What to Expect When Moving to Canada from South Africa
Relocating to Canada from South Africa to is an exciting transition full of new opportunities and experiences. But, it’s also a big change! With different weather, cultures, and languages, you may be wondering what other differences to expect in your new home.
That’s why we created this guide: to help you understand how things work in Canada and highlight the key differences between Canada and South Africa.
How Canadian Government & Bureaucracy Works
Canada’s government is structured as a federal parliamentary democracy, which means power is shared between the national (federal) government and the individual provinces or territories.
What’s great about this setup is that while big-picture laws and policies stay consistent across the country, each province gets to tailor important services, like healthcare, education, and social programs, to better fit the needs of its residents.
For you and your family, this means you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all system. Instead, you can choose a province that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle, whether that’s access to specific healthcare programs, schooling options, or community supports that matter most to you.
It’s a flexible system designed to make settling into your new home as smooth and supportive as possible.
How Canadian Healthcare Works
Understanding Canada's healthcare system will likely be one of your top priorities when you arrive. Canada operates a publicly funded healthcare system, meaning you get essential medical care without paying directly at the time of service. Each province manages its own plan, adapting to the specific strengths and needs of its community.
For example, if you’re heading to Ontario, where over 40% of new permanent residents settled in 2023, you’ll want to get familiar with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care. Do keep in mind there’s usually a waiting period of about three months before OHIP kicks in, so arranging private health insurance for that time is a good idea. In British Columbia, you'll register for the Medical Services Plan (MSP), ideally within 30 days of arriving to avoid any gaps. While public plans cover core services, many provinces also pair MSP with extended health benefits through private or work insurance, which can help cover things like dental or prescription drugs.
While the promise of accessible, quality care is a core benefit, wait times for specialist referrals can vary. On average, wait times were about 27.7 weeks nationwide in 2023. This changes by location; Ontario had shorter waits around 21.6 weeks, while Nova Scotia's were longer, near 56.7 weeks. This mix of government coverage and optional private insurance offers many newcomers peace of mind as they focus on building their new lives.
No matter where you settle, provinces provide newcomer-friendly resources, like online guides, multilingual help centers, or community health workers, to assist you with signing up and navigating the system. You won't be figuring this out alone; these supports are there to ensure you and your family get the care you need quickly and without hassle.
How The Canadian Tax System Works
Canada’s progressive tax system plays a crucial role in funding the quality of life and public services you’ll soon benefit from. One major advantage for you as a South African newcomer is the Canada–South Africa Tax Treaty, which prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income or capital gains, making your financial transition smoother and less stressful.
In 2024, federal income tax starts at 15% for the first $55,867 CAD of taxable income and rises to 33% for higher earnings. On top of that, provincial taxes vary widely depending on where you settle. For instance, Alberta offers some of the lowest provincial rates starting at 8%, whereas Quebec’s rates are higher but come with an extensive social safety net.
Understanding and navigating Canadian tax rules can be daunting, especially when coming from a different system. It’s a smart move to consult with a tax professional experienced in international tax matters.
They can help you optimize your tax strategy, claim all eligible deductions and credits, and ensure you meet both Canadian and South African tax obligations, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new financial life.
Differences Between Canada and South Africa
Safety: Canada vs. South Africa
One of the first things you’ll likely notice after moving to Canada is just how much safer you and your family can feel here. Coming from South Africa’s higher-crime environment, this difference in safety can be life-changing. For example, Canada scores 54.3 on the 2025 Safety Index, reflecting a generally secure society, while South Africa’s score is much higher at 74.7, indicating greater safety concerns.
In real terms, Canada’s homicide rate in 2023 was about 1.94 per 100,000 people, dramatically lower than South Africa’s 44 per 100,000. What this means for you is fewer worries about everyday dangers, whether you’re walking home at night, letting your kids play outside, or simply commuting to and from work.
Many South African immigrants find Canada's safety to be a profoundly welcome change. For instance, Catherine, a South African expat in Calgary, shared her personal journey of adapting to a safer environment in an interview with Expat Arrivals.
On community forums like Reddit, South Africans who have relocated often mention how "safety is a lot less of a daily concern" compared to their home country. These real-life perspectives highlight the significant improvement in daily security many newcomers experience, allowing them to enjoy a greater sense of peace.
Weather: Canada vs. South Africa
Moving from South Africa, you’ll notice Canada’s climate is a whole new world, shaped by four distinct seasons, each bringing its own vibe. Winters here, especially if you’re in the Prairies like Manitoba, can get seriously cold.
For example, in Winnipeg, January lows average around -16.4°C (2.5°F). If you head further north, expect even colder extremes. But if you prefer milder winters, places like Vancouver sit close to freezing, with average January temps around 0°C (32°F), while Southern Ontario winters hover around -3.3°C (26°F).
Summers are a welcome change too, warm but not overwhelming. Kamloops, BC, enjoys July highs near 28.9°C (84°F), and Montreal’s summer temps average around 26.3°C (79.3°F), perfect for enjoying outdoor fun. This seasonal variety means you get to experience everything from summer hikes and boating to winter snow sports and cozy evenings by the fire, a whole new rhythm to life that many find deeply rewarding.
Cost of Living: Canada vs. South Africa
It’s no secret that the cost of living in Canada tends to be higher than in South Africa. According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index (June 2025), Canada is about 46.5% more expensive excluding rent, and 50.8% more expensive including rent. Rent in Canada can feel like a big jump, roughly 61.5% higher than what you might be used to in South Africa. But this increase comes with real benefits: better quality of life, strong public infrastructure, and more economic opportunities that help you build a stable future.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick snapshot of typical monthly expenses as of June 2025 (these will vary depending on where you settle and your lifestyle):
Rent: One-bedroom apartments in city centres usually range from about $1,500 CAD in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to around $2,500 CAD in Vancouver, BC (PadMapper Rent Report).
Groceries: Expect to spend roughly $200–$500 CAD per month on a basic grocery basket, depending on how fresh produce and local items are priced where you live.
Transportation: Monthly public transit passes cost between $90–$150 CAD, depending on the city and how extensive the transit system is.
In the end, the higher cost of living supports a lifestyle filled with safety, quality amenities, and opportunities for growth, something that makes the move worth it for many newcomers.
Employment & Economy: Canada vs. South Africa
Canada’s economy is diverse and resilient, offering plenty of room for you to grow your career. With an employment rate of 61.3% in 2024, and a steady real GDP growth of 2.1% in Q2 2024, you’re stepping into a stable environment for work and opportunity.
Key industries like natural resources, manufacturing, technology, and services are actively hiring, giving you a wide range of options. Many newcomers successfully navigate the job market by using Provincial Nominee Programs and federal immigration streams that match skilled workers with local labour needs.
Networking plays a big role here, joining immigrant services and professional associations can help you get your credentials recognized and find job leads faster. Building connections early on will make landing a rewarding job much easier.
Education: Canada vs. South Africa
Canada’s education system is consistently ranked among the world’s best, so if you’re moving with kids, you can feel confident they’ll receive a strong education.
Public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 are free and accessible to all residents, with quality varying a bit by province but remaining solid overall. For post-secondary education, Canada is home to prestigious universities and colleges that attract students from all over the world. While international tuition fees are higher than those for residents, they’re competitive compared to other top study destinations.
Investing in Canadian education is really investing in a future full of opportunity, whether it’s for your children or your own personal growth.
Infrastructure: Canada vs. South Africa
When you settle in Canada, especially in bigger cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, you’ll quickly notice how much the infrastructure is built to make life convenient. Reliable public transit systems, from subways and buses to streetcars, help take the stress out of daily commuting. While there’s always talk about improving infrastructure, the current networks generally get you where you need to go without hassle.
But it’s not just about roads and trains. Social support services are here to back you up, too. Organizations like COSTI Immigrant Services offer practical help tailored for newcomers, whether that’s language classes, job search support, housing guidance, or mental health resources. These programs are designed to help you settle in smoothly and feel at home faster.
Together, Canada’s infrastructure and community programs create a strong support system, so you can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying your new life.
Canadian Life Starts Here
Moving from South Africa to Canada marks the start of an exciting new chapter, one full of fresh opportunities, personal growth, and a chance to build a secure, rewarding future. Sure, there’ll be some bumps along the way as you navigate new systems and adjust to a different climate, but the benefits make it worthwhile.
From feeling safer and accessing top-notch healthcare to tapping into world-class education and a booming economy, you’re stepping into a country that welcomes your culture and ambitions. You’ll find vibrant South African communities, friendly neighbours, and plenty of ways to connect and grow.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. New Roots Relocation offers personalized relocation support to help you navigate the move with confidence.
Our team has lived the expat experience and understands the journey firsthand. From paperwork and housing to insider advice and community connections, we’re here to help you settle in smoothly.
Your new life in Canada is waiting, let’s turn the page together.