Canada and Australia are two big countries that operate almost similarly and welcome people from all works of life and countries. Canada is an exceptional place to live and work. The quality of life, cultural influence, entrepreneurship spirit, economic influence and the overall sustainability makes living in Canada second-to-none.
Living in Australia means knocking on the door of opportunities. Australia is a young, multicultural and free country with an ever-growing economy. Canada and Australia are renowned for having reputable places where people enjoy high-quality life.
The standard of living in Canada vs Australia is relatively high depending on the city you are staying. Both countries have natural resources their economy are based on. For Australia, it is minerals while for Canada, it is oil. And as the global demand for these commodities increases, so will the economic opportunities of both countries.
Living in Australia
Australia boasts a diverse range of wildlife and nature. There are many species of plants and animals indigenous only to Australia. The primaeval beauty of the country’s wilderness combined with the abundance of wildlife is some of the what attracts tourist and immigrants to the country.
Australia is a perfect destination for people who enjoy an easy-going lifestyle and want to live in an efficient and radical country. Australia is a healthy city with 26 -successive years of non-stop growth. The vast majority of the population in Australia is comprised of the middle class.
There are several job prospects due to the varied and rewarding work culture in Australia. The unemployment rate is relatively low, in fact, in some cities, residents are never out of jobs as there are always temporary jobs available. The population density is sustainable even in the city.
The major cities in Australia offer all kind of services, work, and leisure activities in a serene and spacious environment. Australia is home to many renowned universities, seven of which are ranked among the top 100 around the globe.
If you are not an Australian, and you are considering moving to Australia. There are several things you need to sort and know before making the final move. Things like your visa and immigration documents are very crucial. Once this is sorted, you can begin house hunting, shipping your household items, etc.
Living in Canada
Canada is prominent for its exceptional quality of life and the many prospects available to both residents and foreigner. Many provinces in Canada are ranked among the best places to live in the world even though the cost of living varies per provinces or neighbourhood you live in.
In Canada, most household expenses can amount to as much as your net salary. Considering the cost of rent is crucial, which makes up about 30 -50% of the family budget, it is important to factor in all expenses when considering relocating. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment cost about 990 CAD monthly.
Other payments like tax payment are controlled by the Canadian government who has unified its policies and programs across the country. Each province in Canada has its tax regulations governing them. For income tax, it is taken out of your salary which is often paid in every two weeks.
Perks of Living in Canada vs Australia
Some of the perks of living in Australia are:
- Quality life
- A growing economy
- Sound educational system
- Exceptional healthcare system
- Multicultural nation
- Natural environment
Some of the perks of living in Australia are:
- Naturally rich
- Safe
- Culinary culture
- Universal Healthcare
- Good sense of humour
- Economic strength and stability
- Quality educational system
- A tolerant and broad-minded society
- Multicultural melting point
Cost of Living in Canada vs Australia
Generally, the cost of living in Canada is 9% cheaper compared to Australia. The official language in Australia is English, so if you speak English, you will have no problem adapting, communicating or doing business. Canada, on the other hand, has two official languages – French and English.
The population consists mostly of Caucasians which take about 92%, and Asians taking (7%), the remaining 1% is shared between Aboriginal and other cultures. While Canada’s population consist of 59% English, 23% French with other languages sharing the remaining 18%.
Canada is richer in minerals and natural resources than Australia. Moving to either Canada or Australia is not a bad decision. Both countries are doing well for themselves in terms of infrastructure, education, healthcare, safety, among many others. The decision you make between the two countries should be based on where you see yourself living after reviewing the cost of living in both countries.
The next section of this article will compare the prices of different things in Canada vs Australia.
NOTE: Candian Prices are in CAD while Austrialian Prices are in AUD.
1 CAD = 1.09 AUD (As of October 2021)
Average Salary in Canada vs Australia
Canada CA$ |
Australia AU$ |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 3,128.96 | 4,732.03 | -30.63 % |
| Population (2020) | 37,742,154 | 25,518,359 | |
| Area | 9.98 million sq. km | 7.69 million sq. km | |
| Largest City | Toronto | Sydney |
Housing Prices in Canada vs Australia
Housing in Canada is 9% cheaper than in Australia, below is the breakdown:
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent furnished accommodation (900 sq. Ft) within city Centre | 2,270 | 2,667 | -11% |
| Monthly rent furnished accommodation (900 sq. Ft) outside the city Centre | 1,818 | 1,832 | +4% |
| Monthly utilities (gas, electricity, heating, etc.) for 2 in an 85m2 flat | 174 | 252 | – 27% |
| Monthly internet – 8mbps | 53 | 59 | -5% |
| 800/900-watt microwave | 165 | 216 | -20% |
| Monthly utilities (gas, electricity, heating, etc.) for 1 in a studio apartment (480 sq. Ft) | 115 | 114 | -16% |
| Monthly studio rent for a (480 sq. Ft) furnished studio apartment in city Centre | 1,750 | 1,922 | -4% |
| Monthly studio rent for a (480 sq. Ft) furnished studio apartment in outside city Centre | 1,278 | 1,366 | -2% |
| Flat-screen tv (40) | 378 | 582 | -25% |
Food Cost in Canada vs Australia
Food is 4% cheaper in Canada than in Australia, below is what the comparison looks like:
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread for 2 | 2.24 | 2.24 | +5% |
| Local cheese (500 gram) | 10 | 8 | +23% |
| White Rice (1 kg) | 2.73 | 3.84 | +46.74 |
| Boneless chicken (500 gram) | 7 | 5.99 | |
| Apples (1 kg) | 3.87 | 4.24 | -4% |
| Potatoes (1kg) | 2.57 | 3.27 | -17% |
| Fast food (combo meal) | 11 | 12 | -4% |
| Large Eggs (12) | 3.89 | 5.49 | -26% |
| A bottle of red wine | 17 | 20 | -8% |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 4.17 | 4.76 | -8% |
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola (2 litres) | 2.31 | 2.93 | -17% |
| Beer | 3.12 | 5.76 | -43% |
| Whole fat milk (1 litre) | 2.46 | 1.34 | +93% |
| Cappuccino | 4.50 | 4.23 | -1.32% |
| Water | 2.86 | 1.83 | -32.69% |
| Banana (1 kg) | 3.48 | 1.74 | -47.47% |
Restaurant Cost in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 19 | 17 | +15% |
| Dinner for 2 at a neighbourhood pub | 55 | 57 | +0% |
| Dinner for 2 at an Italian restaurant | 95 | 106 | -5% |
| Cocktail drink at a downtown club (1) | 12 | 17 | -26% |
| Movie tickets (2) | 30 | 35 | -12% |
| 1 pt. of Beer in a neighbourhood pub | 7 | 10 | -22% |
| Cigarettes (1 pack) | 15 | 35 | -57% |
Personal Care Cost in Canada vs Australia
Personal care like hygiene product, a trip to the doctors, etc. are 15% more expensive in Canada than in Australia. Below are some prices of product/services in Canada vs Australia:
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste – 1 | 2.47 | 3.17 | -18% |
| Antibiotics (1 box) | 21 | 16 | +38% |
| Deodorant/roll (500 ml) | 5.11 | 4.77 | +13% |
| Private doctor (15 minutes) | 81 | 69 | +24% |
| Cold medicine | 11 | 8 | +50% |
| Toilet paper (4 rolls) | 2.97 | 3.31 | -6% |
| Tampons (1 box) | 8 | 7 | +29% |
| Men haircut | 25 | 27 | -3% |
| 2 in 1 hair shampoo (400 ml) | 5.38 | 5.70 | -1% |
| Per hour billing for cleaning services | 23 | 31 | -22% |
Transportation Cost in Canada vs Australia
The cost of transportation is 12% cheaper in Canada than in Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas (1 litre) | 1.18 | 1.50 | -17% |
| Public transport ticket (monthly) | 119 | 145 | -14% |
| A one-way ticket (local transport) | 3.25 | 4.40 | -22.51 |
| New Toyota Corolla Sedan | 24,329.50 | 25,114.67 | +1.63% |
| New Volkswagen golf | 25,551 | 27,301 | -2% |
| Taxi start | 4.00 | 4.20 | -33.13% |
| Monthly 1-hour waiting | 34.00 | 49.20 | -27.50 |
| Taxi 1 km | 2.00 | 2.06 | -1.86% |
Childcare Cost in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly Childcare Per Child – International Primary School |
14,169.17 | 18,343.79 | -18.96 % |
| Monthly Preschool/Kindergarten per child | 979.70 | 1,892.52 | -45.69 % |
Clothing Cost in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| A Pair of Jeans | 70 | 104 | -29% |
| A Pair of Running Shoes | 111 | 152 | -23% |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store | 50 | 77 | -32% |
| A Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 149 | 146 | +7% |
Gym Cost in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
% |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (1 month) | 58 | 66 | -8% |
| Renting a Tennis court (1 hour on weekend) | 20.44 | 21.02 | +2.00% |
Cost of Schooling in Canada vs Australia
Cost of schooling for both an undergraduate program and postgraduate program in Canada is cheaper than in Australia. For international students, it cost 150 CAD to apply for a Canadian student visa, and 535 AUD to apply to an Australian student visa
Cost of Undergraduate program in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Program duration | 4 years | 3 years |
| Tuition | 10,000 – 30,000 yearly | 15,000 – 33,000 yearly |
| Living expenses | 10,000 – 12,000 yearly | 19,000 – 20,000 yearly |
| Total | 20,000 – 42,000 | 34,000 – 53,000 |
Cost of a postgraduate program in Canada vs Australia
Canada (CA$) |
Australia (AU$) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Program duration | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| Tuition | 15,000 – 35,000 yearly | 20,000 – 37,000 yearly |
| Living expenses | 10,000 – 12,000 yearly | 19,000 – 20,000 yearly |
| Total | 25,000 – 47,000 yearly | 39,000 – 57,000 yearly |
On average, if you live in Canada instead of Australia, you will
- Spend 26.7% less on taxes
Canada has a top tax rate of 33.0% while Australia has a top tax rate of 45.0%
- Be 16.1% more likely to be unemployed
Both countries boast of massive employment years, nonetheless, Canada records an average of 6.5% unemployed adults while the figure is 5.6% for Australia.
- Spend about 10.6% on healthcare
With its renowned effort in the healthcare sector, Canada has one of the best health-care services in the world. This quality healthcare service comes with a price. You are likely to spend 10.4% of GDP in Canada, while in Australia the figure is a bit lower at 9.4%.
- Be 16.7% more likely to die during childbirth
Death during child labour is slightly higher in Canada than in Australia. With an average of 6.0 women per 1,000 births in Australia die during child labour while in Canada 7.0.
- Be 14.9% likely to have fewer children
Australia has a higher rate of childbirth, with about 12.1% of babies born per 1,000 people and 10.3 babies born in Canada.
Best Cities in Australia
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
Best Provinces in Canada
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Nova Scotia
- Alberta
- Quebec
- New Brunswick
Canada and Australia are great countries and like every other country around the globe, they have their pros and cons, but overall, they both have a lot of potential for a great life for resident and immigrants.
