Move to Canada an Join Our Indian Expat Community
APR 13, 2021
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ROBYNN FARRELL
Canada’s Indian expat community has grown tremendously over the past few years, and it’s no secret why. With lucrative job opportunities in Canada accompanied by incredible benefits such as being able to enjoy a high quality of life and a happy work-life balance, as well as free healthcare and education for both you and your loved ones, who wouldn’t choose to move to Canada?
The number of Indians who became permanent residents in 2016 compared to 2019 has increased significantly by over 105%, from 39,705 to nearly 86,000. In fact, according to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) annual report, Indians made up 25 percent of the 341,180 immigrants who joined the Canadian community, which made India the top country of origin for people immigrating to Canada in 2019.
Is Canada a Good Place to Live for Indian Expats?

1. Cost of Living
The Cost of Living in Canada is considerably higher in Canada than it is in India, but so is the quality of life. For example, below is a comparison of the cost of living for 1 person between New Delhi and Toronto.Cost of Living in New Delhi Vs Toronto | ||
---|---|---|
Cost (CAD) | New Delhi | Toronto |
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $5.28 | $20,00 |
Cappuccino | $2.47 | $4.38 |
Water (0.33l bottle) | $0.29 | $1.88 |
Loaf of bread | $0.59 | $2.83 |
Transportation (Public Transport - Monthly Pass) | $17.60 | $151.15 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, refuge, etc.) | $91.67 | $149.56 |
Rent per Month (1 bedroom apartment) | $319.74 | $2,198.32 |
Although the prices are much higher in Canada than in India so are the salaries, which is why having a job in Canada makes life much more affordable and allows you to save a little every month. While the average cost of living for one person in Toronto is 1,232.69 (without rent), the average salary per month (after taxes) is $4,112.59. The average cost of living for one person in New Delhi is $481.10 (without rent), the average salary per month (after taxes) is $643.86.
2. Culture
There are quite significant differences between Indian and Canadian cultures. For example, the main religion in Canada is Christianity (Catholocism), which accounts for almost 70 percent of the Canadian population, whereas in India the main religion is Hinduism which makes up 79.8 percent of the Indian population. This however does not mean that you won’t feel at home in Canada.
Canada has a multicultural, liberal and tolerant country and welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, religions and sexual identities to live together in harmony. In fact, Canada has prominent Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism and Islamic communities as well as a wide variety of places of worship and networks nationwide. Canada’s LGBTQ+ community is also very prevalent and same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since 2005.
3. Climate
4. Work-life
- Work-Life balance - In Canada, we believe in a healthy balance between work and play. On average we work about 36 hours per week, which is a far cry from the average 53 to 54-hour workweek in India.
- Paid Annual leave - In Canada, workers are entitled to 2 weeks vacation for every year completed and after 5 consecutive years of working for the same company, increases to 3 weeks and again after 10 years to 4 weeks vacation.
- Paid Parental Leave - Canadian parents are entitled to great parental benefits, including a standard rate of 55 percent average weekly earnings for up to 35 weeks or an extended rate of 33 percent for up to 61 weeks. And to top it off both mom and dad are entitled to leave, looking forward to up to 35 shared weeks plus 5 weeks of “daddy days”, within your little one’s first year!
- Personal Growth - Most Canadian employers offer their employees the chance to develop within the company, by facilitating development programs to help their employees reach their full potential. And it won’t cost you a thing.
- Wellness - Canada also believes that both mental and physical health should be promoted, with many employers offering wellness programs as either general benefits or incentives.
5. Quality of Life
Where do Most Indian Expats Live in Canada?

Toronto
Vancouver
Calgary
Edmonton
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