Want to Live in Newfoundland and Labrador? Your Guide to Life in NL

Canada currently has an average annual immigration of 300,000, according to Statista. The total immigrant population is over 21% of the nation's population. Newfoundland and Labrador emerges as the top choice for immigrants, with several benefits to calling it home. Find out what to expect when you live in Newfoundland to help you acclimatize to your new home faster. 

Live in Newfoundland and Labrador: Things to Know

What is it like to live in Newfoundland and Labrador? You must have vital information to prepare for life in your new home.

Geography and Climate

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province located in the easternmost part of Canada. It is the largest of the four Atlantic provinces and is split into two portions: Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland is an island, while Labrador is part of the mainland. There are over 525,000 people that call this island home. The capital city of St. John’s is the commercial and historic center of the province. 

The location of Newfoundland and Labrador creates a varied climate throughout the seasons. The average temperature in summer is 16 degrees Celsius and just below freezing in winter. Therefore, residents of the province can enjoy many outdoor activities in the summer and some of the top winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling. 

In terms of size, Newfoundland and Labrador is larger than several countries, including Japan, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Germany. Newfoundland is also notable for having one of the lowest population densities in the world. 

Economy

The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador is based on its natural resources. The primary industry in the province is fishing. However, the industry has had many challenges due to the depletion of the fish population and the reduction in fishing quotas. New techniques and strategies have been developed to overcome these challenges and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry.

The mining industry is another important source of economy for Newfoundland and Labrador. The pulp and paper mill industry follows it. 

The energy sector also supports Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Aside from being home to the largest hydroelectric facility, a large offshore oil reserve is also being built in the province. 

About 50% of the newcomers and immigrants to the province assume highly skilled positions. Most immigrants receive an invitation to move to the region to fill the gap in the skilled labor market. 

Cost of Living

If you want to live in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is crucial to know the average cost of living in the province. The high unemployment rate continues to plague the cities. The unemployment rate has resulted in Newfoundland and Labrador’s household income being lower than the Canadian average. 

The average salary in NL is $2,607, which is lower than the national average of $3,908. The cheaper cost of living makes it possible for the residents of NL to enjoy a good quality of life despite the lower average salary. The mandatory minimum wage per hour in Newfoundland and Labrador is $10.25 per hour. 

The living expenses are also cheaper in the province compared to other provinces or cities in Canada. For example, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment within the city center is $929 and up to $1,542 for a 3-bedroom apartment. On the other hand, the average home price is $236,000.

Groceries and food account for the biggest living expense among the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The average cost is $200-$300 per month. The following is a glimpse of other living expenses:

• Dining - $20 (fast food) or $75 (mid-range restaurant)

• Phone Bills - $274

• Gasoline - $1.80 per liter

• Transportation - $78 per month

• Energy - $212

• Internet - $95

Demographics

The demographic makeup of the Newfoundland and Labrador residents is incredibly diverse. The great migration in Canada in the past decade has contributed to its diverse population. 

Most of the province's population resides in the capital city, St. John's (specifically, 70% of the population live in the capital). There are also smaller communities in the province that welcome immigrants and new residents. 

The immigration plan for the province has welcomed new residents from various countries of origin, such as The Philippines, China, India, the UK, the US, Nigeria, and Syria. 

There is also diversity in the religious makeup of the province. Protestantism is the dominant religion among those who live in Newfoundland (nearly 60%), which Roman Catholics closely follow. 

When it comes to language, English is the most widely spoken language and followed by French. 

Housing

Affordable housing is accessible to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The ability to own a house at a lower price than in other provinces in Canada is one of the reasons why many people choose to live in Newfoundland. 

The average price of a home is $236,000, although it varies from city to city. You can expect home prices to be higher in St. John's than in any other town in NL. The cheaper housing prices in the province allow the residents to afford to buy a house, which results in a high homeownership rate of 76%. The homeownership rate in NL is higher than the national average of 67.8%. 

Education

Two publicly funded educational institutions are located in Newfoundland and Labrador: the Memorial University and the College of North Atlantic. The former has four main campuses with two satellite campuses in the province. Meanwhile, the College of North Atlantic is a small trade school with over 100 study programs. They have 17 campuses all over the province. 

Tourism and Recreation

Tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador has been growing, with many sights and attractions to enjoy. Nature lovers will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy top activities like hiking, whale watching, camping, bird watching, sailing, canoeing, and rafting. The province also has an impressive wildlife population, including black bears, caribou, moose, lynx, and more.

There is no shortage of tourist attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Fisherman's Museum, Gros Morne National Park, Signal Hill National Historic Site, Cape Spear, and the East Coast Trail are among the must-see tourist destinations. 

Have you decided if you want to live in Newfoundland and Labrador yet? Take this information when deciding if the province is an excellent place to call your new home.