Do you want to move to Canada? If YES, here are 20 best cities in Canada with affordable housing, low cost of living and job opportunities for immigrants. Canada presently is one of the most welcoming and accommodating countries in the world with immigrants coming from all across the world to reside, work and start their businesses there. As an immigrant in Canada, there are several job openings and business opportunities available for immigrants.

It is a known fact that Canada provides an ideal platform for immigrants to thrive and be all they want to be. Canada presently enjoys strong economic growth and business owners enjoy low taxes and low business costs. Canada offers a platform that gives room for excellence in researching and innovation and of course you will enjoy top quality lifestyle as an immigrant in Canada.

Canada is a vast and diverse nation with many provinces and municipalities that you can choose from. The important thing is to ensure that you get the best Canadian living experience.

Most immigrants choose Canada as their destination based on several factors such as already having relatives in the area, having visited and liked the city before the relocation, done some research and think it suitable because of the weather, employment, and infrastructure. If you are looking towards migrating to Canada anytime soon, here are 20 of the best cities for immigration.

20 Best Cities in Canada for Immigrants to Live and Work

  1. Ottawa, Ontario

Loads of immigrants choose Ottawa because of the vast opportunities available for expats and because it is the nation’s capital and is mainly English-speaking. Ottawa is located in eastern Ontario on the Quebec border; it sits on the side of the huge Ottawa River. It is also transected by the Rideau River. On its north side is French-speaking Gatineau, Quebec.

Ottawa can boast of a sunny climate for the better part of the year although it has cold and snowy winters. We are not ruling out the fact that the city is prone to drastic temperature swings in the spring and fall. Ottawa is a diverse city with 1/6 of its population representing minorities. The largest minority group in the city is from Asia, a big chunk of which are Chinese immigrants.

Ottawa was ranked the 14th best city in world and 2nd best city in the Americas by Mercer. Canadian magazine MoneySense puts Ottawa #1 as best Canadian city. Ottawa is also Canada’s 2nd cleanest city and 3rd in the world, according to Mercer. It was ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 4th cleanest city out of 300 cities surveyed worldwide. It performs well in surveys in terms of population growth, low crime, healthcare, and culture.

Ottawa also has the highest household incomes in the country. Canadian average household incomes top at $81,300 a year but in Ottawa, figures are at $89,400. The only low score that the city gets is for affordable housing. But compared to Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, housing is still more affordable in Ottawa but a bit higher than Montreal or Edmonton.

  1. Gatineau, Quebec

Quebec is known as the beautiful province (la belle province), and it is the biggest province in the whole of Canada, with a robust population of 8.2 million people. It is famous for its rolling hills, vast forests, and numerous waterways. It is a multi-cultural province which has earned it the nickname of “Europe of North America”.

Quebec is also the only province with French as its official language. The city of Gatineau is in western Quebec and is the 4th largest city in the province. Located north of the Ottawa River and directly across Ottawa, it forms the National Capital Region. Gatineau has an estimated population of 265,349.

Well over 41,000 new immigrants arrive in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, mostly from China, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, according to Statistics Canada. Being so geographically close, many people live in Gatineau but work in Ottawa. One of the many attractions of living in Gatineau is cheaper daycare, generous tax breaks for parents and cheaper houses with bigger lots.

  1. Waterloo, Ontario

The city of Waterloo in Southern Ontario is the smallest of 3 cities in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. It is a thriving, exciting, and diverse community. The city’s immigrant population is estimated at 25 percent. It also boasts of low unemployment rates and very affordable housing.

Residents enjoy high living standards and a rich culture influenced by many parts of the globe. A newcomer has the choice of living in a mid-sized city or the countryside. Its economy is also rich in employment opportunities in a wide range of industry sectors from technology and manufacturing.

If you are in immigrant with the aim to study in Canada, then Waterloo should be one of your options. The region also offers a mix of urban and rural living and abundant opportunities for cultural and recreational activities. Whether you prefer fly fishing on the Grand, skiing, or hiking, you have a full plate with over 3,000 acres of parkland.

  1. Brossard, Quebec

If you are looking for a city that has huge migrant population and vibrant commercial activities, then one of your best options is Brossard; the city boasts of a huge immigrant population which is estimated at 36 percent. Brossard is the commercial hub in Montreal’s south shore and has one of the most highly diverse municipalities in the country.

It is located in the Monteregie Region of Quebec and is part of the Greater Montreal Area. It is surrounded by four municipalities – Saint-Lambert, Longueil, Carignan, La Prairie. It has many parks scattered throughout and are connected to areas of the city by biking paths.

Brossard shares many advantages such as high-paying jobs, low unemployment rates, affordable housing, and cultural diversity.

  1. Delta, British Columbia

Delta is in the municipality of British Columbia and is part of Greater Vancouver. It is located south of Richmond and is bordered on the north by the Fraser River and the Point Roberts, Washington on the south.

Approximately 23 percent of the population is made up of minorities, most of which are Chinese and South Asians. It is the biggest municipality in the Greater Vancouver Region and has one of the most significant agricultural areas in Vancouver.

It is home to people who want to raise their families in quiet and safe neighborhoods surrounded by nature.  The city is perfect for those who love the outdoors as it has plenty of parks, bike and walking paths, islands, and wildlife. A good number of immigrants like the weather, it being the mildest in the country. Winters are not as cold compared to other cities in Canada and it has very little snow.

The city offers an extraordinary quality of life with its wide open spaces and abundant recreational opportunities. Its more than 100,000 residents are spread out among the residential communities of Ladner, Tsawwassen, and North Delta. It is important to note that the average household income is 30 percent higher than the average income in Canada.

The cost of living is generally higher in Vancouver compared to other Canadian cities. It is an expensive city to live in and has the most expensive housing market in Canada.  Fortunately, housing costs in Delta are much lower – $436,000 in North Delta while in Vancouver homes rarely go below the $1 million mark.

  1. Saanich, British Columbia

Saanich, BC is a district in Vancouver Island that is part of the Greater Victoria area. Its population as of 2011 was 109,752 which makes it the most populated area in the Capital Regional District. It has a diverse community of artists, entrepreneurs, builders, and families.

Saanich has varying rural and urban landscapes, with a long stretch of shoreline of sandy beaches. Its most popular parks are Mount Douglas Park, Gyro Park, and Mount Tolmie Park. The city is bordered by 6 municipalities, including the capital, Victoria.

Transport is an important consideration when looking for where to live in Canada.  Saanich is serviced by BC Transit and there are more than 700 bus stops in the city.  Residents are also encouraged to use their bikes and there are sufficient bike paths and trails for safe cycling around the city.

The Vancouver Island Technology Park can also be found in Saanich. It is one of the key drivers of its local economy. Its vibrant and diverse economy with local, regional, and global connections and a highly skilled workforce makes the city a very ideal place for investment.

  1. Burlington, Ontario

If safety is top on the list of the factors you consider as an immigrant to Canada, then you should consider heading to Burlington. Burlington is less than an hour away from Toronto, Canada’s largest city. It is located along the shores of Lake Ontario. For the last 4 years, the region has been voted the Safest Place to Live in the Greater Toronto Area and the Safest Region in the country.

The Halton region is also rapidly growing and has a close to 30 percent immigrant population. With its central location, unique and breath-taking scenery, and family friendly neighborhoods, the city of Burlington in the Halton Region is ideal for immigrants to move to.

Housing remains affordable in the region, with average home prices at $556,000 for a single-detached home. The local economy relies on manufacturing and automotive sectors. Its biggest employers include Boehringer Ingelheim, Fearmans Pork, Cogeco Cable, Joseph Brant Hospital, and the Halton School Board.

  1. Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is yet another good city that is ideal for immigrants. Regina, capital city of Saskatchewan, is the 2nd biggest city in the province. It is a commercial and cultural center of southern Saskatchewan. It is a flat plain with very few topographical features except for Wascana Creek.

It is located on a waterless and treeless plain but it has ample parklands and open spaces.  Over 300,000 trees and other shrubs were hand-planted. It has a dry continental climate with cold and dry winters and warm summers that can be extreme at times.

In its 2011 census, the city’s population stood at 193,100. 98 percent of its population speaks English with less than 2 percent French speakers. Other minority languages spoken include Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Urdu, German, and Spanish. The city also hosts various festivals throughout the year such as the Craven Country Jamboree, the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, and the Regina Dragon Boat Festival.

  1. St. Albert, Alberta

St. Albert is a city that host loads of immigrants from different nations. It is a thriving city located just minutes from northwest Edmonton. The city offers a family-friendly lifestyle complete with all the amenities you could ever want. This beautiful city was ranked # 1 Best Place to Raise Kids by Canadian magazine MoneySense. It is a safe and prosperous city with around 64,645 residents.

It is very easy to stay fit here because outdoor opportunities are aplenty for hikers, joggers, and bikers. From June to October, the city hosts the biggest outdoor farmers’ market where fresh and organic products such as fruits and vegetables are available.

In addition to high incomes and low crime, the city also boasts of clean air. It also has plenty of doctors that make access to good healthcare easy. Although winters are cold, there is much sunshine all year round. Located on the fringe of Edmonton, it has a regional trading area exceeding 1 million people and more than 2,400 active business establishments.

  1. Guelph, Ontario

Guelph is yet another city that welcomes immigrants from all across the world. Guelph is located in southwestern Ontario; it has a population of 121,688 people and is often called the Royal City. It is close to Waterloo and downtown Toronto.

Due to its low crime rates, clean environment, and high standard of living, the city has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. It also boasts of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Guelph is the 5th fastest growing city in Canada. While historically, the population of Guelph has been predominantly British, other visible minorities are South Asian, Chinese, Filipino, Black, Latin American, Japanese, and Arab. The city has a diversified economy with manufacturing as its leading sector and education a close second.  Its 3 largest employers are Linamar, the University of Guelph, and Upper Grand District School Board.

  1. Edmonton, Alberta

The Province of Alberta and Edmonton in particular is a preferred destination for skilled immigrant workers. It is proud of its robust economy which relies heavily on the oil and gas industry. Edmonton, capital city of Alberta, is located on the North Saskatchewan River and surrounded by Alberta’s central region. It is the 2nd biggest city in the province with an estimated population of 899,447.

In its 2006 census, European ethnicities formed the biggest clusters of immigrant groups in the city mostly from English, Scottish, German, and French origins. Visible minorities accounted for 22.9 % of the population.

Edmonton sits at the center of the country’s 6th biggest metropolitan area with large urban communities such as Sherwood Park and the cities of St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and the towns of Morinville and Devon. There are several employment areas outside the city but within its metropolitan area including the Nisku Industrial Business Park and the Edmonton International Airport.

  1. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary no doubt is one of the choicest destinations for immigrants coming to Canada. The city of Calgary has the highest number of immigrants than any other city in Alberta. From high culture to pop culture, professional sports, or rock and roll music, it is all in Calgary. Ranked among the world’s cleanest, safest, and healthiest cities, Calgary offers a high quality of life.

Calgary is rich in historical and iconic architecture. The Husky Tower is the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto. Its rotating restaurants and impressive view is a must see for all residents and visitors alike. Calgary Stampede is also a world-renowned landmark in the city.

Spruce Meadows is an equestrian facility that has earned national and international respect for show-jumping contests. Calgary can also boast of its International Avenue where you can see the world in just 35 blocks. Complete with authentic Asian restaurants, sari shops, and acupuncture clinics, you’ll see many amenities right here in the city.

  1. Oakville, Ontario

Oakville is yet another preferred destination for immigrants who are heading to Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 5.7 percent, the average household income is $161,540 and the average household discretionary income is $77,643.

On the average, household net worth in Oakville is put at $1,742,036, the average value of primary real estate is $1,218,967 and the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $1,456. Please note that the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 4.0 percent, home price to income ratio is 7.55, the population that takes transit to work is 8.3 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 13.8 percent.

14. Mont-Royal, Quebec

Mont-Royal that is located in Quebec is one of the choicest destinations for immigrants especially from French speaking countries. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 6.3 percent with an average household income of $191,671 and an average household discretionary income of $92,172.

The average household net worth of Mont-Royal is  $2,392,238, and the average value of primary real estate is $1,146,801. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,110 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 0.0 percent. The home price to income ratio is put at 5.98, the population that takes transit to work is 12.3 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 14.0 percent

  1. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario is a popular city not just in Canada, but all across the globe hence it is a major destination for immigrants who are heading towards Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 5.7 percent, the average household income is $105,338, the average household discretionary income is $52,182 and the average household net worth is $906,663.

The average value of primary real estate is $880,923, the average rent for two-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,426, while average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 4.3 percent. In Toronto, home price to income ratio is 8.36, the population that takes transit to work is 19.2 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 14.6 percent.

  1. Milton, Ontario

Milton, Ontario is yet another good destination for immigrants to settle in Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 5.7 percent, the average household income is $125,802, the average household discretionary income is $59,651 and the average household net worth is $1,129,276.

The average value of primary real estate is $1,146,379, while the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $1,249 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 3.8 percent. The home price to income ratio is 9.11, the population that takes transit to work is 4.8 percent and the population speaking language other than English or French is 13.9 percent.

  1. Richmond Hill, Ontario

Richmond Hill, Ontario is one of the choicest destinations for immigrants especially from English speaking countries. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate of Richmond Hill is 5.7 percent, the average household income is $116,651, the average household discretionary income is $57,761 and the average household net worth is $1,506,729.

The average value of primary real estate of Richmond Hill is $1,330,432, the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $1,393 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 3.4 percent. The home price to income ratio for the city is 11.41, the population that takes transit to work is 7.7 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 14.9 percent.

  1. North Vancouver, British Columbia

North Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the top destinations for immigrants heading to Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 4.3 percent, the average household income is $209,629, the average household discretionary income is $108,980 and the average household net worth is $4,536,269.

The average value of primary real estate in the North Vancouver is $2,881,458, the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $2,434 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 6.5 percent. The home price to income ratio is 13.75, the population that takes transit to work is 6.3 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 14.0 percent.

  1. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon is another ideal city for immigrants to settle in Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 6.5 percent, the average household income is $102,341 and the average household discretionary income is $52,504, while the average household net worth is $511,633.

The average value of primary real estate for Saskatoon is $421,338, the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $1,084 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is -1.4 percent. The home price to income ratio for the city is 4.12, the population that takes transit to work is 3.5 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 12.5 percent.

  1. New Westminster, British Columbia

New Westminster, British Columbia is one of the top destinations for immigrants heading to Canada. As of March 2018, the economic region unemployment rate is put at 4.3 percent, the average household income is $82,968, the average household discretionary income is $40,809 and the average household net worth is $537,391.

The average value of primary real estate in New Westminster is $759,425, the average rent for two-bedroom apartment is $1,335 and the average one-year rent increase for two-bedroom apartment is 9.6 percent. The home price to income ratio is 9.15, the population that takes transit to work is 19.1 percent and the population speaking languages other than English or French is 14.2 percent.

There you have it, 20 of the best cities in Canada for immigrants to settle in. Please note that different factors motivate immigrants when it comes to choosing a city to settle in, hence the above list is not done based on any criteria.