On This Page You Will Find
- Where Toronto and Montreal rank globally
- Why no American city reached the top half
- Key strengths of Toronto for immigrant families
- Why Montreal offers a more affordable option
- What the rankings mean for newcomers to Canada
Canada’s two largest cities – Toronto and Montreal – have secured respectable positions in a new global ranking of the best cities for raising a family.
The 2026 index, compiled by Compare the Market and visualised by Visual Capitalist, assessed 50 global cities across key factors such as cost of living, safety, healthcare access, green spaces, education spending and parental benefits.
Toronto ranked 29th globally, while Montreal followed closely in 31st place.
For immigrants and those considering a move to Canada, these results offer useful context – showing both the strengths and trade-offs of life in Canada’s biggest urban centres.
Canada in a Global Context
The ranking highlights a clear trend – no city in the Americas made the top half of the list. Toronto, at 29th, is the highest-ranked city in North or South America.
By contrast, cities in Australia and Europe dominate the top 10, driven by strong parental leave policies, safety and access to green spaces.
Still, Canada’s cities remain competitive when measured against major global hubs such as New York (28th), Chicago (33rd) and Los Angeles (44th).
Why Toronto Appeals to Immigrant Families
Toronto continues to be Canada’s top destination for newcomers, and its ranking reflects a balance of opportunity and livability.
Key strengths include:
- Strong job market across finance, tech, healthcare and services
- High-quality public healthcare and education systems
- Extensive public transit and family-friendly infrastructure
- Diverse communities that support newcomer integration
However, the city’s cost of living – particularly housing – weighs heavily on its overall score. For many immigrant families, affordability remains the biggest challenge.
Montreal Offers Affordability and Culture
Montreal ranks just behind Toronto but offers a different value proposition.
Its advantages include:
- Lower housing costs compared to Toronto and many global cities
- Strong public childcare system and family benefits in Quebec
- Rich cultural life and walkable neighbourhoods
- Access to French-language education and services
For immigrants who speak French or are open to learning, Montreal can offer a more affordable path to settling in Canada while still enjoying big-city amenities.
What the Rankings Mean for Newcomers
While Toronto and Montreal sit outside the top 20 globally, the ranking does not tell the full story for immigrants.
Canada continues to offer:
- Stable immigration pathways such as Express Entry and provincial programs
- Universal healthcare access
- Strong public education systems
- Safe and inclusive communities
These structural advantages often outweigh ranking positions, particularly for families focused on long-term settlement and citizenship.
The Bottom Line
Toronto and Montreal may not top global charts for raising a family, but they remain strong, reliable choices for immigrants.
They offer a balance of opportunity, safety and public services that continues to attract hundreds of thousands of newcomers each year.
For many families, Canada’s broader immigration system and quality of life still make it one of the most attractive destinations worldwide.
FAQ
Are Toronto and Montreal good cities for immigrant families?
Yes. Both cities offer strong public healthcare, education and diverse communities. While they rank mid-table globally, they remain among the best options in North America. Immigrants benefit from established settlement services, job opportunities and long-term pathways to permanent residence and citizenship.
Why did Canadian cities rank outside the top 20?
The ranking heavily weighs cost of living and parental benefits. High housing costs in Toronto and Montreal lower their scores. Countries like Australia and those in Northern Europe perform better due to stronger family benefits and lower relative housing pressures.
Is Montreal better than Toronto for affordability?
Generally, yes. Montreal has lower housing costs and offers generous childcare support through Quebec’s subsidised system. However, job opportunities may be more limited depending on your field, and French language ability is often important for integration.
What factors matter most for raising a family in Canada?
Key factors include access to healthcare, quality schools, safe neighbourhoods, childcare availability and cost of living. Canada performs well in healthcare and safety, but affordability remains a challenge in major cities.
Should rankings influence where I immigrate in Canada?
Rankings provide useful context but should not be the only factor. Immigration pathways, job prospects, language ability and personal circumstances are more important. Many immigrants choose Toronto or Montreal for opportunity, even if they are not top-ranked globally.
