Living Cost in Germany vs Canada in 2026: Which is Better for Indians?
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The living costs in Germany vs Canada in 2026 are nearly 14% less expensive. The monthly expense to live in Germany is around EUR 950 to EUR 1800 (CAD 1541 - CAD 2921), while the monthly living costs in Canada is CAD 1500 - CAD 4,349 for a single person.
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The living costs in Germany vs Canada in 2026 is nearly 14% less expensive, and Canada is ranked among the top 20 most expensive countries in the world, while Germany is ranked among the top 25 as per the World Population Review Index 2025.
The monthly expense to live in Germany is around EUR 950 to EUR 1,800 (CAD 1,541 - CAD 2,921), while the monthly living costs in Canada are around CAD 1,500 - CAD 4,349 for a single person. In this article, we will explore the detailed comparison of factors contributing to living costs in Germany vs Canada for 2026
Cost of Living in Germany vs Canada 2026
As per the latest update by Numbeo, the cost of living in Germany for accommodation is nearly 24.3% lower than the accommodation cost in Canada. Germany also ranks consistently well in the Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey. The details of the living expenses in Germany vs Canada comparisons are listed below:
1. Accommodation Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average accommodation costs in Germany vs Canada, based on the accommodation types, includes:
|
Apartment Type |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference |
|
1 Bedroom, City Centre |
1,411 |
1,845 |
-30.70% |
|
1 Bedroom, Outside City Centre |
1,082 |
1,604 |
-48.20% |
|
3 Bedroom, City Centre |
2,632 |
2,897 |
-10.10% |
|
3 Bedroom, Outside City Centre |
2,024.60 |
2,543.22 |
-25.60% |
In case you are looking to purchase a property in Germany vs Canada, you would be amazed that the per sqm costs in Germany are higher than in Canada:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (USD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Price per m² (City Centre) |
8,825.58 |
7,021.99 |
20.4% |
|
Price per m² (Outside Centre) |
6,887.34 |
5,720.81 |
16.9% |
Explore the High Standard of Living in Germany
2. Transportation Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average transportation costs in Germany vs Canada, based on the accommodation types, includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) |
5.19 |
3.50 |
32.60% |
|
Monthly Pass (Public Transport) |
94.14 |
104.50 |
-11% |
|
Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) |
7.79 |
4.50 |
42.20% |
|
Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) |
4.06 |
2.10 |
48.20% |
|
Gasoline (1 Liter) |
2.77 |
1.54 |
44.6% |
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Cost of Living in Germany as an Expat
3. Groceries Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average grocery costs in Germany vs Canada, based on the accommodation types, includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Milk (1 Liter) |
2 |
3.09 |
-69.7% |
|
Fresh White Bread (500 g) |
3 |
3.67 |
-18.2% |
|
White Rice (1 kg) |
5 |
5.1 |
-5.4% |
|
Eggs (12, Large) |
5.38 |
4.85 |
9.8% |
|
Local Cheese (1 kg) |
20.88 |
15.47 |
25.9% |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 kg) |
17.9 |
16.7 |
6.7% |
|
Beef Round (1 kg) |
28.71 |
20.88 |
27.3% |
|
Apples (1 kg) |
5 |
5.75 |
-21.8% |
|
Bananas (1 kg) |
3 |
2.01 |
27.3% |
|
Oranges (1 kg) |
3 |
5.37 |
-67% |
|
Tomatoes (1 kg) |
7 |
5.64 |
16.8% |
|
Potatoes (1 kg) |
2 |
3.72 |
-69.2% |
|
Onions (1 kg) |
2.06 |
3.63 |
-75.8% |
|
Lettuce (1 Head) |
2.56 |
3.57 |
-39.4% |
|
Bottled Water (1.5 L) |
1.54 |
2.45 |
-59.2% |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-range) |
9.72 |
18 |
-85.1% |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 L) |
1.51 |
4.03 |
-167.3% |
|
Imported Beer (0.33 L) |
2.21 |
4.52 |
-104.2% |
|
Cigarettes (Pack of 20) |
14.12 |
20 |
-41.6% |
Explore the 10 Best Cities in Canada to live for Indians
4. Sports and Leisure Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average costs of dining outside in Germany vs Canada includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant |
24.35 |
25 |
-2.7% |
|
Meal for Two (Mid-range, 3 course) |
105.5 |
100 |
5.2% |
|
Fast Food Combo (McDonald’s or similar) |
16.23 |
15 |
7.6% |
|
Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) |
7.3 |
8 |
-9.5% |
|
Imported Beer (0.33L Bottle) |
6.49 |
8 |
-23% |
|
Cappuccino (Regular) |
5.77 |
5.24 |
9.2% |
|
Soft Drink (Coke/Pepsi, 0.33L) |
4.8 |
2.89 |
39.8% |
|
Bottled Water (0.33L) |
4.21 |
2.35 |
44.3% |
The comparison of average costs of indulging in sports activities in Germany vs Canada includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Fitness Club (Monthly Membership) |
57.42 |
59.01 |
-2.8% |
|
Tennis Court (1 hr, Weekend) |
34.89 |
24.19 |
30.7% |
|
Cinema Ticket (International Release) |
19.48 |
15.82 |
18.8% |
Explore Cost of Living in Canada
5. Utilities Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average costs of utilities in Germany vs Canada includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment) |
491.95 |
208.61 |
57.6% |
|
Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data) |
37.95 |
61.38 |
-61.8% |
|
Broadband Internet (60 Mbps+) |
70.12 |
85.55 |
-22% |
Also Read: Living in Germany 2025: Cost, Pros & Cons for Students and Expats
6. Childcare Costs in Germany vs Canada
The comparison of average costs of childcare in Germany vs Canada includes:
|
Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
Difference (%) |
|
Private Full-Day Preschool (Monthly, per Child) |
639.42 |
1,081.25 |
-69.1% |
|
International Primary School (Annual Tuition) |
22,647.76 |
17,851.38 |
21.2% |
Average Salaries in Germany vs Canada in 2026
Germany offers a higher average gross salary compared to Canada. The average gross annual salary in Germany is around EUR 58,000, which is equal to EUR 4,833 per month before tax. While the average gross annual salary in Canada is around CAD 65,000 to CAD 68,000 (EUR 45,500 - EUR 47,600), which is equivalent to CAD 5,416 to CAD 5,666 (EUR 3,800 - EUR 4,000) per month before taxes.
The choice between the two countries depends on personal priorities like career, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and social welfare preferences.
Explore Canada vs Germany: Which is better for Indian Students & Immigrants?
Cost of living in Germany vs Canada for Indian Students
We are well aware that Canada continues to be a top study abroad destination for Indian students, mainly due to its high-quality education, post-study work opportunities, and immigrant-friendly policies. Studying in Canada has become increasingly expensive in recent years, prompting Students to explore budget-friendly study abroad destinations such as Germany.
Germany stands out for its tuition-free public universities, lower living expenses, and excellent employment prospects, making it one of the most affordable and desirable countries for Indian students in Europe. The cost of studying in Germany vs Canada for Indian students in 2026 is compared as follows.
|
Category |
Germany (in EUR) |
Canada (in CAD) |
|
Tuition Fees |
250-350 administrative fees per semester only at public universities |
15,000 - 35,000 per year, depending on the course and the university |
|
Living Expenses |
850 - 1,000 per month |
1,200 - 2,000 per month based on the province |
|
Health Insurance |
110 - 120 per month |
600 - 1,000 per year; varies by province |
|
Public Transport |
Included in semester contribution (Semesterticket) |
80 - 150 per month; not included in tuition |
|
Student Housing |
250 - 450 per month |
600 - 1,500 per month |
|
Part-Time Jobs Eligibility |
120 full days/year or 240 half-days |
24 hours/week during semester; full-time during breaks |
|
Total Annual Cost |
10,000 - 12,000 |
30,000 - 55,000 |
Also Read:
- Top European Study Abroad Destinations for Indians in 2026-27
- Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
Learn to Effectively Budget Living Costs in Germany vs Canada With GetGIS Assistance
The living costs in Germany vs Canada in 2026 highlight a clear advantage for students seeking affordable education in Germany, as it offers low tuition fees and comparatively lower living costs. Canada, on the other hand, provides excellent education and strong post-study. Opportunities, however, come with a higher cost of living.
To choose the right steady destination based on your requirements, goals, and career plans, consider expert consultation from trusted study abroad partners like GetGIS. Our team provides personalised guidance and end-to-end support with all your study abroad needs and the visa application process.
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