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Canada vs Australia: Which country is better to live in?

Are you caught in the middle of a heated debate trying to figure out if Canada or Australia is the better country for you to live in? Well, let’s put our own love for maple syrup and kangaroos aside for a moment and dive into what really matters.

If you’re seeking a country with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and a welcoming atmosphere, Canada might be your go-to destination. 

On the flip side, if you’re on the hunt for a more diverse job market and a multicultural environment, Australia could be just the ticket. 

That’s not all, though. Stick around because in this no-holds-barred comparison, we’ll dig deep into the nitty-gritty details of these two incredible nations, from the cost of living and diversity to safety and more.

Cost of Living in Canada vs Australia

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The cost of living in Canada is generally lower than in Australia. You would need around $2104 in Australia for your monthly cost, while in Canada, you only need $1826, according to LivingCost.

This only means that Canada is approximately 13.2% less expensive than Australia.

Here’s a breakdown of the expenses from LivingCost.org related to living in both cities.

ExpensesCanadaAustralia
Housing (Average Rent per Month) 
1-bedroom apartment  (downtown)$1,056$1,288
1-bedroom apartment (outside the city centre) $892$972
3-bedroom apartment (downtown)$1,872$2,259
3-bedroom apartment (outside the city centre)$1,548$1,563
Utilities (Average Monthly Bill) 
Utility bill for one person $90$111
Utility bill for a family $139$170
Internet plan $56.3$52.7
Transportation (Fare)
1-way ticket (local transport ticket)$2.47$3.19
Monthly pass (local transport ticket)$79.7$107
Taxi start (normal tariff)$16.4$16.9
Gasoline (1 litre)$1.33$1.38
Childcare (Tuition Fee)
Private Preschool/Kindergarten (full day)$833 per month $1,650 per month 
International Primary School $13,226 per year $14,971 per year 

In terms of housing, Canada tends to provide more budget-friendly options since it has lower rental prices compared to Australia.

When it comes to everyday expenses like groceries, Canada is also more affordable. Although some items are more expensive in Canada, like rice and bread.

Transportation costs are also generally higher in Australia, with higher prices for local one-way tickets and monthly passes, while the normal tariff for 1km in a taxi is slightly lower in Australia.

Real Estate Prices in Canada vs Australia

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In Australia, cities like Sydney and Melbourne are known for their high property prices. The median house price in Sydney is $1,601,467 for houses, while in Melbourne, it is around $1,101,612.

While Canada also has cities with expensive real estate, such as Toronto ($1,196,101) and Vancouver($1,295,266), the overall average prices in Australia tend to be higher.

Real estate prices in Canada have seen significant increases in recent years, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. These cities have experienced strong demand and limited housing supply, resulting in higher property prices. 

Similarly, Australia’s real estate market has also seen substantial price growth in recent years, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. 

Fortunately, both countries have implemented various strategies to cope with the fluctuations in real estate prices and maintain affordability for their citizens. 

The Canadian government offers a First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, providing interest-free loans to eligible buyers. While Australia provides a First Home Owner Grant, offering financial assistance to first-time homebuyers as well. 

Property TypeCanadaAustralia
Single-Family Home $716,083$869,666
Condo Apartment $496,000$622,929

Diversity and Demographic in Canada vs Australia

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Canada and Australia are often considered among the most diverse nations in the world. However, Canada has a larger overall population of 38 million people compared to Australia, which has 25 million people

This means that Australia has more open spaces, less crowded cities, and potentially more access to nature and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Canada has a long history of immigration and prides itself on being a multicultural society. Its population comprises a rich tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. 

Immigrants from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have contributed to Canada’s diversity, with significant communities representing a wide range of backgrounds. 

Additionally, Canada recognizes and acknowledges the rights and contributions of Indigenous peoples, who form an important part of its demographic landscape.

CanadaAustralia
Geographic LocationCanadaAustralia
Size (Area)9,984,670 square kilometres 7,692,024 square kilometres 
Population 39,566,24826,477,600
Female Population 50.36%50.4%
Male Population 49.64%50%
Median Age 41.8 years old38.7 years old
Life Expectancy at Birth 83.8 years old 82.4 years old 

Australia, too, has a diverse population shaped by immigration from different parts of the world. It has welcomed immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, resulting in a multicultural society. 

Indigenous Australians, who have inhabited the continent for thousands of years, also play a vital role in Australia’s diversity and cultural heritage.

Career Opportunities in Canada vs Australia

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Based on Versus.com, the unemployment rate in Canada is 6.3%, while in Australia, the unemployment rate is lower at 5.6%. 

This indicates that Australia may have better career opportunities and economic growth compared to Canada.

Australia has consistently demonstrated robust economic growth over the years. Its economy has benefited from factors such as abundant natural resources, strong export sectors, and a resilient services industry. 

The country has enjoyed prolonged periods of economic expansion, attracting investments and creating new job opportunities

Canada, too, has a robust job market, with thriving sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and natural resources. 

Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal serve as vibrant hubs for business and innovation, attracting both national and international companies.

Crime Rate Index in Canada vs Australia

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In 2021, approximately 890 violent crimes were reported per 100,000 inhabitants in Canada, while in Australia, particularly in Victoria, the criminal rate reported was 1,343 per 100,000 during the same year. 

This means that Australia experienced a higher crime rate than Canada. In fact, Canada was ranked 12th among the safest cities by World Population Review in 2022 with a 1.38 score, while Australia is 27th with a 1.56.

Canada generally has a reputation for being a safe country with relatively low crime rates.

Canadian law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local police forces, work to ensure public safety. They also address crime through preventive measures, community initiatives, and law enforcement efforts. 

While Australia’s Crime Index is marginally higher than Canada’s, the country also has a reputation for being a safe country overall. 

Australian law enforcement agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) work to maintain public safety through various strategies, including community policing, intelligence-led policing, and crime prevention programs.

For a better understanding of the local perspectives on safety in both countries, we have gathered data from Numbeo, which displays the perceived crime comparison levels between Canada and Australia. 

Keep in mind that these figures are based on survey data and may change as more responses are collected over time.

Type of Crime CanadaAustralia
People using or dealing drugs63.24%59.20%
Property crimes such as vandalism and theft53.95%55.82%
Violent crimes such as assault or armed robbery 42.15%43.70%
Corruption and bribery 37.13%37.35%

Lifestyle in Canada vs Australia

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Both Canada and Australia offer a diverse range of lifestyles and are known for their high quality of life and friendly locals. 

But between the two countries, Canada is much better to live in due to its lower cost of living and reputation as being one of the safest countries.

When comparing the quality of life between Canada and Australia, you should consider various factors such as climate, activities, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Here’s a summary of the differences between the two countries:

1. Climate in Canada vs Australia

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In terms of climate, in Australia, the highest daytime temperature is 30.3 °C, while the coldest temperature is just 17.8 °C. While in Canada, the warmest temperature is 22.5 °C, and it experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. 

This means that even if Canada experiences colder winters and milder summers, Australia still has a warmer climate overall.

It’s a fact that Canada is known for its freezing cold weather, but you may not know that summertime over there can be quite warm! 

In particular, the southern parts of Canada, such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, the climate is generally characterised by warm summers and cold winters. 

Moving towards the northern regions, the climate becomes increasingly colder and experiences long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall.

Generally, Australia is known for its warm to hot summers and mild winters. Coastal areas may experience more moderate temperatures, while the interior can be extremely hot and dry.

2. Things to Do in Canada vs Australia

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Canada and Australia both offer unique cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining experiences. 

Here’s a comparison of the things to do in each country based on these categories:

CanadaAustralia
Cultural AttractionsIn cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, you’ll find amazing museums, art galleries, and theatres.
Visitors can also explore the historic Old Montreal, visit the Royal Ontario Museum, or attend the Toronto International Film Festival 
Australia’s notable attractions include the iconic Sydney Opera House, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. 
Outdoor ActivitiesCanada is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowboarding in Whistler or hiking in Banff and Jasper National Parks.Australia is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy surfing at Bondi Beach,and even snorkelling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
ShoppingCanada offers a mix of high-end shopping malls, and local boutiques, such as Eaton Centre in Toronto, West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, and Granville Island Public Market in VancouverAustralia’s shopping scene features a blend of local and international brands, such as the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, the Rocks Markets in Sydney, and Rundle Mall in Adelaide.
Dining ExperiencesCanadian cuisine is influenced by its diverse population, with a mix of European, Asian, and Indigenous flavours. 
You can enjoy poutine in Quebec, fresh seafood in coastal regions, and a variety of multicultural dining options in major cities
Australian cuisine is known for its fusion of European and Asian flavours, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. 
You can enjoy a flat white coffee in Melbourne, sample seafood at Sydney Fish Market, or try a traditional Aussie barbecue

Both Canada and Australia provide a wide range of activities and attractions for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, culture seekers, and foodies alike.

3. Healthcare in Canada vs Australia

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When it comes to healthcare, both Australia and Canada are rated highly by their locals. However, data from Numbeo shows that Australia achieved a higher score of 71.81, while Canada got 69.82. 

This data suggests that Australia’s healthcare system may be considered better than Canada’s.

Here’s a list of factors from Numbeo that influence the healthcare comparison in Canada and Australia:

CanadaAustralia
Skill and competency of medical staff71.53%76.95%
Speed in completing examinations and reports57.56%71.40%
Equipment for modern diagnosis and treatment78.76%82.47%
Accuracy and completeness in filling out reports71.79%74.81%
Friendliness and courtesy of the staff71.98%74.23%
Responsiveness (waiting in medical institutions)39.96%56.54%
Satisfaction with Cost80.12%65.51%
Convenience of location76.61%78.90%

The data indicates that Australia generally outperforms Canada in most aspects of healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. However, Canada has a higher satisfaction rate with cost, while Australia has a slight edge in the convenience of location. 

The most significant difference between the two countries is in responsiveness, with Australia’s waiting times in medical institutions being considerably shorter than those in Canada.

Canada vs Australia: How They Stack Up

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Overall, Canada and Australia both have their own unique characteristics and attractions.

To review everything we’ve discussed, here are our suggestions on which city is better depending on the factors we’ve discussed above. 

Factors The Better City Why 
Cost of Living CanadaThe living cost in Canada is 13.2% cheaper than in Australia.
Real Estate CanadaThe average median sale price for real estate properties in Canada are significantly cheaper.
Diversity and DemographicsAustraliaBoth cities have relatively high diversity, however, Australia has a lower population density which translates into less crowded cities.
Career Opportunities AustraliaAustralia has a lower unemployment rate than Canada.
Crime IndexCanadaThe crime index in Canada is lower than in Australia. 
Lifestyle TiedAustralia generally has a warmer climate overall than Canada. 
Both countries provide a wide range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, shopping, and dining experience.
Both cities offer great quality healthcare, although Australia scored high in terms of patient satisfaction.
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