Moving to another country can be appealing for a variety of reasons. But moving to a foreign country is a huge undertaking, regardless of your motivation for doing so. Every country has advantages and disadvantages, but Canada is an ideal choice, particularly for US expats.

Canada is the biggest country in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s second-largest country, behind Russia. Beautiful landscapes, world-class healthcare, and progressive policies are just a few of the factors that are luring new residents to Canada. However, there are drawbacks, just as there are everywhere.

Positive: Low Crime Rate

In 2022, Canada was ranked 82nd worldwide for criminal activity, with a score of 41.89. For comparison, the United States received a score of 47.81, ranking 56th in this regard, meaning the crime rate in the US is a lot greater than in Canada.

And while the breakdown of reported crimes differs from province to province, Canada has always been and continues to be regarded as a safe country to visit and live in.

Positive: Low rent

When you compare the average rental costs in Canada’s major cities to those in the United States, it’s approximately 26% cheaper to live north of the border. Despite the fact that some cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, are more pricey than others, there are many towns where the cost of living is quite reasonable.

Negative: Low Housing Inventory

While renting a place in Canada is affordable, opting to buy one is another story. The country is experiencing historically low housing inventory levels as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The low housing inventory in Canada means that there are fewer houses for sale and that the interest in buying is not being satisfied because homebuyers don’t have many options, causing property prices to skyrocket. That’s why many people opt to live in Canada in a rented property, it is much more affordable than the US and it’s an overall better option than buying a house.

Positive: Growing Economy

Canada presently has the tenth largest economy in the world. This is also a country that embraces a free-market economy, ensuring that citizens have a wide range of economic liberties. If you wish to start a business while living here, it will be an easy process that’ll get you up and running in no time. If, on the other hand, you seek a more traditional job, the country’s rate of unemployment is far lower than many other regions of the world.

Positive: Thriving Employment Market

The Canadian government continues to emphasize the importance of attracting foreign employees to the country to maintain economic growth and to address skill shortages in numerous sectors. As unemployment in many countries continues to rise, Canada is mostly unharmed. As a result, expats with the necessary skills and experience will find the economic outlook in Canada to be more hospitable than in countries hit hard by the worldwide recession.

But, Canada is a country of tough immigration rules. Only around 250.000 people are permitted entry into the country each year, including travelers, workers, and even refugees that the government accepted. Skilled employees are always in demand, but if you can’t prove that you can add value to their economy, it could be difficult to acquire approval to move permanently. If you have direct close relatives who have already moved to Canada or are Canadian citizens and can support your application, you can avoid this barrier.

Negative: Climate

Cold weather is something really common in Canada, and it can last for up to 8 months if you reside in the northern provinces or regions. But if you live near the south coast, the temperatures are more pleasant.

Some may argue that the snow enhances the natural beauty of the area, but it doesn’t matter if you can’t get out to appreciate it. If you’re someone who adores the cold, snow, and winds then Canada is a perfect country for you.

Final thoughts

People choose to move to another country for a number of reasons. They want a better quality of life for themselves and their family in the majority of cases. Canada is regarded as one of the best countries for immigration since it provides excellent chances for both job and personal development. It is often recognized as an excellent location for people seeking a higher standard of living as well as additional financial opportunities. Although the temperature is harsher than in other parts of the world, Canada is a wonderful place to live and work.