‘ ₹20 To ₹237': Indian woman compares grocery costs in India and Canada, sparks debate

Mint

2 days ago

A viral Instagram video by an Indian woman living in Canada has left many social media users stunned over the difference in grocery prices between the two countries.
'Ever felt broke after buying just bread and milk? Welcome to Canada,' Kanupriya, a content creator, says in her caption, adding, 'Kamzor dil ke log kripya iss video ko na dekhe (This video is not for the faint-hearted).'
Filming inside a Canadian supermarket, she begins with coriander leaves-- a kitchen essential in most Indian homes, priced at around ₹ 90. 'Guys, dhaniya ₹ 90 ka mil raha hai Canada mein… so let's go grocery shopping together,' she says, before revealing the price tags of other everyday staples.
She points out that a cauliflower that costs ₹ 20– ₹ 25 in India is ₹ 237 in Canada. Similarly, one piece of ginger is ₹ 177, a carrot ₹ 66, a mango ₹ 106, an apple ₹ 78, and a potato ₹ 78. 'Matlab kuch khaye hi nahi sakte, itna mehnga hai (It's so expensive, you can barely eat anything),' she remarks.
Her price list continues — a pound of garlic is ₹ 395, four litres of milk ₹ 396, a small tub of yoghurt ₹ 200, and a packet of bread ₹ 230.
The video has sparked a flurry of reactions online. While some viewers expressed shock at the steep prices, others pointed out that Canadian incomes are significantly higher, making the costs relatively manageable for residents.
A user wrote, 'In our country, Dhaniya is often the 'free gift' with your vegetables, sometimes vendors even insist on giving it to you even if you don't need it!'
Another user commented, 'A dollar you earn is also 60rs/-'
'Earn b toh dollar mei kr re ho rupees mein thodi," the third user wrote.
'Yaar, you're earnings in dollars , then why u convert to Rupees?' the fourth user asked.
'Earning in $ ,comparing in rupees. Reverse migration is the current trend. Doors are open,' the fifth user wrote.