Difference in Living Cost in Canada and Australia 2026: Which is Better for Indians?
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The living costs in Canada vs Australia in 2026 is nearly 12% less expensive. The average expense to live in Australia is around AUD 2,241 - AUD 4,000, while the average living costs in Canada are around AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,623 monthly for a single person
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The living costs in Canada vs Australia in 2026 are nearly 12% less expensive, and Canada is ranked among the top 20 most expensive countries in the world, while Australia is ranked among the top 15 as per the World Population Review Index 2025.
The average monthly expense to live in Australia is around AUD 2,241 - AUD 4,000, while the average monthly living costs in Canada are around AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,623 (CAD 1,836 - CAD 3,327) for a single person. In this article, we will explore the detailed comparison of factors contributing to differences in living costs in Canada and Australia for 2026
Cost of Living in Canada vs Australia in 2026
As per the latest update by Numbeo, the cost of living in Australia is nearly 12% higher than in Canada overall, with accommodation costs about 11% more expensive in Australia. Australia, however, ranks considerably well in global quality of life indexes, often ahead of Canada in human freedom and life expectancy metrics. The details of the living expenses in Canada vs Australia comparisons for 2026 are listed as follows:
1. Accommodation Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average accommodation costs in Canada vs Australia, based on the accommodation types, includes:
|
Apartment Type |
Canada (AUD) |
Australia (AUD) |
Difference |
|
1 Bedroom, City Centre |
1,990 |
2,204 |
9.7% |
|
1 Bedroom, Outside City Centre |
1,732 |
1,706 |
-1.5% |
|
3 Bedroom, City Centre |
3,173 |
3,576 |
11.5% |
|
3 Bedroom, Outside City Centre |
2,745 |
2,723 |
-0.8% |
In case you are looking to purchase a property in Australia vs Canada, you can note that the per sqm costs in Australia are higher than in Canada:
|
Particulars |
Canada (AUD) |
Australia (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Price per m² (City Centre) |
7,700.78 |
10,661.23 |
27.8% |
|
Price per m² (Outside Centre) |
6,144.80 |
7,914.80 |
22.4% |
Explore Cost of Living in Canada
2. Transportation Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average transportation costs in Australia vs Canada, based on the transportation types, includes:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) |
5 |
3.81 |
-15.30% |
|
Monthly Public Transport Pass |
135 |
113.82 |
-15.70% |
|
Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) |
5 |
4.90 |
-7.50% |
|
Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) |
3 |
2.28 |
-8.90% |
|
Gasoline (1 Liter) |
2 |
1.67 |
-6.80% |
3. Groceries Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average grocery costs in Australia vs Canada is as follows:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) |
2 |
3.37 |
36.70% |
|
Fresh White Bread (500g Loaf) |
4 |
4.01 |
4.10% |
|
White Rice (1 kg) |
3 |
5.48 |
75.50% |
|
Eggs (12, Large) |
7 |
5.28 |
-24.70% |
|
Local Cheese (1 kg) |
14 |
16.84 |
21.70% |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 kg) |
13 |
18.18 |
40.10% |
|
Beef Round (1 kg) |
21.10 |
22.88 |
8.40% |
|
Apples (1 kg) |
5 |
6.23 |
25.40% |
|
Bananas (1 kg) |
4 |
2.19 |
-48.50% |
|
Oranges (1 kg) |
4.53 |
5.87 |
29.50% |
|
Tomatoes (1 kg) |
7 |
6.14 |
-11.00% |
|
Potatoes (1 kg) |
4 |
4.05 |
4.10% |
|
Onions (1 kg) |
3.33 |
3.95 |
18.60% |
|
Lettuce (1 Head) |
4 |
3.89 |
11.20% |
|
Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) |
2 |
2.67 |
11.10% |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
20 |
19.61 |
-2.00% |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5L Bottle) |
7 |
4.4 |
-36.10% |
|
Imported Beer (0.33L Bottle) |
7.45 |
4.91 |
-34.10% |
|
Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) |
50 |
21.78 |
-56.40% |
Explore the detailed Cost of Living in Australia
4. Sports and Leisure Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average costs of dining outside in Australia vs Canada includes:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant |
25 |
27.23 |
8.90% |
|
Meal for Two (Mid-Range, Three Courses) |
120 |
108.92 |
-9.20% |
|
Combo Meal at McDonald's |
15 |
16.34 |
8.90% |
|
Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) |
10 |
8.71 |
-12.90% |
|
Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) |
11 |
8.71 |
-20.80% |
|
Cappuccino (Regular Size) |
6 |
5.71 |
3.70% |
|
Soft Drink (0.33 Liter Bottle) |
4.05 |
3.15 |
-22.20% |
|
Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) |
3 |
2.55 |
-23.60% |
The comparison of average costs of indulging in sports activities in Australia vs Canada includes:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Monthly Fitness Club Membership |
72 |
63.75 |
-12.00% |
|
Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) |
27 |
29.66 |
10.50% |
|
Cinema Ticket (International Release) |
20 |
17.42 |
-12.90% |
5. Utilities Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average costs of utilities in Australia vs Canada includes:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment) |
272 |
230.40 |
-15.40% |
|
Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data) |
41 |
66.19 |
61.00% |
|
Broadband Internet (60 Mbps+) |
82 |
92.65 |
12.60% |
6. Childcare Costs in Canada vs Australia
The comparison of average costs of childcare in Australia vs Canada includes:
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (AUD) |
Difference |
|
Private Full-Day Preschool (Monthly per Child) |
2,940 |
1,188.37 |
-59.60% |
|
International Primary School (Annual per Child) |
20,018 |
20,572.98 |
2.80% |
Average Salaries in Canada vs Australia in 2026
Australia offers higher average gross salaries compared to Canada in 2026. The current average gross salary in Australia is around AUD 102,000, which equals AUD 8,500 per month before tax. While the average gross annual salary in Canada is around CAD 65,000 to CAD 68,000 (AUD 71,300 - AUD 74,500), which equals CAD 5,416 to CAD 5,666 (AUD 5,930 - AUD 6,210) per month before taxes
Also Read:
Cost of living in Canada vs Australia for Indian Students
Canada remains a top study abroad destination for Indian students, majorly drawn by its world-class universities, post-study work visas up to 3 years, and simple pathways for permanent residency. However, considering the increasing tuition and living costs which have risen post 2024, it is encouraging many students to consider alternatives like Australia with a strong job market in Tech, Healthcare, and engineering.
Australia appeals with shorter course durations (often 2 years for Master's), high post-study work rights (2 to 4 years), and vibrant Indian communities. Though the housing shortages inflate expenses in major cities, the cost of studying in Canada vs Australia for Indian students in 2026 is compared as follows:
|
Category |
Canada (in CAD) |
Australia (in AUD) |
|
Tuition Fees |
15,000–35,000 per year |
20,000–45,000 per year |
|
Living Expenses |
1,200–2,000 per month |
1,800–2,800 per month |
|
Health Insurance |
600–1,000 per year |
500–800 per year (OSHC) |
|
Public Transport |
80–150 per month |
100–200 per month (concession) |
|
Student Housing |
600–1,500 per month |
800–2,000 per month |
|
Part-Time Jobs |
24 hours/week during term |
48 hours/fortnight during term |
|
Total Annual Cost |
30,000–55,000 |
35,000–65,000 |
Also Read:
Learn to Effectively Budget Living Costs in Canada vs Australia With GetGIS Assistance
The living costs in Canada vs Australia in 2026 reveal a noticeable gap, with Canada generally offering more affordable options in housing, groceries, and daily expenses, while Australia's higher wages help to effectively balance its comparatively expensive cost of living. While both countries provide world-class education, strong job markets, and excellent quality of life, the final choice is dependent on the applicant's budget, lifestyle preferences, and long-term career goals.
To choose the right destination aligned with your goals for study, work, and settle, consider seeking expert guidance from trusted Immigration experts like GetGIS. Our team offers personalised counselling and complete support through your Visa application journey, including study abroad assistance, job search guidance, post-landing assistance, and more, ensuring your successful immigration and integration abroad.
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