Compare countries · Canada vs United States
Canada vs United States
Canada(North America)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Canada leads on 7, United States on 3, 3 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Canada
63.0
Worse than 84% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Canada: 8% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Canada
31.5
Worse than 90% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
Canada: 23% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Canada
1.39
Better than 94% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Canada: more peaceful (1.39 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Canada
54.4
Around the global middle
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Canada: higher perceived safety (54.4 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Canada
0.935
Better than 91% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Canada
$66,746
Better than 87% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 35% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Canada
82.1 yrs
Better than 85% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Canada: 3.2 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Canada
68.6
Better than 65% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Canada: better-rated healthcare (68.6 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Canada
278 Mbps
Better than 93% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 11% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Canada
79/100
Better than 89% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Canada: freer press (79 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Canada
6.74
Better than 83% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Canada
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Canada
54.9
Worse than 92% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
United States: more pleasant climate rating (75.8 vs 54.9).
Deciding between Canada and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full Canada profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.