Difference between Canada and New Zealand
Table of Contents
I migrated to Canada from New Zealand in 2018 after spending 11 years in New Zealand (NZ). Back in NZ, I lived mostly south Auckland region (Manurewa, Papakura, Manukau heights, Flatbush and Takanini). In this post, I am going highlight some differences between Canada and New Zealand
Cost of Living
New Zealand is considered somewhat more expensive as compared to Canada. This could be probably due to minimum wage difference. As per www.mylifeelsewhere.com New Zealand is 11.1% more expensive than Canada.
Education
Cost of education is more in Canada as compared to New Zealand. Canada has 7 universities in top 200 globally whereas New Zealand has only two. Here is the fees compassion between University of Toronto and University of Auckland.
University of Toronto
| PROGRAM | Estimated fees | |
| Bioinformatics | $57,020 (Year 1) | $58,970 (Upper Year) |
| Computer Science | ||
| Information Security | ||
| Communication, Culture, Information & Technology | ||
| Digital Enterprise Management | ||
| Biomedical Communication | ||
| Visual Culture & Communication | ||
| All Commerce programs | $57,020 (Year 1) | $64,810 (Upper Year) |
| Human Resource Management | ||
| All Management programs | $57,020 (Year 1) | $57,020+ (Upper Year) |
| (except Human Resource Management, as listed above) |
Table reference: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/future-students/finances/tuition
University of Auckland
| Programme | Estimated fees |
| Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) | NZ$37,894.80 – $44,526.00 |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies | NZ$41,847.60 |
| Bachelor of Arts (except performance and science-based courses) | NZ$32,280.00 |
| Bachelor of Arts (performance and science-based courses) | NZ$37,894.80 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | NZ$37,894.80 – $46,551.60 |
| Bachelor of Dance Studies | NZ$37,894.80 |
| Bachelor of Design | NZ$39,502.80 |
| Bachelor of Education (Teaching) | NZ$32,498.40 |
| Bachelor of Education (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) | NZ$32,498.40 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | NZ$37,894.80 – $46,551.60 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | NZ$37,894.80 |
| Bachelor of Global Studies | NZ$32,280.00 – $41,847.60 |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences | NZ$32,280.00 – $38,626.80 |
| Bachelor of Human Services | NZ$32,498.40 |
| Bachelor of Laws | NZ$32,280.00 – $37,891.20 |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – Year 2 onwards (for Year 1 see Bachelor of Health Sciences) | NZ$77,328.00 |
| Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) | NZ$34,360.80 – $77,328.00 |
| Bachelor of Music | NZ$32,280.00 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | NZ$34,360.80 – $37,894.80 |
| Bachelor of Optometry | NZ$37,894.80 – $55,149.60 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | NZ$44,310 |
| Bachelor of Physical Education | NZ$32,498.40 |
| Bachelor of Property | NZ$37,894.80 – $38,626.80 |
| Bachelor of Science | NZ$32,280.00 – $46,551.60 |
| Bachelor of Social Work | NZ$32,498.40 |
| Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education | NZ$32,498.40 – $37,894.80 |
| Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) | NZ$37,894.80 – $44,526.00 |
| Study Abroad | NZ$12,950 per semester** |
Table reference: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/undergraduate-international-fees.html
HealthCare
Canada
Basic health care is free in Canada for most of its residents and it’s delivered through Medicare. Each province has their own eligibility.. I am currently in Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As a permanent resident of Canada you are entitled to get free medical services after 90 days via province’s health card. In Ontario, it is called OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) You don’t pay for doctor’s visit however still need to pay for perception medicines. Most companies offer medical benefits which covers cost (70% to 100%), depending on plan.
New Zealand
New Zealand features a robust healthcare system. You’ll have access to medicare when you become a permanent resident. Some work visa holders are also eligible. Please click here for me details. In NZ, we use to pay for doctor’s visit which could be vary from $20 to $50 (depending on location). For perception medicines are generally free however there is $5 charge from pharmacies
Work/Job
Both countries have excellent job opportunities and working culture. The pay in New Zealand is slightly higher than in Canada due minimum wage pay. But jobs are usually easier to find in Canada due to more occupations in demand for the skilled workers.
Holiday pay
This was most shocking part. In Canada, you are only entitled to get only 2 weeks of paid vacation. Some companies offer 3 weeks as well. In NZ, we were getting 4 weeks of vacation by law. Employers add vacation pay to last paycheck of financial year if an employee do not use them.
If you are immigrant and visiting back to home country, I believe two weeks are not enough. Most immigrants prefer 4-5 weeks after every two to three years.
Shopping
In Canada, shopping is comparatively reasonable and there are so many brands to choose from such as GAP, Bench, CK, Adidas, Nike, Puma etc. Most of these brands have factory outlets and generally not too expensive to buy. In Toronto area, most famous shopping malls are Square One, Premium Outlets, Bramalea city center etc.
Back in NZ, buying branded clothes is always expensive. Most brands are available but hardly any factory outlets. Our go to place was Botany mall, Sylvia Park, Westfield and Onehunga Mall.
