Moving to Calgary, like anywhere else in Canada, is a great opportunity for many immigrants. But be careful: while the air here is free (lol), everything else definitely comes at a cost. Proper financial planning is therefore essential to avoid cold sweats in the middle of winter.
Here is a realistic estimate of the budget you should plan before leaving Yaoundé or Douala.
1- Airfare
The price of a ticket varies depending on the season and the airline. From Douala or Yaoundé to Calgary, airlines generally offer tickets ranging from 900,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA (≈ 2,166 to 3,610 CAD). Get better deals by booking well in advance (2 to 6 months), if possible. It would be wise to choose departures between Tuesdays and Thursdays or Sundays. It seems that the most affordable times are between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. According to NerdWallet, the cheapest months are January, September, and August. In any case, the best time is when the price works for you.
2- Immigration fees
Depending on your status (student, worker, visitor), the fees generally range from 62,000 to 150,000 FCFA. In detail:
- Permit: from 62,000 to 106,000 FCFA (150 to 255 CAD);
- Biometrics: 35,000 FCFA (85 CAD);
- Medical exam: from 100,000 to 150,000 FCFA (240 to 360 CAD). As you can see, even your body has to pass an interview before entering Canada.
3- Tuition fees (study permit)
In North America, higher education may cost you between 6,000,000 and 10,000,000 FCFA per year (15,000 to 25,000 CAD). Here, education is taken seriously… and the price reflects it.
4- Housing in Calgary
Please try to forget as soon as possible your modern 3-bedroom apartment at 110,000 FCFA in Makèpè (Douala). Doubling that rent will only get you the “luxury” of a room in Calgary, around 200,000 to 300,000 FCFA (500 to 800 CAD). By doubling that budget again, you may find a studio or an apartment. Naturally, amenities have a direct impact on pricing.
5- Living expenses (first month)
Basic living expenses may reach around 135,000 FCFA (325 CAD) for your first 30 days. On top of that, you should add transportation and phone costs, about 100,000 FCFA (325 CAD) in total.
6- Settlement fund
If this list already seems long, here comes the final item. For your initial setup, it is recommended to budget between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 FCFA (2,500 to 5,000 CAD). Always leave some room for unexpected expenses, as some costs have a way of hiding, such as deposits or seasonal clothing needs.
In summary, most of these figures are only estimates. In reality, your final budget will depend on your personal lifestyle. However, come prepared with a Plan A, a Plan B, and even a Plan C (Plan Courage). Your first job in Canada will not be waiting for you right after landing.