Canada vs United States: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

Canada and United States sit close on our overall quality of life index (Canada 7.9/10, United States 7.9/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.

On cost of living, Canada scores higher than United States.

Key scores at a glance

Canada wins 8 of 16 categories we track; United States wins 7, with 1 tied.

Safety — Canada 8.8/10 · United States 7.5/10
Healthcare — Canada 8.9/10 · United States 7.8/10
Cost of living — Canada 6.5/10 · United States 5.8/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: Canada · United States

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💡 Comparison Tips

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Countries that score high in multiple categories often provide the best overall quality of life.

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