Moving to another country is never just a paperwork exercise when children are involved. It affects housing decisions, school choices, healthcare access, taxes, and the day-to-day rhythm of family life. Canada is often seen as a stable, family-friendly destination, but the reality is more structured—and more expensive—than many parents initially expect.
Understanding how housing, property taxes, cost of living, and public services actually work in Canada helps families plan realistically rather than emotionally. This article walks through the core systems parents need to understand before making the move.
Immigration Status Comes First — and Shapes Everything Else
Before discussing housing or schools, it’s important to understand that your immigration status determines what you can access and when.
Families typically arrive under one of these pathways:
- Permanent residency (PR)
- Temporary work permits
- Study permits (with children as dependents)
- Family sponsorship
Permanent residents and citizens have the broadest access to public benefits, including healthcare and education. Temporary residents can still live, rent, buy property, and enroll children in school, but coverage gaps—especially for healthcare—are common in the first months.
Parents should plan for private health insurance during the transition period, even in provinces with strong public systems.
Housing in Canada: Renting vs Buying With Children
Renting First Is Common — and Often Sensible
Most families moving to Canada rent initially. This allows time to:
- Understand neighborhoods
- Learn school catchment areas
- Adjust to commute times and winter logistics
- Avoid rushed property purchases in unfamiliar markets
Rental markets in major cities are competitive. Family-sized units are in high demand, especially near good schools and transit.
Expect:
- First and last month’s rent upfront
- Credit checks (or proof of funds for newcomers)
- Higher rents in walkable, school-dense areas
Buying Property: What Parents Need to Know
Buying property in Canada is possible for newcomers, but rules vary by province and immigration status.
Key considerations:
- Foreign buyer restrictions exist in some provinces and may affect eligibility or taxes
- Mortgage approval often requires Canadian credit history
- Down payments are typically higher for non-residents
- Property prices vary dramatically by region
Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive housing markets in the country, while mid-sized cities such as Calgary or Ottawa offer more attainable options for families.
Property Taxes: An Ongoing Family Expense
Property taxes in Canada are paid annually and are based on the assessed value of the home and municipal tax rates. These taxes fund local services that families rely on heavily, including:
- Public schools
- Libraries
- Parks and recreation centers
- Snow removal and road maintenance
Rates vary widely:
- Larger cities often have lower tax rates but higher property values
- Smaller municipalities may have higher rates but lower home prices
For families, property taxes are not optional background costs. They directly support the infrastructure children use daily.
Parents budgeting for home ownership should factor property tax increases into long-term planning, especially in fast-growing areas.
Cost of Living: Canada Is Stable, Not Cheap
Canada offers predictability and safety, but it is not a low-cost destination for families.
Major Ongoing Costs for Families
- Housing: Often the largest expense, particularly in urban centers
- Childcare: Can be costly, though government subsidies and capped programs are expanding
- Groceries: Higher than many countries due to import costs
- Transportation: Public transit is reliable in cities; car ownership adds insurance and winter maintenance costs
- Utilities: Heating costs rise significantly in winter
Provinces such as Quebec and Alberta often have lower childcare costs than Ontario or British Columbia, but this can be offset by differences in income tax and wages.
Taxes Beyond Property: What Families Should Expect
Canada has a progressive income tax system at both federal and provincial levels. Families should understand:
- Income tax rates increase with earnings
- Child benefits are income-tested
- Tax residency rules can affect global income reporting
- Newcomers may need cross-border tax advice in their first years
Parents may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, a monthly payment designed to help with the cost of raising children. Eligibility depends on residency status and income level.
This benefit can significantly offset living costs for families with younger children, especially during the first years after arrival.
Education: Public Schools Are a Major Advantage
One of Canada’s strongest draws for families is its public education system.
Public schools are:
- Funded through taxes
- Free for permanent residents and citizens
- Generally high quality across provinces
- Organized by neighborhood catchment areas
This means where you live affects where your children go to school. Families often choose housing specifically to access certain school zones.
Private schools exist but are not a necessity for most families, and many newcomers find public schools exceed expectations.
Healthcare: Strong System, But Timing Matters
Canada’s public healthcare system is comprehensive, but access depends on provincial residency and waiting periods.
Parents should plan for:
- A waiting period before public coverage begins (varies by province)
- Private insurance during the interim
- Family doctors sometimes taking time to secure
Once enrolled, pediatric care, hospital services, and emergency care are covered. Routine dental and vision care for children may or may not be included, depending on province and income.
Daily Family Life: What Changes Most
Pace and Structure
Canadian family life tends to be structured and schedule-oriented:
- School hours are consistent
- Extracurricular activities are common
- Winter weather requires planning and adaptability
Outdoor Culture
Despite cold winters, Canadian families spend significant time outdoors:
- Parks and playgrounds are well maintained
- Organized sports start early
- Winter activities are part of daily life
This outdoor emphasis supports physical activity and social integration for children.
Choosing the Right City for Your Family
Different cities suit different family priorities:
- Toronto: Diverse, opportunity-rich, expensive
- Vancouver: Mild climate, high housing costs
- Montreal: Lower housing costs, bilingual environment
- Calgary: Lower taxes, strong job market, family housing
- Ottawa: Stable employment, strong public services
Families should weigh affordability, job access, education quality, and lifestyle rather than assuming one city fits all.
The Reality Check for Parents
Moving to Canada with children works best when families plan conservatively and think long-term.
Canada offers:
- Predictable systems
- Strong public services
- Safe communities
- Educational stability
But it also requires:
- Higher upfront costs
- Careful tax planning
- Patience during transitions
- Realistic expectations around housing
For families who prioritize stability, education, and long-term quality of life over short-term savings, Canada can be a strong choice. The key is understanding that family migration is not just about crossing a border—it’s about rebuilding everyday life within a new system.
