10 Best Cities in Canada 2025: For Students, Immigrants & Families
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Canada is globally renowned for its high standard of living, excellent education system, multicultural society, and breathtaking natural landscapes. For families planning to settle down, choosing the best city to live in Canada depends on multiple factors including safety, affordability, job opportunities, quality education, and healthcare facilities.
From vibrant metropolises to peaceful suburban towns, this comprehensive guide navigates you though the best cities in Canada to live with family, backed with data and useful insights to help you make informed decisions.
10 Best Cities in Canada to Live for Indian Immigrants
Whether you are moving to Canada from India or relocating within Canada, choosing the best place to live in Canada for your family is crucial. Let us explore which are the best cities in Canada to live with family.
City |
Average Cost of Living (CAD) |
Percentage of Immigrants |
Ottawa |
3,000 - 3,900 |
21.4% |
Vancouver |
2,000 - 2,900 |
41.8% |
Calgary |
1,800 - 2,600 |
31.5% |
Halifax |
2,500 - 3,000 |
12% |
Waterloo |
2,400 - 3,200 |
25% |
Quebec City |
1,400 - 4,000 |
8.6% |
Burlington |
1,500 - 2,000 |
18% |
Victoria |
1,500 - 3,500 |
18.9% |
St. John's |
1,683 - 3,958 |
7% |
Saskatoon |
1,098 - 3,289 |
18% |
Explore the Average Salary in Canada 2025: Wages By Provinces, Professions & Sectors
1. Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s capital city, also known for offering top tier education and safety standards in the country. Ottawa is not just the political heart of the country but also considered as one of the best cities in Canada to live for families, ranking high for bilingual education, healthcare, employment and safety. Ottawa is also rich in green spaces and museums, making it one of the best places to travel in Canada too.
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Ottawa |
CAD 3,000 - CAD 3,900 |
Top Universities in Ottawa |
University of Ottawa Carleton University Algonquin College Dominican University College Augustine College |
Average Income in Ottawa |
CAD 126,700 |
Crime Index |
30.4 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
20 |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
57 |
Best Places to Visit in Ottawa |
Skating on the Rideau Canal, Canadian War Museum, Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Canadian Museum of Nature, Notre Dame Basilica, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Domaine Perrault Vineyard, Humanics Sanctuary & Sculpture Park |
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
The city where natural beauty meets urban sophistication, Vancouver offers a rare blend of ocean, mountains, and forests, alongside a cosmopolitan lifestyle. It is one of the most popular places in Canada due to its scenic beauty and strong economy. Though the cost of living is high, the city's safety top ranked public schools and multicultural environment makes it a best city to live in Canada for well off families
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Vancouver |
CAD 2,000 - CAD 2,900 |
Top Universities in Vancouver |
University of British Columbia Simon Fraser University University Canada West Vancouver Island University Columbia College Langara College |
Average Income in Vancouver |
CAD 114,900 |
Crime Index |
42.2 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
7 |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
19 |
Best Places to Visit in Vancouver |
Sea-to-Sky Highway, Chinatown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Museum of Anthropology, Queen Elizabeth Park, Granville Island Public Market, and the Vancouver Public Library |
3. Calgary, Alberta
Popular for high wages, coupled with low taxes Calgary, is a rapidly growing urban hub known for its high quality of life and lower living cost compared to other major cities in Canada. Calgary also offers access to the Rocky Mountains, making it one of the best places to travel in Canada year round
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Calgary |
CAD 1,800 - CAD 2,600 |
Top Universities in Calgary |
University of Calgary Bow Valley College Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Mount Royal University |
Average Income in Calgary |
CAD 129,000 |
Crime Index |
38.2 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
25 |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in Calgary |
Heritage Park Historical Village, The Calgary Zoo, Prince's Island Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Gasoline Alley Museum, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and Calgary's Farmers' Market, Entertainment district |
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, popular for its East Coast charm and affordable living in Canada. It is among the best places in Canada to live for those who enjoy coastal living, historical charm and tight knit communities. with its growing tech and education sectors. Halifax is both a great family destination and one of the places in Canada to live for a quieter, affordable lifestyle
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Halifax |
CAD 2,500 - CAD 3,000 |
Top Universities in Halifax |
University of Bradford Dalhousie University Saint Mary's University |
Average Income in Halifax |
CAD 99,200 |
Crime Index |
41.2 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in Halifax |
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Central Library, Point Pleasant Park, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Discovery Centre, and Harbourside Market |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Nova Scotia
5. Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo is popular for its tech hub along with offering family oriented neighbourhoods making it ideal for families looking for smaller cities feel with big city opportunities, especially in tech and innovation. The city's proximity to Toronto, quality education and booming job market make it one of the best places in Canada for tech savvy families
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in waterloo |
CAD 2,400 - CAD 3,200 |
Top Universities in waterloo |
University of Waterloo Wilfrid Laurier University St. Paul’s University College |
Average Income in waterloo |
CAD 122,400 |
Crime Index |
29.57 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in waterloo |
Waterloo museums, Kissing Bridge, Laurel Creek |
6. Quebec City, Quebec
As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City offers a European charm with low living cost. Families looking for a calm lifestyle and bilingual upbringing generally find Quebec City as one of the best cities in Canada to live.
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in quebec city |
CAD 1,400 - CAD 4,000 |
Top Universities in quebec city |
Laval City National Institute of Scientific Research National School of Public Administration |
Average Income in quebec city |
CAD 87,800 |
Crime Index |
18 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
128 |
Best Places to Visit in quebec city |
Old Quebec, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, Terrasse Dufferin, Jacques-Cartier National Park |
Explore Low Crime Rates in Canada: Why is Canada the safest Country in the World?
7. Burlington, Ontario
Burlington strikes a balance between serene living and city access offering suburban peace while being close to Toronto. The city's lakeside setting and excellent community services make it a best place to live in Canada for families seeking safety and calm.
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Burlington |
CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,000 |
Top Universities in Burlington |
Burlington does not host major universities; however, nearby institutions include McMaster University in Hamilton and the University of Toronto Mississauga. |
Average Income in Burlington |
CAD 140,200 |
Crime Index |
42.2 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
128 |
Best Places to Visit in Burlington |
Royal Botanical Gardens, Spencer Smith Park, Burlington Waterfront Trail, Lake Ontario, The Art Gallery of Burlington, and Ireland House Museum |
Also Read: How is Life in Canada for Indian Immigrants in 2025?
8. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is famous for coastal climate and historic living which includes mild weather, Old World Charm and family friendly pace of life Its proximity to nature and peaceful lifestyle make it one of the best cities in Canada to raise children and retire with peace
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Victoria |
CAD 1,500 - CAD 3,500 |
Top Universities in Victoria |
University of Victoria Royal Roads University |
Average Income in Victoria |
CAD 86,400 |
Crime Index |
45.92 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in Victoria |
Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle |
9. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St John's offers an affordable lifestyle close knit Communities friendly neighbours and a vibrant cultural scene Atlantic culture perfect for raising a family. Its affordability and natural beauty make it one of the more underrated places in Canada to live
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in St. John's |
CAD 1,683 - CAD 3,958 |
Top Universities in St. John's |
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Average Income in St. John's |
CAD 101,100 |
Crime Index |
45.92 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in St. John's |
Signal Hill National Historic Site, The Rooms, Cape Spear Lighthouse, Quidi Vidi Village |
10. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon is gaining quite a popularity among families looking for low cost, affordable living and emerging or growing cities. The city offers low housing prices and a friendly atmosphere making it rank among the best city to live in Canada.
Particulars |
Details |
Average Cost of Living in Saskatoon |
CAD 1,098 - CAD 3,289 |
Top Universities in Saskatoon |
University of Saskatchewan |
Average Income in Saskatoon |
CAD 107,300 |
Crime Index |
50.84 |
Quality of Life Ranking |
- |
QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
- |
Best Places to Visit in Saskatoon |
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Remai Modern Museum, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Meewasin Valley Trail |
Explore the Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Saskatchewan
Explore the Pros and Cons of Best Cities in Canada to Live With GetGIS
Whether you prefer the ocean views of Vancouver, the affordability of Saskatoon, or the bilingual charm of Ottawa, Canada offers something for every family. The cities listed above represent the best cities in Canada for families seeking a balanced lifestyle with opportunities in education, employment and community living. From popular places in Canberra to hidden gens, each city brings its own uniqueness that could be the perfect match for your family's future.
Need help deciding where to start your Canadian journey? Get expert guidance on immigration, job search, settlement and pr process with GetGIS. Whether you are moving solo or with family, our immigration assistance team simplifies the process of finding your best place to live in Canada ensuring your safe integration into the country
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Also Read:
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