As housing costs, taxes, and daily expenses continue rising in Canada, more Canadians are discovering that they can enjoy a higher quality of life abroad, sometimes for far less money.
Portugal
Canadians new to Portugal are surprised to realize just how far their dollar stretches. Property prices in Lisbon and Porto are still affordable when compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, if you’re not looking downtown. The mild weather also alleviates the stress (and cost) of Canadian winters.
Portugal has a slower pace of life, long traditions of café culture and sidewalk chats, and walkable cities with a strong sense of community. Healthcare is public and low-cost, groceries are cheap, and a surprising number of locals speak English.
Spain
One thing many Canadians moving to Spain have noted is that the primary difference is quality of life, not finances alone. The culture in Spain values leisure time, family, food, and social connections. By comparison to Canada’s hectic work culture, Spain tends to focus on living well and taking time to enjoy life with those around you.
Public transportation is great in many cities, so you don’t need a car, which can be expensive. Groceries, restaurants, and cost of living can also be less expensive than in Canadian cities. Also, there’s access to a Mediterranean climate that lends itself to an outdoor lifestyle throughout the entire year.
Thailand
Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for Canadian digital nomads, retirees, and remote workers thanks to low daily living costs. Renting a modern apartment equipped with a pool and gym in Chiang Mai or Bangkok costs a fraction of what Canadians pay at home.
Eating at street food stalls and restaurants is cheap, transportation costs are low, and Thailand has some of the best-rated healthcare at a low cost. The weather is tropical, and there are active communities of expats that help new arrivals socialize.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to live in, but many Canadians who relocate there find themselves financially ahead because salaries are quite high. Public transit is phenomenal, cities are immaculate and safe, and health care and infrastructure are top-notch.
Many workers also experience shorter commute times and better work-life balance than those in Canada’s largest cities. The country’s beauty and organized systems are also a huge bonus.
Vietnam
Affordability and rapid development are probably the two largest draws for Canadians who live in Vietnam. Accommodation (modern apartments throughout Vietnam), cafes, coworking spaces and nightlife are all readily available at a fraction of the cost that Canadians would pay for similar options back home.
Most Canadians spend less money than they would in Canada while still eating out several times a week and travelling frequently. Combined with its excellent cafe scene, bustling city life, and cheap transportation, life in Vietnam just doesn’t feel as stressful or pricey. Vietnam is seeing particular appeal with young Canadians who are looking to see and do new things without breaking the bank, living at home in Canada.
United Arab Emirates
If you work in finance, healthcare, aviation, or technology, the UAE (particularly Dubai) can offer you opportunities that will be hard to pass up. Many salaries are tax-free, so many expats end up saving much more money than they would at home. Everything is new and modern, public services are great, and it feels like you’re living like royalty.
Also, many Canadians flock to Dubai for the year-round sunshine and international setting. Although living in the UAE can be costly, if you make well enough, you will most likely accumulate wealth faster than in Canada, where a huge chunk of your income goes to taxes and home costs.
Malaysia
Canadians in Malaysia are often shocked to learn how affordable it is to live comfortably. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, there are modern condos, shopping centres, great internet connection, and low-cost healthcare all at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Canada.
To top it off, most people speak English. Another benefit of Malaysia is the low cost of food. With such a multicultural country, there are tons of delicious options to keep you full at a low price.
Costa Rica
When Canadians move to Costa Rica, they typically do so for lifestyle purposes, not career. Known for its natural beauty, slower pace, and emphasis on well-being, expats often report living a much less stressful life than in Canada’s pricey cities.
The warm climate, beach towns, and outdoor lifestyle promote an active life filled with nature and community. While the locals may earn less money, Canadians who work remotely or are retired can often live quite comfortably.
Panama
Panama is one of the most popular retirement destinations for Canadians due to its reasonable cost of living and welcoming stance on retirees. Everything from housing to healthcare and services is less expensive than what Canadians are used to, and the tropical weather is ideal for escaping cold winters.
Panama City features many modern amenities like international banks and high-speed internet, but life moves more slowly (and usually less expensively) in smaller towns. Canadians love Panama’s use of the U.S. dollar as well.
Mexico
Many Canadians will live much more comfortably in Mexico than they can afford to at home. Rent, groceries, transportation, and eating out are all usually significantly cheaper than in Canada.
Expats often find themselves living in nicer areas of larger cities like Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, or Mexico City, where they can own bigger houses, hire help, or travel frequently and still spend less money. Private healthcare is surprisingly inexpensive in Mexico compared to what many expect, with waiting times shorter than in some areas of Canada as well.