Cost of Living in Canada vs the UK
With breath-taking landscapes, a vibrant culture, and a welcoming population, living in Canada is a dream. Although living costs between the UK and Canada are almost on par, the latter offers some significant perks that make relocation worthwhile. The country’s immigration system has not only been designed to meet its growing labour needs but also offers excellent benefits. Subsidised healthcare and education, along with a positive work-life balance, are some additional perks of choosing Canada as your home country.
Cost of Housing in Canada
When relocating across the globe, housing should be your top priority. House prices in Canada are relatively higher than in the UK. That being said, London is consistently ranked more expensive than Toronto.
Monthly Rent
Renting is a great way of securing short-term accommodation. If you want to try out living in different cities in Canada, renting a property will give you a feel for the area before you make a larger commitment.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £1,115 | £1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,000 | £900 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £1,800 | £1,750 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,500 | £1,350 |
Buying a House
If you’re considering living permanently in Canada, buying a house will save you money in the long term. The cost of living in Canada is relatively higher in major cities. If you’re prepared to commute, you should consider smaller towns.
| Item (Price per square metre) | Canada* | UK* |
| Apartment in the City Centre | £5,700 | £5,100 |
| Apartment outside the City Centre | £4,000 | £3,800 |
Utility Bills
Monthly utility bills in the UK are almost on par with those in Canada. While energy prices are slightly lower in Canada, internet costs are cheaper in the UK.
| Item (Price per month) | Canada* | UK* |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | £125 | £250 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | £40 | £15 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £50 | £30 |
The choice between eating in and dining out in Canada will depend upon your budget. Consumer prices between the UK and Canada are quite variable. While groceries tend to be slightly cheaper in the UK, restaurants in Canada tend to be considerably more affordable.
Groceries
Creating a monthly budget for your groceries is imperative regardless of where you live. In Canada, essential items are quite affordable and you can often find great offers at supermarkets. In the initial months of settling in, however, it is typical for your grocery bills to shoot up.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | £1.70 | £1.20 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £2.10 | £1.20 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | £3 | £1.60 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | £2.75 | £3 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £9.10 | £7 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £9.70 | £6.50 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | £11.50 | £10.50 |
| Apples (1kg) | £3.50 | £2.10 |
| Banana (1kg) | £1.10 | £1.15 |
| Tomato (1kg) | £3.20 | £2.60 |
| Potato (1kg) | £2.10 | £1.10 |
| Onion (1kg) | £2 | £1.05 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | £10.50 | £8 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | £11 | £13 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | £.150 | £1 |
Restaurants
Restaurants in London tend to be considerably more expensive than in Toronto. This means you will have more chances to dine out in Canada when on a budget.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | £14.50 | £15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | £60 | £60 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | £8.50 | £7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | £4.65 | £4.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | £4.65 | £4.25 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | £3 | £3.15 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | £1.70 | 1.70 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | £1.40 | £1.25 |
Transportation Costs in Canada
When it comes to the cost of living in Canada vs the UK, transport tends to be cheaper in Canada. Car prices, petrol, and public transport tickets all tend to be cheaper in Canada.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £2 | £2.40 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £60 | £70 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £2.60 | £3 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | £1.20 | £1.25 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | £20 | £18 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | £0.90 | £1.50 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | £19,800 | £28,300 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | £16,200 | £24,900 |
Childcare Costs in Canada
Canada’s education system is among the best in the world. Not only are public schools subsidised, but the country also has some of the top universities in the world.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | £660 | £1,250 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | £10,650 | £14,540 |
Healthcare Costs in Canada
The Canadian government provides a subsidised healthcare system. Although residents do not pay direct fees for healthcare services (including dental care), medical charges are deducted as tax from their paychecks. On average, Canadians pay approximately 9,000 CAD per year to maintain their free healthcare system.
If you would like to avail Canada’s healthcare benefits, you must apply for permanent residency as it is only available to Canadian citizens.
Recreation Costs
You must take advantage of Canada’s fantastic recreation opportunities whether you’re relocating for work or leisure. In terms of the cost of leisure activities, Canadian prices are often relatively similar to the UK.
| Item | Canada* | UK* |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £35 | £30 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | £15 | £10 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £10 | £10 |
A cost of living analysis is imperative when deciding upon a destination to relocate. Between the UK and Canada, living costs may appear similar on the surface. But when investigated further, Canada appears to be significantly cheaper when it comes to certain items such as food and transport. Furthermore, the latter’s subsidised healthcare and excellent education system are only some of the benefits that enhance one’s quality of life in Canada.
Whether you’re moving to Vancouver or Calgary, our professional team can ensure your transition is seamless every step of the way. Book a relocation quote and plan your international relocation with Gerson Relocation today.
(*All prices are approx. as of May 2024)
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