There is no doubt that the cost of living in PARTS of Canada is higher than in areas where most immigrants are coming from. Vancouver and Toronto are among the most expensive and housing is the largest part of that living expense.
Here are some more affordable ideas that you might want to look into further:
- work for accommodation. If you have some skill that someone may need you might be able to barter your services (programming, cooking, writing, event management, etc.)
- renting a larger space with some roommates or other family (this has been done for decades)
- buying a home using money from a group of investors (family and friends) from your existing town of origin
- communal home where you all own part of the home and live together sharing the bathrooms & kitchen
If you know of any others, please share them.