Moving to Canada is a huge life decision. And choosing a city to land in this vast country is critical. Selecting the right city can play a vital role in your financial success once you arrive. Regina, Saskatchewan is one of the many cities in Canada that you can explore as a place to call home.
Choosing the right landing location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. So researching cities in Canada is essential. Importantly, you need to understand the local job market and the housing market. Because both the job market and the housing market will have an impact on your financial success.
Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Regina.
About Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and it is the second-largest city in the province after Saskatoon. It ranks 18th in terms of population in Canada. And it is one of the three prairie provinces, along with Manitoba and Alberta.
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Over the last decade, the city has not been known to attract international immigrants. However, recent economic developments have created a boost in job opportunities. And the number of new immigrants coming to the city over the past few years reflects this boost. With a serious labour shortage, it is becoming an attractive destination for job seekers.
How Many People Live in Regina, Saskatchewan?
Regina is a mid-sized city with a population of 226,106 as of the 2021 census. This is a 5.4% growth in population since 2016.
How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Regina
Regina’s Local Economy
Regina is among the Canadian cities with the strongest economies and the lowest unemployment rates. In terms of GDP, Regina ranks 7th in Canada. In recent years, there have been large investments in Saskatchewan’s natural resources (oil and gas, potash, and others), transportation, and manufacturing sectors.
The top industries in Regina are:
- Steel and metal fabrication
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Energy and Environment
- Finance
- Insurance
- Agribusiness and Agriculture.
Major Employers in Regina
The city is home to the largest steel company in Western Canada, EVRAZ Regina. Other large employers in the city include:
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- SaskTel
- Saskatchewan Government Insurance
- Saskatchewan Provincial Government
- Co-op Heavy Oil Upgraders
- Kalium Chemicals
- Bayer CropScience
- Degelman Industries
- Brandt Industries
- ADP.
The biggest challenge, however, is the shortage of labour.
Career Pathways in Regina
The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training in Saskatchewan is forecasting employment growth in 16 major industries in the province from 2019-2023. In total, they expect there to be 98,000 job openings in the province, many of which will be in Regina. There is a need to replace retiring workers and to support economic growth in the region.
The main industries that are hiring in the region are wholesale and retail, health care, agriculture, and educational services. Other industries expecting future openings include sales, skilled trades, transport operators, and business finance and administration.
You can search for jobs on the City of Regina website and through local recruiters such as Summit Search Group, Randstad Canada, and David Alpin Group.
The Regina Housing Market
Once you secure a job, finding a place to live in Regina is paramount for new immigrants. When moving to a new city it’s common for people to find a short-term rental or rent a house or apartment before buying a home.
Is Housing Expensive in Regina, Saskatchewan?
Location is crucial in choosing a new home. Before deciding about where you will live, you should get information about the neighbourhoods you are considering. For example, The Crescents, which is part of the Cathedral area, is one of the most prestigious and desirable neighbourhoods in the city. However, its low-lying areas adjacent to Wascana Creek are prone to flooding, especially in spring when the snow melts. Any place in or around North Central and the area east of downtown known as Core is not recommended because of the high crime rates.
Finding a Place to Rent in Regina
There are many neighbourhoods to consider if you plan to rent in Regina. The neighbourhood and the size of your unit will affect how much you will pay for rent. Rent can range anywhere from $750 to $1,300 or more. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Regina is $948.
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Regina for rentals:
- Albert Park
- Arcola East
- Downtown
- Lakeview
- McNab
- Normanview
- Rosemount
- Sherwood
- Uplands
To discover some of the best and most popular neighbourhoods for newcomers looking to rent in Regina, click here.
Browse rentals in Regina and find current rental prices.
When renting a home or apartment, it’s also important to consider buying 
to protect your family, belongings, and finances. While renters’ insurance is optional, many landlords may insist that you have it.
Get more information about renting a home:
Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know
Buying a Home in Regina
Regina offers significantly more affordable housing prices compared to other large cities in Canada such as Toronto and Vancouver.
According to Royal LePage, the median cost to purchase a single-family detached home in Canada is $790,000 (Q3, 2021). The median price in Regina is significantly less – $380,800. Rates are up about 12.8% in Regina compared to the previous year.
The median price to purchase a condo in Regina is $196,500, making this an ideal option for newcomers looking to buy into the real estate market.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada:
First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Driving & Transportation in Regina
Driving in Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, a busy stretch that spans the country. Commuting to work is common in Regina. Many residents commute into the city daily. Driving in the winter can be difficult. So it’s essential to develop winter driving skills. All drivers must have a valid Saskatchewan driver’s licence to operate a vehicle.
The minimum age to get a driver’s licence in the province is 16 (you can be 15 with High School Driver Education). You will start with a beginner before getting a full licence.
To get a commercial driver’s licence you will require a class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence. The class type will depend on your occupation. For information on obtaining a Saskatchewan driver’s licence click here.
Regina Public Transportation
Residents also have the option to take public transit. Public transportation is provided by Regina Transit, which operates 23 bus routes in the city. Buses operate as early as 5:30 AM and run until 12:30 AM. Hours of operation will vary by route. For bus schedules click here.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Community Support for Newcomers
Regina welcomes newcomers from around the world. And the city offers many programs and services to help you adapt to your new home. New immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents can contact the Regina Open Door Society. They can provide you with information and the support you need when you move into the community. Other organizations to consider are Regina Immigrant Women, and Catholic Family Service’s Newcomer Centre Career & Support Services Centre.
Language Support in Regina
If you want support to improve your English-speaking skills, you can visit the Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC). They will assess your language skills and help you find language training for newcomers.
The Regina Public Library also offers free lessons in English as an additional language. Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers vast English language services for adult newcomers.
Regina Non-profit Organizations
Whether you are looking to volunteer in the community or support from the local community, Regina has many non-profit organizations to consider. Check out these volunteer opportunities from YWCA Regina.
Personal Finance & Banking
All local banks in Regina have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Regina’s Education System
There are four school systems that you can choose from to enrol your children including public schools, catholic schools, independent or private schools, and homeschooling.
Elementary and High School Education
There are two public school boards: the Regina Public School Board, which runs 45 elementary and nine high schools. The Regina Catholic School Board has 25 elementary schools and four high schools. Parents who choose to home-school their children must follow the School Board guidelines.
Private Schools
Some of Regina’s private schools are the Luther College High School, run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Harvest City Christian Academy and the Regina Huda School, which offers Islamic education. For more information on private schools in Regina click here.
Post Secondary Institutions
There are two post-secondary institutions in the city. The University of Regina has ten faculties and 25 academic departments which offer programs in social work, journalism, media production and studies, public policy, business administration, petroleum engineering, fine arts, software systems, education, policy studies, health studies and others.
This campus is also home to Campion College, Luther College, and The First Nations University of Canada.
Regina is also home to the Wascana Campus of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Where To Get Medical Care in Regina, Saskatchewan
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
Regina residents have Saskatchewan health insurance coverage for most medical services. But, they must present their Saskatchewan Health Services Cards every time they need medical attention. For information read Newcomer Steps to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card.
For prescription drugs and some services that Saskatchewan Health does not cover, you can pay for additional 
. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
Hospitals are run by the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR). There are three healthcare facilities in Regina:
How to Find A Family Doctor In Regina
You need to find a family doctor who, if necessary, can prescribe drugs and refer you to specialists and hospitals. If you do not have a family doctor you can visit Regina’s walk-in medical clinics.
Saskatchewan Health Authority maintains an updated list of medical clinics that are currently accepting new patients.
Get more information about health care in Canada:
Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Regina?
Things to Do in Regina
Regina is a great place to call home. As a mid-sized city, it’s a nice place to raise a family. There are countless parks, recreation facilities, museums, arts and cultural centres and events that happen all year. There is truly something to do for everyone.
Public Spaces & Attractions
At the MacKenzie Art Gallery, you can view contemporary and historical art exhibits from Saskatchewan, other parts of Canada and around the globe.
The Regina Symphony Orchestra is Canada’s oldest continuously performing orchestra. It gives its concerts at Conexus Arts Centre, where other local and visiting musicians perform.
The Globe Theatre’s main stage is the only permanent professional theatre-in-the-round in Canada.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Downtown Regina is the place to go for a great meal. You can find restaurants that serve cuisine from around the globe. The city is host to diverse festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular are JazzFest, The Prairie Mobile Taste of Spring, and The First Nations University of Canada’s Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow.
Nature & Natural Landscapes
If you love nature, Regina offers many outdoor activities. Using the City’s online map you can locate parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, spray pads, picnic sites, and ball diamonds. Click here for a list of recreation facilities.
Sporting Events & Concerts
Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). As the region’s only professional team, it has a loyal and passionate fanbase.
If you are into music, the city regularly attracts top musicians from around the world.
Culture & Diversity In Regina
Diversity
Regina continues to become more diverse each year. The Aboriginal population is now over 20,000. It is made up primarily of First Nations, followed by Metis and Inuit. About 5.5% of the city’s population is made up of recent immigrants. The most prominent minority groups are South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Black, and Southeast Asian.
Places of Worship
You can find a list of churches and other places of worship here including the Hindu Temple in Regina and the Sikh Society Regina.
Most residents in Regina are Christian. According to the 2021 Census, religious groups include:
- Catholic: 24.2%
- Muslim: 4.6%
- Hindu: 2.9%
- Other – Christian: 11.2%
- Other religions: 0.7%
Thirty-five percent of the population reported no religion.
The Weather in Regina
Is the weather really that cold in Regina? Regina has a humid continental climate. Winters are very cold, windy, and dry. In January temperatures are between －２1．６°C and －１０．７°C, but sometimes they drop below -40°C. Wind can make winter temperatures feel even colder. There are about 86.5 days a year with a wind chill of -20°C or less, 43.2 days that it feels like -30°C or colder and 16.3 days with a wind chill of -40°C or lower.
Summer temperatures are usually between 12°C and 26°C; however, they may rise to 40 °C. While it may be cold in the winter, Saskatchewan gets lots of sunshine! In fact, it averages the most sunshine in any Canadian province!
Here is a breakdown of the type of weather you can expect:
- Hottest month: July
- Coldest month: January
- The month with the most precipitation: June
- The month with the most wind: April
- Annual precipitation: 232 mm.
Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Regina
Where is Regina Located?
Many immigrants want to know “where is Regina on the map?” It is a great question to ask before you choose to move. Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan is located in central Canada. Regina is the second-largest city in the province. The next closest city is Saskatoon, which is about 235 kilometres away. Winnipeg, Manitoba is 535 kilometres.
How Many Immigrants Are in Saskatchewan?
The number of recent immigrants has increased greatly. For example, in 2005, there were just over 2,000 new immigrants in the province. In 2020, this number grew to over 13,000 with many immigrants settling in Regina.
Is Regina Good for Immigrants?
Absolutely! Regina, Saskatchewan is a diverse community. The job market is growing across many industries. The average housing prices are more affordable than in many other large cities in Canada. And the city offers support programs to help newcomers adapt when they arrive in the city.
What are the Benefits of Living in Regina?
There are many benefits to living in Regina. The city has a strong economy, low taxes, and a more affordable cost of living. And, there is ample opportunity for personal and professional growth. But, if there is one thing people say is not appealing about the city, it’s the cold weather.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!
