Pros and cons of living in Canada vs the UK

If you’re considering starting a new life in Canada, it’s essential to consider all factors before making this big decision. While the safety and high quality of life are some of the key benefits, the cold winters and language barriers in some parts of the country may not be to everyone’s liking.

We’ve created a list of pros and cons of living in Canada vs the UK to help you make an informed choice. We’ll also include important information on safety in Canada and highlight what are some of the best places to live.

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Pros and cons of living in Canada vs the UK - An overview

Here’s the short list of the pros and cons of living in Canada vs the UK:

Pros of living in Canada

Living in Canada comes with many benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the top perks.

Strong economy

The Canadian economy is among the ten largest in the world. The largest industries in the country are real estate, manufacturing and mining. This also includes oil and gas extraction, which is why Canada has many large oil companies.¹

The economy of Canada is diversified, which contributes to its strength and stability. A big chunk of the GDP comes from international trade, especially with countries such as the US and the UK.

Great education system

If you’d like to benefit from a world-renowned education system, Canada might be the place for you. All levels of education enjoy a great reputation and the country’s higher education system is ranked 7th globally.²

Public schools are the primary choice of 95% of Canadian families, which speaks volumes about their quality. Only government-certified teachers are allowed to work there and the Canadian diplomas are recognised internationally.²

Canada is also an excellent destination for research, thanks to its university labs and facilities. As a result, it’s ranked 6th in the world for the number of highly-cited researchers.² Some of the best universities are the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University.

Stunning nature

Canada is the perfect destination for those who like to spend time in nature and take in some gorgeous landscapes. Around 40% of the country is covered by forests, which accounts for about 10% of the world’s total forest cover.³

Whether you visit Niagara Falls, Banff National Park or the Nahanni National Park Reserve, or simply enjoy the nature in your neighbourhood, Canada has plenty to offer. This natural diversity also contributes to the high quality of air and water across the country.

Multiculturalism

Canada is known to have one of the highest per capita immigration rates in the world, with around half a million people moving there each year.⁴ This contributes to a culturally diverse society and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

Various pathways to permanent residency, such as different business investment schemes, make it possible for people from around the world to move to Canada. Even more people arrive as temporary residents, through programmes such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday programme.

Easy to open a bank account as a foreigner

You can open a bank account in Canada even before you become a citizen or permanent resident. The bank will need to confirm your identity with documents indicating your name, date of birth and address, and also determine you’re in good standing to open an account. Some banks in Canada even allow newcomers to open an account before they arrive.⁵

You can also check out non-bank alternatives, like the Wise account, to manage your money in Canada.

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Cons of living in Canada

While Canada may be the ideal destination for many, living there does come with some disadvantages. Here are some you might want to consider.

The majority of Canada is uninhabitable

Although Canada is a vast country, less than 20% of its land is inhabited. Most of the population lives close to the US border, due to the harsh weather challenging terrain in much of the country.⁶

This limits your options when choosing a place to live, so be sure to take this into consideration before moving.

Cold climate

Depending on where you live in Canada, you may experience extremely cold winters and extended periods of low temperatures. According to some data, Canada is the coldest country in the world, with an average yearly temperature of -4 ℃.⁷

Some regions do have a milder climate and more sunny days, but Canadian winters are known to be harsh.

Tipping culture

Canada’s tipping customs are similar to those of the US. You’ll be expected to tip around 15-20% in restaurants, bars, taxis and for services such as haircuts.⁸ If you want to blend in with the locals, it’s important to follow these practices to avoid being seen as rude.

However, if you’re not used to tipping at these rates, it could strain your budget. An additional 15% on your expenses may not seem significant during a short trip, but it can add up over time if you move there permanently.

Few big cities

Canada is the second largest country in the world, but it has only a handful of cities with populations in the multimillion range. Toronto is the largest city, followed by Montreal and Calgary.⁹

If a busy urban lifestyle is important to you, your options will be limited to a few major cities, which can mean more competition for jobs and potential housing shortages. On the other hand, those seeking a quieter lifestyle may thrive in the Canadian countryside or smaller cities.

Language barriers in some regions

French is the official language in Quebec, which can be difficult to navigate if you’re not fluent in the language. Although many people are bilingual, not knowing French can impact your job opportunities and other aspects of life there.

Quick facts about Canada

Here’s a quick glimpse of life in Canada through some facts and statistics.

What’s the best place to live in Canada?

One of the main reasons people move to Canada is the high quality of life, so choosing where you’ll live can feel like an easy decision. It ultimately comes down to your preferences, but you’re unlikely to make a bad choice.

Toronto is the best option for career and education opportunities, as well as a vibrant cultural scene. If you’re open to learning French, Montreal offers similar advantages.

For those seeking these opportunities in a smaller city, Ottawa, the capital, is one of the best places to live. Vancouver and Calgary also offer the benefits of big cities, combined with lush parks and stunning parks and natural beauty.

Is Canada safe?

Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, thanks to its low crime rates, dependable healthcare and overall stability, making it a safe place to live.¹³ However, it’s still advisable to exercise moderate caution, both in big cities and the wilderness.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 05-May-2025