How Much Does It Cost To Move From The US To Canada (Including Immigration)

You can read the San Francisco Chronicle coverage here. 

We decided to break the costs down further for those seriously considering making the move from the US to Canada. Read on to learn more about the costs of immigrating and moving to Canada and living in some of Canada’s major cities. 

Key Takeaways

• The two major costs can be broken down into moving costs (including immigration costs) and the cost of living. 
• For individuals, you will need at least $15,300 USD to move from the US to Canada. 
• For a family of four, those costs increase to $27,600 USD to make the move from the US to Canada (including immigration costs and moving costs).

How Much Does It Cost For An Individual To Move From The US to Canada?

We’ll tackle this question in two sections, first the costs of moving (including immigration costs) and then the costs of living in Canada. 

The Cost of Moving To Canada From The US

To move, you’ll need to cover the costs of Canada’s immigration process and the administrative costs of moving, such as hiring movers, switching your licence, and buying health insurance. 

We’ve included the costs for permanent residence through Express Entry as an example in this content, but there are other pathways that will have varying requirements and varying costs. 

Immigration Costs For Individuals

Initial immigration costs include a medical exam, a language test (yes, even if you’re a native speaker of English), biometrics, an Educational Credential Assessment, and the application fees through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. These will cost at least $1,800 USD. 

You may also need to show ‘settlement funds’, which are required to prove you can support yourself in Canada. The current settlement funds requirement for individuals moving to Canada is $14,250 CAD ($10,575 USD). These funds are yours to spend once you arrive, but you’ll need to show proof that you have them to move forward with the process.

Finally, you may wish to hire an immigration consultant to help you navigate Canada’s immigration system. The costs will vary depending on your chosen pathway and the level of service you choose, but typically run from 2,800–3,600 USD.

Administrative Costs of Moving For Individuals

Then there are the extra costs that come with moving. 

Health insurance, which is strongly recommended for at least the first 90 days in Canada before public coverage kicks in, could cost about 720 USD. You can get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Cigna Global, to see what coverage will cost for your specific circumstances.  

Then, there’s the cost of moving — these costs can vary widely depending on where you’re moving from and how much you bring with you but you’ll need to budget at least 720 USD (at the low end) for that. Costs can run to 7000+ USD to hire professional movers to manage the move for you. We recommend getting at least six quotes from movers, since the costs can vary so widely. 

Luckily, there’s no customs or duties payable on your used household goods that you bring with you. Here’s what the Canadian government says: 

“When you move to Canada from another country, you may bring your personal and household goods with you without paying duty. You’ll have to pay duty on any item you bring that hasn’t been used.”

The bottom line? To move as an individual, you’ll need a minimum of 22,443 CAD (~15,264 USD).

The Individual Cost of Living in Canada’s Biggest Cities

Once you’re in Canada, the day-to-day costs will depend largely on where you live. Let’s look at the two of the most popular cities for newcomers: Toronto and Vancouver.

For individuals, the estimated monthly cost of living (excluding rent) is:

• Toronto: 1,498 CAD (~1,084 USD)
• Vancouver: 1,521 CAD (~1,100 USD).

You can see the breakdown for each of these on Numbeo’s Toronto vs Vancouver comparison.

How Much Does It Cost For A Family To Move To Canada From The US?

Moving with a family means more moving parts—literally. From the legal costs of bringing everyone over to setting up a new home, the expenses add up quickly. Budgeting carefully ensures you’ll have the resources you need for a smoother transition.

Again, we’ll break this down into the costs for moving, including the immigration process, plus the costs of living once you’re here. 

Costs of The Immigration Process For A Family

For a family of four moving through the Express Entry system, the initial immigration costs will include a medical exam for each family member, language testing for the adults, biometrics, an Educational Credential Assessment, and the application fees through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These fees total approximately 5,860 CAD (~4,349 USD) in 2024.

In addition to these fees, you’ll need to show proof of settlement funds, which ensure you have the financial resources to support your family during your initial months in Canada. For a family of four, the required settlement funds are 26,500 CAD (~19,654 USD). These funds are yours to spend once you arrive (you don’t need to pay this to the Canadian government), but you’ll need to show proof of having them in your bank account as part of your application.

Many families choose to hire an immigration consultant or attorney to help navigate the process. Professional fees for these services typically range from 3,000–5,000 USD.

Administrative Costs of Moving for Families

On top of immigration, there are practical moving expenses to consider.

• Health insurance: Provincial coverage may not kick in for your first 90 days in Canada. Private health insurance to cover your family during this period is a must. Coverage for a family of four will cost about 3,000 CAD (~2,150 USD), but you can get a tailored health insurance quote here.
• Movers: Depending on how far you’re moving and how much you bring, moving costs can range from around 1,800+ for basic services. Hiring professional movers for a fully managed move can exceed 9,800 CAD (~7,000 USD).
• Switching licenses and vehicles: If you’re bringing a car, be prepared for taxes, inspections, and repair costs, which can total over 10,000 CAD (~7,170 USD). For most families, selling your car in the U.S. and buying a new or used vehicle in Canada is the more affordable option. 

When all is said and done, the minimum cost for a family to move to Canada is approximately 39,115 CAD (~27,603 USD).

The Cost of Living For Families in Canada’s Biggest Cities

Once you’ve made the move, your cost of living will depend on where you settle. Here’s an overview of typical monthly expenses for a family of four in two of Canada’s largest cities: Toronto and Vancouver.

How To Save Money When Moving To Canada?

For many families, selling your car before moving is one of the best ways to save money. Canadian car prices are comparable to those in the US, and selling your vehicle means avoiding hefty import fees and taxes.

Get Personalized Help With Your Move

Moving2Canada offers a free platform to help you navigate the immigration process and make the move. It’s packed with tailored resources, helpful tools, and exclusive offers from trusted partners – so you can avoid scams and save money in the process. That’s a win-win. 

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