Convert your dollars, then see what a comfortable month for two adults costs in each city. Planning ranges, not quotes.
Currency converter
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Planning rate C$1.38
What a month costs
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City
Spending
Health care you pay for yourself
Other monthly bills (debt, childcare, money sent home)
Add-ons that can cancel your savings
Not included: income taxesFor many Americans, taxes matter more than rent. Canada can tax you as a resident sooner than you expect, and you still file in the U.S. Hire a Canada and U.S. tax accountant before you decide.
Stress test: the dollar buys 10% fewer
Cash before you landC$8,000 to C$15,000 (about ) for a simple move. C$15,000 to C$25,000 or more for an expensive city, a PR application, a lawyer, or complex medical needs. Government PR fees add C$3,180 for two adults. Keep a separate fund to get home.
Rents are Statistics Canada asking rents for a 2-bedroom, Q1 2026. That is what a newcomer faces. People who have lived in an apartment for years often pay less. The comfortable ranges are planning ranges, not city averages. They assume two adults, no car, some eating out, some travel savings, and a long-term rental. They leave out income taxes, and anything you do not add above. Move-in rent follows each province’s deposit rule, and landlords can differ, so confirm in writing. Health care levels are planning amounts, not prices, built on therapy at about C$200 a session. The car and French lesson amounts are planning amounts too. Get real quotes for your city.