Immigration is vital to the economic health of Canada and Australia. Over the past decades, the two countries have increasingly relied on new permanent residents and temporary visa holders, such as international students and foreign workers, to support their population, workforce, and economic growth. The debate about which one is better for immigration- Canada v/s Australia for Indians has always been the talk of the town.
When thinking about migrating, many people ask, \”Which country is better to immigrate to, Australia or Canada?\” \”Canada or Australia, which is better for its jobs?\” Are you also having the same questions and confused about whether to live down among the kangaroos or up north with the moose? Of course, that is a complex and challenging question. So, before deciding, look at the comparison table for Canada vs. Australia. It will help you decide which country will best suit you.
Info graph: Which Country is Better for Immigration: Canada Vs. Australia?
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Let us talk about these comparisons in detail so that you can decide which country will suit your needs.
8 Differences Between Canada vs. Australia: Pros & Cons
It is not a surprise that Canada and Australia have become popular destinations for immigrants because they are among the two greatest first-world countries on earth. They both promise a fantastic, prosperous new life filled with beautiful prospects for education, job opportunities, healthcare, economy, quality of life, and much more. This leads us to the main question – Is Migrating to Canada or Australia a good choice? It depends on your reason for immigrating to either of these countries.
We will compare Canada and Australia based on several factors and understand their differences and the immigration processes. This will help you make the right choice.
| Factors | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | Diversified labor market | Diversification is not decent enough |
| Interest Rate | Low banking interest rates | Comparatively higher banking interest rates |
| Rights & Privileges | Well-constructed for immigrants | Not encouraging for immigrants |
| Better Community | People are slightly more tolerant of new immigrants | People are less open-minded to immigrants |
| Transportation | Transportation is relatively cheaper | Expensive transportation, especially in Sydney or Melbourne |
| Geographical Assets | Full of open grasslands and mountains | Plenty of beaches, seas, and lakes to explore |
| Weather | Extreme cold weather | Territories and provinces stay quite warm and favorable |
| Livable Aspects | Ideal for families | Ideal for active workers |
1. Cost of Living
Many people compare Canada with other countries like the UK and Sweden because they believe it to be a more affordable location to live. This is due to Canada\’s cheaper cost of living than Australia. For instance, groceries in Canada are usually less expensive, and average housing is more affordable.
In comparison to Canada, Australia is considered a bit more expensive. Of course, this differs from city to city. However, considering the cost of living, Canada is 17.7% cheaper than Australia.
| Assets/Resources | Canada (CAD/INR) | Australia (AUD/INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transport | $95 (₹5,300) | $150 (₹8,020) |
| Fuel | $1.25 (₹70) | $1.48 (₹79.12) |
| Pre-School | $952 (₹53,110) | $1800 (₹96,200) |
| Fitness Gym/Clubs | $49 (₹2,730) | $65 (₹3,474) |
| House Rent (1-3 BHK) | $1300-2000 (₹72,500 – ₹1,11,160) | $1700-2700 (₹90,900 – ₹1,44,350) |
| Groceries | $76 (₹4,200) | $71 (₹3,800) |
| Phone & Internet | $127 (₹7,090) | $120 (₹6,415) |
| Other Utilities | $149 (₹8,300) | $207 (₹11,070) |
2. Health Facilities
Primary health care is free in Canada for most residents and is delivered through Medicare. Each province has its eligibility criteria for providing health care. Healthcare costs are also lower here. On the other hand, Australia features a robust healthcare system where you can access medical facilities when you become a permanent resident. However, many Australians prefer private health insurance to cover dental and specialist care costs.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Safety & Economic Stability | Great healthcare and economic stability | Considered safe and economically stable |
| Healthcare coverage & quality |
|
The healthcare system is not discussed explicitly |
| Education & Job Opportunities | High-quality healthcare, ideal for education/job | High-quality healthcare, ideal for education/job |
3. Employment Opportunities
Australia is a fantastic country to immigrate to for several reasons, but job stability and employment are among the most crucial factors. You can be sure you will get a stable and reliable job with a good salary in Australia. Since Australia has a strong and growing economy, there are plenty of job opportunities for skilled professionals.
On the other hand, Canada has an upper edge. The Canadian economy is expanding rapidly and has a low unemployment rate. This indicates that there are many vacancies, and employers are willing to invest in their staff members by providing chances for training and growth.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Stability & Opportunities | Low unemployment, a strong economy, and plenty of opportunities for immigrants | Have some opportunities |
| Current Unemployment Rate | 5.20% | 6.48% |
| Health & Financial Security | Public healthcare system | Not specifically mentioned |
| Average Length of Employment | 8.3 years | 3.4 years |
4. PR Process in Canada v/s Australia
Getting a Canada PR is easier than in most other countries. Obtaining permanent residence in Australia is possible, but it is a long process. Immigration officers conduct a thorough background check on candidates to ensure they are not fraudulent.
5. Average Working Hours in Both Countries
In Australia, the average working hour is typically 38 hours per week. Although this may vary often depending on the industry you\’re working for, an average Australian typically puts in around 31 hours a week. In comparison, a typical workweek in Canada is 40 hours long. This may vary depending on your work type, region, or territory you\’re staying in. For instance, people in the construction and manufacturing sectors often put in more hours than in the service sectors.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Working Week | 40 hours per week | Expected to be 31 hours per week |
| Percentage of employees working > 40 hours | 30% of employees work > 40 hours per week | 34% of employees work > 40 hours per week |
| Percentage of Part-Time Workers | Depends on the job sector | 17% of workers do part-time jobs |
| Work/Life Balance | May vary as per industry and region | Offer better work/life balance due to fewer working hours |
6. Housing Expenses
In Canada, the monthly rent for an individual is approximately $1,225, whereas in Australia, it is approximately $1,340. Furthermore, if your family chooses to live with you in Canada, it will set you back nearly $2000. However, living in Australia with your family will cost you significantly more, which will cost you roughly around $2,250 per month.
Housing and rent are cheaper in Canada, therefore making Canada significantly more affordable than Australia. The only reason is the high tax rate in Australia. A one-bedroom apartment in central Canada costs 14.4% less than the same in Australia. A recent survey shows that it is easier for immigrants to buy their own homes and become homeowners soon after arriving in Canada than it is in Australia.
7. Taxes One Has to Pay
With highly developed economies, Canada and Australia have plenty of opportunities for talented immigrants. Both nations have progressive taxation, which implies that high-income levels will result in high tax rates. Nonetheless, the cost of living in Canada and Australia differs significantly, notably in taxes.
Canada has a top tax rate of 33.0%, while Australia has a top tax rate of 45%. So, if you live in Canada, you must spend 26.5 % less in taxes than in Australia.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Marginal Tax Rate | The corporate tax rate is 26.5% | Income over $180,000 has a tax rate of 45% |
| Tax-free Threshold | Personal income ranges from 15% – 30% | First annual income up to $18,200 is not taxed |
| Tax-free Threshold for Seniors | Varies by province | $37,000 for seniors and pensioners |
| Consumption tax |
|
10% GST is added to most goods/services |
8. Education
Compared to other nations, Canada\’s cost of education is reasonably priced. Immigrants\’ kids in Canada are eligible for free public education till the age of 16-18. Kids can also be enrolled in private Canadian schools with annual tuition fees ranging from $6,135 to $10,733.
In Australia, immigrants have the option to attend either government or non-government educational institutions. Government schools are free for Australian citizens and PRs. On the other hand, some intuitions might impose $44 – $730 as a \”voluntary fee.\”
Both Canada and Australia are the top study destinations for international students. However, studying in Canada is much more lucrative and affordable than in Australia. The quality of education in Canada is higher than in Australia. Canada has set itself the goal of accepting highly qualified specialists and offering them long-term career prospects through excellent theoretical and practical teaching methods.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to say which country is better, as, in the end, it all depends on the type of lifestyle you want, your profile, and personal preferences. Both countries offer lavish lifestyles, excellent infrastructure, and strong economies. So, choose according to your preferences.
If you need help from a professional immigration consultant to make the right decision, get in touch today!!