Reverse Migration? 10 Countries Canadians Are Eyeing

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 5, 2026

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Leaving Canada, even temporarily, is becoming a practical question for many Canadians who are comparing income, housing, taxes, and day-to-day quality of life in other countries.

A June 1, 2026 report by Canadian Essence listed ten countries where Canadians may find life more comfortable than in Canada: Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Switzerland, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico. The list is not an official government ranking. It is a lifestyle comparison based on living costs, work or retirement options, climate, infrastructure, and the everyday experience of expats.

The discussion comes as affordability remains a major concern in Canada. Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index, which tracks the cost of a basket of goods and services including food, shelter, transportation, and health care, rose 2.8% year over year in April 2026.

Portugal and Spain appeal to many Canadians because of their milder climate, walkable cities, and lower day-to-day costs in many areas compared with major Canadian cities. Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia attract remote workers, retirees, and younger expats looking for affordable housing, low-cost food, and active international communities.

The United Arab Emirates is the only Arab country on the list. Its appeal is different. It is not always cheap, but for Canadians working in fields such as technology, finance, health care, and aviation, the UAE, especially Dubai, can offer strong salaries, modern services, and a lower-tax environment that may allow faster savings.

Switzerland appears on the list despite its high cost of living because strong salaries, reliable public transportation, safety, and efficient infrastructure can make some Canadians feel they are getting better value overall. Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico, meanwhile, are especially attractive to retirees or people with foreign income who want warmer weather and lower daily expenses.

Still, a “better life” abroad is not the same for everyone. A country that works well for a digital nomad may not suit a family with school-age children. A destination that is affordable for retirees may not offer the right job market for younger workers. Canadians considering a long-term move still need to check residency rules, taxes, health insurance, work rights, and safety conditions. The Government of Canada advises travellers and Canadians abroad to follow official travel advisories, as conditions can change quickly.

The wider story is not simply that Canadians are leaving. It is that many are rethinking what stability means: staying in a country with strong institutions but high costs, or moving somewhere that may offer more space, savings, sunshine, and everyday ease.