Hi Friends,

We are recent PR's and look for a city to relocate. My husband's job is out of Canada, (for a Canadian company) but me and the kids wanted to relocate to London instead of Toronto or other bigger cities. Can anyone suggest if London is a good choice, our idea was to have a low cost of living and a safe place for kids and me. I'll appreciate if anyone can suggest cost of living (per month) in London. Any view on the job market (I'm an accountant, with experience in non profit organizations).

Rent, groceries (Indian), commuting etc, how much can basics cost?

Thanks

Jona

Hi Jonav,
I have stayed inLondon for one year and now we are in Toronto but given a choice I would still go back to London.
We were in UWO apartments where rent was $650 for 1 Bedroom apartment and believe me it was far better than the ones we have here in Toronto.
They had exhaust fans for kitchen and washrooms and the rooms were also more spacious and had community day care center and one could also book the centre for parties etc.
We had good number of desi people around but not like Toronto though.
There were 2 temples and one gurudwara.Indian grocery stores were limited in number but i am talking in 2004 may be new ones have come up. Iused to buy in bulk from Toronto on my visit after 5-6 months and with just the two of us it would last for long time esp with spices etc. There are a few things that may not be as readily available as in Toronto like Indian sweets but that was not an issue for us coz GITS zindabad and i used to make Samosas at home too. Used to be fun !
London was more peaceful and safer for sure. If you are in Accounts area you can get a job with TD and even if you get $3-4 less than what you get here per hour i would say it is worthwhile. At the end of the day if you work out economics it is not bad at all.
London Transit is also cheaper as you can use one transfer for 2 hours and travel anywhere in the city..up an down on the same transfer.

Hello,
I will not recommend London at all. I have been in London for 1 month during the past year and the disadvantages out number the advantages.

Advantages :
1. Less desi population and hence less desi ghetto's
2. Low rent
3. Low daycare
4. People say it is safe (but even in Toronto many areas are super safe)

Disadvantages :
1. Job oppertunities are less. Not many comapnies hire. Salaries are less. You donot get the range of jobs as in Toronto
2. All groceries rate (unless you buy in Food Basics) is way above the roof.
3. Eating outside is very costly
4. You feel out of place if you are not used to mingling with the whites

So when comparing eveything, Toronto still works out fine. (pro's and con's). If you still donot plan to settle in Toronto, then I belive you should give Kitcener- Waterloo, Cambridge a shot. Same pro's and con's as London but definetely a better place then London.

TK A

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.