Living in Canada vs the UK has been a hot comparison as both countries have strong historical links, many of which still exist today. When you consider the lifestyle of these two nations, you can conclude that being a Canadian is way different from being a Briton.
Although Canada and the UK have a lot in common, there are several differences between these two countries. Many of which include their tradition, culture, lifestyle, cost of living, among many others. Aside from the differences, Canada and the UK have things in common like sport, they are both homes to prominent sports stars.
Canada vs the UK
Canada is fast becoming a desirable place to move to and live in. Most people from the UK and Europe find the cost of living in Canada to be significantly lower than want they are used to in their home country. One of the major attractions when it comes to moving to Canada is the cost of housing compared to other western countries.
When it comes to landscape, Canada is about 9,984,670 sq. Km, while the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is about 243,610 sq. Km. Meaning the United Kingdom is about 2.44% of the size of Canada. When it comes to population, the United Kingdom has more people than Canada with a record of about 67,886,011 while Canada has a record of 37,742,154.
Universal healthcare, a growing economy, progressive government, perfect geography, etc. are other side attractions that draw people to Canada. Budgeting before making a major move overseas is very important, and an important aspect of your budgeting should be factored towards how much your cost of living might be.
It might take a while to wrap your head around all the changes when you move, like getting to know the exchange rates, the cost of daily essentials, goods and services, etc. To help simplify the process, below is an overview of some of the major differences between the cost of living in Canada vs the UK.
Living in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (U.K) is a popular destination for many expats around the world. As one of the world’s major economic hubs, it has several prospects for those seeking exceptional employment opportunities and a quality standard of living. With its diverse and tolerant culture, most expat in the UK immediately feels welcome, even though it still takes some time getting the rope on everything.
The United Kingdom has a rich history and a large landscape consisting of four nations and many regions. Regardless of what you are seeking, either an urban excitement or a rural calm, life in the U.K definitely has plenty of choices to offer you.
From the rocky highlands of Scotland to the extensive bays of Cornwell, the United Kingdom surely has something to offer everybody. For many people, moving to the UK means staying in London. London is the city capital and it is a big bustling city with enchanting neighbourhoods. Still, some of the best places to live in the UK is outside the city capital.
Life outside the city capital paves the way to a new world for people looking for a different experience. The cost of living in the UK is cheaper outside the city capital.
Best Places to Live in the UK
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Oxford & The Cotswolds
- Glasgow
- Brighton
- Cardiff
- Manchester
- Reading & The Thames Valley
- Leeds
- Bristol
Living in Canada
The bitter cold of Canadian winter is a sure way to surprise and welcome you to the county. Canada is a great place to live and work, in fact, it is ranked the second-best country in the world behind Germany.
Cultural influence, economic stability, health care services, quality education, etc. are all attributes that lure people to the country.
Compared to other countries, the unemployment rate is relatively low in Canada, and the standard of living is high. It is a good country to grow old in due to its exceptional pension programs.
Best Provinces to live in Canada
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Nova Scotia
- Alberta
- Quebec
- New Brunswick
Quality of Life in Canada vs the UK
If you live in Canada instead of the UK, you have:
- 1% chances of living longer
The average life expectancy is 81 years in the UK – 83 years for women and 79 years for men. While in Canada, the average life expectancy is 82 years – 85 years for women and 79 years for men. In both countries, women have a higher chance of living longer than their male counterparts.
Women in Canada are 22.2% less likely to die during childbirth as about 7.0% of 1,000 women die during labour in Canada and 9.0% per 1,000 in the UK.
- Spend 26.7% less on Taxes
Tax rates are higher in the U.K than in Canada. The UK has a top tax rate of 45.0% while Canada has a top tax rate of 33.0%.
- Be 47.7% more likely to be unemployed
Even though the rate of unemployment is relatively low in Canada, it is not as low compared to the UK. In the UK, about 4.4% of adults are unemployed while in Canada, about 6.5% of adults are unemployed.
- Spend 14.3% more on healthcare
Although Canada has one of the best healthcare services in the world, this does not come without a price. In the U.K, you are more likely to spend 9.1% of your total GDP on healthcare. While in Canada, about 10.4% of GDP will be spent.
- Be 37.3% less likely to live below the poverty line
Even though the standard of living in Canada is high, adults still have the prospects to live below the established poverty line in the country. Currently, about 9.4% of people in Canada live below the poverty line, while in the UK, the number is 15.0%.
- 9% chances of having fewer children
The birth rate in both countries is low with a record of about 12.1 % of babies per 1,000 people in the U.K and 10.3% babies per 1,000 people in Canada.
Cost of Living in Canada vs the UK
The cost of living in Canada is 8.7% cheaper than in the United Kingdom. Below is an illustration of the differences.
Housing Prices in Canada vs the UK
Housing in Canada is 2.3% lesser than in the UK, below is the breakdown:
Groceries Cost in Canada vs the UK
Groceries are 34.7% higher in Canada than in the UK, below is what the comparison looks like:
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
White Rice (1 kg) | 3.85 | 0.99 | -55.80 % |
Local Cheese | 12.83 | 5.58 | -25.29 % |
Chicken Fillet (1 kg) | 13.29 | 5.69 | -26.39 % |
Onion (1 kg) | 2.61 | 0.99 | -34.69 % |
Beef (1 kg) | 15.01 | 7.62 | -12.75 % |
Oranges (1 kg) | 4.05 | 1.69 | -28.23 % |
Lettuce (1 head)) | 2.53 | 0.74 | -50.04 % |
Water (1.5 litre | 2.24 | 0.95 | -27.14 % |
Restaurant Cost in Canada vs the UK
Going to a restaurant is 5.6% cheaper in Canada than in the UK. below is the breakdown of some basic menus:
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 16.00 | 12.00 | +28.84 % |
Meal for 2 (three-course) | 70.00 | 50.00 | +22.71 % |
Combo meal | 10.00 | 6.00 | +3.07 % |
Imported beer (0.33 bottle) | 7.50 | 4.00 | -8.38 % |
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | 6.00 | 3.70 | +5.94 % |
Water (0.33 litre) | 1.83 | 0.98 | -8.60 % |
Cigarettes (20 packs) | 15.00 | 11.00 | +25.98 % |
Cappuccino (regular) | 4.23 | 2.76 | +11.93 % |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter) | 2.24 | 1.33 | +1.80 % |
Transportation Cost in Canada vs the UK
The cost of transportation is 27.1% lesser in Canada than in the UK.
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
A one-way ticket (local transport) | 3.25 | 2.50 | +32.15 % |
Gas (1 litre) | 1.15 | 1.27 | +89.82 % |
Monthly regular pass | 97.00 | 65.00 | +15.12 % |
New Toyota Corolla Sedan | 24,329.50 | 20,031.87 | +41.44 % |
New Volkswagen golf | 26,000.00 | 20,000.00 | +32.15 % |
Public transport ticket (monthly) | 119 | 145 | -14% |
Taxi 1-hour Waiting (regular tariff) | 34.00 | 17.40 | -12.08 % |
Taxi 1 km | 2.00 | 1.24 | +6.51 % |
Taxi start | 4.00 | 3.00 | +28.84 % |
Childcare Cost in Canada vs the UK
The cost of childcare is 40.8% lesser in Canada than in the UK.
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
Yearly Childcare Per Child – International Primary School | 14,169.17 | 13,547.14 | +64.25 % |
Monthly Preschool/Kindergarten per child | 979.70 | 928.42 | +62.80 % |
Clothing Cost in Canada vs the UK
You will pay less for clothing in Canada than in the U.K – 8.7%
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
A Pair of Jeans | 64.25 | 59.13 | +58.10 % |
A Pair of Running Shoes | 101.03 | 62.43 | +6.16 % |
Summer Dress in a Chain Store | 45.34 | 29.70 | +12.51 % |
A Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 126.08 | 61.97 | -15.57 % |
Gym Cost in Canada vs the UK
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (1 month) | 49.91 | 30.57 | +5.22 % |
Renting a Tennis court (1 hour on weekend) | 20.44 | 10.28 | -13.57 % |
Cost of Schooling in Canada vs the UK
The cost of schooling for both the 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 £310 to apply for a UK student visa
Cost of Undergraduate program in Canada vs the UK
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | |
|---|---|---|
Program duration | 4 years | 3 years |
Tuition | 10,000 – 30,000 yearly | 8,000 – 15,000 yearly |
Living expenses | 10,000 – 12,000 yearly | 12,000 – 15,000 yearly |
Total | 20,000 – 42,000 yearly | 20,000 – 30,000 yearly |
Cost of postgraduate program in Canada vs the U.K
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | |
|---|---|---|
Program duration | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
Tuition | 15,000 – 35,000 yearly | 10,000 – 20,000yearly |
Living expenses | 10,000 – 12,000 yearly | 12,000 – 15,000 yearly |
Total | 25,000 – 47,000 yearly | 22,000 – 35,000 yearly |
Cost of Utilities in Canada vs the UK
Canada (CA$) | United Kingdom £ | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | 157.96 | 154.76 | +68.31% |
Local mobile prepaid tariff (1 min.) | 0.35 | 0.11 | -45.35% |
Internet service (60 Mbps) | 76.31 | 31.13 | -29.93% |
The above analysis should give you an insight into the cost of living in Canada vs the UK. If you are considering staying in any of the countries, weigh in the pros and cons of both countries and decide on where you see yourself living more comfortably.
1 thought on “Living in Canada vs the UK – Which is Better?”
The article mentions that education costs are relatively high in both countries. I wonder if there are any scholarships or financial aid options available for international students. It would be helpful to explore those options further to get a clearer picture of the overall affordability of studying abroad.