Comparison of Canada and Australia for Settlement Migration.
When contemplating immigration options between Australia and Canada, it’s crucial to assess the available choices. To gain insight into the leading options, let’s briefly contrast immigration opportunities in Australia and Canada with basic metrics of comparable parameters.
By examining aspects such as residency prerequisites, living expenses, population demographics, economic conditions, and cultural allure, a more distinct understanding arises to aid in determining the preferable destination for immigration.
Comparison of Immigration Procedures in Canada and Australia
The immigration process in Canada is known for its lengthy and well-established procedures, whereas Australia offers a more streamlined and expedited system.
In Australia, the initial application process typically spans four months, although this timeline can be expedited for individuals with close relatives already residing in the country. Additionally, applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language and undergo a health assessment.
Conversely, the Canadian immigration process necessitates the provision of proof of income and residency status in the applicant’s home country, along with documentation of qualifications. On average, the application process in Canada takes about two months, with a final decision typically rendered within six months.
Comparison of Citizenship Acquisition: Australia vs. Canada
Canada and Australia possess distinct immigration protocols. Canada is renowned for its inclusive stance toward immigrants, while Australia maintains stricter criteria for citizenship attainment.
In Canada, citizenship is attainable through naturalization, contingent upon meeting specific prerequisites such as maintaining a clean record and fulfilling residency obligations. Conversely, Australia bestows citizenship based on residency, necessitating a minimum period of Australian residency spanning at least five years.
Canada adopts a more lenient approach to citizenship, requiring fundamental proficiency in English and familiarity with Canadian history as primary qualifications. In contrast, Australia imposes more stringent criteria, including successful completion of a comprehensive test evaluating cultural acumen and comprehension of Australian society. The ensuing table elucidates the disparities between the two citizenship processes.
Comparison of Family Member Eligibility for Permanent Residency: Australia vs. Canada
Significant disparities exist between Canada’s Permanent Residency (PR) and Australia’s PR regarding eligibility for family members. Notably, Canada offers a more flexible definition of family members compared to Australia. In Canada, individuals may be considered family members even if they do not cohabit with their relatives. Conversely, Australia mandates close proximity to family members as a requisite for classification as a family member.
In Canada, permanent residency status is a prerequisite for sponsoring family members for immigration. This necessitates a minimum residency period of five years in Canada, coupled with a robust connection to the country. Conversely, in Australia, sponsorship of family members for immigration is permissible after holding permanent residency for a mere three years. Consequently, individuals lacking ties to Canada can still sponsor their family members for immigration upon relocating to Australia.
Comparison of Cost of Living: Canada vs. Australia
Canada is frequently regarded as a more economical place to reside, with comparisons drawn to countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden due to its relatively lower cost of living compared to Australia. For instance, grocery expenses tend to be lower in Canada, and housing costs are generally more affordable on average.
Moreover, healthcare expenses typically prove to be more manageable in Canada. Nevertheless, when evaluating these two countries, it’s important to consider certain factors, such as the higher wages in Australia and the varying cost of living across different regions.
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Food
| Commodity | Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic lunchtime menu (incl. a drink) in the business district | C$23 (AU$26) | AU$23 | +11% |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac meal or similar) | C$15 (AU$16) | AU$15 | +10% |
| 500 grams (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | C$10 (AU$12) | AU$7 | +66% |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of full-fat milk | C$3.20 (AU$3.57) | AU$2.04 | +75% |
| 12 eggs, large | C$5.71 (AU$6) | AU$7 | -09% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | C$5.68 (AU$6) | AU$6 | 0% |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | C$11 (AU$12) | AU$10 | +18% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | C$5.32 (AU$5.93) | AU$5.10 | +16% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | C$3.36 (AU$3.74) | AU$3.58 | +5% |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | C$4.08 (AU$4.56) | AU$7 | -35% |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | C$21 (AU$23) | AU$21 | +9% |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | C$3.22 (AU$3.59) | AU$3.60 | 0% |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | C$2.63 (AU$2.93) | AU$3.18 | -8% |
| Food in Canada is approximately 7% more expensive than in Australia | +7% | ||
Now that we know food is slightly expensive in Canada in comparison with Australia, let us move on to see the metrics of housing in the two countries.Canada vs. Australia
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Housing
| Commodity | Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in a moderately expensive area | C$2,869 (AU$3,201) | AU$4,626 | -31% |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in a normal area | C$2,282(AU$2,546) | AU$3,087 | -18% |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas etc.) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | C$234 (AU$261) | AU$415 | -37% |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | C$2,029 (AU$2,264) | AU$2,828 | -20% |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | C$1,464 (AU$1,633) | AU$2,175 | -25% |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas etc.) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | C$119 (AU$133) | AU$176 | -25% |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | C$65(AU$73) | AU$73 | 0% |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) | C$199 (AU$222) | AU$301 | -26% |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | C$15 (AU$16) | AU$22 | -26% |
| 40” flat screen TV | C$396 (AU$442) | AU$886 | -50% |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | C$30 (AU$33) | AU$48 | +31% |
| Housing related expenses in Canada are approximately 24% less expensive than in Australia: | -24% | ||
As another essential indicator of living costs portfolio, we will now take a look at clothing expenses in the two countries to add to the larger comprative aspect of blended effect of all parameters.
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Clothing
| Clothing | Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) | C$82 (AU$91) | AU$129 | -29% |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) | C$60 (AU$67) | AU$94 | -28% |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) | C$143 (AU$160) | AU$177 | -9% |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | C$167 (AU$187) | AU$209 | -11% |
| Clothing expenses in Canada are approximately 24% less expensive than in Australia: | -24% | ||
Let’s now take a look at how the transportation factor is going to affect you in both these countries:
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Transportation
| Means | Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new | C$34,400 (AU$38,377) | AU$39,340 | -2% |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | C$1.62 (AU$1.81) | AU$1.99 | -9% |
| Monthly ticket public transport | C$105 (AU$117) | AU$185 | -37% |
| Transportation expenses in Canada are approximately 29% less expensive than in Australia: | -29% | ||
Personal care is again one of those important metrics to consider, let us now take a look at how this portfolio is likely affect your cost of living equation in both countries, side by side.
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Personal Care
| Commodity | Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent) | C$11 (AU$13) | AU$7 | +76% |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | C$24 (AU$27) | AU$19 | +42% |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | C$130 (AU$145) | AU$89 | +63% |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB) | C$10 (AU$11) | AU$9 | +23% |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | C$7 (AU$7) | AU$5.56 | +31% |
| Shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | C$7 (AU$8) | AU$9 | -13% |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | C$4.46 (AU$4.97) | AU$4.36 | +14% |
| Tube of toothpaste | C$3.63 (AU$4.05) | AU$4.71 | -14% |
| Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city | C$29 (AU$33) | AU$37 | -11% |
| Personal care-related expenses in Canada are approximately 29% more expensive than in Australia | +29% | ||
Participation in initiatives such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) underscores New Zealand’s commitment to fostering regional integration and enhancing trade relations
Canada vs. Australia Cost of Living — Lifestyle & Entertainment
| Element /Mode |
Canada (CAD/AUD) |
Australia (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic dinner out for two in the neighborhood pub | C$67 (AU$75) | AU$75 | -13% |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | C$185 (AU$207) | AU$278 | -26% |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in expat area including appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert | C$130 (AU$145) | AU$127 | +14% |
| 2 tickets to the movies | C$32 (AU$36) | AU$46 | -22% |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | C$15 (AU$16) | AU$21 | -23% |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | C$5.95 (AU$7) | AU$5.12 | +30% |
| 1 beer in neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | C$8 (AU$9) | AU$11 | -22% |
| Apple iPad WiFi 128GB | C$750 (AU$837) | AU$1,070 | -22% |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | C$0.44 (AU$0.50) | AU$0.66 | -25% |
| 1 month of gym membership in the business district | C$69 (AU$77) | AU$92 | -17% |
| 1 package of Marlboro cigarettes | C$18 (AU$20) | AU$44 | -54% |
| Lifestyle and entertainment-related expenses in Canada are approximately 17% less expensive than in Australia: | -17% | ||
These prices were last updated on April 12, 2024. Exchange rate: 1.116 AUD / CAD. This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 7,328 prices entered by 1,076 different people.
