Thinking of Moving? Here’s How the Cost of Living Compares Across 4 Countries
A look at life in Portugal, Australia, Canada, and the USA Have you ever wondered how everyday expenses…
A look at life in Portugal, Australia, Canada, and the USA
Have you ever wondered how everyday expenses compare around the world? At Empowered Startups, we offer programs in Canada, Portugal, the USA, and Australia, where the cost of living varies widely. Whether you’re planning to relocate or just curious about the costs, we break down some expenses from housing to food to give you an idea of what it might cost to be an expat in each country.
Life in Portugal
Portugal is often considered one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Situated on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a popular choice for expats. Characterized by its Mediterranean climate, friendly people, and delicious food, it’s unsurprising that Portugal is considered a world-class travel destination and a place many people want to move to. The country has stunning coastlines, mountains in the North, and a renowned wine region.
Compared to countries in North America, such as Canada and the USA, Portugal’s cost of living for a family is approximately 30% less than Canada’s and almost 50% less than the USA’s. While living in a major city like Lisbon or Porto can increase those amounts, many people flock to Portugal for its affordability. Despite lower expenses, expats can still enjoy many of the same comforts found in their home country. The World Health Organization ranked healthcare in Portugal as #12 in the world, providing access to public and private healthcare options. Portugal also offers strong higher education, a high quality of life, and a warm, welcoming environment, with less hustle and bustle than larger European and North American countries.
Life in Australia
Considered the sixth largest country in the world, Australia sits between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is dry and flat but has various climates, including deserts, coastal areas, and rainforests. The country attracts expats seeking a high standard of living, access to resources, and a favourable climate. While Australia is relatively expensive, its cost of living is comparable to Canada and the USA.
In Australia, expenses related to food, housing, and transit are relatively high, with costs similar to North America. Australia also offers top-tier universities and a high quality of life. While the cost of living is comparable, major cities in Australia, like Melbourne and Sydney, can see an increase in these costs.
Life in Canada and the USA
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land mass, with the longest coastline. Most of the population is in urban centers, while vast regions remain sparsely populated. Canada boasts a diverse array of landscapes – from mountains, to coastlines, to rainforests, and deserts. Often seen as being a friendly country, Canada has some similarities to its neighbour to the south, the USA. The USA is a large, heavily populated country comprised of 50 states. With diverse terrain and a wide range of landscapes, it is a scenic destination and a major global economic hub.
While the US and Canada share a large land border, several economic factors can vary once you cross the border. While quality of life and higher education options are on par, the USA tends to have a higher cost of living overall. Housing and food costs are typically higher than in Canada, especially in large US cities. While expenses can be high in both countries from a global perspective, they both offer strong research ecosystems and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
I want to move! What’s next?
At Empowered Startups, we specialize in innovation and transnational migration for entrepreneurs. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with offices in Canada, the US, and Portugal, we train, mentor, and support entrepreneurs to successfully launch new innovative businesses in diverse markets that bring immediate value to local economies.
Check out our current programs to see which one is the best fit for the next chapter in your life:
- Portugal HQA Visa Program
- Australia National Innovation Visa Program
- Canada:
- United States EB-2 NIW Startup R&D Program
Information gathered from: https://livingcost.org, https://internationalliving.com, and https://wikipedia.org
