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Ottawa Tops North America in Quality of Life Rankings for 2026: A Closer Look

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Ottawa Tops North America in Quality of Life Rankings for 2026: A Closer Look

Canada continues to shine on the global stage for livability, with Ottawa emerging as the most livable city in North America according to Numbeo’s 2026 Quality of Life Index. Ranking 28th globally, Ottawa’s high score reflects strong performance across safety, cost of living, traffic, healthcare, and overall quality of life, making it an attractive destination for residents and newcomers alike.

In total, 17 Canadian cities made it to the 2026 list, spanning seven provinces. Ontario led with the most cities, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.

Canadian Cities Leading in Quality of Life

Here’s how the 17 cities ranked nationally:

  1. Ottawa, Ontario

  2. Nanaimo, British Columbia

  3. Victoria, British Columbia

  4. Vancouver, British Columbia

  5. Quebec City, Quebec

  6. Calgary, Alberta

  7. Halifax, Nova Scotia

  8. Edmonton, Alberta

  9. Kelowna, British Columbia

  10. Montreal, Quebec

  11. London, Ontario

  12. Mississauga, Ontario

  13. Toronto, Ontario

  14. Brampton, Ontario

  15. Regina, Saskatchewan

  16. Winnipeg, Manitoba

  17. Hamilton, Ontario

Ontario cities dominate the top rankings, with Ottawa climbing from second place last year to claim the top spot in North America. Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo in British Columbia also showed notable improvements, reflecting the province’s growing appeal for residents seeking high quality of life.

Global Comparison

Globally, Ottawa ranks 28th out of 304 cities surveyed across 95 countries, outperforming every city in North America. Most top-ranking cities worldwide are in Europe, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Several Canadian cities shared quality-of-life scores with international counterparts:

  • Nanaimo – tied with Colorado Springs, US

  • Vancouver and Quebec City – tied with Auckland, New Zealand

  • Montreal – tied with Salt Lake City, US

  • Toronto – tied with Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

  • Brampton – tied with Windhoek, Namibia

  • Winnipeg – tied with Lisbon, Portugal

Although the overall scores were similar, cities varied in subcategories such as safety, healthcare, pollution, and climate, emphasizing that quality of life is influenced by a combination of factors.

What Factors Are Considered in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index?

Numbeo evaluates cities using a variety of indices:

  • Purchasing Power Index: Reflects the cost of consumer goods, rent, groceries, and restaurant meals relative to income.

  • Cost of Living Index: Measures affordability of living expenses; lower scores indicate cheaper living.

  • Pollution Index: Evaluates air, water, noise, and light pollution.

  • House Price to Income Ratio: Assesses home affordability, mortgages, and rental yields.

  • Safety Index: Rates crime levels, perceived safety, and property/violent crime severity.

  • Health Care Index: Measures the quality and accessibility of medical care, including staff and infrastructure.

  • Climate Index: Evaluates temperature, humidity, and extreme weather conditions.

  • Traffic Commute Time Index: Considers one-way commute times, congestion, and overall traffic efficiency.

These metrics provide a comprehensive view of city livability, helping residents and prospective immigrants make informed decisions about where to live.

Opportunities for Immigrants and Foreign Workers

For those looking to move to Canada, these high-ranking cities offer both quality of life and economic opportunities. Choosing the right location can influence your career growth, healthcare access, and family well-being.

ICC Immigration is dedicated to helping you navigate these opportunities and secure your future in Canada. We provide:

  • Permanent Residency Applications: Whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other pathways, we ensure your PR application is efficient and compliant.

  • Work Permits & Study Permits: Explore temporary options to establish your career or education in Canada, ultimately leading to Permanent Residency.

  • Family Sponsorships: Reunite with loved ones in Canada while maintaining your PR status.

  • Expert Legal Advice: Our team ensures your application meets all current immigration regulations, maximizing your chance of success.

Instead of relying on uncertain asylum pathways, choose a stable, legal route that provides security, clarity, and long-term prospects. ICC Immigration guides you every step of the way, whether you’re already in Canada or planning your immigration journey.

Why Choose Canada’s Top Livable Cities?

Living in cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, or Nanaimo provides:

  • Excellent healthcare and safety standards

  • Affordable access to goods and services relative to income

  • Efficient traffic systems and manageable commute times

  • Better climate and environmental conditions for overall well-being

These factors make Canada a preferred destination for immigrants seeking a balanced lifestyle, strong economic opportunities, and long-term stability.