Canada stands out as one of the best destinations for new immigrants looking for better job prospects, high living standards, welcoming communities, and an exceptional quality of life.
With so many great cities and provinccityes to choose from across the country’s diverse landscape, selecting the right location to settle down is one of the most important decisions an immigrant has to make.
Picking best Canadian cities with abundant job opportunities in your field, affordable housing, established immigrant support services, and a community that matches your interests can make a huge difference in successfully transitioning to your new Canadian home.
Knowing this importance, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Canadian cities for new immigrants in Canada. These Canada best cities to live are known for their thriving job markets, welcoming environments, and excellent amenities tailored to newcomers.
Ready to find your perfect place to call home in Canada? Let’s find out below.
1. Toronto, Ontario
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,691 2 Bedroom: $1,958 |
| Minimum Wage in Ontario | $17.20 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Ontario | $54,834 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.1% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 50% (Source) |
As Canada’s largest city and a global hub of finance, media, arts, and culture, Toronto is the best place to move in Canada for new immigrants.
Toronto offers newcomers abundant opportunities to launch their careers and businesses. From Bay Street’s big banks and corporate headquarters to thriving tech startups and Canada’s largest tech hub, jobs are plentiful in Toronto. The city’s major employers are healthcare, education, construction and engineering.
While the sheer size of the Greater Toronto Area (6.5 million residents) can seem daunting, Toronto rewards those willing to dive into its diverse neighborhoods and become part of its cosmopolitan fabric.
Pros for immigrants living in Toronto:
- Abundant job opportunities across sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, arts and more
- Established immigrant enclaves provide strong community support: Italians in Little Italy, Greeks in Greektown, Chinese in Chinatown, Indians in Gerrard India Bazaar, etc.
- Excellent public transit system makes it easy to navigate this massive, sprawling city
- Multiculturalism is a strong part of the city’s identity – half of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada
- Wide range of settlement services: Newcomer centres, language training programs, employment assistance services etc.
Cons for immigrants living in Toronto:
- Very high cost of living and housing prices – average 1 bedroom apartment rent is $1,691/month
- The competitive job market in some sectors – need to ensure your skills are in demand
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,697 2 Bedroom: $2,187 |
| Minimum Wage in BC | $17.40 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in BC | $53,042 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.4% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 42.2% (Source) |
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver’s majestic natural setting provides a picturesque backdrop to this multicultural, economically vibrant West Coast metropolis.
Vancouver’s thriving tech sector provides new immigrants ample opportunities, especially in booming fields like video gaming, visual effects, animation, and software development. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Sony, and Electronic Arts have offices in the region and hundreds of startups.
The city’s media, film, and TV production industry also generates abundant jobs, earning Vancouver the “Hollywood North” nickname. Skilled immigrants have a chance to work on major Hollywood blockbusters, prestige dramas, or shows produced for Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services.
Pros for immigrants living in Vancouver
- Tech and film/TV production jobs abound, building on Vancouver’s reputation as “Hollywood North”
- Canada’s mildest climate allows residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
- Ethnically diverse population – half of residents are foreign-born
- The scenic location makes it popular for immigrants seeking an active, healthy lifestyle
Cons for immigrants living in Vancouver
- Sky-high housing costs – average 1 bedroom apartment rent is $1,697/month
- The competitive job market in some sectors – need in-demand skills.
3. Montreal, Quebec
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,639 (Source) |
| Minimum Wage in Quebec | $15.75 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Quebec | $49,473 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.1% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 24% (Source) |
Montreal emerges as the number three Canada best cities to live for immigrants due to its affordability, rich blend of English and French culture, and burgeoning technology and creative sectors.
Montreal attracts newcomers looking for big city amenities and opportunities without the price tag. Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment averages just $789/month, nearly half the cost of Toronto or Vancouver.
Montreal is also Canada’s undisputed capital of artificial intelligence research, anchored by institutions like the MILA research institute. Deep learning, data science and AI skills are in high demand.
Pros for immigrants living in Montreal
- Significantly lower cost of living and housing prices compared to Toronto or Vancouver
- Perfect place to learn French and experience Quebec’s unique francophone culture
- Thriving arts, food, and festival scenes give the city a lively, celebratory feel
- Growing technology sector – huge demand for programmers, AI experts, data scientists
Cons for immigrants living in Montreal
- The job market is less robust in some sectors like finance
- Brutal winters – prepare for heavy snow, below-freezing temperatures
4. Calgary, Alberta
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,463 2 Bedroom: $1,691 |
| Minimum Wage in Alberta | $15.00 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Alberta | $50,631 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.9% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 33.3% (Source) |
Anchored by its energy sector dominance yet increasingly diversified, Calgary offers immigrants looking for that big-sky Western Canadian experience a chance to launch their careers while enjoying the nearby Canadian Rockies.
Calgary, the epicenter of Canada’s oil and gas industry, still offers immigrants ample job opportunities in the energy sector, from engineers and geologists to technical specialists.
Yet the city is rapidly diversifying beyond oil and gas, with the technology sector one of the fastest-growing parts of Calgary’s economy. The city also touts Canada’s 3rd largest financial sector after Toronto and Montreal.
Pros for immigrants living in Calgary
- Oil and gas jobs remain plentiful, from engineers to technical roles to project managers
- The Calgary Stampede celebration reflects the city’s Western heritage
- Steps from the Rocky Mountains for skiing, hiking, camping
- Growing financial services, film, tourism and tech sectors
Cons for immigrants living in Calgary
- The economy is still heavily tied to oil – vulnerable to price swings
- Housing prices rebounding after oil crash – average 1 bedroom rent $1,463/month
5. Ottawa, Ontario
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,409 2 Bedroom: $1,693 |
| Minimum Wage in Ontario | $17.20 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Ontario | $54,834 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.1% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 23.4% (Source) |
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers newcomers diversity, cultural richness, and plenty of technology, government, and healthcare jobs in a city with four distinct and beautiful seasons.
Ottawa’s stability comes from the thousands of federal government jobs based in the capital, alongside rapidly growing technology and healthcare sectors.
The city’s skilled immigrant population also finds ample job opportunities at companies like Shopify, the e-commerce platform headquartered in Ottawa, and various government agencies and tech firms.
Pros for immigrants living in Ottawa
- Abundant government, technology, healthcare and education jobs
- Bilingual city – government jobs require English and French
- Top-ranked education system and universities
- Vibrant arts and food scene alongside Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal
Cons for immigrants living in Ottawa
- Public service hiring freezes and job cuts are common
- Ottawa gets very cold in the winter, with temperatures below -20C
6. Edmonton, Alberta
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,134 2 Bedroom: $1,398 |
| Minimum Wage in Alberta | $15.00 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Alberta | $50,631 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.3% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 24% (Source) |
Bolstered by oil sector jobs yet increasingly diversified, Edmonton delivers newcomers affordable living and robust career opportunities in trade, healthcare, sciences and more.
While oil and gas still dominate, Edmonton has grown its science, research and technology sectors thanks to institutions like the University of Alberta and government grants. Nanotechnology, AI, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing are areas of focus.
Healthcare is another major employer, while construction and trade jobs are plentiful to support the region’s rapid growth. Skilled immigrants have opportunities across sectors.
Pros for immigrants living in Edmonton
- Oil jobs remain abundant – pay is high compared to other sectors
- Housing prices are far lower than in Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary
- Major educational and research hub – The University of Alberta is a global institution
- Urban green spaces, festivals and North Saskatchewan River valley trails
Cons for immigrants living in Edmonton
- The economy remains very tied to oil and gas – vulnerable to price crashes
- Less cosmopolitan and diverse than Canada’s biggest metro areas
7. Halifax, Nova Scotia
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,323 2 Bedroom: $1,628 |
| Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia | $15.20 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Nova Scotia | $51,262 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 11.6% (Source) |
With its laid-back maritime vibe, growing knowledge economy and oceanfront location, Halifax attracts newcomers seeking an affordable, balanced lifestyle with growing career opportunities.
Halifax’s economy revolves around the port, defence sector, provincial government jobs, education and research. The Ocean’s Supercluster projects point to future offshore industry growth. Prosperous new startups need skilled immigrants.
For immigrants looking for an East Coast Canada lifestyle experience, Halifax offers opportunities without as much cost or congestion. The city wins on quality of life.
Pros for immigrants living in Halifax
- Quality of life-friendly people, shorter commutes, ocean access
- Thriving technology sector – growing demand for developers, programmers, designers
- Major healthcare hub – opportunities at teaching hospitals
- Cheaper than major Canadian cities for new immigrants, 1 bedroom rent averages $1,323/month
Cons for immigrants living in Halifax
- The job market has fewer top employers and opportunities than in major metro areas
- Remote location – less diversity and more distance from top cities in canada
8. Winnipeg, Manitoba
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,359 (Source) |
| Minimum Wage in Manitoba | $15.80 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Winnipeg Manitoba | $51,031 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.9% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 25.4% (Source) |
As Manitoba’s economic engine, Winnipeg offers newcomers an affordable, balanced living experience and opportunities in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and more.
Winnipeg’s diverse workforce is driven by the manufacturing, transportation, sales, healthcare, education, government, and construction sectors. Given the city’s central location, trucking and rail transportation are big employers.
Major companies headquartered in Winnipeg include Canada Life, Richardson International, Great-West Lifeco, and New Flyer.
Pros for immigrants living in Winnipeg
- Very affordable place to live – 1 bedroom rent for just $1,053/month
- Education hub – University of Manitoba, a major employer
- Central location with access to mountains, lakes, prairies, forests
- Diverse economy across manufacturing, transportation, tech, healthcare
Cons for immigrants living in Winnipeg
- Long, extremely cold winters – prepare for -20C or colder!
- Less economic strength and diversity than in major metros like Toronto
9. Mississauga, Ontario
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,524 2 Bedroom: $1,864 |
| Minimum Wage in Ontario | $17.20 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Ontario | $54,834 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 55.2% (Source) |
Bordering Toronto in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga provides newcomers diversity, urban amenities and opportunity.
Mississauga gives newcomers access to Toronto-area opportunities without as much congestion or density. Neighborhoods like Streetsville and Port Credit have vibrant small-town feels.
Major employers include pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Mayo Clinic, Microsoft Canada, Oracle, Uber Canada, and Maple Leaf Foods.
Pros for immigrants living in Mississauga
- Part of the Greater Toronto Area – access to Toronto jobs
- Highly diverse population – over 50% immigrants
- Low crime rates make it an ideal place to raise a family
- Close proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport
Cons for immigrants living in Mississauga
- Lacks a distinct downtown core – more suburban than urban
- There are not as many top-tier job opportunities as in downtown Toronto
- Mostly mid-rise condo buildings rather than skyscrapers
10. Regina, Saskatchewan
| Category | Details |
| Average Monthly Rent | 1 Bedroom: $1,150 (Source) |
| Minimum Wage in Saskatchewan | $15 per hour |
| Average Annual Salary in Saskatchewan | $47,761 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.8% (Source) |
| Immigrant Population | 20.3% (Source) |
An affordable heartland city powered by agriculture and energy, Regina offers immigrants a balanced lifestyle, a welcoming community, and opportunities to advance.
Regina’s key industries include oil, potash, and agriculture, alongside growing technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, all of which need skilled immigrants. Affordability and welcoming prairie hospitality make Regina one of top 10 best cities in Canada for newcomers.
Pros for immigrants living in Regina
- Very affordable housing – 1 bedroom rent averages just $1,097/month
- Education and healthcare major employers alongside resource sectors
- Vibrant arts, sports and restaurant scenes
- Strong immigrant support programs help newcomers feel welcome
Cons for immigrants living in Regina
- Economy vulnerable to agriculture and oil/gas price swings
- Brutal prairie winters with frigid temperatures down to -40 Celsius
The bottom line
Canada’s major metro areas like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary continue to offer newcomers the most incredible diversity of opportunities, amenities, and supporting multicultural communities.
Yet smaller Canadian cities for new immigrants like Halifax, Regina and Winnipeg provide affordability, security, quality of life and growing economies welcoming newcomers.
Ultimately, immigrants need to weigh employment prospects, costs, lifestyle needs and community when selecting the best Canadian city to call home. The right choice comes down to aligning your skills, passions and family requirements with the realities of each location.
Conduct thorough research, speak with family and friends, and evaluate all factors before deciding. Canada offers a spectrum of excellent options for immigrants – choose the city that’s the perfect match for you.
FAQs related to Best Canadian Cities for New Immigrants in Canada
How do I choose the best city in Canada for me as a new immigrant
Consider job opportunities in your field, affordability, immigrant communities, services, lifestyle needs and long-term prospects.
What are the most affordable cities for immigrants in Canada?
Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Regina are among the most affordable options.
Where are the best cities for tech jobs for immigrants in Canada?
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa have thriving tech sectors welcoming immigrants.
Why is Toronto ranked the top city for immigrants in Canada?
It provides immense career opportunities, established immigrant enclaves, transit, diversity and settlement services.
When is the best time of year for immigrants to move to Canada?
Spring and summer allow time to settle before winter. Job hiring also increases in spring/summer.
What are the friendliest cities for immigrants in Canada?
Calgary, Halifax, Winnipeg and smaller communities are known for friendliness and hospitality.
How does weather affect where immigrants choose to settle in Canada?
Many prefer Vancouver and Toronto for milder weather. Winnipeg/Montreal have extreme winters.
Is it hard for immigrant professionals to find jobs in their field?
It can be initially, but skills training programs help. Knowing official languages aids employability.
Article Sources
- The best cities in Canada for work for newcomers – moneysense.ca
- The Best Canadian Cities to Live in As a New Immigrant – panelphysician.ca
- Top 10 Cities in Canada for New Immigrants in 2024 – immigrationnewscanada.ca
- New to Canada? Here are the Best Cities to Live – immigration.ca
- Top 5 Canadian Cities for Immigrants to Live in 2024 – vertexconsultation.com