Australia vs. Canada
By elsino91
@elsino91 (440)
Poland
October 22, 2012 8:12am CST
I'm from the UK but right now I live in Poland. I was thinking about moving back to England someday, except it's really expensive to live there and I just feel that I'd be better off moving to one of these places some time in the future. I haven't done enough research on either of them and thought I'd ask you:
Where would you go to live, at least for a few years, if you were like me?
I've thought about things like finding a job (I personally would prefer something to do with finance), and how easy it is to move to the country and buying a place to live. Overall costs associated with living there and the comfort of life and I still don't really know.
That's why I'd really like to hear any opinions you might have or even past experiences in either of these countries. Many thanks for any input ;)
1 person likes this
5 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
22 Oct 12
I am from England and I live in England. I am very keen and have traveled to around 60 different countries. Yes, it is pricey to live in England and is cheaper to live in Poland, Bulgaria or Romania. I loved working in Australia on a working holiday visa. It is ever such a lovely place to live and work if you can get a work visa for that country. New Zealand is similarly a wonderful place to travel, work and live. I liked Cape Town in 2009 and think South Africa would be a fine place to live. I visited Vancouver in 2010 and think Canada would be an excellent place to live. In 2006 I went to Belize and it is like paradise.
Maybe get a work permit and try living in the particular country on a temporary basis. Then you can wait to see how much you like it before you buy a house there. It can be challenging to emigrate permanently to Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Points tests are available and you might quality. I loved doing the working holiday but to do that you have to be young like under 30 years old. Good luck choosing where to live. My place to move to would be Australia if I had a free choice.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
22 Oct 12
What good advice to suggest checking the place out on a temporary basis first before building. We tried it out for 6 months here in Greece, stretched it to a year and then decided to stay and build. Even so,it is one thing to visit and another to get involved in building and all that involves. Caution is best advice and to take plenty of time.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
28 Nov 12
That's a very good tip from you, maxi. That would allow us to get a good feel on how well we would fit in the new community. Getting a good job in the new place would be as important as getting a good home.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
24 Oct 12
I don't have experience of these countries (although I love them both), but my father was born in Australia to an English mother; while my mother was born in Canada to a Scottish mother and Northern Irish father. I have friends who've moved permanently to Australia, and they have done well there. I have many, many Canadian relatives. A large percentage of Australians are of English ancestry; and English people continue to move there in large amounts so I believe. Canada also has a large percentage of people of English ancestry, although not as large as Australia. And of course, Australia has the climate, so for those who like hot weather, that's a tremendous draw. If I had the choice, I might opt for Canada, because I have so many relatives there, and my mother's home town of Vancouver is a famously beautiful city. Although I'd be sorely tempted by the Australian weather. I feel close to both countries: both are beautiful, fascinating countries.
@elsino91 (440)
• Poland
24 Oct 12
Thanks for your input. Unfortunately I don't have familly in either of the two countries. I only have one auntie who lives in America at the moment, Colorado though, so that's still quite far. I like the sound of being able to meet English people in Canada. I was born in the UK but have lived in Poland for several years now and I don't get to meet that many people from the UK. To be honest I think I'd prefer the views and scenery of Canada to the hot climate of Australia. I think the sea and blistering hot sun would be nice for a holiday but when I think about having that heat all day everyday, its just not my cup of tea. But that's just my personal opinion.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
25 Oct 12
I know what you mean, not everyone is attracted to the heat; Canada's climate is more temperate like that of the UK. I think more English folk migrate to Aus. than Canada, and there must be communities of ex-pats.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
4 Nov 12
I can't speak from a traveller's point of view, but may I take this opportunity to promote Down Under from a permenent resident's viewpoint?
Right here in Adelaide, we've long been the best in Oz for cost of living versus level of services. If you want cheaper costs, but don't care about services, then try Tasmania. There you can easily get a good house for under A$90000. Australia is as diverse climatically as it is culturally. And climatically, the long range forecast in general is for a much cooler Summer than previously predicted. It depends where you want to go. Try the top half of Aussie for humid summers & the lower half if you like temperate climates. I can say one thing for sure, that we're warmer than Canada season-on-season, but stick to the south eastern states if you want to see snow in the winter. They say Adelaide resembles more of an English City than any other we have here. Our beaches are among the safest right here - or so the votes have it year after year. And beautiful! Check out Western Australian beaches for the best sunsets you've ever seen in your life. One of the owners of my favourite cafe` is Polish, came here to live several years ago after travelling all over the world for years & swears she's never going to leave! The owner of my local organic fresh produce store is from England & is grateful everyday that she's here.
On the jobs front, we've still go good employment figures, but more & more companies, particularly in manufacturing, are going under every week in a trend that won't let up. Finance & mining sectors are doing extremely well & any job you get in finance - especially with the big four banks - you're likely to keep forever with top pay as they have a very high level of ongoing government protection. Actually, if you're from the UK & well qualified, you're likely to end up running the bank eventually!
All The Best.
@elsino91 (440)
• Poland
16 Nov 12
Thanks for your input, that was definitely useful and has given me a lot to think about. I didn't actually know that the weather there could be that diverse. Adelaide seems like a nice place. If I do end up going to Australia, even just for a holiday, I'll try and visit. I like the sound sound of an English town, although I grew up in London so I don't know how similar it could be to such a big city, but it certainly sounds interesting.
I always hear about Poles going there to stay, my friend from University actually told me he plans on going to. He doesn't have family or friends there to make it easier for him but he's determined.
It's good to hear finance is doing so well, I wouldn't have expected that to be honest. I always hear about how Australia is seeking miners and such. I study economics and am planning a career in Finance/Accounting, so Australia has a plus in that department in that case.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
22 Oct 12
I have friends in Canada. They say its cheap to live there. Its also a pretty place with lots to do.
@elsino91 (440)
• Poland
22 Oct 12
Yes I've seen pictures and videos of Canada, I love the mountainous regions and some of the cities like Toronto or Montreal are also very beautiful. It's a very picturesque place all in all. Not to say that Australia isn't also a very pretty place, it's very warm and places by the sea look like paradise. But it's just a different category of beauty. Your friends are really lucky.
