The 7 Best Cities to Live in Canada

A guide to the best cities to live in Canada. 

Do you know how big Canada is?

Canada is a big and vastly diverse country with ten provinces and three territories spreading over 9,985,000 square kilometers, coming second only to Russia in terms of area. So, it is natural to have a couple of different options when deciding on a city to live in.

So, when moving to Canada- which is a fantastic decision, the magnitude of having to make decisions like these could get a little overwhelming for sure.

The cities of Canada are known to be stylish, modern, clean, and a massive attraction for migrants who want both fresh outdoors and urban convenience at the same time.

Like the NHS of the UK, Canada’s Medicare system also offers primary health care services for free as it is based on needs instead of the capacity to pay.

Canada is renowned for standing as one of the most open-minded countries globally. Canada has allowed same-sex marriage since 2005. These are some of the few reasons to choose the country of Canada as your home.

Here is a list of the best cities to live in Canada, a complete breakdown, to help you relax and make your decision-making task a little easier.

7 Best Cities to Live in Canada:

1) Montreal, Quebec- Best city for its cuisine

Some food is iconic to Canada. Like maple syrup, smoked meat, poutine, and it is known that they make these best in Montreal.

Montreal claims to make better bagels than New York or New Jersey. You can have a try at the Montreal-style bagel at Mile End.

The metropolis of Quebec, Montreal, is the main entry point of the province and is also known as Quebec’s cultural and economic capital, even though the capital is Ottawa.

Montreal city has been ranked as one of the most livable cities globally and one of the world’s happiest places.

Every year this city has around 45,000 immigrants.

Montreal offers good public transportation in the form of bus service too.

Montreal stands as the most populated in the province of Quebec and the second most populated city in Canada.

Montreal boasts the second-largest city in Canada with its rich culture and history. It has huge outdoor activities, opportunities, and a chance to watch the legendary Montreal Canadians ice hockey team. Having a reputation as one of the liveliest cities of North America, Montreal is often referred to as the Paris of Canada.

Montreal is host to easy access to a bustling and lively nightlife and underground city life- a series of office buildings, residential and commercial buildings, hotels all connected by underground tunnels, which comes to convenient use during the city’s bitter winters.

Crime Rate Index:

30.34

Safety Index:

69.66

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 63.48 Canadian$
• One-bedroom apartment in the city center- 1,281.52 Canadian$
• One-bedroom apartment outside of center- 911.43 Canadian$

2) Toronto, Ontario- Best city for employment opportunities

Many people innocently end up thinking that the big city of Toronto is the capital of Canada. It is the country’s financial and cosmopolitan hub and the most populated city. Toronto is home to the CN Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Toronto stands as one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

There is no lack of business opportunities and job opportunities for you to dive in in this city. Toronto is home to the Big Five, Toronto Stock Exchange- the third-largest stock market in North America, and some of Canada’s biggest banks so, plenty of money for you to earn!

Good public transportation, bike trails, and hiking trails also make great outdoor activities.

It has a bustling population of almost three million people. Toronto hosts world-famous museums like the Royal Ontario Museum (the ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (the AGO) and is also home to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Toronto stands as the anchor of the Golden Horseshoe Region, which wraps around Lake Ontario from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

There is most probably a pro sports game all year round. So, if you are a mad sports fan, Toronto for sure could be your heart’s home, hosting the most number of professional sports teams in the country, seven in all total.

Crime Rate Index:

41.24

Safety Index:

58.76

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ ADSL -72.17 Canadian$
• One-bedroom apartment in the city center- 2000.14 Canadian$
• One-bedroom apartment outside of center- 1690.52 Canadian$

3) Edmonton, Alberta- Best for Families

Edmonton is known best for families because, in terms of safety, education, healthcare, and public schools in Edmonton do it just right when compared to other Canadian cities.

Edmonton is home to an enormous mall adored by kids of all age groups. The mall houses mini golf, an ice rink, bowling, escape rooms, aquarium, waterpark, and yes, an amusement park! Now, who would miss that?

Edmonton offers more sunshine during summers than other cities and places in Canada. So, if you are looking for sunny cities, Edmonton is your place to be.

Edmonton, the heart of the wilderness, is the largest northernmost metropolis, close to Jasper National Park in the Rocky Mountains and Alberta, Canada.

Edmonton hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier games and will be an official host city for FIFA World Cup 2026.

If Escape rooms seem like your type of rush, Escape City, Escape Hour, GTFO located at the heart of downtown Edmonton are a few of the thrilling escape rooms this city has to offer you.

During the winter month of November, you can be a part of All is Bright. It takes over 124 Street with outdoor concerts, roving performers, fire pits, and so much more.

Crime Rate Index:

43.41

Safety Index:

56.59

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 86.37 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre- 1178.16 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment outside of center- 970.60 Canadian$

4) Quebec City, Quebec- Best for Culture

In this historic French-speaking district of Quebec City, you might find yourself wondering if you are in an old French town or village.

UNESCO has declared many parts of Quebec City as World Heritage Sites, making them historically and culturally significant enough that they need to be thoughtfully preserved.

Winter Carnival, Summer Carnival, and New France Festival are some of the city’s cultural events. Festivals is an all-around year thing in Quebec City.

The fortified city core that features the cobblestone, as mentioned earlier, streets, the Vieux-Quebec, is lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants- in conclusion, a wonderful place.

Quebec also has many significant employers for the thriving port. Quebec offers affordable property prices, affordable housing, and delightful weather. The city has the lowest rent among other major cities.

Quebec City stood among cities having the lowest crime rates in North America and was named the safest metropolitan area in Canada.

An iconic landmark of Quebec City is the castle-like Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac which is highly worthy of visiting even if you are not staying as a guest.

All things ornate and art lovers will feel at home in Quebec City with everything from exceptional architectural details to museums like the Musee National Des Beaux-arts du Quebec and the Museum of Civilization, one of the most visited museums in Canada.

Crime Rate Index:

15.22

Safety Index:

84.78

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 67.50 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre- 860.94 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment outside of centre- 657.14 Canadian$

5) Calgary, Alberta- Best for its Reputation as Canada’s Wild West

Canada’s wild west, Calgary, the small town turned city, stands home to the infamous Calgary Stampede, a festival featuring rodeo events, special activities, concerts, and exhibitions galore. Every year in early July, around a million visitors head to “Cowtown” to celebrate Calgary’s farming and ranching heritage, making it one of the biggest festivals in Canada.

Calgary city has affordable house prices, and where car ownership is a necessity because it is a driving and sprawling metropolis.

Economists have ranked Calgary as the world’s fifth most livable city not just once or twice but seven times in a row!

As the youngest and warmest city in Canada, Calgary stands as one of the most livable cities in the world. On average, Calgary experiences 333 sunny days per year with 2396 hours of sunshine.

This beautiful city of Calgary hosts gorgeous mountains that offer lovely views, hiking trails, camping, skiing, and more.

Calgary is home to Heritage Park Historical Village, a revolving restaurant on top of the Calgary Tower, the 50-acre Prince’s Island Park, and so much more.

Crime Index:

35.43

Safety Index:

64.57

Cost of living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 83.79 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment in city centre-1281.74 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment outside centre-1057.55 Canadian$

6) Ottawa, Ontario- Best for Cultural Diversity

The nation’s capital could make you extra in your patriotic feel, and if you are a history buff, that is the cherry on the top. The city is located on the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal.

The Canadian War Museum explores the history of Canada’s military and significant conflicts and events that shaped the Canada that we know today.

Finance, Real estate, trade, the Federal government, technology are some of the top industries in Ottawa city.

MoneySense Magazine in 2016 ranked the city of Ottawa as the best place to live in Canada, and Ottawa also ranked in number 1 position for the best place to live as a newcomer to Canada.

The median income of this city stands at $73,007.

City Ottawa is also home to the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, to name a few.

Canada Day celebrated on July 1st, is done the best here in Ottawa; Winterlude is a dream come true for any winter-lover, celebrating everything about winter every February. Festive mood and celebration are found here all year round.

Crime Index:

26.24

Safety Index:

73.76

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 75.61Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre- 1628.85 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment outside of centre- 1250 Canadian$

7) Vancouver, British Columbia – Best for Being Dynamic

Vancouver is home to everything from beaches, islands, coastline, mountains, an urban center, and beautiful residential suburbs, providing whale watching opportunities.

Vancouver makes it easy to get out of the city to nature and natural landscape and lots of green space than crossing downtown area, with its incredible international connections and surrounding islands.

Vancouver offers amazing coastline views, beautiful beaches, hiking trails in the mountains, and many snow sports.

Being the most popular filming location after New York and LA, film, and television are significant employers. Vancouver holds a strong economy with vast employment opportunities.

Vancouver city is frequently ranked high as the best city to live in all of North America.

Thanks to the recent 2010 Winter Olympics investments, jobs in Vancouver are relatively easy to find and pay well, which is helpful since the general cost of living and housing costs are high here. Coming after Singapore, it is one of the most expensive cities.

Vancouver is home to one of the largest gay pride parades in Canada.

The median household income here stands at $98,309.

The city provides world-class healthcare facilities and education.

The weather in Vancouver is milder than in other cities makes outdoor activities more accessible all year.

Crime Index:

37.20

Safety Index:

62.80

Cost of Living

• Internet 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL- 86.04 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre- 2071.29 Canadian$
• 1 bedroom apartment outside centre- 1683.27 Canadian$

So, from the list, we can say as a breakdown that-

• The cheapest city in terms of rent- Quebec City
• The most affordable city in terms of internet cost- Montreal
• The safest city with lowest crime rate- Quebec City
• Most expensive city in terms of rent- Vancouver
• Most expensive city in terms of the internet- Edmonton

Relocating and choosing a new city to live in can be an overwhelming prospect. The one most significant thing that you do not want to have any second guesses about is the place where you choose to call home.

I hope this list helped you a step further in choosing the perfect place for your heart to call home.

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Priyanshi Sharma