When one student wishes to study or work in an international destination, the first and foremost thing that can help is the cost of living. The same is the case with Canada and the United Kingdom. Popular belief and facts suggest that Canada generally offers much lower housing costs, whereas housing in the UK has a higher overall cost of living. There are stark differences in consumer prices and healthcare expenses as well.
Even though average monthly or total salaries after several taxes and deductions are slightly higher in the UK, when we compare the mortgage interest rates, they are lower in the UK. There are various factors, such as personal preferences, lifestyle choices, professional opportunities, and individual situations, that play an important role in determining which country may be more suitable for an individual’s needs when considering living in Canada or the UK in 2024.
Rent Comparison In UK VS Canada
Everyone is aware that UK falls on the expensive side of this spectrum. However, a few places like London, Manchester fall on the higher end. Whereas in Canada, most suburbs have lower cost of living. The following table will help you understand the differences in the average rent in the UK as well as Canada.
| Aspect | Canada | UK |
| Average Rent for 1-BR | CAD $1,166 (£674) | £839 (CAD $1,450) |
| Housing Market Variation | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Major Cost Centers | Toronto, Vancouver | London |
| Average 1-BR Apartment | CAD $1,166 (£674) in average cities | Over £1,500 (CAD $2,740) in London |
| Considerations | More affordable rental options | Higher overall housing costs |
Healthcare Comparison
Healthcare is another major comparison factor for prospective students as well as future expats trying to move to the two countries in question. When comparing the two, one must make note of the fact that the complete healthcare system is publicly funded and almost free for the majority in Canada. This means that the residents do not pay for medical consultations, hospital stays and also most medical procedures.
In the UK, the popular and most recognised National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to all the registered UK residents. Further, one can compare the two with the help of the following information:
| Aspect | Canada | UK |
| Healthcare System | Publicly funded and free at point of use | National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare |
| Medical Coverage | Consultations, hospital stays, most procedures | Consultations, hospital stays, most procedures |
| Non-Covered Services | Dental care, prescriptions, eye tests may not be free | Some medical services not free; private options available |
| Healthcare Spending (2019) | 10.7% of GDP | 9.8% of GDP |
| Overall Evaluation | Comprehensive and affordable healthcare | Comprehensive and mostly free healthcare; some non-covered costs |
Food Costs In UK Vs Canada
Food is a daily and a daily cost, thus anyone planning to move to either of the countries must understand that the costs involved in this aspect would be higher. The following table will help one understand the cost of buying groceries as well as eating outside:
| Aspect | Canada | UK |
| Grocery Cost Index (Sept 2021) | 63.89 | 65.38 |
| Variability | Significant within each country | Significant within each country |
| Influencing Factors | Transportation, production, distribution, seasonal fluctuations, supply and demand | Transportation, production, distribution, import tariffs, currency fluctuations |
| Food Options | Wide range from local markets to online retailers | Wide range from local markets to online retailers |
| Impact on Budget | Considerable, but not a decisive factor | Considerable, but not a decisive factor |
Utilities Costing In UK Vs Canada
Reoccuring costing that includes gas, maintenance, electricity and water bills are often covered in rent. However, there would be some instances where these costs would be separate. Thus, the table below can be of help:
| Aspect | Canada | UK |
| Basic Utilities Cost for 85m2 Flat | CAD $161 (£93) | £154 (CAD $280) |
| Variability | Significant depending on location, climate, and usage habits | Significant depending on location, water scarcity, and ownership |
| Seasonal Impact | Increased during winter for heating, particularly in colder regions | Water bills may be higher in areas with scarcity or private ownership |
| Influencing Factors | Location, climate, usage habits, energy efficiency, conservation efforts | Location, water scarcity, ownership, energy efficiency, conservation efforts |
| Long-term Considerations | Energy efficiency and conservation efforts can help reduce costs | Energy efficiency and conservation efforts can help reduce costs |
Transportation Costs In UK Vs Canada
Travelling is an unavoidable activity, despite the activities of an individual. Thus, it is another cost to consider. The below table will help one understand the actual costs incurred while studying or working abroad in UK or Canada.
| Aspect | Canada | UK |
| Petrol Cost (per litre) | CAD $1.34 | £1.37 (CAD $2.37) |
| Variability | Significant depending on location, mode of transportation | Significant depending on location, mode of transportation |
| Public Transportation | Monthly passes: CAD $99 in Toronto, CAD $97 in Vancouver | Average of £64 (CAD $111) in London |
| Car Ownership Costs | Higher due to insurance, registration fees, fuel costs | May be lower, but petrol costs can be higher |
| Overall Evaluation | Transport costs vary by location and mode; petrol generally cheaper | Transport costs vary by location and mode; petrol generally more expensive |
When comparing the cost of living in Canada and the UK, there are several factors to consider. It is not easy to simply claim that one is cheaper than the other. A student’s lifestyle and personal choices also make a difference here. However, if we were to believe in numbers, the cost of living index in Canada was 67.14, while in the UK, it was 70.78, from this number one can see that the cost of living in the UK is a bit higher than the cost of living in Canada.
FAQs
Q1. Which country is better to live UK or Canada?
Ans: If you like natural beauty and a high level of multiculturalism, then Canada is the place for you. If you are someone who likes history and a charm of the old and new, then UK is the place for you!
Q2. Out of the two – UK and Canada, which is better?
Ans: Both countries can have their challenges, however, UK is more expensive and Canada is cheaper. Both countries can have their influence on a person’s growth immensely.
Q3. Which place is better to work, Canada or the UK?
Ans: Both Canada and the United Kingdom have plentiful job options and strong job marketplaces. The decision is influenced by factors such as industry, career possibilities, and personal work-life balance preferences.
Q4. Is Toronto or London more expensive?
Ans: In terms of housing, food, transit, and total cost of living, London, UK, is often considered more costly than Toronto, Canada.
Q5. How much is Canada visa fee?
Ans: According to candim.com, the Canada visa fee is $100 per person.
We hope that our blog on ‘The Ultimate Comparison: Canada Vs UK Cost Of Living’ will help you make a successful decision about moving to either country. Consider giving these blogs a read to understand more about Canada and UK:
