Порівняння Німеччини(Берлін) та Канади (Торонто) від німця який переїхав у 2020.
Germany
Employment & cost of living
There are strong employee protections in place with contracts usually including several weeks notice to be provided by the employer OR the employee if either of them want to terminate their employment. The cost of food is lower, but energy prices for heating and electricity are higher. Public transit is better developed and you have more choices for the majority of the country (depending on cities). The rental market in big cities is in a similarly bad position as Canada and other major cities around the globe. Renters have better protections and leases are always without a term limit unless specifically requested by either party (tenant or landlord). The trade off here is that you have to give more time notice if you wish to terminate the leasing agreement.
Family, social services & Navigating immigration
The support for families is really good. You get financial support from the government for children to help cover cost (Kindergeld - “Children money”). The biggest issue I see is the language barrier. The german government institutions do not have to provide service in any language other than German. Unless you’re learning German or have German speaking friends that can help you with translations or navigating bureaucracy you’re going to have a more difficult time accessing services, doctors, government services.
Public schools are free and the standard within Germany. Post-secondary education is tuition free. For a Bachelor’s degree you’re most likely going to pay around 350-500 Euros per semester which includes a public transit ticket for the region.
Canada
Employment & cost of living
Taxes are lower than in Germany. That leaves you with more possibilities to invest with spare income. There is a lot more flexibility when it comes to remote work/WFH set ups.
The vast majority of employment contracts are at will employment - companies can terminate employees at any point in time without warning or preparation.
The Cost of living (food prices being a quick and obvious example) are higher in Canada. Car ownership is almost mandatory if you’re not in a major city. If you’re looking to live in the suburbs a car purchase and the associated cost of insurance, parking, fuel, maintenance are going to eat away at your budget. Public transit is less accessible and more expensive since the most heavily subsidized infrastructure is focussing on cars.
Rental prices are really high and there are not a lot of tenant protections compared to Germany. Leases are annual leasing agreements, which turn into month to month if not renewed for a new year.
Family, social services & Navigating immigration
Social Services are accessible and available in multiple languages. The support network for children with immigration backgrounds is better than it is in Germany. Children whose first language is not English can take advantage of specialized ESL classes to support them in their education. Post-secondary education is more expensive in Canada than in Germany at several thousand dollars per semester.
I don’t have children so I can’t speak to affordability in Canada, but medical expenses for specialized treatments are covered for children up to the age of 25.
Canada’s immigration system is fairly straight-forward. We have hundred of thousands of immigrants per year, so there are more support systems in place. There are many deals from institutions like banks with “Newcomers to Canada” specialized products to take advantage of.
