Canada

Living in Canada: the short version

Canada has long been one of the most immigration-friendly rich countries, with a points-based Express Entry system and provincial programmes. It has recently lowered some immigration targets and faces a housing shortage, so costs in Toronto and Vancouver are high.

Best for: Skilled workers with good English or French, graduates, and families planning long-term settlement.

How to move to Canada: main visa and residency routes

Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.

Express Entry

Points-based system for skilled workers that leads directly to permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each province nominates immigrants to fill local labour needs.

Employer-specific work permit

Usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment by the employer.

International Experience Canada

Working holiday permits for young people from partner countries.

Healthcare for newcomers

Provinces run public health insurance for residents; some provinces have a waiting period for newcomers. Prescription drugs and dental care are often not covered.

How Canada compares

Calculated from our data for all 55 countries. How we calculate this

Cost of living rank

11th most expensive of 55

Single person, core costs

$2,140/mo

Family of four, core costs

$4,097/mo

Take-home on $60,000

$44,911/yr

• Renting a one-bedroom home takes about 33% of the average local salary in Canada, less than the median of 36% across the countries we cover.
• Core monthly costs for one person (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, internet and eating out) come to about $2,140, or 54% of the average local monthly salary.
• On a gross salary of $60,000 taxed locally, our estimate leaves $44,911 a year after income tax and employee social security (an effective rate of 25%), the 22nd highest take-home pay of 55 countries. After single-person core costs, that leaves roughly $19,231 a year to save or spend.
• Countries with a similar overall cost of living: Sweden, Japan, France.
• Cheaper options in North America: Mexico.

Estimates for planning, using simplified national tax brackets in US dollars; local taxes, deductions and your own spending will differ. Try your own numbers in the tax calculator or budget planner.

Our guides to Canada

• Moving to Canada: Immigration Guide 2026 · Immigration

Sources and methodology

Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on September 30, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.