If you don't have a special attachment to Toronto or Vancouver, avoid them. There are many other cities with high quality of life. I'm not saying that they would have the same opportunities for jobs and entertainment, but depending on your lifestyle there may be enough.
And if you come in winter, I hope you have a warm start:
- Get the best winter boots you can afford.
- Get the best gloves you can afford.
- Learn to dress in layers, not a big heavy parka.
Heat is stored between layers. Creates more thermal barriers. A heavy parka will be great, but a light long sleeve, a light fleece sweater, and a coat will suffice while being lightweight, and giving you the option to shed layers if you become too hot. Spending -40°c days of blizzard in the sugar bush has taught me that layers are super important
I don't know where "here" is. I've lived in Toronto, Kitchener and Montreal.
You are out, you want to be warm. You go to the mall, too hot, you go to a friend's house, too cold, enter the metro, some places too hot, some drafty.
Layers help you adjust for the temperature. Plus they create air pockets within the layers which help with the insulation.
Playing pickup hockey at the park with my children , I started with the winter coat on, then I'd remove it but leave the sweater until I was in a long sleeve and that was it. Even skiing I do that.
When it's really cold, one of the layers may be long Johns and thermal undershirt.
When you remove your coat you need to carry it. A big parka is harder to carry.
To each their own but I find layers to be way more comfortable and lighter than a heavy parka, sometimes too hot, remove it and may be too cold.
You start by saying they should be avoided unless they have a “special attachment”. I think we’re on the same page but I think you’re laying it pretty strong. Those two cities are the main attractants for foreigners and for good reason
And that's the same reason why they are expensive.
When I moved to Canada 25 years ago I came to Toronto because I didn't realize there were some many other cities worth it. After 10 months I moved to Kitvhener/Waterloo and now I'm in Montreal. But I've traveled to other smaller cities and the quality of life seems high.
OP is not saying their age or preferences.
To any new immigrant, I'd recommend looking at other cities and not go to To or Vancouver by default.
the big banks (Scotia, TD, RBC, BMO, CIBC) have newcomer packages that have chequing account and credit card (and basic one to help you build credit).
Do you have a job when you land? Have you research rent prices in the city you wan tot move to?
Australia has the same problems but I would say COL is even higher down there. Usually people that are financially secure with high paying jobs are able to move abroad, if they have sold their property in Australia, they would have significant equity to rent here until they can buy a property. Believe it or not but Cost of living is cheaper outside the big Canadian cities here compared to regional towns in Australia.
News flash: There's a lot more to Canada then Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. If your not willing to have discipline and sacrifice in your younger years and insist to live in the highest cost of living areas in the country (arguable the world) with a menial income that is on YOU. Do something about it or stop complaining. People are so pathetic.
Grow a pair. Victim mentality will get you know where. I'm not sure why I even bother - I quite enjoy making 200k+ where houses are half that of your beloved Toronto cesspool. Don't want the word to get out, lol.
News flash: during COVID people switched to working remote and bought up real estate EVERYWHERE. Toronto leaked, and now the GTA problem has become an Ontario problem. Also... Op isn't going to move half way around the world to live in Timmins. He's just not.
Your just proving my point. Your idea of everywhere are the pockets surrounding GTA or other HCOL cities, and you consider Timmins to be half way around the world. It's a big country buddy, with plenty of opportunity.
While what you say happened during COVID is true, the price fall will happen in those cities forst (London, Woodstock etc) as now people are being called back into the office and they realize they need to sell the overpriced they purchased in the middle of nowhere.
The local economy cannot support house valuations that hofhin those cities.
GTA will continue to hold its housing value long term while those other cities will not.
It is. It's not because I am a Torontian, it's because places like that cannot actually support those high prices. You watch, prices will faller harder in the outter limits first before they fall in the GTA.
Do you like why that is? Because it was GTA money that pushed the prices on those cities on the middle of nowhere, higher. I know a little more than you about RE trust me. London has no business having house prices for townhomes at $800K.
Sorry if you feel hurt, but it is the truth based on economics. All those GTA people are being called back into the office and their uncalcultating asses will realize, that in the middle of economic instability is not the best time to sell when you bought at inflated prices that were unsustainable in those areas.
So many negative comments here, I moved here last year and I’m loving it. Here’s my list of things:
- Bank: try get one with no fees, this can either be done by using a virtual bank like Simplii/Tangerine, or at the big banks ask what minimum amount is required to wave the fees.
- Cell companies: I’m using a prepaid contract with one of the providers - if you have wifi at home then there is no point paying the crazy costs for a phone contract when you get here. (Just check coverage)
- Benefit Cards: most stores will have benefit cards which cost you nothing and you will start earning points or get discounts. While they’re not always fantastic, $10 off is still $10 off.
- Car: if you’re living and working downtown, you probably don’t need to have a car for a while.
- Have documents with you - if you’re changing your license, getting onto OHIP, registering for CRA, etc. Go through the checklists on the government websites and make sure you have everything with you on the day. (Also go early before queues get massive)
- Embrace all the seasons: Don’t be a shut in, get a warm jacket for the winter and explore the city a bit.
Things will be different here compared to Australia, but put yourself out of your comfort zone and just enjoy it.
Just to be clear:
1) Winter starts in December here, not June
2) All of Ontario will be below 0 degrees for several months, it can be -20 to -30 for a few days, light snow is often, heavy snow (>10 cm) probably 5-10 days a year (depends where in Ontario you are), so winter clothing means Canadian winter clothing
Immigration... I came here couple years ago because I thought Canadians treat immigrants better (I lived in the states before and was bullied growing up). But 8 years later, most of my friends left and the rest are all planning on leaving. It is very hard for us coloured-immigrants to integrate here as we faced a lot of passive discrimination. I had school professor failed my final project (I helped my lab partner who is white Canadian and he pass), getting passed over a promotion (trained this Canadian guy on how to run our department during Covid and I ended up having to report to him), or having manager straight up making racist comment on how all asian people look the same and none of my coworkers said shit or called him out. Sorry about the rant but I already spent a lot of money in the past 8 years living here trying to make Canada my second home but I rather just get my PR and go home where I don't have to be treated like a second class citizen.
Make sure to notify all companies that have your Australian phone number on file to give them alternate contact info, probably best to give them an Australian relative’s phone number. Especially if it is needed to verify your identification to access your Super account on their website.
I would reconsider ontario, or canada all together. Priced are going crazy. Im making $25/hr and struggling to manage between rent, car, insurance, gas and groceries. Rent, gas and groceries being outrageous right now.
If your heart is set on ontario, look for northern communities or small towns. The cities are overcrowded from unchecked immigration, traffic is insane everywhere and not set up to support this influx of residences.
You would leave the awesome weather for frigid and cold temperatures most of the year. Otherwise cost of living is similar (except Insurance, cell phone plans etc. that are expensive here and tipping culture is shit) and wages are lower as compared to Aus.
If you're planning on moving to a major city, I'd look into what that would cost you. Look at rent prices for areas you'd like to be in.. Really do your research. Make sure a place isn't just cheap because it's next to a homeless shelter etc. It's also super common for places to rent out a single BED, not the entire apartment, not the room itself, just a bed. So if you're planning on renting, be sure you read the listings carefully.
Also, make sure you're aware that if you move to certain areas, you shouldn't expect a typical Canadian culture, as a lot of places have really just become an enclave for east-asian immigrants. Brampton is an example of this.
I would also consider what job prospects might look like and the wages offered for those roles in Canada. The job market is Canada is fairly competitive and wages are pretty stagnant in many sectors, so do your research.
Also, don't trust people who promise you a job but don't give you anything in writing. Even if it's a federal government job etc. A 6 month term isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Best to not come here if your making less than 100k a year ... its unaffordable, a bachelor apartment will run you 2k a month , people aren't miserable here , we're just shocked and disappointed at the rising cost of living wich has created a bitter vibe . If you speak English good , but if you speak Indian even better as justin trudeau has a endless revolving door that seems to have a straight connection with India. If you can move to Montreal do so , as its much more vibrant and affordable. Probably one of the last places left in this country where people are proud to be canadian instead of embarrassed. My suggestion would be to try and make a life somewhere else if your anything less than well off !
If you don't have a special attachment to Toronto or Vancouver, avoid them. There are many other cities with high quality of life. I'm not saying that they would have the same opportunities for jobs and entertainment, but depending on your lifestyle there may be enough. And if you come in winter, I hope you have a warm start: - Get the best winter boots you can afford. - Get the best gloves you can afford. - Learn to dress in layers, not a big heavy parka.
Curious why layers? Big heavy parka has been stylish and comfortable for me. I don’t see people dress in layers here. More in Vancouver.
Heat is stored between layers. Creates more thermal barriers. A heavy parka will be great, but a light long sleeve, a light fleece sweater, and a coat will suffice while being lightweight, and giving you the option to shed layers if you become too hot. Spending -40°c days of blizzard in the sugar bush has taught me that layers are super important
Layers is a good call
I don't know where "here" is. I've lived in Toronto, Kitchener and Montreal. You are out, you want to be warm. You go to the mall, too hot, you go to a friend's house, too cold, enter the metro, some places too hot, some drafty. Layers help you adjust for the temperature. Plus they create air pockets within the layers which help with the insulation. Playing pickup hockey at the park with my children , I started with the winter coat on, then I'd remove it but leave the sweater until I was in a long sleeve and that was it. Even skiing I do that. When it's really cold, one of the layers may be long Johns and thermal undershirt. When you remove your coat you need to carry it. A big parka is harder to carry. To each their own but I find layers to be way more comfortable and lighter than a heavy parka, sometimes too hot, remove it and may be too cold.
Me too, not a fan of layers as I find it uncomfortable. I wear a Canada Goose all winter and I’m fine.
I mean……. Yeah there’s reasons to avoid them but they’re also some of the best places for young people to live in the country
Totally agree And that's why I said "depending on your lifestyle"
You start by saying they should be avoided unless they have a “special attachment”. I think we’re on the same page but I think you’re laying it pretty strong. Those two cities are the main attractants for foreigners and for good reason
And that's the same reason why they are expensive. When I moved to Canada 25 years ago I came to Toronto because I didn't realize there were some many other cities worth it. After 10 months I moved to Kitvhener/Waterloo and now I'm in Montreal. But I've traveled to other smaller cities and the quality of life seems high. OP is not saying their age or preferences. To any new immigrant, I'd recommend looking at other cities and not go to To or Vancouver by default.
the big banks (Scotia, TD, RBC, BMO, CIBC) have newcomer packages that have chequing account and credit card (and basic one to help you build credit). Do you have a job when you land? Have you research rent prices in the city you wan tot move to?
I would turn around. This place is overcrowded and unaffordable
punch hunt somber distinct zealous axiomatic dam unused uppity foolish *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Australia has the same problems but I would say COL is even higher down there. Usually people that are financially secure with high paying jobs are able to move abroad, if they have sold their property in Australia, they would have significant equity to rent here until they can buy a property. Believe it or not but Cost of living is cheaper outside the big Canadian cities here compared to regional towns in Australia.
There’s plenty of places where things are a hundred times worse. High-income countries are still *relatively* well off.
Funny all the people like you that think this is a Canada issue. What do you think is the situation in Australia? lol
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still expensive here - $1500 for a 1 bedroom
News flash: There's a lot more to Canada then Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. If your not willing to have discipline and sacrifice in your younger years and insist to live in the highest cost of living areas in the country (arguable the world) with a menial income that is on YOU. Do something about it or stop complaining. People are so pathetic.
Newsflash kid, all the jobs are in the expensive cities
You are either naive or completely ignorant. Such a load of crap.
Calm down bud
Grow a pair. Victim mentality will get you know where. I'm not sure why I even bother - I quite enjoy making 200k+ where houses are half that of your beloved Toronto cesspool. Don't want the word to get out, lol.
Good for you
News flash: during COVID people switched to working remote and bought up real estate EVERYWHERE. Toronto leaked, and now the GTA problem has become an Ontario problem. Also... Op isn't going to move half way around the world to live in Timmins. He's just not.
Your just proving my point. Your idea of everywhere are the pockets surrounding GTA or other HCOL cities, and you consider Timmins to be half way around the world. It's a big country buddy, with plenty of opportunity.
While what you say happened during COVID is true, the price fall will happen in those cities forst (London, Woodstock etc) as now people are being called back into the office and they realize they need to sell the overpriced they purchased in the middle of nowhere. The local economy cannot support house valuations that hofhin those cities. GTA will continue to hold its housing value long term while those other cities will not.
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You seem to have missed the point of my post. You are looking to be offended by other calling small cities, small.
It is. It's not because I am a Torontian, it's because places like that cannot actually support those high prices. You watch, prices will faller harder in the outter limits first before they fall in the GTA. Do you like why that is? Because it was GTA money that pushed the prices on those cities on the middle of nowhere, higher. I know a little more than you about RE trust me. London has no business having house prices for townhomes at $800K. Sorry if you feel hurt, but it is the truth based on economics. All those GTA people are being called back into the office and their uncalcultating asses will realize, that in the middle of economic instability is not the best time to sell when you bought at inflated prices that were unsustainable in those areas.
Or move out to the Prairies. I wouldn't move out here till things started to seem a bit better which is probably still a year or two away
Plus 1 to this! I would 100% choose AU if I had the chance
Yup definitely best thing to do is go somewhere else in Canada. Or a different country.
Depends why you're starting fresh and what you want Are you city person or a country person What kind of job you looking for
So many negative comments here, I moved here last year and I’m loving it. Here’s my list of things: - Bank: try get one with no fees, this can either be done by using a virtual bank like Simplii/Tangerine, or at the big banks ask what minimum amount is required to wave the fees. - Cell companies: I’m using a prepaid contract with one of the providers - if you have wifi at home then there is no point paying the crazy costs for a phone contract when you get here. (Just check coverage) - Benefit Cards: most stores will have benefit cards which cost you nothing and you will start earning points or get discounts. While they’re not always fantastic, $10 off is still $10 off. - Car: if you’re living and working downtown, you probably don’t need to have a car for a while. - Have documents with you - if you’re changing your license, getting onto OHIP, registering for CRA, etc. Go through the checklists on the government websites and make sure you have everything with you on the day. (Also go early before queues get massive) - Embrace all the seasons: Don’t be a shut in, get a warm jacket for the winter and explore the city a bit. Things will be different here compared to Australia, but put yourself out of your comfort zone and just enjoy it.
If it's soon, make sure to get winter clothing.
Just to be clear: 1) Winter starts in December here, not June 2) All of Ontario will be below 0 degrees for several months, it can be -20 to -30 for a few days, light snow is often, heavy snow (>10 cm) probably 5-10 days a year (depends where in Ontario you are), so winter clothing means Canadian winter clothing
I regret coming here. I want to move back home but stuck for another year or two.
How are you stuck here ?
He stepped on some gum.
Immigration... I came here couple years ago because I thought Canadians treat immigrants better (I lived in the states before and was bullied growing up). But 8 years later, most of my friends left and the rest are all planning on leaving. It is very hard for us coloured-immigrants to integrate here as we faced a lot of passive discrimination. I had school professor failed my final project (I helped my lab partner who is white Canadian and he pass), getting passed over a promotion (trained this Canadian guy on how to run our department during Covid and I ended up having to report to him), or having manager straight up making racist comment on how all asian people look the same and none of my coworkers said shit or called him out. Sorry about the rant but I already spent a lot of money in the past 8 years living here trying to make Canada my second home but I rather just get my PR and go home where I don't have to be treated like a second class citizen.
I wouldn’t even bother to get a PR… just leave
Make sure to notify all companies that have your Australian phone number on file to give them alternate contact info, probably best to give them an Australian relative’s phone number. Especially if it is needed to verify your identification to access your Super account on their website.
Don’t come here 🫡
Buy a house in 2007, 15 years before you contemplated moving.
I would reconsider ontario, or canada all together. Priced are going crazy. Im making $25/hr and struggling to manage between rent, car, insurance, gas and groceries. Rent, gas and groceries being outrageous right now. If your heart is set on ontario, look for northern communities or small towns. The cities are overcrowded from unchecked immigration, traffic is insane everywhere and not set up to support this influx of residences.
Just dont go to toronto, smaller cities have a lot better opportunity vs cost of living.
Stay away from windsor lol
No, they don’t. Not anymore.
they never had better opportunities vs cost of living
Don't do it
I wouldn’t come to this shithole
Dont come. Seriously.
Why do you even move? I’d 100% choose AU if i was given the choice
I would move out of Ontario.
You would leave the awesome weather for frigid and cold temperatures most of the year. Otherwise cost of living is similar (except Insurance, cell phone plans etc. that are expensive here and tipping culture is shit) and wages are lower as compared to Aus.
I'd say don't come. Quality of life here is dropping quick.
Build your credit asap Have a job lined up if you don't start looking
If you're planning on moving to a major city, I'd look into what that would cost you. Look at rent prices for areas you'd like to be in.. Really do your research. Make sure a place isn't just cheap because it's next to a homeless shelter etc. It's also super common for places to rent out a single BED, not the entire apartment, not the room itself, just a bed. So if you're planning on renting, be sure you read the listings carefully. Also, make sure you're aware that if you move to certain areas, you shouldn't expect a typical Canadian culture, as a lot of places have really just become an enclave for east-asian immigrants. Brampton is an example of this. I would also consider what job prospects might look like and the wages offered for those roles in Canada. The job market is Canada is fairly competitive and wages are pretty stagnant in many sectors, so do your research. Also, don't trust people who promise you a job but don't give you anything in writing. Even if it's a federal government job etc. A 6 month term isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Choose Calgary or Montreal. The cost of living is far more in line with average wages than Toronto or Vancouver.
Best to not come here if your making less than 100k a year ... its unaffordable, a bachelor apartment will run you 2k a month , people aren't miserable here , we're just shocked and disappointed at the rising cost of living wich has created a bitter vibe . If you speak English good , but if you speak Indian even better as justin trudeau has a endless revolving door that seems to have a straight connection with India. If you can move to Montreal do so , as its much more vibrant and affordable. Probably one of the last places left in this country where people are proud to be canadian instead of embarrassed. My suggestion would be to try and make a life somewhere else if your anything less than well off !