Moving to Canada from The United States

If you are considering making the move from The United States to Canada, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Canada Facts:

Population: 38.25 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: English (de facto) spoken by 75% of the population, with French being the second-most spoken language at 21%
GDP Per Capita: $51,987 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: Canada has six different time zones due to the sheer size of the country
Currency: Canadian Dollar ($ CAD). As of late 2023, $1 CAD = $0.72, $1 CAD = £0.58, $1 CAD = €0.67, $1 CAD = $1 AUD 0.90

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Canada from The United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest US ports and shipping it to different locations in Canada:

US Port	Canadian City	20FT	40FT
Charleston	Calgary	$3,700 - $4,200	$5,800 - $6,300
	Edmonton	$3,800 - $4,300	$5,900 - $6,400
	Montreal	$2,900 - $3,400	$4,200 - $4,700
	Toronto	$3,100 - $3,600	$4,400 - $4,900
	Vancouver	$3,400 - $3,900	$5,100 - $5,600
Houston	Calgary	$3,800 - $4,300	$5,900 - $6,400
	Edmonton	$3,900 - $4,400	$6,000 - $6,500
	Montreal	$3,100 - $3,600	$4,500 - $5,000
	Toronto	$3,200 - $3,700	$4,600 - $5,100
	Vancouver	$3,500 - $4,000	$5,300 - $5,800
Long Beach	Calgary	$3,900 - $4,400	$6,100 - $6,600
	Edmonton	$4,000 - $4,500	$6,200 - $6,700
	Montreal	$3,200 - $3,700	$4,700 - $5,200
	Toronto	$3,300 - $3,800	$4,800 - $5,300
	Vancouver	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,500 - $6,000
Los Angeles	Calgary	$4,000 - $4,500	$6,200 - $6,700
	Edmonton	$4,100 - $4,600	$6,300 - $6,800
	Montreal	$3,300 - $3,800	$4,800 - $5,300
	Toronto	$3,400 - $3,900	$4,900 - $5,400
	Vancouver	$3,700 - $4,200	$5,600 - $6,100
Miami	Calgary	$3,900 - $4,400	$6,000 - $6,500
	Edmonton	$4,000 - $4,500	$6,100 - $6,600
	Montreal	$3,200 - $3,700	$4,700 - $5,200
	Toronto	$3,300 - $3,800	$4,800 - $5,300
	Vancouver	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,500 - $6,000
New York	Calgary	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,700 - $6,200
	Edmonton	$3,700 - $4,200	$5,800 - $6,300
	Montreal	$2,800 - $3,300	$4,100 - $4,600
	Toronto	$3,000 - $3,500	$4,300 - $4,800
	Vancouver	$3,300 - $3,800	$5,000 - $5,500
Oakland	Calgary	$4,100 - $4,600	$6,300 - $6,800
	Edmonton	$4,200 - $4,700	$6,400 - $6,900
	Montreal	$3,400 - $3,900	$4,900 - $5,400
	Toronto	$3,500 - $4,000	$5,000 - $5,500
	Vancouver	$3,800 - $4,300	$5,700 - $6,200
Savannah	Calgary	$3,700 - $4,200	$5,800 - $6,300
	Edmonton	$3,800 - $4,300	$5,900 - $6,400
	Montreal	$2,900 - $3,400	$4,300 - $4,800
	Toronto	$3,100 - $3,600	$4,500 - $5,000
	Vancouver	$3,400 - $3,900	$5,100 - $5,600
Seattle	Calgary	$4,100 - $4,600	$6,300 - $6,800
	Edmonton	$4,200 - $4,700	$6,400 - $6,900
	Montreal	$3,400 - $3,900	$4,900 - $5,400
	Toronto	$3,500 - $4,000	$5,000 - $5,500
	Vancouver	$3,800 - $4,300	$5,700 - $6,200
Virginia	Calgary	$3,500 - $4,000	$5,600 - $6,100
	Edmonton	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,700 - $6,200
	Montreal	$2,700 - $3,200	$4,000 - $4,500
	Toronto	$2,900 - $3,400	$4,200 - $4,700
	Vancouver	$3,200 - $3,700	$4,900 - $5,400

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Canada from The United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time to Canada’s main airport, Toronto Pearson International.

New York to Toronto Pearson International – 1 hour, 39 minutes – $306 CAD
Los Angeles to Toronto Pearson International – 4 hours, 34 minutes – $325 CAD
Minneapolis to Toronto Pearson International – 2 hours, 10 minutes – $560 CAD
Dallas to Toronto Pearson International – 8 hours, 42 minutes – $680 CAD

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Canada from The United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section. One common route is via Express Entry – this is an application process for ‘skilled immigrants’ who want to settle in Canada permanently.

It’s important that – wherever you travel to – you’re clued up on up-to-date information regarding emergencies, local laws and customs to ensure you have a smooth transition from country to country.

There are strict customs rules, and you must declare any goods that may be deemed as prohibited or subject to tax or duty. For more information on this, and on any banned substances, take a look at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

You’ll need to show proof of address when you arrive, and also prove that you have enough money to sustain yourself for the duration of your visit, however long or short that may be.

4. Visa Requirements to Canada from The United States

To enter Canada from The United States, you will need a valid passport at time of entry, with at least one blank page. You can also use a NEXUS card.

For short visits of 6 months and under, an eTA will be required, and not a visa. There are exemptions for those getting to Canada by land or sea – including driving, bus, train or boat.

If you are looking for a permanent residence, or are travelling with a work permit, you will most likely need to provide fingerprints and photos at the point of application.

Canada.ca has a handy tool to help you understand what type of documentation you need – take a look at the questionnaire here.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules. Take a look at Canada.ca for the most useful information.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Canada

While this article is covering Canada as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 27.8% higher than that of Toronto, with rent being around 49.6% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in Canada:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: C$1,700+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: C$1,500+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: C$2,800+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: C$2,500+

Canada Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: C$9,200+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: C$6,600+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Canada

There is a tax treaty between The United States and Canada to prevent double taxation of income. This means that your residential status will determine which country has the ‘primary right’ to tax the income, stopping the funds from being taxed twice.

For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to consult a tax authority in Canada to get clued up on everything you need to know if you’re planning on living and working in Canada, and what that means for you in relation to taxation.

7. Working Rules in Canada

You will likely need a work permit to work in Canada. These can range from:

An employer-specific work permit
An open work permit

The former covers a specific employer you are able to work for, how long you can work for, and where this work is carried out. The latter allows you to work for any employer in Canada, give or take a few restrictions, such as employers who have been found to be non-compliant – these are outlined on the Canada.ca website.

Canada.ca also has a handy tool to help you to understand what type of work permit you may need for any work you carry out in Canada, which can be accessed here.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes, so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Canada

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, named Medicare. This means that Canadian residents can access medical aid when deemed ‘medically necessary’ for both hospital and physician services.

The federal government of Canada is responsible for ensuring that national standards for healthcare are continually met, as well as providing funding support for both provincial and territorial healthcare services.

For any health care insurance plans taken out, they must comply with the standards as outlined in the Canada Health Act. This covers topics from accessibility to portability of cover and the level of comprehensiveness involved in the plan.

Before you travel to Canada, it’s essential that you look into their healthcare system to be fully informed in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Canada

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you are needing to move to Canada with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

To move your pet from The United States to Canada, you will likely need to ensure that your pet is:

Microchipped
Vaccinated against rabies, at least 21 days before the date of entry, and tapeworm for dogs
Issued with a ‘health certificate’ from a veterinarian to state that the pet is fit to travel

You may also need an import permit, but the need for this varies on your exact animal type. More information can be found at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Additionally, there may be extra restrictions for specific states or provinces, so it’s best to check on a local level if your pet is permitted entry before attempting to travel with them.

10. Similar Cities

Toronto in Canada is known for being remarkably similar to that of New York, both being bustling metropolitan areas, diverse in culture, language and known as financial centers of the respective countries.

Similarly, Vancouver can be compared to Seattle in The United States owing to their similar scenic landscapes. These areas have more of an interest in outdoor activities, whereas Toronto and New York are more urbanised and built up.

The climate can differ widely in Canada and The United States based on the geographical location of the state or city you’re in, with hot desert conditions in some US states, and cold, bitter conditions in northern Canada.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada from The United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to Canada, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Canada	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Canada
Canada offers a high quality of life, with a strong emphasis on social welfare, healthcare, and public services.	The climate in Canada can be challenging, with cold winters in many regions and significant variations in temperature throughout the year.
Canada is known for its welcoming and multicultural society, promoting diversity and inclusivity.	The cost of living, especially in major cities, can be relatively high, impacting housing affordability and everyday expenses.
Canada's natural beauty, including stunning landscapes and national parks, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.	Economic opportunities may vary across provinces, and certain regions may have limited job prospects in specific industries. Additionally, navigating the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to visit the Canadian Government website for all the information you need.