A post by Hightea on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked a wide-ranging debate about the true cost of living in Canada, after she revealed that earning over C$120,000 in 2025 still left her struggling month to month.

Her comment resonated with many Nigerians living in Canada, particularly as inflation, housing costs and food prices continue to rise.
“What shocked me,” she wrote, “was that many people living in Canada could relate — and those saying I was lying were mostly not even in Canada.”

The conversation quickly expanded into a broader reflection on whether Canada still offers the financial stability many migrants expect.

Housing and Groceries: The Biggest Pressure Points
Several contributors agreed that housing and food costs have become the most punishing expenses.

Ketoski noted that while Canada still offers social stability and long-term benefits, housing costs have “spoilt the sweetness,” particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. He suggested renting out basement units as a coping strategy, a common approach among homeowners.

Others pointed out that groceries have risen sharply. One contributor highlighted that basic food items have increased by 20–30% within a few years, making family budgets increasingly fragile.

BlackTsar echoed this concern, describing food costs as “scary” even for small households.

Is It Income or Spending Habits?
Not everyone agreed that a six-figure income should feel tight.

Some users argued that C$120k places someone among the top earners in Canada, insisting that financial stress at that level often comes down to lifestyle choices.

Harrison questioned whether car loans, mortgages and phone plans were driving costs, suggesting that some newcomers fail to “cut their coat according to their size.”

Debeeezy and Obeto were more direct, arguing that a single person earning that amount should not be struggling and may need professional financial planning.

“If families survive on less than 80k combined, then something isn’t adding up,” one commenter said.

Debt Culture and the Canadian System
Others pointed to structural issues rather than individual behaviour.
A visitor to Toronto described widespread indebtedness, with households carrying $800,000–$1 million mortgages and large car loans, often on salaries far lower than equivalent earners in the United States.

He contrasted this with the US, where higher salaries often pair with lower housing costs and greater disposable income.

Several commenters also noted that Canada’s system includes heavy deductions for taxes and retirement, which reduce take-home pay but offer long-term security — a trade-off that can feel painful in the short term.

Family, Remittances and Cultural Pressure
John raised a point many Nigerians abroad quietly recognise: money sent home.

He argued that remittances to Nigeria — supporting family, emergencies and obligations — significantly reduce disposable income, even for high earners.

“What you sent back home could have paid your bills or cleared your credit card,” he said.

Others agreed that cultural expectations often place additional financial strain on migrants that is not captured in headline salary figures

Single vs Family Life
A recurring theme was household size.
Ms Bee summarised it simply:

“If you earn 120k, have a mortgage, a car and a family, you’re basically living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re single, it’s likely a spending issue.”
This distinction shaped much of the debate, with many agreeing that family responsibilities dramatically change the financial equation.

A Shared Reality, Not a Lie
Despite disagreements, most contributors accepted one core point: Canada has become significantly more expensive, especially since the pandemic.

Even critics of Hightea’s position acknowledged that food inflation, housing costs and job market uncertainty are real and growing concerns.

As one user put it, “People are just looking at the figure, not the system.”

Bigger Picture: A Reality Check for Aspiring Migrants
The discussion also served as a subtle message to those still waiting on Canadian visas.

While Canada remains attractive for safety, stability and long-term planning, the days of effortless comfort are fading — particularly in major cities.

High incomes no longer guarantee financial ease, and success increasingly depends on budget discipline, location choices, debt management and realistic expectations.