Canada’s strong economy, high quality of life, employment opportunities, comprehensive social benefits, and welcoming attitude towards immigrants have made Nigerian immigration to Canada popular.
Nigerian refugees in Canada can have an improved quality of life and have a more stable future. In this article, we will enumerate the best cities and the best provinces to live in Canada for immigrants based on the cost of living, employment, and living conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Nigerian immigration to Canada has become popular over the years due to the country’s strong economy, employment opportunities, and immigrant-friendly policies.
- Among the best places to live in Canada for families and individuals are Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Edmonton, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal, Regina, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Brampton, Moncton, Hamilton, Quebec City, Mississauga, and Kingston.
- Ontario and British Columbia are the best provinces to live in Canada for immigrants from Nigeria.
Best Cities to Live in Canada as a Nigerian Immigrant
Canada is a destination of choice for Nigerian professionals due to its economy, health care, and education systems, among other qualities. In the first quarter of 2023, the country had a record 5,755 Permanent Residents (PRs) from Nigeria, the highest in 9 years.
The figures are set to grow with the Canadian federal government’s plan to take in 1.5 million new immigrants by 2025, with Africa’s biggest economy ranking fourth in the country’s top 10 immigration sources.
If you or your family are looking to migrate from Nigeria to one of the best countries to live in, consider the following best places to live in Canada for families and individuals.
1. Toronto, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,513 for a single person to CAD5,483 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 6.8%
- Crime Index: 42.86
- Safety Index: 57.14
With its multicultural atmosphere, dynamic environment, superior educational institutions, and job prospects, Toronto is where many immigrants from Nigeria establish their presence, especially in the Greater Toronto Area, which is home to financial and industrial industries.
Living costs in Toronto can be expensive, but there are affordable neighbourhoods if you are on a budget. It also depends on your lifestyle, location and budget. As for the job market, the city is the most competitive in Canada, increasing by 2.5% from July 2022 to July 2023.
The city already has a flourishing Nigerian community, so newcomers experience familiar comfort. Some neighbourhoods with a robust sense of community and facilities designed for immigrants include Brampton, North York, and Scarborough.
Related: Cheapest Places to Live and Rent in Ontario
2. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,345 for a single person to CAD4,743 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 5.3% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 59.61
- Safety index: 40.39
The capital of Manitoba, Winnipeg, is a culturally diverse city known for affordable living and low unemployment rates, making it a suitable place for Nigerian immigrants. The city also boasts top educational institutions, such as the University of Manitoba.
Living costs in Manitoba are also inexpensive compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto. Housing costs are lower than in other cities, and food and transportation costs are affordable, allowing immigrants to live a good quality of life.
The job market in the city is generally stable, with a low unemployment rate and diverse employment options. Winnipeg is among the fastest-growing and most diversified economies, with sectors including manufacturing, IT, and financial services.
3. Ottawa, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,493.4 for a single person; CAD5,329 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% in July
- Crime index: 30.02
- Safety index: 69.98
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is an immigrant-friendly city known for its cultural heritage, economic strength, and the hub of government agencies. Nigerian immigrants will appreciate the cultural activities in neighbourhoods like Barrhaven, Gloucester, and Kanata.
The cost of living in Ottawa is higher than in other cities but still more affordable than other primary cities. While housing is the biggest expense, other less expensive properties are available.
The city offers various opportunities for immigrants in the technology, education, tourism, and government sectors, especially healthcare and social assistance, which were the biggest gainers in the last month.
4. Edmonton, Alberta
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,445 for a single person; CAD5,065 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 6.0%
- Crime index: 47.22
- Safety index: 52.78
Edmonton is an excellent place for Nigerians looking to move to Canada. It has a welcoming environment, a strong economy, a healthy job market, and an affordable cost of living. It also has a flourishing culture mixed with a multitude of activities.
The city has excellent educational institutions and a sophisticated transportation system with many travel options. It has a diverse economy and offers opportunities in the technology, healthcare, and education sectors.
Nigerian immigrants in Edmonton, which number up to 3,000, can look forward to abundant job prospects as the city’s full-time employment sector is experiencing a record high since reaching its lowest in November 2022.
Related: How To Start a Business in Alberta
5. Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,432 for a single person; CAD5,030 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 6.6% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 41.31
- Safety index: 58.69
Halifax has a small but active community of Nigerians who see the city as a superb place to study, work or live due to its myriad opportunities to work and grow a career.
Living in Halifax is affordable as housing, food, and transportation costs are lower than in
Toronto and other cities.
The number of full-time jobs in the city increased from the previous month, specifically in manufacturing, healthcare, trade services, agriculture, and information & cultural services.
6. Calgary, Alberta
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,518 for a single person; CAD5,314 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 6.3% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 37.69
- Safety index: 62.31
Calgary is another excellent city for Nigerian immigrants, with its high quality of life, flourishing economy and diverse population.
The cost of living in this city is affordable. The education system is superior, and public transportation is well-developed.
As for its job market, full-time employment in the city is in superb condition, with 4,600 more full-time jobs created in sectors like education, accommodation & food services, and education.
7. Montreal, Quebec
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,287 for a single person; CAD4,730 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 5.7% in July 2023
- Crime index: 31.84
- Safety index: 68.16
A multicultural metropolis with a rich history and culture, the city of Montreal has a lively atmosphere and diverse opportunities that offer countless prospects for its large Nigerian community.
The city has a relatively low cost of living, with housing costs more affordable than in cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
The employment rate in Montreal increased by 4.3% in July 2023, gaining 48,900 jobs since July 2022. Immigrants in Montreal can seek employment in industries like technology, tourism, healthcare, and aerospace.
8. Regina, Saskatchewan
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,238 for a single person; CAD4,323 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 52.58
- Safety index: 47.42
Regina is another popular destination for Nigerian immigrants looking for a welcoming atmosphere and career opportunities.
The city has a robust economy, quality education, and affordable cost of living. It offers various opportunities to immigrants in industries like manufacturing, mining, trade services, and agriculture.
The number of full-time jobs in various sectors in Regina was up in July compared to the previous month. The sectors that experienced an increase included manufacturing, education, financial, and professional and scientific services.
9. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,341 for a single person; CAD4,676 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 4.7% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 49.71
- Safety index: 50.29
Another favourable Canadian destination for Nigerians is Saskatoon. It offers a cordial environment, an active cultural scene, and diverse career prospects for immigrants.
Saskatoon features a strong economy, superior education system, high quality of life, low unemployment rate, and affordable cost of living. Housing is also relatively reasonably priced.
As for its employment market, the number of full-time jobs increased in July in various industries, including construction, education, healthcare, and information and cultural services.
10. Vancouver, British Columbia
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,459 for a single person; CAD5,331 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 5.5% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 40.88
- Safety index: 59.12
One of the best cities in the world, Vancouver is a popular Canadian destination for many tourists and immigrants, including Nigerians. It has a diverse population, strong job market, thriving cultural scene, and vibrant nightlife.
Its flourishing economy, variety of job opportunities, top education, and high standard of living make it one of the more expensive cities to live in Canada. While the city is known for its high living costs, particularly housing, it offers access to superior education and healthcare.
After reaching a bottom in December 2022, the number of full-time jobs increased in July in a number of sectors, including education, healthcare, utilities, information & cultural services, and professional & scientific services.
11. Brampton, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,292 for a single person; CAD4,438 for a family of 4
- Crime index: 54.88
- Safety index: 45.12
The multicultural and diverse city of Brampton has a large Nigerian community as it has one of the largest immigrant populations in Canada.
Part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Brampton offers immigrants affordable housing, low cost of living, inexpensive rental rates, an excellent education system, and a fast-growing transit system.
Brampton has over 75,000 businesses offering numerous job opportunities in industries like IT and communication technology, supply and chain logistics, health and life sciences, and business services.
12. Moncton, New Brunswick
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,404 for a single person; CAD4,995 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 5.3% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 47.66
- Safety index: 52.34
Moncton is another great and welcoming Canadian city where Nigerian immigrants can live comfortably in its milder climate and enjoy amenities like shopping centers.
A strong economy, affordable living, and abundant opportunities for advancement are among the qualities that attract Nigerians to this bilingual city.
Many job opportunities are available in the city, particularly for the skilled workforce. In July 2023, the number of full-time jobs increased in various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
13. Hamilton, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,391 for a single person; CAD4,930 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 5.3% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 55.07
- Safety index: 44.93
The multicultural city of Hamilton is considered the best place to live for Nigerian immigrants due to its vibrant community and the number of Nigerian associations and clubs.
Located less than an hour west of Toronto, Hamilton is known for its industrial heritage, rich history, and culture. The city is also popular among immigrants due to its lower cost of living, excellent schools, and proximity to nearby cities.
Hamilton offers job prospects for immigrants in the fields of manufacturing, construction, healthcare, business and building services, and utilities. Full-time employment increased in July.
14. Quebec City, Quebec
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,382 for a single person; CAD4,971 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 18.06
- Safety index: 81.94
Quebec City is one of the best cities for Nigerian immigrants because it is a prime location with numerous qualities that newcomers to Canada will find helpful in improving their quality of life. It has a diverse and thriving economy, and the quality of life is among the best in the world.
The city has a low unemployment rate, a generally affordable housing market, and the cost of living is lower than in other Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Its diverse economy provides job opportunities in various industries, from technology to education, healthcare, and tourism.
Job prospects in Quebec City are expected to be very good for immigrants. It is crucial to note that the official language in Quebec is French, and many employers require their employees to be bilingual.
Related: Quebec Minimum Wage
15. Mississauga, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,311 for a single person; CAD4,724 for a family of four
- Unemployment rate (Toronto): 6.4% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 43.21
- Safety index: 56.79
Mississauga is a vibrant and multicultural city in southern Ontario and a suburb of Toronto that has been enjoying an economic boom for several years, making it an ideal choice for Nigerian immigrants seeking a new life away from the bustle of the city.
One of the largest cities in Canada, Mississauga has a thriving economy, good infrastructure, superior education, a low unemployment rate and high quality of life. Housing and the cost of living in this city are generally less expensive than in Toronto.
Compared with the previous month, the number of full-time jobs in Toronto increased in July. The sectors that experienced an increase include utilities, manufacturing, financial services, transportation and warehousing, and accommodation and food services.
16. Kingston, Ontario
- Average monthly cost of living (without rent): CAD1,348 for a single person; CAD4,744 for a family of 4
- Unemployment rate: 3.6% as of July 2023
- Crime index: 38.77
- Safety index: 61.23
Kingston, another popular destination for many Nigerian immigrants, is the largest metropolitan area in Ontario province that celebrates multiculturalism and welcomes immigrants to their communities.
One of the best places to live in Canada, Kingston offers a high quality of life and convenient access to other cities. Compared with Toronto, living in Kingston is more affordable. It also has many job opportunities for newcomers.
As for Kingston’s employment trends, the number of full-time jobs in July increased in several sectors, including manufacturing, education, healthcare and trade services.
What is the Best Province in Canada to Live and Work?
The best province in Canada to live and work in is Ontario, where there is a large Nigerian community. It is the most popular province for new immigrants as it is the geographic centre of the country and is a short drive to major cities like Ottawa and Montreal.
The majority of the immigrants that migrated to Canada seeking a vibrant culture, strong economy, world-class healthcare system, cultural activities, and diverse population flocked to Ontario, hoping to settle in Toronto.
Toronto is a top choice for newcomers to the country due to its bustling economy, vibrant culture, multicultural population, healthy employment prospects, and access to healthcare and social services.
British Columbia is also considered the best province in Canada to live and work in for newcomers to Canada who prefer milder temperatures and outdoor adventures.
Vancouver, its most well-known city and one of the best cities in Canada to visit, is also appealing to newcomers due to its diversified economy, job market, housing, world-quality education, and healthcare.
FAQs
Nigerians are in the best position to move to Canada and obtain permanent residency. Their education level, high English proficiency, and work experience make them highly qualified for Canada’s immigration programs.
Canada grants a work visa to Nigerians who want to work in Canada, provided they have a job offer and have met the requirements for Canada Work Permit eligibility. Applicants must apply for a work permit before travelling to Canada. Only eligible applicants can apply at a port of entry.
According to NaijaJapa.com, if you are relocating alone from Nigeria to Canada, you would need at least ₦13,000,000 (or around CAD32,100). A family of four would need around ₦28,340,000 (or approximately CAD50,200). NaijaJapa.com is a travel and study abroad website for Nigerians.
Yes, it is worth it. Canada offers Nigerians and other immigrants an opportunity to find better-paying jobs, access to superior healthcare, better wages, and a chance to experience a higher standard of living and overall superior quality of life.
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