Living & Working in Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo (often called "KW" or "the Waterloo Region") is home to the University of Waterloo — Canada's top engineering and computer science school — and a world-class tech ecosystem. The region produces more startups per capita than almost anywhere in North America.
KW offers significantly more affordable housing than Toronto (1.5 hours away) with a strong and growing job market in tech, insurance, manufacturing, and education. The region has an ION light rail transit system and a diverse population.
Cost of Living
Top Employers
University of Waterloo
Education
BlackBerry QNX
Technology
Communitech
Tech Hub
Manulife
Insurance
Settlement Resources
Settlement, language, and employment services for newcomers in Waterloo Region.
Services for refugees and newcomers including housing, language, and integration support.
Newcomer-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Downtown Kitchener
Revitalized urban core near ION LRT with tech offices and affordable apartments.
Avg. rent: $1,600/mo
Uptown Waterloo
Vibrant area near the universities with restaurants, shops, and diverse community.
Avg. rent: $1,700/mo
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kitchener-Waterloo good for tech workers?
Yes — KW has one of Canada's densest tech ecosystems, anchored by the University of Waterloo, Google, Shopify, and hundreds of startups. It's often called "Canada's Silicon Valley."