Is Canada a better place to live than America?

Question

I know it probably depends on specific areas of Canada, but in general, in terms of quality of life, health care, education, employment and everything of the like, is Canada a good place to live.
I want to live there someday, not for superficial of stereotypical reasons. I don't want to go into exactly why, and it's not that I'm anti America, but I do feel like Canada is the best place for me. Even though I know it would probably be difficult being an immigrant, which is why I don't plan to just up and move. It's just something I might want to do someday.
I don't know, clue me in.

Answer 1

Canada is an easier place to live. We always talk about healthcare, but this really removes a lot of stress from your life. The same with gun laws. Some people have guns but generally it's not a concern for the average citizen, In 40 years of life in Canada only one person in our family has been within half a mile of a gun, as far as we know.



We don't have the political extremes that the US seems to have. Our Conservative government is some what to the left of Mr Obama. Glad to say we don't have a tea party.



Most people finish school and a lot go to university.



Housing is comparatively expensive compared to the US but we prefer houses to trailers.



I've lived in four countries, and spent four months living in a US city. Canada is the easiest to live in.

Answer 2

Canada by far and I'm an American. For the average citizen, both retirement and health benefits are a million times better in Canada even though taxes really are about the same (if you count an assume 15% of a US salary goes into a private retirement fund - that doesn't even how much retirement money Canadian government gives you). From my understanding, new mothers get paid leave for a whole year in Canada - in US 3 months with no money at all unless you work in a very rare company. There is WAY less prejudice in Canada. You guys have gay marriage, no KKK, and the segregation in some of the US southern states is awful. Gas stations will literally not serve you if you aren't the "right color". Only good thing about US is that it is not as cold.

Answer 3

Canada has an "entrance examination " it is called Immigration. We want educated people, with actual employment skills that are NEEDED in Canada. SO< what do YOU offer to Canada, as a Immigrant ?



That is up to you, based on YOUR educational achievements, and then your actual working experience. Having a University degree is great, BUT we also want you to have at least five years of "real world working experience " to back it up.



In terms of life in Canada, versus the USA..... Happier, safer, cleaner, more relaxed, more tolerant, and less religious bickering. Canadians are much less political than many Americans are. We tend to be more willing to let people live their lives, here.



So many of the subjects that are still "hot button topics " in the USA are not even being talked about here in Canada, as we have all ready dealt with them. Race, mixed marriage, same sex marriage, abortions, gays in the military, religious bigotry, gun control, pot use, Immigration issues, illegal immigrants, border controls, gangs, and so on.....We have moved on from all of that stuff. Americans have not.



So, you tell me ? Is this a place where you could be happy ? Remember that in order to live in Canada, you have to have the education and specific skills that we need . The application process is long and not everyone is approved.



Jim B



Toronto.

Jim B



Toronto.

Answer 4

We'll asking in the Canada section will obviously skew your results.



In my opinion I think it depends on what your values and preferences are. As you've mentioned, both countries are very diverse offering an array of climates, geographies, cultures and landscapes. The two countries do, however, have very similar lifestyles when compared on a global scale. I would argue that English Canadians and Americans share more in common than most nationalities. There are some differences at the government level like health care and eductation. It really depends what you want. But there are not many vast differences between us.

Answer 5

Canada does have what you are looking for. It also has a different economy and politics in government.



Sorry the days of moving to Canada because you want to are long over.



Simply why would Canada want you.? Do you have a special work skill or a high demand education.



There is more than just city living. If you desire a more rural or remote life than do not expect city things to be nearby. Jobs and works skills needed are not the same in every village town and city.

Start your search for places where you could find work in your field of expertise. Un skilled labour is not needed in Canada. . Jobs are not handed out when you cross the Border. Canadians get first chance for jobs in Canada.



Look into something like AISEC for a summer job in Canada.To see if you really like Canada.



Take a long vacation and explore the place you are interested in. Do not just look at the scenery. See how people like you in your field live and work.



Life style is DIFFERENT,taxes are DIFFERENT,what you get for your taxes is DIFFERENT.Job openings are DIFFERENT (place to place)



Prices of things and salaries are different.

It is a package deal.



Living Canada does not require you to give up USA citizenship . You could after a few years become a Citizen of both countries.



Look here for information for USA citizens.

http://can-am.gc.ca/visas/index.aspx?lang=eng



Just a financial note . The USA taxman likes to keep tabs on you also while you are in Canada.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/taxes/americans-living-in-canada-face-looming-irs-tax-deadline/article12473920/



There is a tax treaty and your taxes are shared.



How you fare in a new country will depend on how you involve yourself in the new place. Your new street,town city province and country.



It can be done . It takes time.

Answer 6

Better Place To Live

Answer 7

That is a pretty subjective question. I have never lived in the United States, but i visit all of the time. Personally, I love both (there are good and bad things about both countries).



For instance, nowhere in Canada is there a place like California or Texas, but nowhere in the US is there a place like Vancouver. There are also a lot of economic differences, too. For instance, I took a business trip to Saint Louis, USA and saw houses for sale for $70,000 (extremely nice houses, in good neighbourhoods). In Canada, finding a house for that low of a price is not likely in the big city.

Answer 8

It depends on what you,re looking for, there are way more similarities than differences, where you live is important moreso in the U.S. as there are almost ten times as many people , so expect the differences to be commensurate. Also, avoid the stereotypical opinion of the U.S being inhabited by gun crazed yahoo.s, tip, avoid places such as Chicago,s south side, East St. Louis, all of Baltimore, Camden N.J. and a few other places that should be mentioned and you,d be surprised at how pleasant thing,s really are. All in all , both places are great and offer so much more than most part,s of the world.

Answer 9

Shawn's statistics headlines apply at various times, but not all at the same time (things change). He should add: Canada is one of the Most Expensive places to live these days. But it's still better than the declining USA (so sad there). Hey, I dislike the word 'America' as pertaining to only the U.S.A. The word in plural - Americas - means all of two continents! (even if this is forgotten).

Answer 10

Mr, Black. I am going to say yes, I lived in Georgetown (Washington) then was moved to our New York office> I have lived in other cities of the world also.



I am not being Anti American either. But we do have a better quality of life.

Answer 11

This question is simply depend on your preference .





@Rona

I knew it there is a Canada-America Rivalry.

Rival is not same thing as Enemy.

Answer 12

If you strangely find yourself tuning into Hockey Games on the TV then yes...you should be in Canada!

Answer 13

Interesting topic!

Answer 14

America is a continent in which Canada lies so weird question

Answer 15

I think so. I want to move there too. It just seems better than America, overall.

Answer 16

The headlines speak for themselves. Google them for details:



'Canada: Richer than America and more economically powerful than Europe'

'The most prosperous nation in the Americas, Canada ranks first in personal freedom'

'U.S. falls out of top 10 most prosperous nations, Canada remains number six'

'Canadians getting richer, average net worth tops $400,000'

'Canada first and only G7 country to recover all jobs lost during recession'

'Canada to lead G7 nations in average growth for next 50 years: OECD'

'Canada Trounces U.S. In Best Countries For Business'

'Canada leads North America in economic freedom'

'Canada rises to Top Five in world economic freedom ranking as U.S. plummets to 18th'

'Canadian banks rated safest in world'

'Canada: Constitutional Superpower'

'Charter of Rights turns Canada into a 'constitutional' trendsetter'

'Canada remains world's most educated country'

'Canada is best G20 country for females, India worst'

'Best Country For Kids: Canada Best Place In The World To Raise Children'

'Your Kids Will Have A Better Life If You Move To Canada'

'Canada again named the country with the world's best reputation'

'Canada's natural beauty, multicultural society, health care service and security made it the top place on the planet'

'Canadians are the most tolerant people in the developed world: report'

'Canadians more welcoming to immigrants than other countries, research shows'

'Canada ranks among the top 10 least corrupt countries in the world'

'World's happiest nations Canada ranks 6th overall'

'Canada rises to 4th in world peace rankings'

'Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary picked as three of world's top five most liveable cities'

'Jerusalem Post Calls Canada The New Leader Of The Free World'

'Canadian Prime Minister named World Statesman of the Year'

'Canadian PM more powerful than a president, U.S. envoy says'

'Canada can fairly claim to be the best-governed country in the world'

'Retirement in Canada less stressful than US'

'Look out, Americans, average Canadian is richer than you are'

'Study: Canadians Live Longer, Healthier Lives Than Yanks'

'Canadians pay less tax per person than Americans'

'Americans enjoy less economic mobility than their peers in Canada'

'The American Dream is alive and well - in Canada'

'Americans are the latest economic refugees, and they're heading to Canada'

'Americans moving to Canada in record numbers: report'

Answer 17

I think so but maybe I'm biased, being a Canadian.