Nigerians! As you plan to Japa or leave this country for a greener pasture, you must begin considering the cost of living in these countries. Moving to the UK, USA, or Canada is a significant lifestyle change. It is not like living in Nigeria o, Pls! So, there are many expenses you need to start accounting for. Here we will compare and break down the cost of living in the UK, the USA, and Canada for Nigerian citizens.
Generally, there are certain factors and statistics that can help you have a clear picture of how much it costs to live in these countries. A country’s location, lifestyle, and income level all factor into the average cost of living.
According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living index in different countries, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is 10.9 % lower than in the United States and 4.6% lower than in Canada. While rent, groceries, and transportation costs are particularly high in the United States, they have a higher purchasing power.
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Comparing the Cost of Living in the UK, USA, and Canada
Having established a point above and set a base for our discussion below, this general question has never been settled among Nigerians considering relocating abroad: What’s the cheaper country to live in? The UK? the USA? or Canada?
The answer? According to recent statistics from Numbeo, living in the UK is cheaper than in the USA and Canada. And when you compare both the USA and Canada, the cost of living in the USA is even more expensive.
By now, you should know that comparing the cost of living in these countries is not easy. These countries have living disparities within their own borders. Fortunately, the hard work has already been done for you. After digging through the numbers, we have compiled a brief comparison of the costs of living in the UK, USA, and Canada.
Let’s dive in!
Cost of Living in the UK
The UK is a developed country located on the European continent with approximately 68 million people. According to Expatistan, the average cost of living for a Nigerian citizen in the UK is estimated to be around £2,200 per month, with rent included. While for a family of four, this figure could go as high as £3,965. Of course, we all know that everyone’s living expenses vary depending on their preferences, choices, and circumstances, but this is still a helpful benchmark.
Those planning to live in London should know that the average living cost is higher than in other cities in the United Kingdom. For instance, in London, a single person from Nigeria will require about £3,200 per month for rent, groceries, and transportation. This means that the annual cost of living in London is more than £38,000 for a single person. The monthly cost for a family of four rises to £5,285, or more than £63,000 annually. This makes London the most expensive city in Western Europe.
And if you are considering the cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria, we also have you covered!
See below for the average costs of typical UK expenses for a Nigerian citizen:
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment monthly: £2,036 per month
- Public transport monthly ticket: £157.50
- Taxi fare for 1 hour a business day: £28.80
- Household food costs/ restaurant: £70
- Gym membership: £42.40 per month
- 1 pint or 500ml of beer: £6
Bear in mind that these are only estimates. As previously stated, you can scale down your expenses depending on your preferences, circumstances, and choices.
Cost of Living in the USA
The United States of America, on the other hand, has a population of approximately 332 million people. It is located on the North American continent and has a gross domestic product (GDP) of about 24 trillion USD. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index for the USA is 72.4%, which is 23% higher than the world average.
In the United States, renting an apartment is relatively high. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $1,655 per month, and $1,254 per month outside the city center. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $3,016 per month for a family of four, while an apartment outside the city center costs $1,986. And if you want to buy a home in the United States, you should be aware that prices vary greatly depending on location. The median existing-home price in January 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors, was $353,800.
Based on these estimates listed, the cost of living in the US is really high. Here below are some of the average costs of typical American expenses:
- Apartment rental (monthly): $1,655
- Apartment price per square meter: $4,456
- Essential utilities (monthly): $205
- Household food costs (annually): $9,958
- Private health insurance (annually): $7,392
- Car insurance (annually): $2,972
- Litre of gas (2021): $1.01
Cost of living in Canada
Further up north in the continent is Canada, with a population of over 38 million. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada is higher than the world average but lower than the cost of living in the USA. The cost of living index for Canada is 66.1 in 2023.
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the region and city. For example, Toronto and Vancouver are two of the most expensive cities in Canada, while other cities, such as Montreal and Halifax, have a lower cost of living.
Renting a property is a popular option in Canada for Nigerian citizens, particularly in larger cities with higher housing prices. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canada is around CAD 1,200 (USD 950), although this can vary significantly depending on the location.
Below, we have highlighted some of the average cost of living in Canada:
- Apartment rental (monthly): $1,335
- Apartment price per square meter: $5,746
- Basic utilities (monthly): $164
- Household food costs (annually): $10,311
- Private health insurance (annually): $4,000
- Car insurance premiums (annually) $1,320
- Litre of gas (2021): $1.34
Again, if you are seriously considering Canada, you should read this carefully researched article on the cost of relocating to Canada from Nigeria (with or without family).
Rounding it up
In summary, based on our findings and research from Numbeo and other websites that offer real-life statistics on the cost of living in different countries, we can safely say that it is cheaper, on average, to live in the UK than in the USA and Canada.
Of course, some things, such as food, gas, and taxes, are more expensive in the UK. In addition, some cities in the United Kingdom, such as London, are more expensive to live in than others in the United States.
Furthermore, Canada is less expensive to live in than the United States, which has a higher purchasing power when compared to the United Kingdom and Canada.
Overall, the United Kingdom is the more affordable option when we look at the costs of living in these countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are FAQs about the cost of living in the USA, UK, and Canada that may interest you.
Is it less expensive to live in Canada or UK?
Yes, living in the UK is less expensive than living in Canada. According to the most recent Numbeo data, Canada is the 25th most expensive country in the world, with the United Kingdom ranking 27th.
Can a Nigerian move to Canada from the UK?
Yes, a Nigerian can move to Canada from the United Kingdom. However, you must first apply to immigrate, meet all of the requirements, and have a minimum of 20,000 Canadian dollars in resettlement funds before being invited to immigrate to Canada.
How much is the living cost for international students in Canada?
The living costs for Nigerian university students average around $15,000 per year.
How much it cost to live in Canada per month?
Without rent, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,276.3$ (4,512.0C$). While a single person’s monthly costs are estimated at 920.5$ (1,267.6C$). According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada is 9.9% lower than in the United States. Rent in Canada is 29.1% lower than in the United States.