Canada was ranked the best country in the world to move to and the US got left in the dust

If you're wondering which country the world is dreaming about moving to, it's time to cue the maple syrup and roll out the red carpet. When it comes to the best countries to live in, Canada's officially sitting at the top — and the U.S.? It's trailing way behind.

A new global study by money-sending platform Remitly surveyed more than 4,800 people across 26 countries to find out which destinations people most want to relocate to, and why.

Canada took the No. 1 spot as the world's most desirable country to move to, beating out Australia, Japan and even the United States — which only managed to rank fifth overall.

So why is Canada's ranking in the world so high right now? The research highlights a few major motivators. According to the report, the biggest reason people dream of moving to Canada is for a better quality of life.

"With access to excellent education and health care, as well as safe cities to live in and the opportunity for lots of outdoor activities, Canada offers the stability and balance a lot of people are searching for," the report explains.

After quality of life, the next-biggest reason people said they were drawn to Canada was for a better lifestyle — not just in terms of wealth but in how they live day to day. Whether it's slower mornings, more time outdoors, or just feeling safer in your neighbourhood, Canada checks a lot of boxes.

Career opportunities were the third most common reason people wanted to move here, making it especially appealing to young professionals and families looking to start fresh — followed by the country's stunning and varied landscapes.

"From charming coastal towns and lively, cosmopolitan cities to sparkling lakes and dramatic snow-capped mountains, Canada's diverse landscapes promise something for everyone, whether you crave the excitement of city life or the tranquility of the outdoors (or a bit of both)," the report says.

Other major factors include the country's welcoming communities, strong health care and low crime rates. Public services and outdoor activities also made the list — along with the fact that Canada is seen as a great place to raise a family.

All of that adds up to a country that offers both opportunity and peace of mind, which is exactly what so many people around the world are looking for.

Meanwhile, the U.S. — often thought of as the land of opportunity — fell to fifth place. While job opportunities and financial benefits were its top draws, Remitly notes that many respondents were swayed more by lifestyle, safety and long-term well-being — areas where Canada outshines its southern neighbour. And given the current political climate and rising safety concerns in parts of the U.S., it's not hard to see why Canada is looking like the smarter move.

"Globally, our research shows that when people choose to move abroad, it’s rarely just about money, it's about finding a better quality of life," said Jung Lee, Canada Country Manager at Remitly. "It's easy to imagine a future here."

Here's the full list of the top 10 countries people want to move to and their top three reasons, according to Remitly's 2025 global study:

1. Canada — Quality of life, lifestyle, job opportunities
2. Australia — Climate, lifestyle, job opportunities
3. Japan — Culture, food, safety
4. United Kingdom — Culture, job opportunities, location
5. United States — Job opportunities, financial benefits, vibrant cities
6. Italy — Food, culture, natural landscapes
7. Spain — Climate, culture, lifestyle
8. Switzerland — Quality of life, natural landscapes, safety
9. New Zealand — Natural landscapes, quality of life, lifestyle
10. Germany — Quality of life, job opportunities, strong economy

So if you're thinking of packing your bags in search of a better life, you might not have to go far. Canada isn't just among the best countries in the world — it's the one people are dreaming about the most.

So if our American neighbours are looking to move up, they might want to get in line — the world's already got its sights set on Canada.

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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.