The United States boasts a stronger economy and higher average income, but faces challenges with healthcare affordability and environmental issues. Canada offers a higher-ranked education system and better environmental quality, but has a higher unemployment rate and faces healthcare access issues. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding economic strength versus social and environmental factors.
| Attribute | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per capita | $66,682.61 in 2024 (expected to reach $67,816.00 by the end of 2025); $82,769 in 2023 | Approximately $44,401.72 US dollars in 2024, expected to reach $44,846.00 USD by the end of 2025. Other sources mention $45,373 in 2023 and $53,431 for 2023. |
| Healthcare system quality | Ranked 7th overall among 32 high-income countries in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation in 2024; excels in scientific advancement but struggles with fiscal sustainability; Americans' rating of healthcare quality has fallen to the lowest in 24 years | Facing challenges with timely access, particularly for specialists and non-emergency surgeries. Canadians generally report positive experiences with their primary care physicians. Ranked 7th out of 10 high-income countries in 2023 by the Commonwealth Fund survey. |
| Education system ranking | Not available | Ranked 4th best in the world in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report. The Canadian higher education system was ranked 7th in the world in 2020. Canada ranks 2nd among 16 peer countries in education and skills. |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% in June 2025 (down from 4.2% in May); remained within a 4.0%-4.2% range since May 2024 | Increased to 7% in May 2025. |
| Average income | Median household income: $80,610 in 2023; Average individual salary: $65,470 in 2023 | Estimated to be around $62,800 annually in 2025. Another source states that the average annual salary in Canada was $67,282 in 2024. |
| Cost of living | High; ranked as the 9th most expensive country in the world; Family of four: around $7,101/month (including rent) or $6,240/month; Single person: approximately $2,924/month or $3,634/month | More expensive than in 79% of countries in the world. A single person's estimated monthly costs are around C$4,051. The average costs of living in Canada range from $1,980 to $2,330 per month. |
| Crime rate | Violent crime declined slightly; property crime rose by 7%; average homicide rate in 2024 was 16% lower than in 2023; crime rates vary among U.S. states | The crime rate per 100K population for 2021 was 2.07, a 3.1% increase from 2020. The Crime Severity Index rose by 2% in 2023. |
| Environmental quality | Faces air pollution, water pollution, climate change, and deforestation | Generally has high environmental quality compared to other wealthy nations. Ranks well in air quality. In 2023, Canada ranked 14th overall out of 34 OECD countries with a score of 69.9 out of 100. |
| Political stability | Not available | Not available |
| Immigration policies | Governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA); allows up to 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year | Comparatively open and well-regulated immigration system. The government plans to accept 500,000 new permanent residents each year by 2025. |
| Cultural diversity | Culturally diverse with residents representing different ethnic groups, cultures, and languages | A multicultural country with a diverse population originating from various nations, races, and religions. |
| Technological infrastructure | Not available | Not available |