What Is the Best Place To Live in Canada in 2024?
In terms of quality of life, diverse population, safe environments, and gorgeous landscapes, Canada is one of the top destinations to live in the world. Canada also has one of the best education systems globally and a thriving tech industry.
So, what’s the best place to live in Canada in 2024? We’ve put together a list of the greatest areas to live in Canada, all of which feature low crime and unemployment rates and reasonable living and housing prices. For those looking for a fresh start, these cities offer a high standard of living.
Québec City, Québec
Québec City is renowned as Canada’s provincial capital and a cultural gem. The city is packed with historical sights and diverse indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking.
Knowing French is a definite advantage as Québec City is primarily francophone. It has a population of over 549 thousand, and it’s also the province’s second-largest city, after Montréal.
The unemployment rate in Québec City is an astounding 4.1%, among the lowest in the country. According to the latest available data, Québec City has a crime severity index (CSI) of 42.09, the lowest compared to other Canada’s metropolitan areas.
If you’re looking for a cheap city to live in and one of the best places to live in Canada, Québec City is the place to go.
Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John, New Brunswick, was founded in 1785 and is one of Canada’s oldest cities. Saint John, located on the Bay of Fundy, is a busy port and industrial city that is fast expanding into technology and other modern enterprises.
Port City is often viewed as the best place to live and work in Canada. It’s not only a lovely city surrounded by some of the country’s most magnificent surroundings, but it also has some of the lowest real estate costs in the country. If you’re looking to relocate, you’ll likely be able to get a great price on a property.
With a population of roughly 70,000 people, Saint John may be able to meet your demands if you prefer quieter, less crowded areas. The average price of residences sold in April 2022 was $304,159, a 14.9% increase compared to April last year. However, the housing prices in New Brunswick province are still below the national average, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Deep River, Ontario
Deep River is a town in Renfrew County, Ontario. Suppose you’ve wondered where to live in Canada. In that case, boating along the Ottawa River and picturesque scenery in the Deep River area, and fascinating hiking paths in the hills may be just the place for you. The town provides a variety of parks and other recreational points.
Apart from offering affordable housing prices, Deep River is home to the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). For those working in the field, relocation to this area might be a clever move.
With only 4,109 people, this town is a safe, quiet location to relax and appreciate nature. It has a CSI of 21.68, significantly lower than the national average of 73.44.
Montréal, Québec
The city of a hundred steeples, as nicknamed by Mark Twain, Montréal, is among the top places to live in Canada. This city is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which is understandable. It is the heart of many social and cultural communities and is recognized as Canada’s cultural capital.
Montréal offers a wide range of events, including theatrical productions and music and film festivals. Its rich historical and cultural character cannot be denied; therefore, it’s no wonder that more and more people are considering relocating here when looking for the best living opportunities. The official language of the city is French.
With a population of 1.7 million, Montréal is the second biggest city in Canada and the most populous city in Québec. The average household income is $96,356 before taxes. According to data, its CSI is 52.74 as of 2020.
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, Canada’s political center, is a quiet city by night, yet there’s usually something exciting going on. Located on the Ottawa River's south bank, Ottawa is regarded as one of the safest places to live in Canada. The city is bustling with superb restaurants and visitors from all over the world, and it’s great for those who enjoy trying out different cuisines.
A variety of universities, national museums, and research and cultural institutes are located in Ottawa. The country’s largest Canada Day celebration is hosted here, a spectacle that you shouldn’t miss.
Ottawa’s population has topped 1 million people, according to data from 2021. With an unemployment rate of only 5.2% in April 2022, finding a job in the city shouldn’t be difficult.
Ottawa has beautiful nature in the city and outside, making it the best place to enjoy your free time.
High River, Alberta
The Highwood River, which runs through the town, gives the community its name. High River, located in Alberta’s Calgary Region, hosts an array of events throughout the year but is most renowned for its old-fashioned outdoor parades during the holiday season when the entire town lights up.
A variety of murals depicting High River’s history have been painted across the town, making it one of the nicest cities in Canada. It’s home to countless art studios, craft fairs, and art galleries.
With a population of 14,220 in 2021, High River has some of Alberta’s most affordable housing options. Its CSI stands at 58.66, which is still lower than the national index, indicating that the High River is a secure area to live in.
Saguenay, Québec
Saguenay is located on the Saguenay River, about 200 kilometres north of Québec City. This city is not just among the best Canadian cities, but it’s also free of traffic and reasonably priced. Saguenay is known for its cultural riches and the numerous leisure activities and courses in a variety of fields it has to offer. If you’re a computer engineer, Saguenay is looking for people to fill positions in this industry.
If you’re looking for cool places to live in, Saguenay is where to go. Winters are long and bitterly cold, while summers are mild and not too hot, with brief transition seasons.
According to the most recent available data from 2016, the median price of a single-family detached house is $168,000
average house value in Saguenay is $216,218, while the average rent for an apartment is $1,681, according to a CMHC report. Both of these values are lower than Québec’s average. Saguenay is not only affordable, but it is also a safe place to live in, with a CSI of 43.93, one of the lowest in the country.
Bottom Line
Many people are curious about the finest areas to reside in this vast country, and Canada is certainly a fantastic place to work and live. Whether you prefer a bustling city or a quieter town, you’ll certainly be able to find something that suits your needs.
Of course, because these things are always subjective, our judgment criteria may differ from yours. We hope that you found the best place to live in Canada that is suitable for you and that we were able to assist you in making your selection.
FAQ
Which province has the lowest cost of living?
Québec maintains its position as one of Canada’s most affordable provinces. This is not only due to Quebec’s subsidized child care and inexpensive rentals but also power price, which is substantially lower than Canada’s national average.
How difficult is it to move to Canada?
To successfully apply for and get approval for Canadian immigration, one must go through several stages. Finding good places to live in Canada and immigrating is not simple. The procedure can take several months, if not years, depending on which country you’re coming from.
What is the warmest province in Canada?
Nova Scotia is Canada’s warmest province, with the highest average temperatures and no particularly scorching summers or bitterly cold winters.
Which province is coldest in Canada?
Canada is known for its harsh winters and has a reputation for being a cold country. Nunavut is certainly the coldest portion of the country. According to statistics, Eureka, Nunavut, is the coldest site in Canada.
What is the safest place to live in Canada?
Besides being perceived as the best place to live in Canada, Québec City is also considered one of the safest cities, where you don’t have to be too concerned about your safety. It has a low crime severity index of 42.09, the lowest CSI compared to Canada’s other urban areas.
I have always thought of myself as a writer, but I began my career as a data operator with a large fintech firm. This position proved invaluable for learning how banks and other financial institutions operate. Daily correspondence with banking experts gave me insight into the systems and policies that power the economy. When I got the chance to translate my experience into words, I gladly joined the smart, enthusiastic Fortunly team.
