Life in Canada attracts immigrants with its comfort and high standard. But before making an important decision, it is worth calculating the cost of moving and finding out prices in Canada for basic needs. The cost of living in a country depends on the specific province and the person's habits. So let's map out the estimated costs for the average immigrant.

Visa and flight

The cost of obtaining a work visa depends on the specific situation of the immigrant. If you already have a job offer, then this part of the cost is sponsored by the employer who hires the employee from abroad.

In the case when the obtaining process falls on your shoulders, this process takes place in several stages:

• collection of documents confirming professionalism, with translations into English - about 5,000 rubles;
• passing a medical examination in a specialized center - about 17,000 rubles;
• passing the IELTIS exam test - about 14,000 rubles;
• payment of the duty for a work permit - about 20,000 rubles;
• submission of biometric data - about 4,500 rubles.

If in the future you plan to obtain residency, then passing the test for a high score (from 8 points) cannot be avoided.

The price of a flight to Canada in 2021 starts from 24,000 rubles and varies depending on the chosen flight and the availability of connections. At this stage, the costs will be about 85,000 rubles.

Rental of property

Housing prices in Canada also depend on the type of property you choose. For immigrants of different income levels, three types of housing are offered.

1. Condominiums are multi-apartment buildings that are more like a hotel in terms of comfort. Prices for apartments in Canada in this type of housing start at 122,000 rubles per month and above. You can find rental offers on specialized sites, and the contract is concluded only with a realtor in contact with the owner of the home. Typically, the infrastructure of the residential complex includes a swimming pool, sports grounds, barbecue and other amenities. Apartments are rented unfurnished, but with a fully furnished kitchen and a well-equipped bathroom.
   
   
2. Rental apartment - housing offered by commercial organizations. The rental complex is rather a comfortable hostel with a shared laundry room. The rental price here is significantly lower than the first option, which justifies some of the inconvenience. You can rent a one-room apartment in such a complex on average for 93,000 rubles per month. In this case, you will independently be engaged in the selection of offers and the process of drawing up a lease agreement.
   
   
3. Basement is the most economical housing option provided by private landlords. A well-maintained premise in the basement with a separate entrance will cost 75,000 rubles per month. The level of its comfort depends on the owners of the cottages. But there is one drawback - usually cottage settlements are designed for people with a personal car. Therefore, it will be difficult to get to key infrastructure facilities.

Whatever option you choose, expect to spend at least 110,000 rubles a month on rental housing. Add to this amount the cost of electricity (about 2600 rubles), the Internet (about 3700 rubles) and insurance (about 3000 rubles). Water and heating are included in the rental price.

Public transport and food costs

In Canada, many immigrants are saving on transportation by ditching it in favor of bicycles. However, it is problematic for residents of large cities to do without it. Many of them have a single travel card for all types of urban transport, replenished when needed. It is convenient and also provides a small discount on city trips. The average fare is 3.25 CAD, or 189 rubles. If paid in cash, the trip will cost CAD 4.25.

Food costs depend on your preferences and capabilities. Self-catering is the cheapest option, but in this case, expect to spend at least 150 CAD per person per week (about 9000 rubles). Prices for basic products vary depending on the type of supermarket. Grocery store chains in all cities offer high quality products of approximately the same cost.

For those planning to combine cooking with a visit to fast food restaurants, there are a huge number of outlets offering takeaway food. On average, a visit to such a cafe will cost 500-800 rubles per person.

Medical insurance

In Canada, medical care is provided free of charge to all residents who come to the country on a work or student visa, as well as their children. The list of services provided does not include only the costs of the dentist and ophthalmologist. To do this, you will need to take out additional insurance.

The state insurance program fully covers the costs of treatment (except for drugs), and employers also pay additional contributions for employees. To get a doctor's consultation and a prescription, you need to come to any walk-in clinic in your city.

In general, it can be concluded that the cost of living in Canada is commensurate with the income of its residents.