Is Canada a Good Place to Live?

Barack Obama once said: “the world needs more Canada”, referring to our country’s reputation for being open, friendly, and diverse.

But, is Canada really a good place to live? This could be considered a matter of opinion, but we believe the answer is yes!

Canada reports high levels of happiness, low levels of crime, and plenty of economic opportunities that attract immigrants and expats. Let’s explore more of the facts, stats, and caveats detailing why Canada is a great place to live.

High Levels of Happiness in Canada  

Canada consistently ranks highly in the World Happiness Report, securing 18th place for 2025.  

What does this mean? The World Happiness Report is an annual index that analyses data from over 140 countries to determine how happy its residents are. When compared to other English-speaking nations, the UK came in 23rd place and the USA came in 24th place on the same index. 

Some of the main factors contributing to the happiness of Canada’s residents include the country’s political stability, great infrastructure, and safe neighbourhoods.  

Because it is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, those living in Canada also benefit from having access to visually breathtaking nature and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Pair this with the Canadian culture of tolerance and multiculturalism, and you get a country with a well-deserved reputation for making people feel accepted and welcome. 

All of these factors contribute to the population’s high levels of happiness and wellbeing.

Canada’s Low Crime Rate  

Another key factor that makes Canada such a good place to live is the country’s low crime rate and high levels of safety. 

There are many elements that contribute to Canada’s safety: 

First, the Canadian government enforces strict gun control legislation which means that owning a firearm in Canada requires extensive background checks, licensing, and training. 

This has resulted in low rates of gun violence and overall homicide. In 2024, there were just 778 homicides across the whole country which equates to a rate of 1.94 per 100,000 people. The homicide rate in the United States is more than 200% higher, sitting  at 6.3 per 100,000 people according to the most recent statistics. 

Second, Canada is known as a country with a strong sense of community. While this can of course vary from city to city and person to person, Canadian culture generally emphasizes taking care of each other and treating people with a sense of respect.

This is reflected in the country’s social welfare programs. Programs such as free education, affordable housing, and accessible low-cost healthcare all contribute to the wellbeing and happiness of the population and directly impact crime rates. Crime rates tend to be lower in countries where there are lower rates of poverty.

Many crime rates in Canada are declining. For example, the number of robberies in the country in 2024 was a whopping 46% lower than in 1999. The annual robbery rate in Canada is just 59 incidents per 100,000 people, based on the most recent statistics.By contrast, the United States reported 66.5 incidents per 100,000 people.

Work-Life Balance in Canada  

On a practical level, if you’re considering relocating to Canada for work, you’ll benefit from the country’s balanced approach. According to a global study, Canada ranks #5 among countries with the best work-life balance.

Some of the reasons for this high ranking include a low average number of hours worked per week per person (just 32.1 hours per person, per week), and great benefits. These include statutory parental leave, medical leave, bereavement leave, and personal leave.

If you value having time away from your workplace to dedicate to rest, enjoy hobbies, and be with family–Canada is a great place to live from this perspective!

Cost of Living in Canada  

In more good news, relocating to Canada won’t have to break the bank! Another factor that makes Canada a good place to live is its affordable cost of living.

Compared to the United States, for example, you’ll find the cost of living is 7.3% lower, and rent a whopping 24.2% lower.

The average living expenses for one person are around 1,455.90$ per month, excluding rent. For a family of four, around 5,229.40$.

According to the Canadian government, most Canadians spend 35% to 50% of their income on housing and utilities, leaving healthy disposable income for saving and leisure.

So, Is Canada a Good Place to Live?

Choosing a place to live is a personal decision, so it’s important to think about the pros and cons depending on your lifestyle.

Living in Canada does come with long, cold winters and limited public transportation, especially in rural areas. You’ll also want to consider the specific location in Canada that you’re moving to—it’s a big country with varied experiences depending on where you live.

Regardless, it’s clear that Canada has a lot to offer, beyond just the beautiful scenery and maple syrup!

Economic opportunities are balanced with healthy work culture and benefits, low crime rates and robust social welfare programs allow for safety and comfort, and the low cost of living contributes to high happiness rankings.

Canada is a country where you can thrive, not just survive.