Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver...probably couldn't be more different. Would not want to lump all of Canada into one of those cities.

Montreal is the most affordable city in canada that doesn't suck. It's a bit hard to believe how cheap it still is (relatively!), yet imo it's a much better place to live in than Toronto/Ottawa/Edmonton.

Too cold and French speaking.

Berlin to Edmonton? Maybe it could work if nightlife doesn't matter at all to you.

OP is specifically requesting no cold winters and you guys are talking about Edmonton ;)

sure, this wasn't meant as a suggestion to take Vancouver into consideration - it certainly won't win anything on affordability.

It was just meant to offer my perspective and lessons learned around moving from germany to another location. I am sure for other locations there are again other pro's and con's.

Apologies if that came off a bit dismissive - I think I am influenced by some acquaintances who had terrible experience in that area, due to insane real estate market. It was said that external investors driving it up is a big contributor but I don't have any data and am suspicious of those claims.