Canada is a beautiful and peaceful place to live in. With a beautiful blend of breath-taking landscapes, thriving multiculturalism, and modern architecture in many Canadian cities, it might be hard deciding on the best place to live in Canada.
So what are the factors to consider when picking a place? The answer is subjective per person and depends on personal needs.
Some people prefer a vibrant nightlife with hordes of shops to browse, while others will settle for a peaceful community devoid of the bustle of modern life.
Regardless of personal needs, there are some factors we all look out for when considering a place. Some of these factors include a low crime rate, affordability, provision of social amenities, temperate climes, etc.
Luckily, Canada has in abundance, safe, affordable, and receptive communities. If you are looking to move to Canada or already live in Canada and want to move within Canada, this article will help you in your decision-making process.
Best Places to Live in Canada
Canada is divided into provinces and territories, and within them, we have selected the 20 best places to live in Canada.
1. Quebec City
We can call it the French capital of Canada, and it is, in fact, the capital of the Province of Quebec. It is filled with beautiful historical sites and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, French is the dominant language spoken, so you may need to brush up your French if you intend to live there. It has over 500,000 people, a minimum wage rate of CA$13.10/hour, and an average household income is about CA$66,200.
House prices are not so high, with an average amount of CA$282,000. The crime rate is low, and the temperature range is between 35C to -36C. There is an unemployment rate of 8.6%.
2. Charlottetown
Located in the Province of Prince Edward Island, it is a pretty little city that also serves as the province’s capital. If Quebec City is known for its beauty, Charlottetown is known for its safety.
It has quite a small population of about 40,000, a minimum wage rate of CA$12.85/hour, and an average household income of CA$53,736. The temperature range is between 31C to -19C. It is the best place to raise a family and retire if you own a home. It has an unemployment rate of 13.6%.
3. Saint John
There is something beautiful about old cities, and Saint John happens to be one of the oldest cities in Canada. Situated in New Brunswick, it has gorgeous landscapes and arguably the lowest real estate prices in Canada.
With just a population of 67,575, it has a minimum wage rate of CA$11.70/hour and an unemployment rate of 9.8%. The average house price is CA$343,496. The temperature ranges between 34C to -34C. The crime rate is low, and the average household income is CA$52,132.
4. Calgary
If you love cities, you will love Calgary, located in the Province of Alberta. It is Canada’s third-largest city and offers many opportunities for the younger generation with its different emerging sectors.
It has a population of about 1.2 million, a minimum wage of CA$15/hour, a low crime rate, and an average household income of approximately CA$100,000.
Houses are a bit high as the average house price is CA$505,452. The unemployment rate is 15.5%, and the temperature ranges between 31C to -32C.
5. St. John’s
Yes, there is Saint John and St. John’s. St. John’s is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a picturesque city and is definitely a tourist destination.
It has a population of 108,860, a minimum wage rate of CA$11.56/hour, an unemployment rate of 11.7%, and a low crime rate.
The average house price is CA$285,027, and the temperature ranges between 28C to -20C. The average household income is CA$69,455.
6. Halifax
Located in Nova Scotia, Halifax is a beautiful city with beaches, parks, and historic buildings.
Compared to the other cities we have mentioned so far, it has a warm atmosphere and has a population of 448,544 and a low crime rate. The minimum wage rate is CA$13.10/hour. The average household income is CA$54,129.
7. Moncton
Moncton is another gem of New Brunswick. It is a fast-growing city and surprisingly has low house prices and low cost of living.
It has a population of 71,899, a minimum wage of CA$11.70/hour, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and a low crime rate.
The average house price is CA$246,946, and the average household income is CA$74,240. The temperature ranges between 35C to -34C.
8. Montreal
Quebec definitely has to feature more than once in this list. Montreal world’s second-largest, primarily French-speaking city; the city is suitable for living and studying.
It has the most university students per capita in North America. The population is over 1.7 million, which can be attributed to the high number of students. The crime rate is also low. The minimum wage rate is CA$13.10/hour.
9. Edmonton
The home of some of Canada’s biggest technology companies, Edmonton also offers a high minimum wage and low rental rates. It is located in Alberta.
It is also great for the younger generation. It has a population of 932,546, a minimum wage of CA$15/hour, and an unemployment rate of 15%. The average house price is CA$376,116, and the average income is CA$87,225.
10. Fredericton
This city is just suitable for artists, writers, and poets. It is the capital of New Brunswick, with a population of 64,528. Fredericton has a minimum wage rate of CA$11.70. It has the highest per capita income in the province.
11. London
Located in Ontario, it is also an old city, and if you are a digital creative, you will love London. It is also a center for medical research.
It has a population of 383,822, an unemployment rate of 10.5%, a minimum wage of CA$14/hour, and a meager crime rate.
The average price of a house is CA$489,077, and the average income is CA$62,011.
12. Ottawa
It might be the capital city of Canada, and you may not see past the administrative status; Ottawa is actually a great place to live in and is also great for lovers of food.
It is very safe and offers lots of restaurants that satisfy your every craving. It has a population of 934,243.
The minimum wage rate is CA$14/hour, and the average household income is CA$85,981. It has an unemployment rate of 9.2%. It experiences more rain than snow.
13. Toronto
Of course, the capital city of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada have to make it to the list. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from; you will definitely fit in Toronto.
With a population of about 2.7 million, it has a safe environment and a low crime rate.
There is also a thriving job market with a minimum wage rate of CA$14.25/hour. It is a multi-cultural and cosmopolitan city. The unemployment rate is 6.7%.
14. Milton
If you love the outdoors, you will love Milton. It is located in Ontario and has attractions such as the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area.
It has a lively atmosphere as well as a population of 110,128.
The minimum wage rate is CA$14.25/hour, and the unemployment rate is 5.7%. The average income is CA$111,875, and the crime rate is low.
15. Saskatoon
Just like Ottawa, this one is also ideal for lovers of food. Situated in Saskatchewan, it has one of Canada’s highest rates of restaurants per capita.
Saskatoon is the largest city in the province, with lots of bridges, galleries, and festivals. The city has 283 277 people and a minimum wage rate of CA$11.45/hour.
16. Victoria
The Garden City of British Columbia is absolutely fantastic to live in. It has a pleasant, warm climate and, as its nickname implies, lots of greenery.
It is the capital city of the province. It has a population of 85,792, and the minimum wage rate is CA$14.60/hour. The crime rate is low.
17. Oakville
Situated in Ontario, Oakville offers a beautiful view of Lake Ontario, first-class schools, festivals, and music events. The minimum wage rate is CA$14.25/hour, and it is the largest town in Ontario. It has a population of 209,039, a low crime rate, an average income of CA$112,207, and an unemployment rate of 5.7%.
18. Red Deer
The Province of Alberta claims this place. Red Deer is one of the most populated cities in Canada. It has a lot of recreational entertainment to offer with museums, theatres, and music festivals. The minimum wage rate is CA$15/hour, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% and a low crime rate. The average household income is CA$90,844.
19. Winnipeg
Located in Manitoba, Winnipeg is a beautiful city with inspiring architecture and beautiful parks. It has a population of 778,602 and a low crime rate. It is the capital city of Manitoba.
It has an unemployment rate of 5.3% and an average household income of CA$47,824. The average house price is CA$341,616, and the minimum wage rate is CA$11.90/hour.
20. Whitehorse
With such a unique name, it is no wonder that it is the only city in the Yukon Territory. Whitehorse has magnificent natural environments and has the least air pollution in the world.
So, you will be enjoying the best air quality in the world. It has a population of about 25,085 and a minimum wage rate of CA$13.85/hour.
Conclusion
There you have it, our top 20 places to live in Canada. We hope this list helps you make the best choice. Remember to factor in your personal needs before making your final decision.
