Canada is generally considered safer to live in than the USA, featuring lower violent crime rates, significantly fewer gun-related homicides, and higher global safety rankings. While both nations are developed, Canada consistently reports lower crime rates and higher safety,, though the gap has narrowed. Key differences include:
In 2023, the rate of police-reported violent crime continued to be lower in Canada than the United States (252 incidents per 100,000 population versus 334 incidents), though the gap between the two countries has narrowed over the last 25 years.
Neither the USA nor Canada is universally "better" for living; the choice depends on priorities, with Canada often favored for social safety nets (healthcare, education), lower crime, and stability, while the USA offers higher average incomes, more diverse climates, and greater economic opportunities for high earners, despite higher costs and fewer social benefits. Canada excels for those seeking security, free healthcare, and easier immigration, whereas the U.S. attracts professionals aiming for rapid career growth and higher potential earnings.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, topping the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years due to extremely low crime rates, no standing army, high social trust, and minimal conflict involvement, making it a leader in overall tranquility and security. Other nations frequently appearing in the top safest spots include Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland.
Canada's 90% rule helps non-residents and recent immigrants claim full federal tax credits (like the Basic Personal Amount) if 90% or more of their net worldwide income for the relevant tax year is from Canadian sources; otherwise, credits are prorated (reduced) based on their Canadian residency period, ensuring fairness for those who weren't residents all year.
The 30% rule restricts Canadian pension funds from investing in securities of a corporation that carry more than 30% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors of the corporation (subject to certain limited exceptions).
For a $70,000 income in Canada (using 2025 rates), you'll pay roughly $13,000 to $20,000 in total taxes (federal, provincial, CPP, EI), depending on your province, resulting in a take-home pay around $50,000-$59,000, with federal tax around 14.5% or 20.5% depending on the portion, plus provincial tax and deductions like CPP and EI.
The top 10 most dangerous places
According to the list, Canada is the 10th safest country in the world, while in the number one spot is Iceland, which “ranks as the safest destination globally.” “Nordic and Alpine nations hold the top spots,” reads the ranking. “They have low crime, strong institutions, and high social trust.”
For some, it's about escaping political or economic uncertainty. For others, it's the promise of universal healthcare, safer communities, or a better future for their children. Whatever the reason, Canada's reputation for stability, opportunity, and quality of life is why more Americans than ever are looking north.
City-level insights
Toronto: Canada's largest city, Toronto, has a lower violent crime rate than many major U.S. cities. Most incidents are non-violent and occur in specific neighborhoods.
A notion aligned with mainstream news and social media, countless Canadians perceive murder and sexual assault as widespread offences. However, despite this common belief, theft and robbery are Canada's most commonly committed crimes.
Rates are believed to be higher in the United States than in Canada because of the heritage of cultural violence, drug use, the existence of racial ghettos, poverty, and tolerance of firearms.
Living costs are generally higher in big cities, especially for housing and transportation. Health insurance, education, and childcare are also significant expense factors in America.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, topping the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years due to extremely low crime rates, no standing army, high social trust, and minimal conflict involvement, making it a leader in overall tranquility and security. Other nations frequently appearing in the top safest spots include Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland.
Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore are the top 5 most peaceful countries in the world in 2024. Last year recorded 162,000 conflict related deaths.
There's no single "most dangerous place," as danger varies by context (conflict, crime, specific groups), but Palestine (Gaza/West Bank), Myanmar, Haiti, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan are consistently cited for widespread conflict, while cities like Colima (Mexico) top homicide lists; danger is also specific, with home being most dangerous for many women and Gaza often called the most dangerous place for children due to conflict trauma.
In California, a household can be considered middle class if it makes between $63,674 and $191,042. However, that range can change at the city level. SmartAsset used U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 1-year data and analyzed the median household income in 100 of the largest U.S. cities and all states.
According to a new study published by the Fraser Institute, in 2024 the average Canadian family (including single people) paid $48,306 in total taxes. Given the average family's total cash income was $114,289 in 2024, this means families paid 42.3 per cent of their incomes in taxes levied by all levels of government.
Unemployment compensation generally is taxable. Inheritances, gifts, cash rebates, alimony payments (for divorce decrees finalized after 2018), child support payments, most healthcare benefits, welfare payments, and money that is reimbursed from qualifying adoptions are deemed nontaxable by the IRS.