Pros And Cons Of Living In Canada

Summary: Taking a look at the good aspects of living in Canada as an expatriate and some of the less attractive!

Emigrating to Canada from the UK is becoming increasingly popular because the standard of living is considered higher than achievable in the UK and the cost of living is perceived to be lower.  Indeed, even with property prices on the rise in Canada the costs of moving to live in Canada and investing in a home there are often far more affordable than if one were to do the same in Europe.

There are a great deal of things you need to take into account before selling up and jumping across the pond to call Canada home however - as with all international relocations you’ll find there are some pros and cons of living in Canada…

Pros of Living in Canada

Choosing to move to Canada delivers a number of benefits for British citizens - some of the benefits include: -

• Lack of a language barrier.  Unless you’re moving into a French Canadian area you’ll find everyone speaks your language!  This can be incredibly helpful for acclimating more quickly to the environment and it is especially a perk for families with small children.  Getting into local activities and organisations will be so much easier.

• The expatriate community.  There are many, many British citizens who have already moved to Canada therefore finding people with a familiar accent should not be too terribly difficult, especially in more populated areas!

• The cost of living in Canada.  While the cost of living in Canada is considered high by some standards, British citizens often find it more than reasonable.  With an exchange rate that favours the pound roughly by 2-to-1, many finding living in Canada is more than manageable on a British pension.

• Property prices.  Buying real estate in Canada is considered very reasonable by British standards; although the market is in a boom currently, the prices are still low compared to those in most of Europe.

• The ability to work.  Brits often find it is possible to find professional and gainful employment in Canada once they arrive through the proper immigration channels – in fact, Canada is known as a nation that embraces immigrants, especially those who contribute to the workforce in a positive manner.

Cons of Living in Canada

• Healthcare.  Britons who choose to stay in Canada will find the nationalised healthcare system here costs a lot in taxes and is noted for having some real problems with regards to level of care and waiting list times – although, with the state of the NHS falling to similar levels unfortunately, it’s not so different to home.

• Distance.  Relocating from the UK to France for example, is a little easier to undo if it is later determined to have been a mistake!  The distance involved can make it rather cost prohibitive to make the move back to Britain from Canada though!

• Weather.  Canadian weather is not British weather and that’s a bonus – but whilst Canada is considered quite beautiful in the late spring and summertime, many find its temperatures are quite brutal in the wintertime.

Living in Canada is a choice many Britons are making.  Since the move is a tremendously big one however, it does pay to carefully consider the pros and cons before moving forwards.  Everything from finances to learning how to fit in and feel comfortable should be taken into account…

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