Rating of Canadian provinces and territories: where it's better to immigrate

13. Nunavut: Unemployment, High Prices, and Cold

Nunavut ranks last among Canadian regions. It's the least populated territory in northern Canada, with an area comparable to Indonesia but only about 40,000 residents. Most of Nunavut is Arctic tundra with permafrost. Temperatures remain cold year-round. The majority of the population are indigenous Inuit people. Unlike the rest of Canada, Nunavut has very few immigrants and no immigration program of its own.

Job market. Nunavut has the highest unemployment rate in Canada (12.5% as of January 2025). The economy relies on mining (diamonds, iron, gold, copper, oil, nickel, natural gas, lead, silver, uranium, zinc), fishing, tourism, and federal government subsidies.

Cost of living. Nunavut is Canada's most expensive region. Residents spend about a third of their income on housing. The average monthly expenses per person are $2,700 CAD for housing, $1,100 CAD for transportation, and $1,550 CAD for food. Total monthly expenses average nearly $4,900 CAD. High prices are due to the region's remoteness and lack of road connections.

Salaries. Nunavut's high living costs are offset by higher salaries. The average after-tax income is $78,200 CAD per year.

Cities. Iqaluit is Nunavut's only city, with less than 8,000 residents. Other settlements are small villages. The climate is similar to Yakutia in Russia.

Immigration programs. Unlike other Canadian regions, Nunavut doesn't have its own immigration program.

12. Northwest Territories: High Costs and Difficult Access

The Northwest Territories are located in Canada's Arctic northwest. It's a sparsely populated region with harsh climate and limited accessibility.

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Job market. Unemployment is average at 6.2% as of 2024. The economy is based on mining gold, diamonds, and natural gas.

Cost of living. The Northwest Territories are one of Canada's most expensive regions. Residents spend about $3,050 CAD monthly on housing. An average house costs $480,000 CAD. Transportation costs average $530 CAD, and food expenses are $1,200 CAD per family. Total annual expenses for a family are $97,000 CAD.

Salaries. The average annual income is $81,200 CAD, with family income at $132,000 CAD.

Cities. The Northwest Territories are twice the size of Ukraine but have only 45,000 residents, half of whom live in the capital, Yellowknife.

Immigration programs. The Northwest Territories have a provincial program for foreign workers with job offers, Express Entry candidates, and entrepreneurs.

11. Newfoundland and Labrador: Unemployment and Boredom

Newfoundland and Labrador lags behind most other Canadian provinces economically and culturally. It has only one university and strong church influence.

Job market. Unemployment is high at 10.6% as of January 2025, the highest among provinces. The economy relies on mining asbestos, iron ore, copper, oil, natural gas, lead, and zinc.

Cost of living. An average family spends $1,420 CAD on rent, $810 CAD on transportation, and $1,250 CAD on food. A single-family home costs about $300,000 CAD. Total annual expenses for a family are $45,000 CAD.

Salaries. The average after-tax income is $54,800 CAD per year.

Cities. The capital and largest city is St. John's, followed by Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gander.

Immigration programs. Newfoundland and Labrador has a provincial program and participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program. Immigration to this province is relatively easy, and many use it as a stepping stone to move to other parts of Canada later.

10. Yukon: Lowest Unemployment and Natural Landscapes

Yukon is a territory in northwest Canada. It has long, harsh winters and short summers.

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Job market. Yukon's unemployment rate remains one of the lowest among Canadian regions (3.8% as of 2024). The economy is primarily based on mining resources such as lead, zinc, silver, gold, copper, and asbestos.

Cost of living. Life in Yukon is more expensive than in most provinces, but cheaper than in other territories, Alberta, and British Columbia. On average, rent costs $1,080 CAD, transportation $540 CAD, and food $970 CAD. A single-family home costs around $540,000 CAD. The total annual expenses for a family are about $41,000 CAD.

Salaries. Like in other northern territories, Yukon residents earn well. The average after-tax income is $65,200 CAD per year.

Cities. Yukon's population barely exceeds 45,000 people, mostly living in the territorial capital, Whitehorse, with a population of 28,000.

Immigration programs. Yukon has a provincial program that includes streams for foreigners who have received job offers or invitations through the Express Entry system, as well as for entrepreneurs.

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9. Nova Scotia: Growing Economy and Affordable Cost of Living

Nova Scotia is a province in southeastern Canada, one of the four Maritime provinces. It's home to the Bay of Fundy, one of the world's most popular natural tourist attractions, famous for having the highest tides in the world.

Job market. Nova Scotia can't boast a high GDP, and incomes here are below average. Unemployment is 6.8% as of 2024, though it was significantly higher just a few years ago (9.9% in 2020). The province's economy is based on various small industries, including fishing, mining, tourism, film production, and others. In 2019, local authorities approved a project by Maritime Launch Services to build a spaceport near the town of Canso, where Ukrainian Cyclone-4M rockets will be launched. This could boost the economy and create more jobs.

Cost of living. Nova Scotia remains one of the relatively affordable Canadian provinces in terms of living costs, although prices have risen significantly with economic growth. Nova Scotians spend an average of $1,950 CAD per month on rent or mortgage and housing expenses. A house can be bought for $420,000 CAD. Transportation costs about $700 CAD, and food averages $1,210 CAD. The total annual expenses for a family are about $52,000 CAD.

Salaries. Incomes in Nova Scotia have increased in recent years. Residents earn an average of $58,900 CAD per year after taxes.

Cities. The capital and largest city of Nova Scotia, as well as the largest economic and educational center of the Atlantic provinces, is Halifax. Most immigrants arriving in this province head to this city. It has developed shipbuilding, automotive, oil refining, and fish canning industries.

Immigration programs. Nova Scotia has a provincial program through which various categories of foreigners can immigrate. In addition, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program.

8. New Brunswick: Bilingual Province with Low Cost of Living

New Brunswick is one of the Maritime provinces, located between Quebec and Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, and the only officially bilingual region in the country (English and French). About 83% of the province is covered by forests. Like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick is also partly home to the famous Bay of Fundy. In the past, New Brunswick was Canada's poorest region. But in recent years, the province's situation has improved thanks to federal rural support programs.

Job market. Unemployment in New Brunswick is 7.1% as of 2024, also significantly lower compared to previous years. The region's economy is based on services, construction, and manufacturing.

Cost of living. New Brunswick remains one of the cheapest Canadian provinces in terms of living costs. Housing in New Brunswick costs an average of $1,580 CAD per month. Houses here are the cheapest in Canada — averaging $295,000 CAD. Transportation costs average $680 CAD. Food expenses are about $1,250 CAD per month. The total annual expenses for a family are about $46,500 CAD — one and a half times less than in the most expensive region, Nunavut.

Salaries. The average resident in New Brunswick has an income of $59,800 CAD per year. This isn't much for Canada, but remember that it's an inexpensive province to live in.

Cities. The capital is Fredericton. It's known for high per capita income and relatively low crime rates. The largest city is Moncton, and the second-largest city in the province is Saint John.

Immigration programs. New Brunswick has a provincial program through which various categories of foreigners can immigrate. In addition, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

7. Prince Edward Island: Small Province with Cheap Electricity

Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province, one of the Maritime provinces, located in eastern Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, east of New Brunswick and north of Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island is known for its low cost of living and affordable housing prices.

Job market. The main sectors of the provincial economy are agriculture (potato farming, dairy farming), fishing, and tourism. Unemployment is 7.8% as of 2024. In Charlottetown, most jobs are in the public sector, and there are also large enterprises in chemistry and biotechnology.

Cost of living. Prince Edward Island doesn't stand out for high living costs among other provinces. For example, real estate prices are low: a single-family home can be bought for just $365,000 CAD, which is almost three times cheaper than in British Columbia. An average family spends $1,580 CAD on rent, $670 CAD on transportation, and $1,250 CAD on food. The total annual expenses for a family are about $46,800 CAD.

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Salaries. Prince Edward Island is also one of the provinces with lower wages. Family income here is similar to other Atlantic regions — on average, residents earn $48,200 CAD per year.

Cities. The capital and largest city of the province is Charlottetown. It has a low crime rate.

Immigration programs. Prince Edward Island has a provincial program that allows different categories of foreigners to immigrate. In addition, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program.

6. Manitoba: Farming and Ukrainian Diaspora

Manitoba is located in the center of the country, in the Canadian Prairies. It borders Ontario to the east and Saskatchewan to the west, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to the north, the U.S. states of Minnesota and North Dakota to the south, and is washed by Hudson Bay to the northeast. This province has a contrasting climate. Southern Manitoba experiences severe tornadoes every year, and some regions are prone to flooding. Winters can be freezing, while every summer temperatures exceed 30°C. However, the province ranks first in the number of cloudless days and is the sunniest province during winter and spring.

Job market. Manitoba is an attractive province for immigrants looking to work in agriculture. It's Canada's largest producer of sunflower seeds and legumes, as well as one of the leading potato producers. There's plenty of fertile land in the south and west of the province. Additionally, Manitoba has developed mining and manufacturing industries, forestry, transportation, tourism, and energy sectors. Unemployment is 5.1% as of 2024.

Cost of living. Prices for goods and services in Manitoba are at an average level — lower than in the northern regions and Alberta, but higher than in the Atlantic provinces. Rent costs an average of $1,720 CAD, transportation — $710 CAD, and food — $1,350 CAD. A single-family home can be bought for an average of $355,000 CAD. Total annual expenses for a family are $51,000 CAD.

Salaries. Manitoba offers residents an average salary for the country. Residents here earn around $61,000 CAD per year.

Cities. Most immigrants in Manitoba come to the provincial capital, Winnipeg, which has a large Ukrainian diaspora.

Immigration programs. Manitoba has a provincial program that includes streams for skilled workers, university graduates, and businesspeople. The city of Morden also offers an additional support program for those wishing to immigrate to the province.

5. Saskatchewan: Wheat and Oil

Saskatchewan is located in south-central Canada, bordering Alberta to the west, the Northwest Territories to the north, Manitoba to the east, and the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota to the south. The climate is contrasting: summers can be hot, winters quite cold.

Job market. Unemployment in the province is low — 4.2% as of 2024. The economy is based on agriculture: nearly half of Canadian wheat is grown here, as well as legumes and hemp. Additionally, Saskatchewan has a developed oil and gas industry, though it lags behind Alberta in production volumes. There are also uranium deposits in the north.

Cost of living. Prices for goods and services in Saskatchewan are at an average level — lower than in the northern regions and Alberta, but higher than in the Atlantic provinces. Rent costs an average of $1,750 CAD, transportation — $720 CAD, and food — $1,400 CAD. A single-family home can be bought for an average of 365,000 CAD. Total annual expenses for a family are $52,500 CAD.

Salaries. The average resident in Saskatchewan earns $92,800 CAD per year, which is very good by Canadian standards.

Cities. The capital is Regina, and the largest city is Saskatoon. Other major towns include Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Swift Current, and North Battleford.

Immigration programs. Saskatchewan has a provincial program that includes streams for skilled workers, university graduates, and businesspeople.

4. Alberta: Oil and High Salaries

Alberta is located in western Canada. It borders British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north, and the U.S. state of Montana to the south. This is a province of great opportunities. It has a developed economy and high salaries. However, the cost of living here is also high.

Job market. Alberta has a strong economy. It produces almost 80% of Canadian oil, and the area of oil sands (142,200 km²) is larger than England. Most immigrant oil workers come to work in Alberta. Besides the oil industry, agriculture and technology are well-developed here. Unemployment is 7.1% as of 2024.

Cost of living. Alberta ranks among the highest in Canada for cost of living. About a third of the family budget in this province goes to housing — an average of $1,950 CAD per month. You can buy a detached house in Alberta for an average of $485,000 CAD — even less than the Canadian average (about $692,000). However, Alberta has high transportation costs — about $710 CAD per month. Another $1,520 CAD goes to food. Total expenses for a family in Alberta average $59,200 CAD per year.

Salaries. Alberta residents, due to the nature of the job market, earn well. The average resident of this province has an income of $77,500 CAD per year.

Cities. Most immigrants in Alberta settle in Calgary and Edmonton. Calgary is the largest city in the province, the main transportation hub, and one of the main trading centers in Canada. It has the most millionaires in Canada. Edmonton is the center for developing Canada's oil sands and other resources.

Immigration programs. Alberta has a provincial program that includes three streams — for those who have a work permit in the province, those who received an invitation under the Express Entry system, and for those planning to invest in creating a farm in Alberta.

3. British Columbia: Mild Climate and Expensive Housing

British Columbia is located in western Canada. The average annual temperature in its most populated areas exceeds 10°C — warmer than anywhere else in Canada. In addition to its mild climate, British Columbia is known for expensive real estate and a high standard of living.

Job Market. This province has a developed economy and an active labor market. British Columbia is a hub for transcontinental highways and railways, and home to the largest ports in the Pacific region. The mild climate promotes tourism and outdoor recreation. However, the economy is primarily based on logging and mining. Unemployment is 5.8% as of 2024.

Cost of Living. British Columbia is one of the most expensive Canadian provinces. Real estate is particularly costly here: a single-family home costs an average of $1,150,000 CAD — the highest in Canada. Rent or mortgage payments average $2,500 CAD per month, transportation costs $850 CAD, and food expenses are around $1,450 CAD. The average annual expenses for a family in British Columbia amount to $66,500 CAD.

Salaries. In British Columbia, as in other expensive provinces, salaries are high. The average income here is $69,800 CAD per year after taxes.

Cities. The largest city is Vancouver, the third-largest metropolis in Canada. Its population, including suburbs, exceeds 3 million people. Vancouver consistently ranks in the top 5 best cities for quality of life in various global rankings.

Immigration Programs. British Columbia has a provincial program that includes many categories, including those for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, university graduates, and investors.

2. Ontario: Developed Infrastructure and Expensive Real Estate

Ontario is a province in central Canada. It's the most populous region, attracting the most immigrants: 40% of the country's population lives here. Ontario is characterized by developed infrastructure and economy, high living standards, and rich cultural life.

Job Market. Ontario accounts for over half of the country's industrial production, manufacturing vehicles, paper, chemicals, and steel. The province also has developed agricultural production and service sectors. Unemployment is 6.5% as of 2024.

Cost of Living. In terms of average family expenses, Ontario ranks behind the northern territories, Alberta, and British Columbia, but in terms of real estate costs, it's at the top along with British Columbia. A single-family home in Ontario costs an average of $920,000 CAD. Families spend an average of $2,250 CAD on rent, $750 CAD on transportation, and $1,380 CAD on food. The total annual expenses for a family amount to $61,200 CAD.

Salaries. In Ontario, residents can expect decent wages. On average, locals earn $66,800 CAD per year.

Cities. Ontario is home to the country's capital, Ottawa, as well as Canada's largest city, Toronto, within 500 km of which about a third of Canada's entire population lives.

Immigration Programs. Ontario has a provincial program that includes streams for skilled professionals, university graduates, and businesspeople.

1. Quebec: Developed Economy and Moderate Cost of Living

Quebec is the second-largest province by area (after Nunavut) and population (almost 8.5 million) in Canada. Quebec is located in eastern Canada, between Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. The majority (80%) of the population speaks French. Many immigrants choose this province because it offers a good balance of a developed job market and relatively low prices for goods, housing, and services.

Job Market. Quebec has a developed economy and rich natural resources. Unemployment is 4.8% as of 2024. Immigrants can find employment in sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, cultural industries, information technology, metallurgy, and pharmaceutical industry.

Cost of Living. Despite its developed economy, prices for goods and services in Quebec are lower compared to many other regions of the country. Quebec residents spend an average of $1,320 CAD per month on rent or mortgage payments, including utilities. Houses cost an average of $520,000 CAD. Transportation costs are $695 CAD per month. Quebec families spend an average of $1,310 CAD on food. The total annual household expenses amount to $42,800 CAD.

Salaries. Quebec doesn't have the highest salaries, which corresponds to its lower cost of living. The average family here has an income of $60,200 CAD per year.

Cities. The provincial capital, Canada's most popular tourist city, and one of the most economically prosperous metropolises is Quebec City. The largest city and cultural capital of Canada is Montreal.

Immigration Programs. Unlike other provinces and territories, Quebec has its own immigration system. You can move to Quebec permanently in various ways: receive an invitation through the Arrima system, work in the province for at least a year, graduate from a local university, or invest in a business.