Everything…and I do mean EVERYTHING…costs more in the UK than it does in Canada! A good guide would be to think of the cost of things in Canada and then multiply them by two. For example, if a weeks worth of groceries for an average family costs $100 Canadian Dollars then the same groceries would cost £100 Sterling in the UK. Considering the exchange rate that would be more or less double. The cost of petrol is sky high, taxes are outrageous, and even public transportation such as train travel will knock your wallet for six. To live in the UK you have to love the UK. I’ve been here for thirty years, have a professional job, and absolutely no savings. Compared to my friends of similar age and status in the USA (where I was born and raised) I am as poor as a churchmouse. I have no idea really how people who earn less than I do, and especially students (!) survive. And on top of all that the weather is shite! It’s rained for the past month every single day. But if you having a burning desire to study here, then more power to you. It’s expensive, but ultimately a beautiful and fascinating country with a rich history and a quality of life that can be very satisfying.

It is generally accepted that prices in the UK are higher than Canada but this would depend on there you lived in the UK. London is one of the most expensive capitals in the world. However, the high prices are reflected by the fact that Londoner’s can earn excellent wages. For example some parts of outer London can be on average £60,000 (the quivalent of $120,000 US Dollars).

You will also have to compare prices in comparison to the exchange rate of the country in which you reside. For example, a US citizen coming to the UK would find prices extremely high due to the fact $2 dollars are now required to buy £1 sterling. Conversely a UK citizen in the US would find prices cheap.

There are many factors to consider. The UK is noted for being generous with grants and helping foreign students. This may offset the fact that although Canada seems the best option on price initially the Canadian system may not be so generous and any gain you have made would merely be recouped in the extra expense on University fees.

What’s the cost of nightllife or going out with friends or the cost of travel? You could look at Canada and think it looks cheap fromy our currency but remember when you are there the exchange rate advantage you may gain will be lost once you LIVE there because you will be paid in Canadian dollars (this is unless any money is sent to you via your own currency or a currency of choice that gives a preferable exchange rate).

Weed is NOT legal in Canada! There may be a higher tolerance for it, bvut it is still absolutely illegal, except for medical marijuana. The Vancouver and Victoria areas are the mild ones you are talking about, with palm trees and so on. However, it is extremely expensive to live there. The average house is $700,000. Apartments are $1500 a month and up. Food is higher than in the States, and gas as well. No gangs though; Canada really doesn’t have them in the same was as the USA. You can smoke here if you are of legal age, which is 19 for most of the country. They are expensive ($13.25 a pack where I am), and you basically can’t smoke anywhere but your own house, or outside. To immigrate to Canada, you must have a skill or profession in demand here. Basically, a job that no-one in Canada could be found to do. It takes up to 2 years for the paperwork, which is expensive. The actual costs vary hugely by were you live. It is like asking how much does it cost to live in the USA. It depends on where you live.

I have lived and studied in London. I have not lived in Canada so my input will be very one sided.

London is an extremely expensive city to live in. It has been mentioned that the wages are higher. Once you have finished studying and are working full-time as a professional that may be the case, however, that will not be the case while you are a student. I found it very difficult to make ends meet while in London. Everything costs more, nightlife, public transport, food, rent etc. In regards to the above link, the same applies to Britain. It is so expensive as everything is taxed to the hilt to pay for the massive welfare system- but this welfare system is all part of the charm of Britain.

Despite all that I would not change a thing. It was an experience of a lifetime (even if I did have to learn to like baked beans). London is an amazing city with a phenomenal history and the UK’s standard of education is unparallel! I would definitely recommend London to you.

JSS International Institute of Professional Studies, JSS Technical Institutions campus, Mysore, India offers National Diploma (Computing) for 10th pass or equivalent and Higher national Diploma (Computing) for 12th pass or equivalent. These courses are certified by Edexcel, International, one of the main examination board of UK. After HND students can directly join for final year Bachelors degree course in computer science in UK, US , Australia or Singapore(conditions apply). Course duration ND 2 Years and HND 2 years. Method of assessment based on assignment, class test and projects.

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