The best cities in Canada for work for newcomers - MoneySense (2024)

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If you’re moving to Canada or are new to the country, you’re probably figuring out where to live. MoneySense explores six of the best cities in Canada for immigrants to live and work: Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Halifax. We’ll look at each city’s top employment opportunities and cost of living, including housing, to get you started on your research.

From the fast-paced streets of Toronto—a hotspot for technology and finance—to the ocean vistas of Halifax—a fast-growing innovation hub—you’ll find plenty of options to get established in your new country.

Why move to Toronto, Ontario?

Toronto is a multicultural metropolis with a population of more than three million—nearly 6.5 million, if you count the whole Greater Toronto Area (which also includes Durham, Halton, Peel and York).

The GTA is also Canada’s business and financial powerhouse, where you’ll find the country’s largest stock exchange and the headquarters of many banks and other financial institution. It’s a hub for other industries, too, including tech, health care, real estate, insurance, trade, telecommunications, entertainment, tourism and more. It’s also home to major sports teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Football Club.

Job opportunities in Toronto:

These are the growing sectors and job titles seeking candidates.

• Technology: Software engineers, program managers, business analysts, network technicians, devOps engineers
• Finance: Bookkeepers, financial analysts, accountants, financial advisors, internal auditors, payroll specialists
• Health care: Pharmacy assistants, registered nurses, pharmacy technicians, dental secretaries, medical secretaries, medical receptionists
• Engineering: Mechanical engineers, electrical engineering technicians, estimators, civil engineers, project engineers, structural engineers, automation engineers

Cost of living: Toronto has a pretty high cost of living compared to the rest of Canada. The estimated monthly cost of living for a four-person family, not including housing, was about $5,545 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was $1,526. The average annual cost of auto insurance in Ontario was $1,780 in mid-2023 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto was $1,691 as of October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $1,958. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), in February 2024, the benchmark property price was$1,072,528 in the City of Toronto, and$1,108,720 across all TRREB regions. The cost of a detached house in the GTA was$1,443,612, and the average cost of a condo was$695,345.

Keep researching: Check out the City of Toronto’s “Moving to Toronto” webpage.

Why move to Ottawa, Ontario?

Ottawa—the capital of Canada—has a rich cultural heritage and is the heart of Canada’s political events. And Ottawa also has a lot more to offer. It’s a dynamic economic centre with thriving companies in technology, aerospace, defence, tourism and public service. (The federal government is the largest employer in the capital region.) Ottawa is home to the scenic Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and boasts wonderful historic and modern architecture, making it a wonderful place to explore for singles and families alike.

Ottawa also has much to offer culturally, including world-class museums and the world-renowned Ottawa Jazz Fest. Sports fans will enjoy seeing local teams, like the Ottawa Senators and Red Blacks. Both official languages—English and French—are widely spoken here, because it shares a border with the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Job opportunities in Ottawa:

What jobs are in demand in our nation’s capital?

• Technology: Software engineers, security analysts, program managers, network technicians, devOps engineers
• Aerospace: Scientists, software engineers, project planners, procurement managers, legal professionals
• Defense: Scientists, security analysts, program leaders, translators, project managers
• Tourism: Coordinators, translators, marketing managers, marketing assistants, hotel managers, sales managers

Cost of living: The estimated monthly cost of living for a four-person family in Ottawa, not including housing, was about $5,657 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was about $1,580. The average annual cost of auto insurance in Ontario was $1,780 in mid-2023 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa was $1,409 as of October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $1,693. According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), the benchmark property price in Ottawa, including all property types, was $628,500 as of February 2024. The cost of a single-family home was $708,500, and the cost of an apartment was $417,000.

Keep researching: The City of Ottawa’s “Immigrating to Ottawa” webpage is a good resource.

Why move to Vancouver, British Columbia?

Vancouver is a bustling, multicultural city on the west coast of Canada that’s attractive to many newcomers. It has relatively mild winters, compared to cities like Montreal, Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Vancouver is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is a wonder for those who love the outdoors. The city is a hub for arts and culture, including film and television production. Plus, it’s home to major-league teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Whitecaps. The city is attractive to newcomers because of its ethnically diverse population, welcoming people, economic opportunities and commitment to green and sustainable living.

Job opportunities in Vancouver:

What jobs are in demand in Vancouver?

• Technology: Software engineers, program managers, business analysts, network technicians, devOps engineers
• Creatives, film and TV: Production coordinators, videographers, video directors, film editors, media coordinators, graphic designers

Cost of living: Vancouver has the highest cost of living among the six cities in our list. The estimated monthly cost of living for a four-person family, not including housing, was about $5,885 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was about $1,610. The average annual cost of auto insurance in British Columbia was $1,411 in 2022 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver was $1,697 in October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $2,187. According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the benchmark property price in Vancouver, including all property types, was $1,183,300 as of February 2024. The cost of a detached house was $1,972,400, and the cost of an apartment was $770,700.

Keep researching: The City of Vancouver has a free guide, Growing Roots: A Newcomer’s Guide to Vancouver.

Why move to Edmonton, Alberta?

Edmonton, the capital city of the province of Alberta, is known for its beautiful landscapes and economic strength. It serves as the staging point for large-scale oil sands, mining projects and operations, making it a key city in Canada’s energy sector.

Apart from industry, the city is also known for the arts, including theatres and art galleries, and is home to the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. The North Saskatchewan River Valley provides the city’s residents with stunning outdoor escapes.

Job opportunities in Edmonton:

There are lots of jobs to apply for in Edmonton:

• Oil and gas: Floorhands, drilling rigs jobs, motorhands, dispatchers, derrickhands, R&M technicians, machinists, instrumentation technicians, petroleum technicians, project managers, engineers
• Technology: Data engineering specialists, systems analysts, quality assurance managers, business development analysts, technology risk managers, market research analysts

Cost of living: The estimated monthly cost of living for a four-person family in Edmonton, not including housing, was about $4,972 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was about $1,417. The average annual cost of car insurance in Alberta was $1,651 in mid-2023 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton was $1,134 as of October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $1,398. If you’d like to buy a home, the benchmark property price—including all property types—was $376,700 in January 2024. The average cost of a detached house was $484,365, and the average cost of a condo was $192,660.

Keep researching: The City of Edmonton’s Newcomer’s Guide to Edmonton is worth reading.

Why move to Calgary, Alberta?

Situated in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary seamlessly blends two worlds—its cowboy heritage and dynamic modern industry. The city is at the heart of Canada’s energy sector and is a major driving force behind Canada’s economy. It hosts the famous Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo that attracts visitors from around the world, as well as the teams the Calgary Flames and the Stampeders. Calgary is also near many of Canada’s greatest ski mountains and resorts.

Job opportunities in Calgary:

Calgary has a wide range of job opportunities.

• Oil and gas: Floorhands, drilling rigs jobs, motorhands, dispatchers, R&M technicians, machinists, instrumentation technicians, petroleum technicians, project managers, engineers.
• Other in-demand jobs: Registered nurses, transport truck drivers, trade managers, sales supervisors, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, accountants, administrative officers, restaurant managers, industrial mechanics.

Cost of living: The estimated monthly cost of living for a four-person family in Calgary, not including housing, was about $5,560 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was about $1,575. The average annual cost of car insurance in Alberta was $1,651 in mid-2023 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary was $1,463 as of October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $1,691. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), the unadjusted benchmark price—including all property types—was $ $585,000 in February 2024. The cost of a detached house was $721,300, and the cost of a condo was $329,600.

Keep researching: You’ll want to bookmark Immigration Services Calgary’s Welcome to Calgary Handbook.

Why move to Halifax, Nova Scotia?

Located on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Halifax combines maritime heritage with a culture of innovation. As the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, the city has a rich history to showcase, including the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and a vibrant waterfront.

The city’s history and economy are closely linked to its port, but it has also forged ahead with a booming technology sector. Culturally, Halifax is known for its welcoming neighbourhoods, a wide variety of food and many festivals. If you like hockey, get tickets to a Halifax Mooseheads game.

Job opportunities in Halifax:

Here’s what you can do for work in Kjipuktuk—that’s the Mi’kmaq name for Halifax. (It means “great harbour”). Halifax is located on traditional Mi’kmaq lands.

• Technology: Software developers, engineers, interactive media developers, information systems analysts and consultants, database analysts, computer network technicians

• Health care: Family physicians and general practitioners, specialist physicians, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, continuing care assistants, nursing aides, home support workers, orderlies and patient services associates, early childhood educators, veterinarians
• Sales and service: Chefs, cooks, food counter attendants
• Trades, transportation and construction: Automotive service technicians, carpenters, contractors and supervisors, transport truck drivers

Cost of living: The estimated average cost of living for a four-person family in Halifax, not including housing, was $5,268 in late March 2024; for a single person, it was about $1,485. The average annual cost of car insurance in Nova Scotia was $1,229 in mid-2023 (the most recent data available).

Cost of housing: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Halifax was $1,323 as of October 2023; two-bedroom apartments averaged $1,628. According to the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors, the benchmark home price in Halifax was $398,700 in February 2024. The cost of a single-family home was $392,100, and the price for an apartment was $444,300.

Where should you live in Canada?

This country has a lot to offer newcomers, and your chosen city will play a big part in your job prospects, housing costs and quality of life. Compare locations according to your priorities and select the best option for your career and your family’s future.

To browse job postings and find more information about the Canadian labour market, check out Canada’s Job Bank and its job-search guide for newcomers.

Read more about moving to Canada:

• Best jobs in Canada for immigrants: The top 5 industries in demand
• How to prepare your finances for coming to Canada
• Earning, saving and spending money in Canada: A guide for new immigrants
• Common questions from newcomers about working in Canada