A new study has revealed the top provinces to live in Canada in 2025, which also offers a high quality of living. Here’s more on it in detail!
Well, below is a breakdown of the cost of living, along with average housing prices. Take a look!
| Province | Average Monthly Cost Of Living | Average One-Bedroom Apartment Monthly Rent | Average Property Buying Cost |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,411.87 | $845 | $297,000 |
| New Brunswick | $2,341.21 | $1,274 | $308,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,531.25 | $1,228 | $344,800 |
| Manitoba | $2,696.7 | $1,381 | $376,770 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,718.14 | $850 | $365,600 |
| Quebec | $2,665.56 | $1,776 | $525,732 |
| Nova Scotia | $3,101.53 | $2,100 | $564,000 |
Foreign nationals who wish to permanently reside in provinces apart from the province of Quebec can pursue permanent residence through Canada’s federal Express Entry system and can settle in any of the Canadian provinces.
For foreign nationals who want to settle in specific provinces, the province’s Provincial Nominee Programs can provide an easier pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals and immigrants with lower CRS scores in Express Entry.
Newfoundland And Labrador
The first province under the top provinces to live in Canada in 2025 is Newfoundland and Labrador.
Well, this is Canada’s easternmost province and has come up top because of numerous factors.
The cost of living, which includes housing prices as well as rent, has ranked this province as the cheapest in the nation.
The province’s mix of urban and rural life, strong facilities, as well as vibrant culture – set against stunning nature – helped it top the list. Booming industries such as mining, fishing, and hydropower, along with low tuition fees have added to its appeal.
Immigration Pathways
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program is the province’s official Provincial Nominee Program.
It has one enhanced category, the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category. The other categories are base categories.
Those wanting to immigrate to the province can look into the following options:
- International Entrepreneur Category
- Skilled Worker Category
- International Graduate Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
- Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
Those looking to immigrate to the province can also apply under the Atlantic Immigration Program if they are eligible. This offers skilled workers and international graduates the chance to attain permanent residence in Canada’s Atlantic provinces through a job offer letter from a designated Canadian employer.
The NLPNP recently re-negotiated its provincial immigration allocation from the federal government, receiving double the number of immigration spots the federal government initially gave the province. Newfoundland obtained these extra spots in exchange for agreeing to accept 290 refugees over the forthcoming three years.
Note: An enhanced category is one that is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. A base category is the one that is not aligned with the Express Entry system.
New Brunswick
The largest of the Maritime provinces, New Brunswick features an extremely low cost of living, fuelled by the low cost of housing as well as renting.
The report also points out its cost-effective essential services, such as water, gas, and electricity, which are significantly cheaper than the national average, as a big advantage.
On the flip side, it does emphasize on the fact that a low cost of housing is a direct outcome of less employment.
Immigration Pathways
Those who wish to immigrate to New Brunswick can apply via the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
It features five immigration streams:
- Express Entry Stream
- Skilled Workers Stream
- Critical Worker Pilot
- Strategic Initiative Stream
- Business Immigration Stream
Those interested can also look at the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Saskatchewan
Another one of top provinces to live in Canada in 2025 is Saskatchewan.
The province also features a relatively low cost of living, along with affordable housing options.
Apart from that, a highlight is that it is Canada’s ‘sunniest’ province, thus allowing for more time outdoors for residents.
Immigration Pathways
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program is the province’s official Provincial Nominee Program. It has four streams:
- International Skilled Worker Category
- Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
The International Skilled Worker Category includes the Saskatchewan Express Entry, which is an enhanced sub-category.
Manitoba
Some benefits of residing in Manitoba include low hydroelectricity rates, along with unique festivals during the summer months.
Manitoba is known for its chilly winters. Thus, those planning to move there might want to brace themselves for the winter months.
Immigration Pathways
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is the province’s official PNP. It encompasses a variety of PR pathways within three streams:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor
Of these, the Skilled Worker Stream features two pathways, i.e., Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas. The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream includes the Manitoba Express Entry pathways, an Express Entry-aligned pathway.
Prince Edward Island
This smallest province features in the fifth place under top provinces to live in Canada in 2025 for its affordable housing.
As the list points out, the province has plenty of natural beauty, along with opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, and having delectable local cuisine.
Immigration Pathways
Those interested in the province can look into Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program. It has the following pathways:
- PEI PNP Express Entry Category
- Labor Impact Category
- Business Impact Category
Foreign workers can also consider the Atlantic Immigration Program for immigrating to the province.
Quebec
Although the cost of housing in Quebec might be higher than in other provinces, housing in Quebec is still much cheaper than housing in Ontario and British Columbia.
Moreover, the cost of living itself – taking into consideration groceries, transportation, and utilities – makes Quebec a good contender.
Immigration Pathways
Quebec is unique because it has its own immigration system. The province exerts more control over its yearly selection of skilled workers as well as immigrants, and focuses on French speaking applicants.
The most popular alternatives for those interested in immigrating to Quebec are as follows:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program: This is for people who want to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker whether they are abroad or in the province. This pathway is currently on pause until June 20, 2025.
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): This is for temporary foreign workers or international students who have graduated in Quebec. It has two streams:
- Temporary foreign workers
- Quebec graduates (this stream is also suspended until June 30, 2025)
Quebec candidates should first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying for PR with the federal government.
Nova Scotia
Finally, the list of top provinces to live in Canada in 2025 ends with Nova Scotia.
While Nova Scotia still features an expensive cost of housing as compared to others, it is still more affordable than in Ontario and British Columbia.
Other benefits include a vibrant culture, scenic trails, and beautiful beaches for those who love the outdoors.
Immigration Pathways
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program is a provincial immigration program for those who wish to settle in the province. It offers a number of enhanced as well as base streams.
Enhanced Streams
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
Base Streams
- Occupations in Demand
- Critical Construction Worker Pilot
- International Graduates in Demand
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Entrepreneur
- Physician
- Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot (Letter of Interest)
Nova Scotia also welcomes immigrants/ newcomers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
