Migrating or studying abroad is a big decision, and understanding how much you’ll spend weekly, monthly, or annually can make all the difference. Both Canada and the UK are top destinations for Nigerian students and professionals, but their cost of living differs in surprising ways. Let’s break it down in everyday Nigerian terms to help you make a smarter move in 2025.
Why You Must Compare Properly
First things first: you cannot compare costs without context. Your life pattern, city choice, and lifestyle matter. A student in Toronto living in a shared flat will spend differently from a graduate nurse in London renting alone. But there are still common patterns we can use to compare.
Exchange Rates and Inflation: Big Picture
As of mid‑2025, the Nigerian Naira trades at roughly ₦1,200 to CAD1 and ₦1,500 to GBP1. Both Canada and the UK have inflation rates between 2% and 5%, making their cost rise steady and predictable.
This means while expenses are generally stable year-to-year, small changes—for instance, new rental regulations or tuition fee adjustments—can still affect monthly budgeting for Nigerians living abroad.
Tuition and Educational Costs
For international students in 2025, the average university tuition in Canada is CAD25,000 per year. In the UK, it’s GBP22,000. Due to exchange rate differences, Canadian tuition can end up being slightly cheaper for a Nigerian who manages CAD savings or earns Canadian dollars locally.
Conversely, the UK’s lower tuition cost is offset by a higher cost of living in London and other major cities.
Rent: Shared Housing vs Private Living
Shared housing remains the most affordable option in both countries. In Toronto, rent for a shared flat is CAD750–1,200 monthly. For a single tenancy, expect CAD1,500–2,500.
In London, shared rent ranges between GBP700–1,000, while private one-bedroom flats cost GBP1,500–2,200.
A helpful tip for Nigerians is to always compare CAD vs GBP in relation to Naira before deciding on accommodation budgets, and to use local Facebook housing groups to reduce cost.
Utilities, Internet, and Mobile
Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water) average:
- Canada – CAD150–250
- UK – GBP100–180
Internet plans at 100 Mbps cost around CAD60 in Canada and GBP35 in the UK. A local Nigerian SIM plan with data can range from CAD30–40 or GBP20–30 monthly, but once arrived, consider a local SIM to save money.
Groceries and Food
For Nigerians who love cooking local meals, here’s what you can expect per month:
- Canada – CAD400–600 (rice, vegetables, stew ingredients, chicken, spices)
- UK – GBP350–500
Eating out occasionally:
- Fast food combo meal: CAD12 and GBP8–10
- A nice restaurant meal: CAD25–50 and GBP20–40
Cooking at home remains the most affordable option for Nigerians in both countries.
Transportation (Public and Ride-Hailing)
Monthly transport pass:
- Canada – CAD120–160 depending on city
- UK – GBP140–180 in London, GBP80–120 in smaller cities
Ride-hailing like Uber or Bolt can cost CAD5–10 or GBP3–6 for short trips. Tip: combining events or study group errands helps you cut transport expenses.
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Canada has a public health system but most provinces don’t cover international students. Expect CAD600–900 yearly for private health insurance. In the UK, the full cost for international students is GBP776 (the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge), which covers National Health Service access.
Entertainment and Miscellaneous Costs
For Nigerians moving abroad, miscellaneous includes phone recharge, leisure and gym. Monthly spending averages:
- Canada – CAD150–250 (streaming, outings, phone data)
- UK – GBP100–200
If you travel within the country, a weekend trip costs CAD150–250. In the UK, a similar trip costs around GBP120–200.
Budget Comparison Summary
| Item | Canada (CAD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per year) | 25,000 | 22,000 |
| Shared rent | 750–1,200 | 700–1,000 |
| Private rent | 1,500–2,500 | 1,500–2,200 |
| Utilities + Internet | 210–310 | 155–215 |
| Groceries | 400–600 | 350–500 |
| Transport pass | 120–160 | 140–180 |
| Health insurance/surcharge | 600–900 (yearly) | 776 (yearly surcharge) |
Multiply by exchange rates to get the rough Naira equivalent, but remember actual Naira cost depends on when you convert or whether you earn in CAD/GBP.
Real-Life Nigerian Experiences
An average Nigerian 2024 intake student in Toronto may spend around ₦660,000 monthly including rent, food, and transport before tuition. In the UK, a London-based Nigerian student spends around ₦700,000–₦800,000, primarily due to higher rent and transport costs.
If you’re working part-time within permit restrictions, the UK offers up to 20 hours per week, while Canada’s co-op/internship programs often allow 20 hours during school and full-time during holidays.
Practical Tips to Lower Cost
To cut costs, Nigerians abroad often:
- Share accommodation with fellow Nigerians or roommates
- Cook local/Nigerian meals and buy in bulk
- Use public transport passes and avoid taxis
- Apply for scholarships or bursaries available to international students
- Buy used furniture and appliances on local marketplaces
- Use student discounts for gyms, museums, and stores
The Bigger Picture
Canada may seem more generous with lower rent and better post-graduate work opportunities, especially after earning a degree. UK living costs in London exceed those in Toronto, but job prospects are strong — and the fewer tuition costs can balance out the higher rent.
Ultimately, your city of study, lifestyle, budget planning, and ability to work while studying will matter more than the country itself.
Final Thoughts
Deciding where to study or settle as a Nigerian in 2025 requires more than chasing nominal exchange rates — you must understand living realities. Canada may offer safer weekends, friendlier accommodation costs, and clear paths to permanent residency. The UK has faster visa processing, strong public transport, and dependable scholarship schemes.
The best choice depends on your priorities. Want lower rent? Canada. Prefer instant work eligibility and scholarship support? Uk might be your lane.
Stay connected with Krain Naija News for the latest information on scholarship updates, visa changes, remote job openings, and travel guides that matter to Nigerians planning abroad. Whether you go north or east, we’ve got you covered with verified insights and support.
