Retire in Canada
Your complete guide to financial independence in Canada for 2026
High quality of life and nature, but high cost of living in major cities.
💰
90%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$1,900
Average Rent
per month
📊
25.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
9/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Canada?
Lean FIRE
$675,000
For $1,800/mo lifestyle
Moderate
$1,012,500
For $2,700/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
$1,350,000
For $3,600/mo lifestyle
Luxury
$1,687,500
For $4,500/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.0% safe withdrawal rate and include Canada's 25.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Express Entry / Start-up Visa
Cost by Location Type
Urban
$2,850
50% more
Suburban
$1,900
baseline
Rural
$1,330
30% less
Cheaper Alternatives to Canada
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
As of 2026, the inclusion rate is 66.67% for annual capital gains exceeding $250,000 for individuals.
Major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver are in a rental crisis; expect to pay $2,500–$3,200 CAD for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Permanent residents and some work permit holders get free healthcare after a waiting period, though it doesn't cover dental or prescriptions.
For a 'comfortable' lifestyle, a couple generally needs a nest egg of at least $1.2M–$1.5M CAD in a 4% withdrawal scenario.
A Tax-Free Savings Account where you can invest a set annual amount ($7,000 in 2026) and pay zero tax on gains or withdrawals.
The foreign buyer ban has been extended in many urban areas; check current 2026 federal and provincial restrictions before searching.
Canada is extremely safe with low violent crime rates; property crime in large cities is the primary concern.
The Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security are federal pension programs; eligibility depends on years of residence and contributions.
Winter is harsh in most provinces; Victoria and Vancouver (BC) offer the mildest climates but the highest housing costs.
Sales tax ranges from 5% (Alberta) to 15% (Atlantic provinces) depending on where you reside.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Canada based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →