Finding a great country to settle in can be quite a hassle as there are so many great options. Are you Canadian thinking of relocating to India or Indian thinking of relocating to Canada? Then this article is for you.
It is relatively easy to see why people from around the globe consider Canada a great place. Universal healthcare, a progressive government, among many others, are perks Canadian enjoy. While India, on the other hand, has several things working for them as a country including a bubbling tech industry.
When it comes to the general overview of Canada vs. India, there are a lot of differences. These differences can be seen right from the different locations of both countries on the world map to India’s heavily dense population compared to that of Canada. There are also cultural and religious differences. The climate of both countries also differs.
One factor that is a determinant of both countries is the cost of living. Settling in, getting a job, accommodation, etc., are all you should think about if you’re planning to migrate. The cost of living in both countries is relative, as what might be cheap to A might be quite pricey to B, so keep an open mind as we proceed.
Living in Canada
Life in Canada is experience-filled, depending on how you choose to live. Culture, etiquette, transport system, healthcare, etc., are perks of living in Canada. Although Canada is regarded as one of the most expensive countries to live in, some Canadian provinces are relatively cheap. Quebec and Winnipeg top the list of affordable regions to live in Canada.
The cost of living in Canada is relatively cheap, depending on the province. At the same time, Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive province in Canada. Above all, there are many great cities to consider when moving to Canada without compromising the quality of life you want.
Living in India
India is a great place for adventurous people who love a good value amid massive restructuring. India is one of the cheapest places to live in the world. Food, transportation, housing, tourism, etc., are part of India’s perks.
Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru are currently the cheapest places to live in India, while Mumbai and New Delhi are the most expensive areas to reside in India.
If you plan to relocate to one of India’s metro cities, you should expect to pay more than in the suburbs. The Indian rupee is the currency of India, with the currency code INR.
There are several payment methods acceptable in Canada like; cash, credit cards, debit cards, electronic wallets, smart cards, net banking, etc.
For an extended period, foreign nationals staying in India due to work or business reasons would need to make and receive rupee payments. Therefore, it is a good idea for them to have a bank account in India. They can open savings or current accounts with any of the banks in India.
The Indian transport system offers you a variety of services that is quite affordable. The transport system is tailor to how you want to travel and what kind of comforts you want during the journey. As India is changing and modernizing quickly, there are many changes to different sectors across the country.
Cost of Living in Canada vs. India
Although India might be cheaper in terms of living costs, Canada has the second-highest quality of life in the world. Canada’s quality of life is due to the educational and universal health care system.
Notably, over a million Canadian citizens are of Indian heritage. And it is no news that annually, a considerable number of Indians migrate to Canada.
Canada and India share close ties despite their differences. They have similar government forms and a shared commitment to diversity and democracy, and education as a tool of success.
Even though there are some differences in the cost of living in Canada vs. India, there are some similarities both countries share. Some of them include:
- Both are commonwealth member nations.
- They both observe parliamentary democracies; that is, they elect prime ministers via members of parliaments.
- Diversity in religion
- Same metric system
- Unique linguistic population
If you are thinking of moving from India to Canada or the other way around, this article is just for you. The next section of this article will be looking at different expenses and comparing prices in both CAD and INR
Note: Canadian prices are in CAD while Indian prices are in INR
1 CAD = 60.7 INR (As of October 2021)
Food Prices in Canada vs. India
| Food Items | Canada (CAD) | India (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Milk (I Litre) | 2.50 | 50.08 |
| A loaf of white bread (500g) | 2.89 | 33.93 |
| White rice (1kg) | 3.74 | 52.93 |
| Regular Eggs (12) | 3.59 | 66.05 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 12.69 | 392.22 |
| Chicken Fillet (1kg) | 13.30 | 232.99 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 15.14 | 396.93 |
| Apples (1kg) | 4.13 | 141.78 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.74 | 50.30 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4.01 | 72.02 |
India’s food prices are far lower than in Canada because India’s primary focus is agriculture. Also, in Indian markets, bargaining is allowed, unlike in Canada.
Eating Out in Canada vs. India
Meals | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Cappuccino (regular) | 4.25 | 120.33 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | 2.23 | 32.6 |
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | 6.00 | 140.00 |
Imported beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 7.50 | 270.00 |
McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo meal) | 10.00 | 300.00 |
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | 17.00 | 180.00 |
Meal for two people (mid-range) (three-course meal) | 70.00 | 800.00 |
Water (0.33 litre bottle) | 1.83 | 14.41 |
Transportation in Canada vs. India
Transportation Means | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
One-way ticket (local transport) | 3.25 | 20.00 |
Monthly pass (regular) | 97.00 | 700.00 |
Taxi start (normal tariff) | 4.00 | 700.00 |
Taxi – 1km) (normal tariff) | 2.00 | 16.00 |
Taxi – I hour (waiting) (normal tariff) | 34.00 | 100.00 |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW New Trendline (or an equivalent new car) | 26.000 | 900,000 |
Toyota Corolla Sedan1.61 97 KW New Comfort (or an equivalent new car) | 24,330 | 1,688,022 |
Monthly Utilities in Canada vs. India
Utility | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 apartment. | 159.23 | 2.860 |
1 min prepaid mobile tariff (local call) | 0.36 | 0.88 |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 77.37 | 813.87 |
Child Care Education Per Child in Canada vs. India
School Level | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Private preschool or kindergarten – full day (monthly) | 976.88 | 4,273.98 |
International primary school (yearly) | 14,099 | 123.500 |
Public education in India is free and compulsory for all children from the ages of 6 to 14. According to your province in Canada, compulsory and free schooling starts at the age of 5 until 16 or 18. Both countries also have private schools; these schools serve as an alternative to public schools.
Accommodation in Canada vs. India
Rent Per Month | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
1-bedroom apartment in the city centre | 1,352.27 | 12,640 |
1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | 1,106.42 | 7,923.37 |
3-bedroom apartment in the city centre | 2,145.69 | 28,534 |
3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | 1,772.49 | 17,462 |
Buying Apartment in Canada vs. India
Apartment | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Price per square metre in the city centre | 6,011.64 | 100,500 |
Price per square metre outside the city centre | 4,128.82 | 51,107 |
Salaries and Financing in Canada vs. India
Salary | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Average monthly salary (after tax) | 3,251.44 | 33,263 |
Sports and Leisure in Canada vs. India
Sport and Leisure | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
Fitness club (monthly fee per Adult) | 50.38 | 1,407.45 |
Tennis court rent (an hour on weekends) | 20.66 | 526.24 |
Cinema (international release per seat) | 14.00 | 250.00 |
Clothing in Canada vs. India
Clothing Item | Canada | India |
|---|---|---|
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s or similar jeans) | 64.19 | 2,310.15 |
1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M) | 45.30 | 2,371.62 |
1 pair of Nikes running shoes | 101.18 | 3,531.89 |
1 pair of Men Leather business shoes | 126.10 | 2,666.53 |
From the data above, it is well established that living in India is cheaper than living in Canada. If you are thinking of migrating to any of these countries from anywhere globally, carefully weigh your options.
Aside from the cost of living, other factors should also be put into consideration when considering migrating.
