Cost of Living in Canada

Many Filipinos consider Canada as destination for their overseas job. In the last quarter of 2006, a memorandum of agreement was signed by the Philippines and Canada that would surely bring another opportunity for many Filipinos.

Before you finally decide to work in Canada, we would like to give you a guide on how much would it cost you living and working in here. It is cheaper to live in Canada than that of Europe. Like any other countries, cost of living here varies in your location. The most expensive cities are Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal while Charlottetown, Winnipeg and Edmonton are much cheaper.

Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Canada depends on the location, apartments near the city are more expensive. Rent for a two-bedroom luxury apartment per month in Vancouver costs $1,406.77. Others say that Alberta has the lowest cost of living while others disagree since there are some areas which accommodation is astronomical.

In most cases for Toronto and other major Canadian cities, the closer you’re house to the city center the higher rent will be. In Toronto, average rental prices are:

#Rent for a one- bedroom apartment range from $500 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month, depending on the proximity to city center and the amenities included

#Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment range from $900 CAD to $1,500 CAD, depending on the proximity to city center.

Food
Food in Canada is much cheaper as compared in Europe, typical food allowance is US$5-10. Eating out is affordable, dining for two in restaurant would only cost you for only $20.

Transportation
The cost of transportation depends on how far you need to travel. Buses are the cheapest means, which cost around $3 CAD for one way. Trains are also available and it will cost you some $2.25 CAD per ticket.

Other bills
Other expenses such as gasoline and cars are cheaper. The prices of gasoline also depend on the location/province of the service station. Electric bill comes costly during winter since you need to heat your house during this season.

If you want to spend time watching movie after a long workweek, it would cost you around $8.50 - $12.00 CAD. Sending an international postage (if you still prefer this type of communication with your love ones although there’s email and text messaging) costs $1.45 CAD.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on March 17, 2007

How much would it cost living in Spain?

Spain is a new destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) offering about 100,000 jobs in the health care sector. With regards to that, many OFWs have thought how much of their salary would be spent while living and working in Spain.

Cost of living in Spain is less than those in the United Kingdom and the lifestyle here is better. Since you have to send money for your family, you need to make financial arrangements with your accommodation, food, transportation, other bills, and relaxation after a long workweek. Here’s a breakdown of your monthly expenses in Spain.

Accommodation
Rental costs greatly depends in location, apartments located in cities are more expensive than those in rural areas. Fully furnished studio type apartments located in metropolitan centers such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, etc, range from 350€ to 700€ per month, two bedroom apartments range from 600€ to 1200€ per month, three bedroom family style apartment range from 1000€ to 1500€ or more per month.

Apartments in smaller centers and rural areas are cheaper, studio type apartments range from 200€ to 500€ per month, two bedroom apartment range from 400€ to 800€ per month and a three bedroom family style apartment range from 700€ to 1500€ or more per month.

Since you have to minimize your expenses, room for rent is the most economic accommodation. Rooms for rent in cities range from 200€ to 400€ per month or more and those located in smaller centers and rural areas starts from 125€ per month.

Food
Food allowance cost about 200€ per month, if you choose to eat in a restaurant, a good lunch cost from 5€ to 9€ and an average bill of a person is 12€.

Other Bills
Electricity bill is about 20€ per month and about 30% rise during summer if you have air conditioning.

After a week of working, you need to take a short break, you can spend time with other Filipinos or you can watch a movie. A movie theatre ticket is 6€ and if you need a hair cut, it only costs about 12€.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on December 4, 2006