Best cities to live in Canada for expats and immigrants

Canada is truly a mesmerising country. If you choose the right location, you can lead a calm and peaceful life there. That being said, let’s travel across the top 10 best cities to live in Canada based on the Quality of Life Index.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is ranked first among the best cities to live in Canada. As the capital, the city is bilingual, full of cultural events, and offers promising job opportunities in healthcare, technology, retail, and other industries.

It’s also more affordable compared to other top Canadian cities like Toronto and Victoria – you’ll need around 1,471.8 CAD per month, excluding rent. It’s not very cheap, but the quality of life in Ottawa is worth the price. So, if your starting budget is average, the capital can become a welcoming starting point. As one person on Reddit put it: ‘The city is not the best at anything, but it's good at a lot of things.’

Vancouver, British Columbia

The second place in the best cities to live in Canada ranking is occupied by Vancouver. The nature there is breathtaking: the city is surrounded by mountains, ocean and filled with parks and forests. Outdoors enthusiasts will definitely be busy exploring the city's environs.

However, you should be aware that Vancouver is extremely expensive. If renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa costs around 1,844 CAD, in Vancouver, the price skyrockets to 2,687 CAD. In terms of the cost of living, Vancouver is not on the list of the best cities for immigrants in Canada. But if you can afford it, this city is an amazing place to settle down.

More about expat life in Canada:

• Cost of living in Canada: Is it affordable in 2025?
• What is the calling code for Canada?
• Tips for writing a Canadian CV and cover letter.
• How to save money on electricity: tips for expats.
• How to save money on groceries.

Victoria, British Columbia

Ranked third in the list of the ‘best cities in Canada to live’, Victoria is a blend of nature and modernity. When moving to this city, you'll find yourself in a stable economy with a robust job market and access to decent healthcare. The weather is mild and not too harsh for people from the South regions, providing opportunities to hike and enjoy the regional landscapes. Also, people say that restaurants, especially tuna meals, are amazing in Victoria.

However, the city is pricey. A single person spends around 1,541.6 CAD on a monthly basis, adding 2,149 CAD for renting a 1-bedroom apartment.

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Calgary, Alberta

The next in our best cities to live in Canada ranking is Calgary. This city is excellent for pushing your career higher on the ladder. Key sectors are:

• aerospace,
• agribusinesses,
• creative industries,
• entertainment,
• energy and environment,
• financial services,
• life sciences,
• technology,
• transportation and logistics.

Whether you’re a student or skilled professional, you’ll find a fitting position. To balance work and life, the city offers various cultural activities like theatres, concerts and galleries, and, of course, closeness to nature. So, don’t forget to pack your hiking and skiing suits – expat life in Canada won’t be full without going into the wild.

Québec City, Québec

We are halfway through the best cities to live in Canada ranking. According to Numbeo, Québec City is the safest place in the country. Women and families with children should take notes here. Québec City is one of the top Canadian cities for history lovers – it is one of North America's oldest European settlements with a UNESCO World Heritage site and preserved 17th-century fortifications. The city is also fun with summer festivals and the winter Carnaval de Québec.

Québec City is one of the best cities for immigrants in Canada due to its affordable prices. You'll need approximately 1,320.40 CAD for regular expenses and 1,228 CAD for rent.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is one of the best small cities to live in Canada. Locals have access to most facilities within walking distance, maintaining the same level of comfort as megacities with a slower tempo and fewer people. Halifax's economy is rapidly developing, providing more career opportunities and stronger stability.

The average spending is similar to that in Victoria. A single person needs 1,459.4 CAD on groceries, transportation, shopping and entertainment, and around 2,074.20 CAD on rent. Overall, it’s an adequate range for the best cities to live in Canada.

Mississauga, Ontario

This mid-sized city is conveniently located near Toronto, making expat life in Canada more flexible and versatile. Citizens adore the relaxed vibe of the city. Everything is close, you can get to the airport in 15-30 minutes, there’s not much traffic, and people can breathe more freely than in huge cities. Toronto is super close, so many schedule day trips to have fun, visit concerts and then return home safely. This is one of the best small cities to live in Canada if you can’t choose between a calm and fast-paced lifestyle and want to have it all at once.

Since Mississauga is near Toronto, prices are generally quite high. Monthly spending is 1,412.40 CAD, with an additional 2,450 CAD for rent.

Edmonton, Alberta

It’s one of the best cities to live in Canada if you need the sun to function. There are approximately 325 sunny days in Edmonton – almost the whole year of shining light, a rare occurrence for Canada. However, the winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -45℃. Job-wise, the city is trades and government-oriented, the corporate scene is more active in other top Canadian cities like Calgary. You can make good money in the oil industry, though.

The prices on food, transportation and entertainment are average, but the housing market is very attractive with 1,672 CAD per month on average for a 1-bedroom apartment. One of the best cities for immigrants in Canada who don’t own property yet.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Some people call Kelowna 'Canada's Florida’ due to warmer weather, plenty of vacation homes and tourists who visit the city during holidays. Kelowna is famous for Okanagan Lake, a real watery paradise, and its wineries, which produce world-class drinks. It’s one of the best cities in Canada to live in if you love the outdoors.

However, the city is not among the cheapest locations. Rent is around 1,942 CAD, and monthly spending will eat 1,476 CAD out of your budget. On the other hand, almost every destination among the top 10 best cities to live in Canada has similar costs, so it’s not beyond average.

Montréal, Québec

We’ve reached the end of our top 10 best cities to live in Canada list! Montréal is one of the top Canadian cities for students. McGill University is ranked 41st in the world by Times Higher Education (2026), while UdeM was ranked 5th in Canada by Times Higher Education (2025). So academic opportunities are unlimited. The city is walkable, has good biking infrastructure and many green areas where locals tend to spend their free time. If you seek relaxed university town vibes, this destination is one of the best cities to live in Canada for you.

The cost of living is slightly below the average among the best cities to live in Canada, with 1,366 CAD monthly expenses and 1,692 CAD rent payments.

The best cities to live in Canada in 2025 offer professional growth, fair salaries, work-life balance and amazing nature. Each has its own pros and cons, but all cities have something unique in them – pick the one that flatters your soul most. Expat life in Canada can be eventful and fun, and we wish you luck on this journey.

FAQ — What are the best cities to live in Canada?

What are the best cities to live in Canada?

According to the Quality of Life Index, the best cities to live in Canada in 2025 are Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Québec City, Halifax, Mississauga, Edmonton, Kelowna, Montréal, London, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

What is the safest city to live in Canada?

Québec City is ranked as the safest among the best cities to live in Canada. The local safety index is 77.5, while the Canadian average is 54.26.

Is Toronto a good place to live?

Yes, Toronto is among the best cities to live in Canada. Lots of expats move there to live in a developed city and secure a stable future. However, the prices can be high for newcomers.

Which is colder, Toronto or Vancouver?

Toronto is much colder. If you prefer a warm climate, consider other best cities in Canada to live in, like Kelowna.

What are the best small cities to live in Canada?

Kelowna, Victoria, and Canmore are some of the most attractive locations.