Whether you prefer the Land Down Under or the Great White North, both Australia and Canada offer a high standard of living with an excellent quality of life. The cost of living, however, varies significantly between the two exceptional countries.
Australia is comparably more expensive than Canada by approximately 17%, and as of 2023, ranks 13th in the list of countries with the highest cost of living, whereas Canada ranks 25th.
Both countries offer a multicultural environment, diverse natural attractions, as well as higher education and health care standards, but what makes a significant difference is the cost of living and the monthly expenses. Canada is ideal for families who’d like to settle down, while Australia is better suited for people who like to be out and about.
Each has its pros and cons, but Canada is the more affordable option when it comes to the cost of living. Let’s break down the various factors you should take into account when considering moving to Australia or Canada.
Below you can read a quick summary of our findings:
| Category | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Rank | 13 | 25 |
| Housing (1-BR apartment city center) | $1,527.80 | $1,226.98 |
| Minimum Wage per Hour | $14.88 | $11.66 |
| Healthcare System | Medicare | Free primary healthcare & Medicare |
| Childcare (Private preschool for one child per month) | $1,443.46 | $809.11 |
| Crime Index | 43.03 (#75) | 41.89 (#82) |
Australia Vs Canada: Housing
Housing in Australia is undoubtedly more expensive than in Canada, despite both having similar housing structures. A one-bedroom apartment in Australia will cost approximately $2000 in the city center, while the same in Canada will cost $1600.
However, it’s important to note that a new Canadian law has taken effect as of January 2023 where foreigners are not allowed to purchase properties in the country. Although there are exemptions in place for immigrants and permanent residents of Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens.
Here’s a cost comparison of renting and owning properties in Australia and Canada:
| Housing Expenses | Australia | Canada | Variance | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | ||
| Rent for a 1-BR apartment within the city | ~AU$2,196.34 | ~$1,527.80 | ~CA$1,637.38 | ~$1,226.98 | -19.50% |
| Rent for a 1-BR apartment outside the city | ~AU$1,707.15 | ~$1,187.51 | ~CA$1,388.39 | ~$1,040.4 | -12.20% |
| Rent for a 3-BR apartment within the city | ~AU$3,649.7 | ~$2,538.77 | ~CA$2,620.35 | ~$1,963.57 | -22.50% |
| Rent for a 3-BR apartment outside the city | ~AU$2,564.51 | ~$1,783.90 | ~CA$2,283.68 | ~$1,711.29 | -3.80% |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment within the city | ~AU$10,519.45 | ~$7,317.43 | ~CA$8,921.59 | ~$6,685.44 | -8.40% |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment outside the city | ~AU$7,581.36 | ~$5,273.67 | ~CA$6,633.91 | ~$4,971.15 | -5.50% |
Tip: Interested in buying a property in Australia or Canada? We have created a transferring money to and from Australia guide (also one dedicated to the Canadian residents) that showcases the best companies to work with if you need to send large sums of money between the two countries.
Australia Vs Canada: Employment and Salaries
Both countries have strong economies and have lucrative employment opportunities available for locals as well as foreigners. But that does not equate to instant employment.
In Australia, skilled labor is always in high demand. Farm work, fruit picking, and other seasonal work are always available, especially for people who want to try living in Australia before committing to relocating.
Meanwhile, in Canada, employment opportunities in construction, engineering, healthcare, and mining are always available, but factors like location and skills will impact employment. For instance, if you want to be involved in the tech industry, you should head to cities like Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver, where tech start-ups are based.
In terms of compensation, Australia offers a higher compensation rate than Canada primarily because employers of white-collar jobs pay significantly higher. Canada’s workforce is mainly from blue-collar industries and thus receives reasonable salaries but they are rewarded with a cheaper cost of living.
In Australia, the minimum wage offered is AU$ 21.38 per hour (~$14.88), and employees receive 20 days of mandatory paid leave plus 10 days of paid sick days.
As of 2022, Canada offers a minimum hourly wage of CA$ 15.55 (~$11.66), and employees have two weeks of paid leave every year.
Below are some jobs in Australia and Canada and the average salary you can expect.
| Employment | Australia | Canada | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | |
| Driver | AU$68,250 | ~$47,508.82 | CA$39,520 | ~$29,643.95 |
| General Laborer | AU$55,575 | ~$38,685.76 | CA$31,870 | ~$23,905.69 |
| Registered Nurse | AU$56,000 | ~$38,981.60 | CA$72,935 | ~$54,708.54 |
| Professor | AU$193,687 | ~$134,825.52 | CA$91,877 | ~$68,916.94 |
| Web Developer | AU$135,000 | ~$93,973.50 | CA$71,760 | ~$53,827.18 |
Australia Vs Canada: Basic Groceries and Dining Out
The prices of essential commodities in Canada are higher than in Australia. Expect to pay at least 17.1% more in Canada for groceries and food.
| Food/Groceries | Australia | Canada | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | |
| 1 liter milk | AU$2.12 | ~$1.48 | CA$2.69 | ~$2.02 |
| 1 kilo rice | AU$3.06 | ~$2.13 | CA$4.22 | ~$3.17 |
| One dozen eggs | AU$5.49 | ~$3.83 | CA$4.10 | ~$3.08 |
| 1 kg local cheese | AU$12.92 | ~$9.01 | CA$14.44 | ~$10.83 |
| 1 kg banana | AU$3.78 | ~$2.64 | CA$1.85 | ~$1.39 |
| 1 kg chicken fillet | AU$12.12 | ~$8.45 | CA$14.49 | ~$10.87 |
| 1 kg oranges | AU$4.28 | ~$2.98 | CA$4.60 | ~$3.45 |
| 1 kg apples | AU$4.74 | ~$3.30 | CA$4.81 | ~$3.61 |
Of course, once in a while, eating out to treat yourself and your family is nice. There are many dining options in Australia and Canada, but dining out in Australia costs you more.
And on average, here’s how much you need to include in your budget when dining out:
| Dining Out | Australia | Canada | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | |
| A meal in an inexpensive restaurant | AU$25 | ~$17.42 | CA$20 | ~$15 |
| A meal in a mid-range restaurant (cost for two) | AU$110 | ~$76.65 | CA$86.86 | ~$65.15 |
| A meal at McDonald’s | AU$14 | ~$9.75 | CA$12.00 | ~$9 |
Australia Vs Canada: Taxes
You pay less tax in Australia than in Canada. The practical tax rate of Australia is 23.6% compared to Canada’s 28%. Though in Australia, the higher your income, the higher your tax.
The sales tax in Canada is categorized into two types, while Australia implements a 10% tax on what they refer to as Goods and Services Tax or GST.
Australia Vs Canada: Monthly Utilities
Essential monthly utilities cost more in Australia, whereas mobile and internet connection costs are cheaper in Canada. Transportation is 3.5% more expensive in Canada compared to Australia.
| Monthly Utilities | Australia | Canada | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | |
| Basic monthly utilities inclusive of electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment | AU$289.79 | ~$201.81 | CA$187.92 | ~$140.89 |
| 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff without a plan | AU$0.67 | ~$0.47 | CA$0.36 | ~$0.27 |
| Internet connection | AU$84.03 | ~$58.52 | CA$83.70 | ~$62.75 |
| A monthly pass for transportation | AU$162 | ~$112.82 | CA$100 | ~$74.97 |
| 1 liter of gasoline | AU$2.01 | ~$1.40 | CA$1.82 | ~$1.36 |
Australia Vs Canada: Health Care
Both Australia and Canada have robust healthcare systems. Medicare is available to everyone in Australia, although many Australians still opt to use their private insurance when it comes to dental care and health conditions requiring a specialist.
The Australian government funds approximately 70% of the country’s health care system through the Medicare levy, income tax, and other private financings by its residents. Medical levy is a program where taxpayers pay 2% of their taxable income. This amount is reduced if an individual’s monthly income is below a certain threshold.
Canada provides free primary healthcare as per the Canada Health Act and Medicare. The health ministry offers a wide range of health-related services, but it doesn’t cover the expenses for all procedures, especially if deemed not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.
Both countries offer exceptional healthcare services that are readily available and conveniently accessible for all residents.
Australia Vs Canada: Childcare
A major perk of living in Canada is its low cost of childcare, approximately 19.1% lower than that in Australia.
In Australia, residents are eligible to use childcare services irrespective of ability, citizenship, ethnicity, and family circumstances. The same is practiced in Canada, and both countries have child care primarily shouldered by the parents.
| Childcare Cost | Australia | Canada | ||
| In AUD | In USD | In CAD | In USD | |
| Private preschool for one child for one month | AU$2,104.08 | ~$1,443.46 | CA$1,048.15 | ~$809.11 |
| Middle school for one child, for two semesters or one academic year | AU$110 | ~$76.65 | CA$86.86 | ~$65.15 |
Australia Vs Canada: Crime Rate
Australia and Canada are both highly developed countries, but this doesn’t mean they are spared from crimes. The good news, however, is that the crime rate in both these countries is significantly lower compared to the rest of the world.
In theory, the more progressive and stable a country’s economy is, the fewer crimes are committed. This is because fewer people are below the poverty line and are less inclined to commit desperate acts of crime to survive.
| Homicide Rate | Global Ranking | Gun Death Rate | Global Ranking | Stabbing Death Rate | Global Ranking | |
| Australia | 1.31 per 100k | #149 | 0.18 per 100k | #156 | 0.48 per 100k | #125 |
| Canada | 1.51 per 100k | #142 | 0.5 per 100k | #119 | 0.49 per 100k | #122 |
According to the 2023 World Population Review, Australia ranks #75 with a crime index of 43.03 and a population of 26,439,111, while Canada ranks #82 with a crime index of 41.89 and a population of 38,781,291.
Conclusion
Australia and Canada are both exceptional countries that have a lot of services and safeguards in place for their citizens. Despite the apparent similarities, Canada is considerably cheaper to live in, whereas Australia is more expensive but with higher salaries as well. If you’re considering migrating to either of these countries, make sure you consider the cost of living as that can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
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Cost Of Living In New Zealand Vs Australia
Australia and New Zealand are among the most popular choices for those looking to move to a country with a more outdoorsy vibe. While both countries have an expansive natural beauty to offer, the cost of living varies significantly.
Although NZ is generally considered to be less expensive than Australia, there are still numerous other factors to consider, including your income.
In this article, we compare the cost of everyday necessities, rent, and utilities, as well as the potential earning range in the two countries, to help you make the right move.
Below you can read a quick summary of our findings:
| Category | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom apartment rent) | 1,300 – 1,600 NZ$ | 1,600 – 2,000 NZ$ |
| Average Annual Salary | 48,000 NZ$ | 42,000 NZ$ |
| Local Transport (One-way ticket) | 3.50 NZ$ | 4.93 NZ$ |
| Utilities (Basic amenities for 915 sq ft apartment) | 206.17 NZ$ | 225.68 NZ$ |
| Preschool Cost (Private, Monthly) | 1,119.04 NZ$ | 2,246.05 NZ$ |
| Quality of Life Index | 176.81 | 183.81 |
Cost of Living: New Zealand Vs. Australia
Overall, New Zealand has a lower cost of living than Australia. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is cheaper by 17.72%, one-way local transportation is cheaper by 29.06%, and a loaf of white bread is cheaper by 8.38%.
It seems obvious that New Zealand is a better choice. However, you will also need to compare work opportunities and salaries offered in the two countries.
Let’s take a closer look and compare living costs in Australia and New Zealand. All amounts we’ve presented below are in New Zealand dollars to make it easier to understand.
Housing
Whether you buy an apartment or rent one, the housing costs are lower overall in New Zealand.
If you want to buy an apartment in the main city center in Australia, it will cost you approximately 9,100 NZ$ per square ft., while the same will cost about 8,400 NZ$ in New Zealand. Outside the city center, however, the housing market is more affordable, with the cost per square ft. being nearly 6,200 NZ$ in Australia and 6,100 NZ$ in New Zealand.
The rent is also cheaper in New Zealand compared to that in Australia. A one-bedroom apartment n Australia can cost between 1,600 NZ$ to 2,000 NZ$, whereas it will cost 1,300 NZ$ to 1,600 NZ$ in New Zealand.
Irrespective of the city you choose in Australia, the housing costs will still be higher than in New Zealand. However, long-term mortgage interest rates are higher in New Zealand.
Tip: Interested in buying a property in Australia or New Zealand? We have created a transferring money to and from Australia guide that showcases the best companies to work with if you need to send large sums of money between the two countries.
Salary
The average annual salary is $48,000 in New Zealand and $42,000 in Australia. So, employees in New Zealand, on average, earn $6,000 more per year than employees in Australia.
This difference can go as high as $10,000 or more per year for certain skilled occupations like healthcare and engineering.
| Job | Annual Salary In New Zealand | Annual Salary In Australia |
| Family Doctor | 148,202 NZ$ | 136,083 NZ$ |
| Architect | 67,667 NZ$ | 62,134 NZ$ |
| Mechanical Engineer | 66,550 NZ$ | 61108 NZ$ |
| Chemical Engineer | 64,996 NZ$ | 59,681 NZ$ |
| Early Childhood Educator | 53,089 NZ$ | 48,748 NZ$ |
| Registered Nurse | 62,433 NZ$ | 57,328 NZ$ |
| Psychiatrist | 175,542 NZ$ | 161,188 NZ$ |
| Veterinarian | 78,874 NZ$ | 72,424 NZ$ |
| Carpenter | 59,736 NZ$ | 54,851 NZ$ |
| Welder | 52,381 NZ$ | 48,098 NZ$ |
New Zealand is also a better place to work as employees are better protected with worker rights. This means more downtime for workers in terms of holidays and sick leaves.
Moreover, Australia’s average working hours per week are 40 hours, while New Zealand requires 38 hours. So, New Zealanders get more time to spend with family or pursue leisure activities or hobbies.
Goods And Services
Apart from your basic amenities, most people need additional spending money for clothing purchases, hobbies, or transportation costs. These purchases will reflect on your monthly expenses.
1. Shoes And Clothing
You may not think clothing costs will vary too much between Australia and New Zealand, but it does.
Australia has more extreme weather, with extreme winters and blistering hot summers. This results in people buying more clothes and clothes that are season-appropriate.
This difference in clothing and shoes is not that high between the two countries, but it does exist.
| Shoes and Clothing | New Zealand | Australia |
| A Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 180.87 NZ$ | 168.21 NZ$ |
| A Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 150.58 NZ$ | 155.88 NZ$ |
| 1 Summer Dress (in chain stores |
