Moving to Canada
Last updated on Oct 17, 2023
Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to Canada for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and welcoming culture. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. People can find a place to live in Canada by searching online for rental listings, attending open houses, or using a real estate agent.
What do I need to know before moving to Canada?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Canada, they said:
"Find one in an older neighbourhood close to a school, as there is tremendous growth here due to Alberta's Oil economy, and new schools are at a premium. Children have to be bussed from the new suburbs because of the lack of schools," said one expat who made the move to Calgary.
"Expats should research the areas they wish to move to before committing to a location in Canada, as they may find they are better suited to living in cities, suburbs or rural areas. It is recommended that they learn some basic French, as Quebec and parts of New Brunswick are officially bilingual. Depending on the area they are moving to, research must be done on appropriate housing and cost of living. Expats should also become familiar with Canadian culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, finding a job prior to arrival should be considered as Canada's job market can be competitive. Finally, research should be done to ensure that all necessary documents and paperwork are handled prior to the move," explained one expat living in Canada.
How do I find a place to live in Canada?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Searching for a place to live in Canada can be an intimidating task. Consider what type of space you are searching for (i.e. apartment, house, townhouse, etc.), in what area you would like to live in, and what sort of budget you have in mind. Once you have a general idea in mind, you can begin to research your options by searching online for rental listings, browsing the classifieds section of the local newspaper, and/or attending open houses for potential options. Additionally, you could also reach out to real estate agents or look for resources such as housing cooperatives in your chosen area," explained one expat living in Canada.
"I came here 54 years ago and was married to a Canadian and so the house was chosen for me due to a housing shortage. Subsequently, my husband died and I came to the North West part of this city," said one expat in Calgary.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Canada?
"Expat homes and apartments in Canada tend to vary depending on location and budget. In urban areas like Toronto, many expat homes and apartments are modern, featuring designer furniture and furnishings, high-end appliances, top-of-the-line security systems, and plenty of natural light. In smaller towns and rural areas, homes and apartments can be less modern but still feature many of the same high-end amenities. In any part of Canada, expat homes and apartments are typically designed with comfort and convenience in mind and often come equipped with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, plenty of comfortable seating and plentiful dining areas. Many apartments also offer spectacular views of nearby cities, towns, and nature," replied a member in Canada.
"It was a small modular home on the banks of Okanagan Lake. It's not a typical home for the area although there are quite a few areas in Kelowna with this type of low cost housing," commented one expat who made the move to Kelowna.
What is the average cost of housing in Canada?
If you are thinking about moving to Canada, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The average cost of housing in Canada can vary greatly, depending on the province, city, or even neighbourhood. Generally, the cost of housing in Canada tends to be higher than most other developed countries, due to the strong economy and high demand for homes. Overall, the cost of living in Canada is expensive, with the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto and Vancouver being higher than many other major cities around the world. In addition, the cost of buying a home in Canada is also high compared to the rest of the world, with the median price of a single family home in Toronto and Vancouver being over one million dollars," commented one expat who made the move to Canada.
"What we got for our money made it worth every cent. We were paying $750.00 per month and had our own beach. Averages in the area vary depending on the type of homes. House prices range from around $150,00 to around $3 million," remarked one expat in Kelowna, Canada.
"Lower. A 3 bedroom 1,500 square foot home sells for $200,000 plus. Condo apts and townhouses are less," said one expat in Calgary.
"I am bewildered to hear of average housing in Montreal is around CAN $226,000. I lived in Montreal for 23 years, I am visiting frequently, I am planning to return soon, and I can confirm that you will not find any decent housing within 10 miles of the city center for less than $500,000," remarked one expat who made the move to Canada.
"I live in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. The area includes the towns of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, and the rural areas in between. Since Covid began, many newcomers are here and prices have gone through the roof! The average condo is $400,000, average townhouse is $600,000, and single family homes are higher. But prices are starting to fall as interest rates rise, and houses are not selling as fast. I recommend waiting a year to buy. That gives you time to explore the different areas, as each one has its own unique character," explained one expat living in Canada.
Should I buy or rent a home in Canada?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Canada, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Buying a home in Canada can be a great long-term investment, especially if you plan to live in the same city for an extended period of time. With the added benefit of being able to build equity in your home, you will also be able to take advantage of tax breaks associated with homeownership. On the other hand, if you plan to move or your income sources are not consistent, renting may be a better short-term option. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility and convenience since most leases are shorter than mortgages. Ultimately, it is important to assess your financial situation and lifestyle to determine what works best for you," replied a member in Canada.
What should I pack when moving to Canada?
We asked people living in Canada to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"I should have brought more summer clothes, a good moisturiser with a sunblock and more photographs. I can't think of anything I wish I left behind," remarked one expat who made the move to Kelowna.
"I suppose that depends on what country you arrive from. We came from the U.S. to the Comox Valley on Central Vancouver Island. There isn't that much difference but everything is more expensive than it was in California, and the variety of items available is much less than in the States. My recommendation is to rent a furnished place and live here for awhile if you can. Then go back to your home country and make your big move. You'll be better informed about what to bring and what to ditch. Of course, I realize that isn't always possible. The things I really miss are good Mexican food. Hominy is unheard of here, so I bring a case of it back whenever I cross the border. Other things that I miss are good quality spices. That's about it. Canada has pretty much everything," explained one expat living in Canada.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
We asked people in Canada if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," said one expat in Toronto.
"It is important to be mindful of cultural customs and taboos when interacting with people in Canada. For example, it is polite to address people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, or another formal title, rather than only using first names. Additionally, it is important to respect customs like not discussing politics or religion in public or being overly loud in conversation. When eating with others, it is important to wait to be served before beginning to eat. Finally, as a visitor, it is important to be aware of Canadian holidays and not assume holidays celebrated in other countries are celebrated in Canada," said one expat who made the move to Canada.
Why do people move to Canada?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Canada, they responded:
"Canada has a diverse culture, great public services, an excellent education system and a high standard of living. It is also a multicultural society that welcomes people from all parts of the world. The country also offers numerous job opportunities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life. Furthermore, Canada is renowned for its beautiful landscape and has a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Additionally, Canada boasts a safe and secure environment and a strong support network of social and government services. These attractive features are what entice many expats to move to Canada," commented one expat living in Canada.
" Montreal is an international city that attracts people for a variety of reasons. Montreal's economy is the second largest in Canada. As far as expats that move there for work, the largest industries include aerospace, electronics, pharma, printed goods, software, telecom, textile and apparel manufacturing, tobacco, petrochemicals, and transportation. According to CanadaStop0100, Montreal's top employers include such international heavyweights as Bristol-Meyers Squibb (Jobs), Sandoz Jobs, Dassault Systemes (Jobs, and many, many more. There are retirees who will spend part of the year in Canada (U.S. expats who live there up to 180 days can be there without the need of a visa) - visit Travel.State.Gov's Canada Page for more information). Montreal, and other places in the Province of Quebec and its rich French heritage, such as Quebec City, have a lot to offer in terms of cultural experiences for expats. ," commented one expat who moved to Montreal, Canada.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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How are healthcare services Canada?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Canada, they replied:
"You cannot get any health care without having permanent residency card which takes over 4 years and retired people are not even considered if you register online, as everyone is told to do. You can pay exorbitant out of pocket fees though. Over $500. Just to have your eye pressure taken by an ophthalmologist. The only health insurance you can get is travel insurance and emergency insurance at high prices. A small bottle of aspirin that costs less than $2. In the US, costs over $10. In Canada including 15 per cent tax. Although you can buy prescription medication while in the US cheaper in Canada through the mail, if you are living in Canada, it is difficult to even find a lot of medications because they say there is a big shortage here," remarked one expat in Halifax.
What are medical services in Canada like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Canada, they replied:
"In Canada, medical services are generally of a high quality and are accessible to all citizens. The country has a publicly funded healthcare system, which provides basic medical services to all citizens free of charge. Canada also has a wide range of private medical services, such as specialist care, which are available to those who can afford them. Canada also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, which provide a range of medical services, from primary care to specialized care," commented one expat who moved to Canada.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Canada?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Canada?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Canada?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Canada accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Canada like?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Canada?
- What are healthcare services like in Canada?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Canada?
- What is the weather like in Canada?
- Are there good restaurants in Canada?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Canada?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Canada?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Canada?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Canada?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Canada?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?