Best places to live for young professionals
These cities offer vibrant job markets, cultural amenities and a diverse urban environment, perfect for those building their careers.
1. Toronto, Ontario
- Pros: High job availability, robust nightlife, excellent public transit, five universities.
- Cons: High cost of living, especially for housing (Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,334)
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,850
- Highlights: Toronto’s dynamic business environment and urban amenities make it a top choice for young professionals moving to Canada, though high housing costs can be a challenge for newcomers and first-time homebuyers.
Read More: Find the best mortgage rates in Toronto
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
- Pros: Vibrant city life, access to nature, low unemployment (5.4%).
- Cons: High housing costs, limited affordable living spaces.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,918
- Highlights: Known for its outdoor lifestyle, Vancouver attracts Americans moving to Canada from the US, especially those seeking a balance between work and play in a vibrant, natural setting.
Ready to purchase a home in Vancouver? Find the best mortgage rates in Vancouver
3. Montreal, Quebec
- Pros: Lower cost of living than Toronto/Vancouver, rich cultural scene, four universities.
- Cons: Moderate job growth, lower average income.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $1,850
- Highlights: Ideal for young professionals wanting affordability paired with cultural depth.
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Get StartedBest places to live for families
These cities provide a safe, nurturing environment with good schools, affordable housing and family-friendly communities.
1. Burlington, Ontario
- Pros: Family-friendly with parks, strong education system, proximity to Toronto.
- Cons: Rising home prices (Average home price: $1,270,247).
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $3,340
- Highlights: With a high percentage of families and strong job opportunities, Burlington offers a family-friendly community for those seeking to immigrate to Canada, even without a job offer, and create a safe, welcoming home for children.
2. Ottawa, Ontario
- Pros: Access to government jobs, affordable childcare, rich historical culture.
- Cons: Lengthy winters, high housing costs (Average home price: $731,306).
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $3,568
- Highlights: Ottawa combines family-friendly amenities with robust employment opportunities, making it a great choice for those considering the financial requirements of Canada immigration for their family’s relocation.
3. St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Pros: Low housing costs (Average home price: $306,419), close-knit community.
- Cons: High unemployment rate, remote from the mainland.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,500
- Highlights: Affordable and scenic, St. John’s provides young families with a slower pace of life and ample space for children to grow.
Read More: Best places to live in Canada for families
Best places to live for retirees
Ideal retirement cities prioritize healthcare, affordability and a slower lifestyle for a peaceful post-career life.
1. Victoria, British Columbia
- Pros: Milder climate, quality healthcare, abundant green spaces.
- Cons: High housing prices (Average home price: $900,000+).
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $3,100
- Highlights: A favourite among retirees for its mild weather and vibrant community of active seniors.
Read More: Find the best mortgage rates in BC
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Pros: Affordable housing, access to healthcare, rich cultural history.
- Cons: Limited employment opportunities, though less of a concern for retirees.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,100
- Highlights: Halifax is an affordable coastal city with a strong community and excellent healthcare options, making it an ideal choice for retirees who wish to move to Canada with no money and prioritize affordable living.
3. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Pros: Affordable, picturesque, quiet, with easy access to healthcare.
- Cons: Limited public transportation and entertainment.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,400
- Highlights: Known for its vineyards and tranquillity, this region offers retirees a peaceful lifestyle.
Read More: Best places to retire in Canada
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Get A QuoteBest places to live for affordable living
For those prioritizing cost-effective living, these cities offer lower housing prices, moderate cost of living, and a slower pace.
1. Trois-Rivières, Quebec
- Pros: Low housing prices (Average home price: $374,000), affordable rentals.
- Cons: Fewer job opportunities outside local businesses.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $1,800
- Highlights: An affordable choice for couples or young families, Trois-Rivières provides a cost-effective option for those facing Canada immigration fees and looking to settle in a charming, culturally rich city.
2. Nelson, British Columbia
- Pros: Low rent prices ($1,333 for 1-bedroom), artistic community.
- Cons: Fewer job opportunities in a small town.
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,000
- Highlights: Known as a hub for artists, Nelson offers affordable housing in a vibrant, creative community.
3. Kingston, Ontario
- Pros: Affordable housing, central location between Toronto and Ottawa.
- Cons: Growing housing costs (Average home price: $700,846).
- Monthly Expenses: Approx. $2,500
- Highlights: Kingston is rich in history and provides a balanced cost of living with access to top universities and amenities.
Read More: Find the best mortgage rates in Ontario
Comparison table: Monthly cost breakdown
| City | Housing | Transportation | Groceries | Entertainment | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $2,334 | $156 | $480 | $575 | $3,545 |
| Vancouver | $2,334 | $214 | $230 | $450 | $3,228 |
| Burlington, ON | $1,270 | $100 | $994 | $575 | $2,939 |
| St. John's, NL | $488 | $78 | $712 | $503 | $1,781 |
| Trois-Rivières, QC | $488 | $73 | $482 | $463 | $1,506 |
| Nelson, BC | $1,333 | $63 | $523 | $607 | $2,526 |
Note: Housing reflects average cost of 1-bedroom rental
Source: Moneysense, Statistics Canada, Canadian Real Estate Association
Best places to live in Canada: Methodology
To rank Canada’s best cities, we evaluated each location on five primary categories, giving weight to each based on relevance to different life stages:
- Economy: Employment opportunities, median household incomes, and local business health.
- Affordability: Housing costs, property taxes, and cost of living in each city.
- Demographics: Growth rates, diversity, and age distributions.
- Quality of Life: Crime rates, healthcare access, education, and green spaces.
- Climate and Environment: Year-round livability, commute times, and climate.
Bottom line
Choosing where to live in Canada depends on your priorities — whether they’re affordability, career growth or family-friendly amenities. The cities above provide diverse opportunities and quality of life across different life stages. Ultimately, the best city is one that aligns with your personal needs, financial goals and long-term objectives, whether you're pursuing Canadian citizenship or simply looking to move to Canada.
Read more
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- New survey uncovers financial challenges for new immigrants
— with files from Romana King
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