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Burlington, Canada

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

Follows Canada Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

72
FIRE
74
Retiree
83
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 83)

Burlington sits in southern Ontario within the America/Toronto timezone, 174 m above sea level, and about 9 km from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The city of 187 thousand people experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Expats tend to settle in South Burlington and Tyandaga, two popular neighborhoods that offer a balance of residential calm and access to local amenities. The expat community here is large and active, and English is widely spoken, which eases the transition for newcomers.

Monthly costs in Burlington reflect a mid-sized Canadian city. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $1,629/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $1,399/mo. Three-bedroom units run $2,526/mo in the centre and $2,185/mo outside it. For a single adult, the budget tier totals $1,434/mo including rent, the mid-range tier reaches $2,249/mo, and the comfortable tier comes to $2,715/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $1,041/mo, and a family of four about $3,812/mo. Utilities average $141/mo, internet $67/mo, and a mobile phone plan $44/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $97/mo, a gym membership $52/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal $21 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two $70, and a cappuccino $3. The average monthly net salary is $3,187/mo, and the cost of living index is 62/100 against New York City as 100.

Safety is a strong point: the safety index is 90/100 and the crime index is 10/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is good with an index of 35, where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, giving residents confidence in medical services. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, supporting remote work and streaming without trouble.

For immigration, the Canada Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) serves retirees, while the Canada Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers. The nearest airport is YYZ, just 9 km away. Burlington earns an overall expat score of 83/100, a FIRE score of 72/100, a retiree score of 74/100, and a digital nomad score of 83/100. It fits singles and families who want a safe, well-connected Canadian city with a moderate cost of living and a welcoming expat scene.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$2,332/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Burlington on a mid-range budget comes to about $2,332 a month for one adult, with $1,399 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $249 on groceries, $211 on dining out, $124 on entertainment and lifestyle, $252 on utilities and connectivity and $97.00 on transport.

Rent

$1,399/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$249/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$211/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$124/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$252/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$97.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$933/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1628.69/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

90
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

10
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Burlington is exceptionally safe for North American standards, with a Numbeo Safety Index of 90/100 reflecting low violent crime and property theft rates typical of mid-sized Canadian cities. The main concerns are petty theft in downtown areas during peak seasons and occasional vehicle break-ins, rather than serious crime. Neighborhoods like Old North End and South End are residential and secure. Winter weather poses greater practical challenges than crime. For American expats, Burlington offers genuine peace of mind—violent crime is rare, scams are uncommon, and police presence is visible and responsive. This is a legitimate safe-haven choice for remote workers or retirees.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Burlington's healthcare compares with Bolton

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Continental
Summer Temp
32°C
Winter Temp
-20°C
Humidity
73%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
1022 mm

Best Months

JunAugSep

Climate Notes

Burlington experiences a temperate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, characterized by relatively clean air quality due to its moderate size and limited industrial activity.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
95 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$67/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
83/100

Community Notes

Burlington offers a high standard of living with plentiful coworking spaces.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Regus - Burlington - 3350 FairviewLocated in the heart of Burlington's business district on Fairview Street, this Regus location offers a professional environment with flexible workspace options. It's a reliable choice for expats seeking a familiar and well-equipped coworking space.
co-workLocated in downtown Burlington, co-work offers a community-focused environment with various membership options. It's a great option for those seeking a collaborative atmosphere and local connections.
TechPlaceTechPlace is a hub for tech startups and entrepreneurs in Burlington, offering coworking spaces and resources. Located near the downtown core, it provides a dynamic environment for those in the tech industry or looking to connect with innovative businesses.
Spaces - BurlingtonLocated on Fairview Street East, Spaces offers a stylish and modern coworking environment with a focus on design and community. It's a good option for expats looking for a premium workspace with networking opportunities.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
South Burlington, Tyandaga
Banks Nearby
43
ATMs Nearby
14

Expat Life Notes

One of Canada's safest and wealthiest cities, offering a premium suburban lifestyle on Lake Ontario.

Pros

  • ✓ Top safety
  • ✓ Native English
  • ✓ Exceptional public facilities

Cons

  • ✗ Very high housing prices
  • ✗ Commuter traffic to Toronto

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Burlington

Areas of Burlington that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown Burlington

Lively, urban, lakeside community

Downtown offers a mix of condos, apartments, and older homes. It's highly walkable with easy access to the waterfront, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Expect higher rental costs and some noise, especially during festivals and events. Good transit links.

Aldershot

Green, residential, family-oriented

Aldershot is a quieter, more suburban area with a mix of housing types, including detached homes and townhouses. It's close to the Royal Botanical Gardens and has good schools, making it popular with families. Requires a car for most errands, though some areas are walkable. Slower pace of life.

Roseland

Upscale, mature, lakeside living

Roseland is an affluent area known for its beautiful homes, mature trees, and proximity to Lake Ontario. It's a desirable location for retirees and professionals seeking a peaceful environment. Limited rental options and higher property values. Car dependent.

Brant Hills

Affordable, family-friendly, suburban

Brant Hills offers more affordable housing options, primarily single-family homes and townhouses. It's a good choice for expats on a budget or those with families. Requires a car for most errands, but has good access to parks and schools. Less vibrant than downtown.

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🛂 Visa Options for Canada

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Burlington

Click any question to expand the answer.

Burlington has a population of approximately 186,948 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $4,072 per month in Burlington, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1629/month.
The nearest airport to Burlington is YYZ, approximately 8.5km away.
Burlington is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 90.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Burlington has an average internet speed of 95 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Local jobs exist in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, but many professionals commute to Toronto for better salaries. You'll need work authorization, and while English fluency is essential, the job market is competitive with other GTA suburbs.
Burlington offers more space, lower crime (safety index 90), and family-friendly amenities for similar housing costs. However, you'll sacrifice Toronto's cultural scene and nightlife, plus add commuting time and costs if you work downtown.
Canada doesn't have a specific retirement visa. US citizens can initially visit for up to six months as tourists. For longer stays, explore options like the Super Visa (if you have family in Canada) or applying for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, which considers factors like age, education, and work experience.
Canada has a universal healthcare system, but it's primarily for permanent residents and citizens. As a visitor or temporary resident, you'll need private health insurance. Finding English-speaking doctors is not a problem at all; most healthcare professionals are fluent in English.
Burlington experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the low 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit). Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Be prepared for significant snowfall and icy conditions from December to March.
For families, consider areas like Roseland or Shoreacres, known for their good schools and quiet streets. Downtown Burlington offers a more urban lifestyle with condos and easy access to amenities. For budget-conscious options, look at apartments further from the lakefront.
Internet service in Burlington is generally very reliable and fast. Most providers offer high-speed internet packages suitable for remote work, video conferencing, and streaming. You can expect download speeds of 50 Mbps or higher in most areas.
Yes, there are several coworking spaces in Burlington, such as Co-Work at the Cotton Factory (though technically in Hamilton, it's close) and a few smaller shared office spaces downtown. These offer a good option for digital nomads looking for a professional work environment and networking opportunities.
Burlington has a decent public transportation system (Burlington Transit), but it's not as extensive as in larger cities. A car is helpful for exploring the surrounding areas and for getting around quickly. Cycling is also popular, especially along the waterfront trail.
While Burlington doesn't have a massive expat community like Toronto, there's a growing number of international residents. You can find expat groups and social events through online platforms like Meetup and InterNations, primarily focused on the broader Hamilton-Halton region.
While not as cheap as some countries, Burlington can be more affordable than many US cities, especially if you downsize your housing. However, factor in the exchange rate fluctuations and Canadian taxes. Careful budgeting is essential to make your Social Security income go further.
Major Canadian banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank have branches in Burlington. Opening a bank account is relatively straightforward with the right documentation (passport, proof of address). Be aware of international transaction fees and consider using services like Wise for transferring money.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. You may be able to exclude a portion of your foreign earned income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or claim the Foreign Tax Credit. Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Burlington can be a viable option for early retirement if you have sufficient passive income and manage your expenses carefully. The slower pace of life, access to nature, and relatively safe environment are appealing. However, healthcare costs and taxes should be carefully considered.

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