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Australia vs CanadaSalaries & cost of living, compared

In Canada, the average salary is 12% lower than in Australia ($57,000 vs $65,000 a year). The overall cost of living is 7% lower. Once prices are taken into account, a typical salary stretches 6% less far in Australia — the number that actually shapes your standard of living.

Average salary / yr

Australia$65,000
Canada$57,000

Higher pay: Australia

Cost of living (US=100)

Australia90.2
Canada84

Pricier: Australia

Real purchasing power

Australia72062
Canada67857

Goes further: Australia

A $65,000 salary in Australia feels like about $69,798 in Canada once local prices apply.

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Frequently asked questions

Are salaries higher in Australia or Canada?

The average wage is higher in Australia — $65,000 versus $57,000 per year.

Is Australia or Canada more expensive to live in?

Australia has the higher overall cost of living — a price level of 90.2 versus 84 (United States = 100).

Where does your money go further, Australia or Canada?

After adjusting the average wage for local prices, real purchasing power is higher in Australia. That is usually the number that matters most for day-to-day life.

Salaries use OECD average wages; cost of living uses World Bank price levels (2026-07-25). India's wage is an estimate. Figures are ballpark for comparison, not precise.