Cost of Living In Canada vs. UK

‍The cost of living in Canada and the UK can vary significantly depending on where you live. Generally, the UK's cost of living is slightly higher than Canada's, but this is not always true. Generally speaking, the cost of living in the UK is higher in cities, while the cost of living in Canada is higher in rural areas.

It is essential to consider the cost of living when deciding where to live. The cost of living will affect everything from how much you spend on food and housing to how much you will have left in your bank account after you have paid all your bills. If you've ever wondered: Is Canada Expensive? What is a Canada vs UK salary like? Is Canada cheaper than UK? This guide is here to answer.

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This guide will cover the cost of living in Canada and the UK and provide the information to make an informed decision.

The Cost of Living in Canada and the UK

To get a good idea of how the cost of living in Canada compares to that of the UK, it’s vital to look at the major factors that affect people’s lifestyle, namely healthcare, food, housing, salaries, transport, and utilities.

Here’s a full breakdown of all the major factors affecting the cost of living in Canada.

Healthcare

The cost of healthcare in Canada and the UK can vary significantly, depending on where you live. In Canada, healthcare is provided free to all citizens, while in the UK, there is a National Health Service (NHS) which provides free healthcare to all residents.

However, UK healthcare is often more expensive than Canada's. This is because the UK also has a privatized healthcare system, meaning that the NHS may not cover some treatments and must be paid out of pocket. In Canada, most treatments and medications are covered by the government, so the cost of healthcare is generally lower than in the UK.

Food

The cost of food in Canada and the UK can vary significantly depending on where you live. Food in the UK is more expensive than in Canada because the UK typically has a higher cost of living, and food is no exception.

In Canada, food is generally cheaper than in the UK. Still, the food quality can vary significantly depending on where you shop. Generally, food in Canada is more expensive than in the UK, but it may be higher quality.

The average food costs in Canada compared to the UK are as follows.

Please note:

All cost of living averages are sourced from Numbeo.com, and all numbers are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Food Cost	Canada	UK
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	22.00CAD	25.35CAD
McMeal at McDonald's	12.00CAD	10.14CAD
Domestic Beer (0.5l draught)	7.00CAD	7.60CAD
Milk (1l)	2.74CAD	1.75CAD
Loaf of Fresh White Bread	3.24CAD	1.79CAD
Eggs (regular) (12)	4.15CAD	3.74CAD

In both countries, shopping around to get the best price for your groceries is important. For example, several discount supermarkets offer lower prices in the UK than the major supermarkets. Similarly, in Canada, you can find discounts on food if you shop around.

Transportation

The cost of transportation in Canada and the UK can vary significantly, depending on where you live. But, generally speaking, public transport in the UK is more expensive than in Canada. The UK's more extensive public transportation system requires more funding.

In Canada, public transportation is generally cheaper than in the UK, but there are still differences between cities. For example, public transit in Vancouver is more expensive than in Toronto, while public transportation in Montreal is cheaper than in Toronto. However, here’s a breakdown of the average transport costs in Canada and the UK.

Transport Cost	Canada	UK
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	3.25CAD	4.22CAD
Monthly Pass	100.00CAD	111.52CAD
Taxi 1km	2.00CAD	2.10CAD
Gasoline (1l)	1.58CAD	2.63CAD

In addition, both countries have extensive private transportation networks, such as car rentals and taxi services. These services can be expensive in both countries but are often necessary for getting around.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Canada and the UK can vary significantly, depending on where you live.

Generally speaking, utilities in the UK are more expensive than in Canada due to the higher cost of living. In addition, utilities in the UK are often higher quality than in Canada.

In Canada, utilities can vary significantly depending on the province or territory in which you live. Generally, utilities in Canada are cheaper than in the UK, but they can be more expensive in certain cities or provinces. As an example, here are the average utility costs for an 85m2 apartment, including heating, electricity, cooling, water, and garbage:

Canada	UK
198.17CAD	345.86CAD

In both countries, shopping around to get the best deal on utilities is essential. For example, several energy companies in the UK offer cheaper rates than the major providers. Similarly, in Canada, it is possible to find discounts on utilities if you shop around. Another vital factor is that utilities vary wildly depending on your location in both countries, so you must research the utility rates of your specific location before budgeting.

Housing

In Canada, housing can vary significantly depending on the province or territory in which you live. Despite the UK’s higher cost of living, housing in the UK is cheaper than in Canada, but it can be more expensive in certain cities or provinces. This is often due to the quality and size of Canadian housing compared to the UK. Here are the average costs to rent an apartment in Canada compared to the UK.

Single-bedroom Apartment	Canada	UK
Outside City Centre	1,405.90CAD	1,193.76CAD
In City Centre	1,640.99CAD	1,534.08CAD

In both countries, it is vital to shop around to get the best deal on housing. For example, in the UK, several real estate agents offer lower prices than the major agencies. Similarly, in Canada, you can find discounts on housing if you shop around.

Salaries

Your Canada vs UK salary can vary significantly, depending on your location and job type. However, generally speaking, salaries in the UK are lower than in Canada. This is due to Canada’s rapidly expanding industries and slightly higher housing costs.

In Canada, salaries can vary significantly depending on the province or territory in which you live and your job type. For example, salaries in Canada are generally in the UK but can be higher in certain cities or provinces. However, Canada vs UK salary is as follows:

Canada	UK
4,050.92CAD	3,895.97CAD

In both countries, it is crucial to research salary levels before applying for a job to get the best deal. For example, in the UK, several websites provide salary information for various positions. Similarly, you can find salary information in Canada if you shop around.

Now that you understand how the cost of living in each country works, it’s time to find the right pathway for you. One of the best ways to ensure you get to Canada correctly is to speak to a certified immigration expert like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can fully evaluate you to find which of Canada’s over 100 immigration and visa programs is right for you.

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How To Work Out the Cost of Living in Your Chosen City

If you are considering a move to Canada or the UK, comparing the cost of living in each country is essential. Fortunately, there are online tools and calculators which help you do this.

The Numbeo Cost of Living Comparison Tool

Numbeo.com allows you to compare the cost of living in two different cities or access the average cost for entire nations. It’s regularly updated to be as accurate as possible.

The Expatistan Cost of Living Comparison Tool

Expatistan.com enables you to compare the cost of living in two different cities or countries and compare your cost of living to that of other major cities worldwide.

In addition, several websites provide detailed information about the cost of living in each country, such as the Canada Cost of Living and the UK Cost of Living websites.

Using these tools, you can compare the cost of living in each country and decide where to live.

Pros and Cons of Living in Canada and the UK

When deciding where to live, it is crucial to consider both the pros and cons of living in each country.

Canada:

Pros	Cons
Free healthcare	Colder Climate
Cheaper housing	Higher Crime Rate
Lower general cost of living	Lack of Cultural Diversity Outside Big Cities

The United Kingdom:

Pros	Cons
Higher Quality of Life	A Higher Cost of Living
A Higher Salary	Lack of Work-life Balance*
A More Diverse Cultural Landscape	Long Waits for Medical Care

Read about the main differences between working in Canada vs the UK.

FAQs

Is Canada Expensive Compared to the UK?

Generally speaking, the cost of living in the UK is higher than in Canada, but this is not always the case. The cost of living can vary significantly depending on where you live, so it is important to research the cost of living in each country before deciding where to live.

Is Living in Canada Better Than Living in the UK?

Like every other country, some unique differences and features set them apart. For example, Canada may have expensive and inexpensive cities, though the overall cost of living in Canada vs. the UK is much lower than the UK's. This makes Canada 12% less expensive than the UK.

Is Canada Worth Moving To?

Canada is an extraordinary country with many job opportunities and a thriving economy. Canada is a multicultural country that's socially progressive and welcomes immigrants with open arms. With over 100 immigration programs, the Canadian government invites foreign nationals with an in-demand skillset to join the labor force and contribute to the Canadian economy.

Discover a Better Life in the Great White North

Making an informed decision about where to live is essential, and understanding the cost of living in each country is an integral part of the process. This guide has provided an overview of the cost of living in Canada and the UK, including healthcare, food, transportation, utility, housing, and salaries.

If you want to make your start in Canada and want to be sure your application goes well, a fantastic place to start is by speaking to an RCIC. An RCIC can create your online immigration profiles, fill out your application forms, help you source and verify your documentation, provide you with courses to help you improve your eligibility, represent you with certain immigration authorities and provide you with the help and support you need through every step of the application process.

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