Duncan, Canada

Duncan sits on Vancouver Island, a small city of 5 thousand people at just 62 meters above sea level, with a Mediterranean climate that brings mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city centre, known as Duncan Downtown, is where most expats settle, drawn to its walkable streets and local amenities. Just beyond, the waterfront communities of Cowichan Bay and Maple Bay offer a quieter, more scenic pace of life, with easy access to the ocean and surrounding farmland. Despite its compact size, the city's layout and climate make it an easy place to navigate on foot or by bike, and the nearby airport is only 2 kilometers away.

Living here is remarkably affordable compared to many Canadian cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $1,210/mo, while the same unit outside the centre costs $1,035/mo. For families or those needing more space, a three-bedroom in the centre runs $2,268/mo, and outside the centre it drops to $2,081/mo. A single adult can live on a budget of $1,100/mo including rent, while a mid-range lifestyle totals $1,750/mo, and a comfortable one comes to $2,125/mo. Excluding rent, the average single person spends about $1,100/mo on other expenses, with utilities at $82/mo, internet at $52/mo, and a mobile plan at $37/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $60/mo, and a gym membership is also $60/mo. Eating out is inexpensive: a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $18, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $70, and a cappuccino costs $4. The average monthly net salary is $3,074/mo, which means most residents can cover their costs comfortably and still save.

Safety is a strong point here. The safety index stands at 85/100, and the crime index is just 15/100, indicating a very low level of crime. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and English is widely spoken, making it easy for newcomers to access services and integrate. The air quality index is 35, which is good, and the overall expat score is 86/100, reflecting high satisfaction among those who move here.

For those looking to stay long-term, Canada offers the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, and the Canada Super Visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The nearest airport is YGG, just 2 kilometers away, making travel convenient. Duncan is particularly well suited to retirees, with a retiree score of 85/100, and to those pursuing financial independence, with a FIRE score of 86/100. Digital nomads will also find it appealing, with a score of 79/100, thanks to reliable internet at 90 Mbps and a small but welcoming expat community.