Why Rent Hits Hardest for Kenyans Starting Life in Canada

The high cost of living in Canada is proving to be a significant challenge for many Kenyan migrants, as rising rents and daily expenses strain their budgets.

Shadrack Ngoi, a 38-year-old graduate student at the University of Alberta, moved from Nairobi two years ago to pursue further studies. He quickly realised that the cold climate was just one of many challenges. 

“Housing demand, high rents, food prices, and general living expenses make the cost of living here super high,” he said, noting that even a modest room can consume a large portion of his income. 

To mitigate these costs, he shops at African markets, where familiar produce provides both cultural comfort and some financial relief. Elizabeth Mokkonen, a nurse who previously lived in Finland, also feels the pressure of Canada’s high housing costs. At 50, she finds that her two-bedroom basement flat in Canada costs more than double what she paid for similar accommodation in Finland. 

While taxes are lower, she points out that hidden fees and daily expenses quickly reduce her disposable income. She also highlights the emotional challenges of migration: “Life here feels quiet and lonely. People are busy working, and their social life is limited.”

Younger migrants are similarly affected. Felix Ayiera, 31, arrived in Edmonton last year to pursue a doctorate in food science. Despite receiving a stipend and teaching support, he describes rent as a heavy burden, even in shared accommodation. 

He also emphasises the importance of building a strong credit score, a system unfamiliar to many newcomers from Kenya, but essential for long-term stability in Canada. “Education, opportunity, and future security make the high cost of living worth it,” he said.

Housing is the most consistent issue, with rents in Canadian cities consuming between 40 and 60 percent of household income. Food prices, healthcare, and transport also contribute to the financial strain.

Despite these challenges, many migrants remain committed to building lives in Canada. For Shadrack, African markets offer a sense of continuity. For Elizabeth, career advancement outweighs financial difficulties. For Felix, academic opportunity and long-term stability justify the sacrifices.