Do you need a car when moving to Canada? One of the most important choices that immigrants to Canada must make is whether or not to buy a car. This decision can have a big impact on a lot of things in life, like personal freedom and professional obligations. In Canada, having a car can be quite convenient and flexible. It can make it simpler to conduct errands, travel to work, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the nation. But it also has costs and obligations that must be properly evaluated. It is essential for immigrants to comprehend the ramifications of car ownership as they adjust to their new surroundings.

When choosing whether to purchase a car in Canada, a number of criteria are taken into account. Important questions to ask oneself as a newcomer include: How much does it cost to acquire and maintain an automobile in Canada? Does my family’s situation need me to own a car? Is public transit an option for getting to my place of employment, or do I need to use my own car for convenience? To what extent is flexibility in travel crucial to my family and me? In the end, purchasing a car is a personal choice that is impacted by a range of variables, such as lifestyle choices, family necessities, and budgetary concerns. Through a thorough assessment of these factors, immigrants can make an informed decision that fits their unique requirements and situation in Canada.

Access to Public Transportation

Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal are popular destinations for immigrants to Canada. It is typical for immigrants to live 500 meters or less from a public transportation access point in these urban centers, be it a bus stop, subway station, or other kind of transit.

The following 16 Canadian metropolitan regions have over 80% of their population living 500 meters or less from a public transportation access point in 2020, according to Statistics Canada data:  

  • Toronto, Ontario (ON): 93% of the population lives within 500 meters of a public transportation access point.
  • Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.): 92.7% of residents have easy access to public transit.
  • Montreal, Quebec (QC): 91.6% of the population is near public transportation.
  • Regina, Saskatchewan (SK): 90.4% of people live close to transit options.
  • Victoria, B.C.: 90.4% of residents are within walking distance of public transport.
  • Calgary, Alberta (AB): 88.9% of the population can easily access public transit.
  • Oshawa, Ontario (ON): 88.7% of residents are near public transportation.
  • Winnipeg, Manitoba (MB): 88.2% of people live close to transit services.
  • Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario (ON): 86.2% of the population has nearby access to transit.
  • Ottawa, Ontario (ON): 85% of residents are near public transportation facilities.
  • Guelph, Ontario (ON): 83.5% of the population is within reach of transit options.
  • Quebec City, Quebec (QC): 83.1% of people live close to public transit.
  • Edmonton, Alberta (AB): 82.7% of residents have easy access to transportation.
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (SK): 82.6% of the population lives near transit access points.
  • Hamilton, Ontario (ON): 81.1% of residents are close to public transport options.
  • St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario (ON): 80.9% of people live within walking distance of transit services.

Therefore, if public transit can adequately meet their travel demands, newcomers who relocate to locations with excellent access to public transportation may discover that they don’t need to own a car.

The size of Family

Family members are frequently brought to Canada by immigrants, which may have an impact on their transportation requirements. Those who relocate alone or in pairs may find they don’t need a car as much as those who relocate in larger families or groups. Larger families or groups can need greater convenience and flexibility in their travel plans, which makes juggling a variety of schedules and activities easier in a personal vehicle.

It’s worthwhile to look at alternatives to owning a car, such as ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft and car-sharing services. These services can provide practical and affordable alternatives to owning a personal vehicle for transportation.

The Costs of Car Ownership for Newcomers to Canada 

Managing a variety of expenses is sometimes necessary for new immigrants moving to Canada. There are a lot of financial obligations to take care of, such as finding housing, buying groceries, and paying tuition for overseas students. Adding to the expense of car ownership can be very taxing.

As of January 2024, ratehub.ca statistics indicates that the average monthly cost of car ownership in Canada is roughly $1,387. This sum includes a number of expenses, including fuel, upkeep, insurance, and parking. Depending on the brand and model of the automobile, the precise cost will vary, but this average gives a clear picture of the usual out-of-pocket expense of car ownership.

Vehicle safety and theft issues in Canada 

Even if they decide to buy a car, immigrants need to be mindful of the rising risk of auto theft in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that auto theft has increased dramatically. Private auto insurers in Canada paid out an astounding $1.5 billion for theft claims in 2023 alone.

To put things in perspective, this sum indicates a sharp 254% growth from 2018, which was five years prior. In contrast, the average yearly cost of auto theft claims to private insurers was $556 million between 2018 and 2021. This dramatic increase in theft-related costs highlights the nation’s growing concerns about car security.

Employment Conditions 

A newcomer’s daily commute should be taken into account when making a car purchasing decision. For example, people who work from home may discover that having a car is not as necessary as it is for others who must commute to work every day. The need for a car might differ greatly depending on one’s work environment and transportation requirements.

Transportation Flexibility

Travel flexibility is the increased independence that comes with having a car, which lets newcomers go whenever and wherever they want. This degree of independence stands in stark contrast to the constraints experienced by individuals who lack a personal vehicle.

Newcomers who don’t own an automobile are more likely to:

  • Rely on public transportation, which operates according to fixed schedules and may not always align with their personal timing needs.
  • Depend on ridesharing services for transportation, which can incur additional costs whenever they need to travel to different locations.

Due to these limitations, it may be difficult and costly for immigrants to get around their new neighborhood, do errands, or travel throughout Canada.

Conclusion 

When relocating to Canada, a major factor in determining whether to purchase a car is your daily commute and travel requirements. Owning a car can provide a great deal of freedom and convenience for people who have permanent residency, while ridesharing and public transportation may be more economical for others.