have universal healthcare systems, low crime, and high living standards.
What is working in Canada like?
Canada is known for its welcoming attitude toward skilled immigrants. The Canadian government has programs in place to attract foreign residents who are interested in moving to Canada. This presents a wealth of opportunities for career advancement and development.
Canada’s job market is diverse and robust, with thriving industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal serve as economic hubs, offering many employment options.
Additionally, the Canadian work culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, allowing professionals to enjoy their personal lives while excelling in their careers.
