Canada has long been a top choice for newcomers looking to start a new life in a welcoming and diverse environment. The Globe and Mail, one of Canada’s popular newspapers, recently listed the top 20 best cities for newcomers in Canada.
The Globe and Mail used three main things to figure out the best cities for newcomers:
- Easy Integration: How well newcomers can become a part of the community.
- Access to Amenities: The availability of facilities and services.
- Affordable Housing: The cost of housing in the city.
The Globe and Mail analyzed data from 439 Canadian cities with at least 10,000 people. They looked at aspects like the economy, housing, demographics, healthcare, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation, and climate.
The goal was to find the best places for people who moved to Canada in the last five years. They paid extra attention to:
- Demographic factors (like population size, age diversity, and cultural mix)
- Economic factors (like job opportunities, average income, and major industries)
- Housing (considering rent, mortgage costs, and real estate values)
Top 5 Best Cities for Newcomers:
1. Pitt Meadows, B.C.
- Population: 21,000+ (Expected to grow by 4.8% by 2028)
- Average Household Income: Almost $130,000 CAD per year
- Rent: About $2,000 CAD per month
Pitt Meadows, B.C. is the best city for newcomers, according to the Globe and Mail.
Situated in the lovely Fraser Valley and part of Metro Vancouver, Pitt Meadows is surrounded by Coquitlam, Surrey, and Maple Ridge. The city currently has over 21,000 people, and it’s expected to grow by 4.8 percent by 2028, making it among the best cities for newcomers.
People in Pitt Meadows earn a high average household income of nearly $130,000 CAD per year. While the average rent is around $2,000 CAD per month, 19 percent of the population spends more than 30 percent of their income on housing.
This suggests that, despite housing costs, most residents with their high salaries can afford a comfortable life in Pitt Meadows.
Although Pitt Meadows has a diversity score 5 percent below the Canadian average, it’s still higher than the second-best city for newcomers, Victoria B.C., which has a diversity score of -18 percent.
2. Victoria, B.C.
- Population: Growing about 5% by 2028
- Average Household Income: Almost $94,000 CAD per year
- Rent: Just over $1,700 CAD per month
Victoria, B.C. is ranked second in the list of best cities for newcomers and holds the top spot among Canada’s 100 most livable cities.
The city earned this position because it provides a beautiful coastal lifestyle, thanks to its location on the west coast. The warm climate makes it especially appealing for those who don’t like the cold.
Apart from its picturesque setting, Victoria is expected to see a 5 percent increase in population by 2028. The average household income is nearly $94,000 CAD per year, and like the top-ranking city, many residents can comfortably manage the high cost of housing.
However, it’s worth noting that while the average rent is just over $1,700 CAD, about 34 percent of the population spends more than a third of their income on housing.
3. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Population: 797,000+ (Expected to grow 9% by 2028)
- Average Household Income: About $107,000 CAD per year
- Rent: Only 20% of people spend more than a third of their income on housing.
Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba, and it’s ranked as the third-best city for newcomers worldwide. It has maintained this position among the top 100 cities in Canada.
Winnipeg is located in the central part of Manitoba, the middle province of Canada. The city sits along the main highway connecting the east and west coasts, where two rivers, the Assiniboine and the Red River, meet.
This city is very diverse, with a diversity score 26 percent higher than the Canadian average, making it among the best cities for newcomers in Canada. The population is over 797,000 and is expected to grow by 9 percent by 2028.
The average household income is around $107,000 CAD per year, and only 20 percent of people spend more than a third of their income on housing.
4. North Vancouver, B.C.
- Population: 161,649 (Expected to grow by 6.9% by 2028)
- Average Household Income: $157,772
- Rent: $2,007 per month
North Vancouver, BC is one of the top cities for newcomers and is also on the overall best cities list. It’s ranked as the 2nd best city to live in Canada and is 4th on our list of best cities for newcomers, with a population of 161,649. The population is expected to grow by 6.9% by 2028.
Living in North Vancouver can be expensive, mainly because it’s close to one of Canada’s priciest cities. The average monthly rent is $2,007, and the average home value is a high $1,451,417. Despite these costs, the city has a high average household income of $157,772.
It’s important to note that 29% of households spend more than a third of their income on housing.
5. Saanich, B.C.
- Population: 128,212 (Expected to grow by 4.9% by 2028)
- Average Household Income: $125,038
- Rent: $1,704 per month
Saanich, B.C., is on the list of best cities for newcomers in Canada because it’s a significant part of British Columbia. Saanich has a population of 128,212, and it’s expected to grow by 4.9% by 2028.
People in Saanich earn about $125,038 on average per year. The typical monthly rent is $1,704, and the average value of a home is around $1,041,145. Around 23% of households in Saanich spend more than a third of their income on housing.
This shows that even though the cost of living is relatively high, people in Saanich manage their housing expenses reasonably well. This makes it one of the best cities for newcomers in Canada.
Top 20 Best Cities For Newcomers In Canada
Top 20 Best Cities For Newcomers In Canada
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pitt Meadows, B.C. |
| 2 | Victoria, B.C. |
| 3 | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| 4 | North Vancouver, B.C. |
| 5 | Saanich, B.C. |
| 6 | Wellesley, Ontario |
| 7 | Burlington, Ontario |
| 8 | Regina, Saskatchewan |
| 9 | Delta, B.C. |
| 10 | Maple Ridge, B.C. |
| 11 | West Vancouver, B.C. |
| 12 | Oak Bay, B.C. |
| 13 | Abbotsford, B.C. |
| 14 | Colwood, B.C. |
| 15 | Norwich, Ontario |
| 16 | Parksville, B.C. |
| 17 | Fort St. John, B.C. |
| 18 | Port Coquitlam, B.C. |
| 19 | Middlesex Centre, Ont. |
| 20 | Coldstream, B.C. |
Retention Rate
Keeping immigrants in the province is crucial for its success in welcoming them. The Globe & Mail’s list of best cities for newcomers in Canada might miss an important factor: the retention rate, which shows how many newcomers stay for the long term.
Looking at Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the retention rate becomes a key measure of how well a province integrates newcomers. The provinces that host the listed best cities for newcomers are doing well in this aspect.
In British Columbia, more than 9 out of 10 immigrants who settled there stuck around for at least five years. Similarly, Manitoba has a strong retention rate, with 7 out of 10 newcomers staying for the same period.
These numbers highlight how effective these provinces are in not only attracting but also keeping new immigrants. This is significant for newcomers who are deciding where to make their new home in Canada.
