At a Glance
Cost of Living
high
Safety
very high
English Level
high
Climate
Continental with cold winters; varies from arctic (north) to temperate (south)
Essentials
Cost of Living
Canada is expensive, especially Vancouver and Toronto. Expect CAD $2,500-5,000/month for a single person depending on location. Housing dominates budgets at 30-50% of income in major cities. Mid-sized cities offer significant savings.
Healthcare
Canada has universal public healthcare (Medicare) covering most doctor visits, hospital care, and surgeries. Coverage is provincial - expect a 0-3 month waiting period when you arrive. Prescriptions, dental, and vision are NOT covered.
Banking
Opening a bank account is straightforward and should be done immediately after getting your SIN. Major banks have excellent newcomer programs with no-fee accounts and credit cards without Canadian credit history.
Housing
Housing is extremely competitive in major cities with low vacancy rates. Expect to pay first and last month's rent upfront. No credit history is challenging but manageable with extra documentation. Start your search before arriving.
Lifestyle
Working Remotely
Canada allows remote work for foreign employers on visitor status (up to 6 months). No dedicated digital nomad visa yet, but one is planned for 2026. Tax residency triggers at 183+ days. Good internet in urban areas.
Transportation
Public transit is good in major cities but most of Canada is car-dependent. Getting a driver's license varies by province and your country of origin. Car insurance is expensive, especially for new drivers.
Language
Canada is officially bilingual (English/French). English dominates outside Quebec. French is essential in Quebec and valuable elsewhere. Language proficiency is required for immigration and citizenship.
Expat Community
Canada has large, established immigrant communities from virtually every country. Major cities have ethnic enclaves, cultural organizations, and active newcomer support services. Settlement agencies provide free help.
Food & Dining
Canada has diverse, multicultural food scenes in major cities. Groceries are expensive compared to the US. Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants. Tim Hortons and poutine are cultural institutions.
More Topics
Taxes
Canada taxes residents on worldwide income. Combined federal/provincial rates range from 20-54%. Tax filing deadline is April 30. GST/HST applies to most purchases. Newcomers may have treaty benefits.
Safety
Canada is one of the world's safest countries with low violent crime rates. Property crime is more common. Safety varies by neighborhood but most areas are safe for daily life. Winter weather is a bigger daily concern than crime.
Culture & Lifestyle
Canadian culture emphasizes multiculturalism, politeness, and inclusivity. Work-life balance is better than the US. Four distinct seasons shape lifestyle. Outdoor activities are central to Canadian identity.
Climate & Weather
Canada has cold, harsh winters in most regions. Only Vancouver and Victoria have mild winters. Summers are warm and pleasant. Seasonal adjustment is a major factor in expat satisfaction.
Education
Canada has excellent public education (free K-12) and world-renowned universities. International students pay higher fees. School quality is generally consistent across neighborhoods, unlike the US.
Family Life
Canada offers strong family support including up to 18 months parental leave and subsidized childcare (rolling out). Childcare waitlists are long. Family-friendly policies make raising children easier than in the US.
Questions
No expat life questions for Canada yet.