If all you really know about Canada is that they love hockey, poutine and maple syrup, it’s time to learn more about this beautiful country–especially if you’re looking to make a move there from the states. From its bustling cities, sprawling countrysides and Canadians who always seem so polite, it’s no wonder Canada has become a popular country for people looking to immigrate. However, there’s a lot to consider like the cost of living in Canada vs. moving in the U.S. and how much you will need to budget for taxes and other expenses.
If you’re considering moving long-distance to Canada, here are 16 things you’ll need to know before you leave the U.S. for our northern neighbor.
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1. Free Healthcare
For all citizens and permanent residents, you can expect free healthcare. Visits to doctors and hospitals are free and all medications are sold at an affordable price.
2. Two Official Languages
Canada is officially a bilingual country with English and French both serving as the official language. While most people in Canada speak English, there are certain parts of the country where you will hear French and see French signage displayed.
3. Low Crime Rates
According to the Global Peace Index, Canada is considered the sixth safest country in the world. Canada has a crime rate that is about one-third that of the United States, which ranked 122 in safe countries.
4. Higher Taxes
Canada has some of the highest income and sales tax in the world and those taxes can vary based on where you decide to live.
5. More Expensive Groceries
When budgeting for food while living in Canada, you’ll want to put a little more budge in your budget. From produce to meat and even snack foods, Canadians often pay more than Americans for groceries.
6. Paid Maternity Leave
While the United States provides new parents 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave, Canadian moms will receive 35 to 61 weeks off with their baby. Plus, they can also receive payment through Canada’s Employment Insurance during their leave.
7. Diversity
With a population of 38 million people, Canada reports 21% of their permanent residents are immigrants from other countries.
8. Pay More for Cellphones and Internet
If you make the move to Canada, you can expect to pay more for your cell phone plan and internet access. In fact, you will likely see a 15% to 40% increase compared to what you are paying in America. There are a variety of reasons why Canadians are paying more for their services, like low population density in some parts of the country and not a lot of competition in the industry, but there is currently legislation planned by the Canadian government to lower these prices for consumers.
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9. Summer and Winter Weather Varies
Depending on where you plan to live, you’ll want to check out the typical weather for each season because it can vary greatly. For instance, in the summer in Alberta, temperatures are around 73 degrees and in the winter it’s around 14 degrees. In Nunavut, summer is around 49 degrees and in the winter, it’s a frigid -7.6 degrees. Many places in Canada see all four seasons, but winter can be brutal.
10. Higher Ranking Schools
When it comes to teacher pay, safety and quality of education, the OECD Better Life Index ranks Canada fifth in education and America in 20th place.
11. You’ll Need a New License and Car Registration
Once you’ve made the move, you’ll be required to exchange your U.S. driver license for a provincial or territorial license. Depending on where you move, you’ll have 90 days to six months to make the switch. You’ll also need to switch and pay for a new registration for your vehicles.
12. More Expensive Housing
Whether you are looking to buy or rent a home , on both fronts, housing is more expensive in Canada. In fact, the Canadian Real Estate Association reported record highs when it came to the Canadian housing market in recent years.
13. Different Types of Visas
Before moving, you’ll need a visa and the type of visa you secure will differ based on your reasons for moving:
- Express Entry Visa
- Business Start-Up or Investment Visa
- Family Sponsorship Visa
- Self-Employed Visa
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14. Popular Places for Families
These are the top rated provinces in Canada to raise kids based on safety, schools, and cost of living:
- Ontario
- Alberta
- Manitoba
15. Canada Is Really Big
It’s actually the second largest country in the world, after Russia. Canadian cities are very spread out across the country and have the most lakes of any country in the world.
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16. Canada Uses the Metric System
Weather is reported in Celsius and distance is posted in kilometers. However, weight is measured in pounds but newborns are recorded in kilograms but their height is in inches.
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