Kenyan Nurse in Canada Driving Uber Despite $60 Hourly Wage Amid High Living Costs
A Kenyan nurse in Canada earning nearly $60 per hour has turned to Uber driving to supplement income amid high taxes and costly urban living.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
2 min read
A viral social media post has sparked debate about the financial pressures faced by workers in Canada’s major cities. The post highlighted a registered nurse earning nearly $60 per hour—equivalent to about KSh 7,772—who has taken up driving for Uber to make ends meet.
The post, shared by X user Timeyin, questioned the sustainability of living on a single income in Canada’s current economic climate. The nurse works full-time hours, with a gross annual salary estimated at $124,800 (approximately KSh 16.2 million). After federal and Ontario provincial taxes, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and other deductions, the nurse’s net annual income is around $90,232 (KSh 11.7 million), or roughly $3,470 (KSh 449,000) biweekly.
Tax Burden and Living Costs Fuel Debate
- Ontario’s marginal tax rate of 37.2% on additional earnings is cited as a significant factor reducing take-home pay.
- High rent in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, often exceeding $2,500 (KSh 324,000) monthly, further strains finances.
- Some commentators argue that high taxes discourage extra work, while others suggest lifestyle choices and debt may influence financial strain.
One commentator noted that the nurse’s net monthly income, between KSh 686,500 and KSh 705,300, remains above the Canadian average, but acknowledged that costly mortgages or urban rents can erode this advantage.
Cost of Living in Canada’s Urban Centres
Basic expenses excluding rent can amount to $1,455 (KSh 188,000) monthly, with rent adding an average of $1,855 (KSh 240,000) for a one-bedroom apartment in city centres. These fixed costs often consume a large portion of take-home pay, making supplementary income necessary even for well-paid professionals.
This case underscores that a high hourly wage does not always guarantee financial comfort, especially when taxes and living expenses are steep. It also reflects broader challenges faced by immigrants and workers adjusting to Canada’s cost of living.
