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Updated on 29th January, 2024 , 10 min read
Students who plan to live and study in Canada frequently search for reliable information about the cost of living there. Canada is a well-liked study abroad location since it offers a wide range of chances for both career and personal development. Generally speaking, living costs in Canada are lower than in other Anglophone countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. An annual budget of CAD 12,000 should be sufficient for overseas students to live comfortably in Canada.
The main drivers of living expenses in Canada are the cost of housing, transport and food expenses, university tuition, taxes and health insurance. It would be wise to prepare ahead and budget before travelling to Canada. Moreover, documentation demonstrating the candidates' financial ability to support their studies and national residence is required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Thus, if you're thinking about studying in Canada, this site will help you figure out how much living there will actually cost.
Depending on one's lifestyle and tastes, the average annual cost of living in Canada varies from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 (INR 9.03L to INR 12.05L). Tuition for most courses offered by Canadian academic institutions starts at CAD 15,000 (~INR 9,03,999). In addition, a single student's monthly living expenses in Canada are approximately 880 CAD (INR 53,034), not including rent. In Canada, the cost of living is reasonable and controllable provided you have good money management skills.
For both regular and unforeseen expenses, students should set aside money. Aside from that, they should be ready for ongoing costs like lodging, food and groceries, essential utilities, clothing, entertainment, and travel health insurance. INR 9.03 lakhs to 12.05 lakhs is needed for overseas students to meet the cost. Accordingly, one should expect to pay approximately CAD 18,340 (INR 11,14531) annually for living expenses in Canada.
Furthermore, it is projected that, without rent, the monthly cost of living in Canada is INR 68,792 (about C$1,132). An estimated $1,708 per person and $3,911 for a family of four would be spent on rent each month. Upon arrival in Canada, international students can maximise their living expenses management by obtaining an International Student Identification Card, which entitles them to additional benefits.
Expenses | Cost (CAD) |
Accommodation (shared apartments) | $400-$800 |
Food | $300-$400 |
Travel | $80-$110 |
Entertainment | $150 |
Other Utilities (electricity, cooling, water, heating, garbage) | $164.64 |
Internet (60 Mbps or more) | $78.82 |
Health Insurance (BC MSP Program) | $74 |
With its distinctive culture, top universities, welcoming immigration policies, breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, first-rate healthcare system, affordable living, and access to medical facilities, Canada is unquestionably the greatest place in the world to live. It makes sense that many students would rather finish their graduate and post-graduation studies in this nation. Although living costs in Canada can be a little more than anticipated, they seem reasonable given the country's welcoming environment for both foreign nationals and locals. In Canada, there are certain cities with comparable amenities and low cost of living. Because nuclear families are so common, the average cost of living in Canada for families varies depending on the size of the family, usually between two and four members.
Personal residences for students can cost around $625 per month, while on-campus housing could cost around $800 monthly.
Understanding the basic cost of living is vital, but it's just as important to know how much money you'll need to live comfortably in Canada. To live comfortably, one must be able to save some money and have enough for both essentials and leisure activities. Depending on where you live in Canada, the needed amount may change; in large cities, this difference is frequently in the thousands.
Here are the details
Canadian City | Single Person | Family of 4 |
Toronto | $3,551 | $6,144 |
Vancouver | $3,445 | $5,955 |
Montreal | $2,384 | $4,799 |
Ottawa | $2,822 | $5,329 |
Calgary | $2,449 | $5,110 |
Quebec City | $1871 | $4,126 |
Halifax | $2,377 | $4,698 |
A student's living expenses typically change according to their living situation and style. Additionally, there would be a difference in the cost of housing between living on and off campus. Depending on the university they apply to, students can take advantage of on-campus housing options. It is advised, therefore, to submit separate applications for on-campus housing. Common dining halls, washing rooms, and recreational spaces are available to residents living on campus.
The annual cost of living on campus might be anywhere from CAD 8000 to CAD 10,000. Monthly rent for an off-campus shared unit would be between CAD 400 and CAD 700. The location and season have an impact on rental costs. Because of this, the rent for off-campus accommodation is more expensive than for on-campus living, although it is less expensive when shared.
The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat in Canada is CAD 1,167, according to a housing research and market report published by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Depending on the city, the rent may change.
Accommodation Type | Average Cost |
On-Campus | $8000-$10,000 (INR 8.02 lakhs-10.03 lakhs) (annually) |
Off-Campus Shared accommodation | $400 to $700 (INR 40,140.02 to 70,245.04) (monthly) |
1 BHK in city center | $1,332 (RS. 1,33,666.28/-) (monthly) |
1 BHK outside the city center | $1,123 (RS. 1,12,693.12/-) (monthly) |
3-bedrooms apartment City Center | $2,718.34 (RS. 1,68,975,93/-) |
3-bedrooms apartment outside of center | 2,363.15 (Rs. 1,46,896/-) |
The province or city you live in determines how much it costs to live in Canada. Rent in Canada is, on average, 28.1% less than in the US.
City Name | Average Two-Bedroom Rent/month |
Vancouver, BC | $18,254 |
Toronto, ON | $1,666 |
Victoria, BC | $1,571 |
Ottawa, ON | $1,550 |
Calgary, AB | $1,355 |
Edmonton, AB | $1,270.00 |
British Columbia, BC | $2034 |
Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities in Canada. Rent has risen by 2.2%, for a 2-bedroom house it stands at $3000 and $3,180 respectively.
The cheapest city in terms of rent in Canada is St.John’s, rent is as low as $900 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Canadian cities like Halifax and Abbotsford have 2-bedroom rents of around $1300.
Transportation costs in major cities were lower due to more accessible transit options. Student commute expenses would vary depending on their place of residence; on-campus or off-campus. If they prefer to travel by public transportation, there are subways or commuter trains. Fare for one-way public transit can cost a few dollars, whereas a monthly pass can cost around CAD 80 to CAD 150. Here is mode of transportation price details:
Transportation | Average monthly cost |
Subway | CAD 65- CAD 99 (monthly pass) |
Buses | CAD 100- CAD 150 |
Taxi (up to 1km) | C$ 2.00 |
Taxi 1-hour waiting (normal tariff) | C$34.00 |
One-way ticket (local transport) | C$ 3.25 |
Gasoline (1 litre) | C$1.59 |
People choose to use public transport in major Canadian cities due to the effects of pollution and the climate catastrophe. Local transportation in Canada is reasonably priced; a one-way ticket costs C$3.25, and a monthly pass costs $92. In general, an automobile costs $24,000, although the price might vary greatly based on the type and amenities.
The average cost of living for international students in Canada, excluding housing, is often in the range of CAD 200 to CAD 300 (INR 12,053 to INR 18,079) for food and other daily expenses. Please refer to the following table for Canadian food expenses:
Milk (regular), 1 litre | C$ 2.76 |
Rice (white), 1 kg | C$ 4.40 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | C$ 3.27 |
Eggs (regular) (12) | C$ 4.29 |
Local cheese (1 kg) | C$1 4.79 |
Apples (1 kg) | C$ 5.06 |
Banana (1 kg) | C$ 1.86 |
Chicken Fillets (1 Kg) | C$ 14.86 |
Other Occasional Expenses
You will find that living in Canada occasionally requires you to incur certain costs, such as purchasing prescription medication that is not covered by health insurance.
Long-distance phone conversations with loved ones back home. A monthly mobile phone package for C$55.36 includes 10 GB or more of data and calls.
School materials.
When it comes to clothing, the average price range for men's and women's clothing is between $45 and $150 if you want to get high-end brands.
The basic utility costs for an average-sized flat (let's say 85 m2) with one or two rooms are C$199.25. These costs include garbage, water, heating, cooling, and electricity.
For students, studying in Canada is a wise investment because it provides a top-notch education and a degree that is respected throughout the world. The Canadian education system is split into four stages, which are managed by the provinces: pre-elementary, elementary or primary, secondary, and post-secondary. In Canada, universities offer degree programmes such bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, whereas colleges mostly offer diplomas, certificates, and programmes for vocational training.
The cost of an education in Canada is primarily determined by the university, the chosen subject, and the tuition. Every year, Canadian universities update their undergraduate and graduate tuition rates. International applicants must thus verify their tuition before submitting an application to the university. The average cost of education in Canada for various course types is as follows:
Stream | UG Course Average Fee per year | PG Course Average Fee per year |
Medicine | CA$ 33,000 | Not Available |
Pharmacy | CA$ 32,886 | CA$ 10,500 |
Engineering | CA$ 26,582 | CA$ 15,800 |
Architecture and related technologies | CA$ 22,100 | CA$ 20,000 |
Nursing | CA$ 18,000 | CA$ 12,000 |
Mathematics and Computer Science | CA$ 25,000 | CA$ 13,000 |
Business Management | CA$ 23,500 | CA$ 20,000 |
Law | CA$ 27,056 | CA$ 20,000 |
The chosen subject, university, and tuition charge all have a substantial effect on the cost of education in Canada. Every year, tuition for undergraduate and graduate programmes at Canadian universities is revised. As a result, before applying to an institution, international students must verify their tuition. The average educational cost in Canada for various courses is as follows:
Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Courses in Canada
UG course | Tuition fee |
Business | $ 56,000 (INR 34.7 lakhs) |
Computers and IT | $ 55,000 (INR 34.1 lakhs) |
Engineering and Technology | $ 55,000 (INR 34.1 lakhs) |
Social and Natural Sciences | $53,000 to $56,000 (INR 32 lakhs to 34 lakhs) |
1 Canadian Dollar = 62.11 Indian Rupee
Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Courses in Canada
PG course | Tuition fee |
Business | $ 52,700 (INR 32.7 lakhs) |
Computers and IT | $ 52,500 (INR 32.6 lakhs) |
Engineering and Technology | $ 52,500 (INR 32.6 lakhs) |
Social and Natural Sciences | $37,000 to $58,300 (INR 22.9 lakhs to 36.2 lakhs) |
1 Canadian Dollar = 62.11 Indian Rupee
The below table provides you with a glimpse of education costs in Canadian universities.
University Name | Tuition Fees |
University of Toronto | C$6,100 to C$67,430 per year |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | $11,460 per annum |
Humber College | $29,500 per year |
University of Regina | $20,050 per year |
Royal Roads University | $27,500 per year |
Thompson River University | $35,650 per year |
York University | C$7,153 to C$38,826 per year |
Health Insurance
All foreign students studying in Canada are required to have health insurance, although the specific medical coverage offered varies by province. Their provincial health care policies will cover them if they want to apply to universities in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. Nevertheless, coverage varies according on how long they stay. Students must choose private insurance if they intend to study in Edward Island, Ontario, Nova Scotia, or Quebec. It is recommended that students review the university's official website in depth for information on health insurance.
As per 2023 statistical data, the average person pays around C$8,563 per year to maintain the no-cost system. Moreover, it is important to note that Canada’s free Healthcare system is currently available to Canadian citizens and also to those with a permanent residence permit.
Taxes in Canada
When students decide to work after starting their studies in Canada, they will require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It indicates that during the school year, students were permitted to work 20 hours a week, and over the summer, they were allowed to work full-time. Additionally, if students want to work while they are studying, their earnings will be subject to taxes. The average Canadian earns $250,000 a year, before taxes.
The five most expensive cities to live in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. Here is the average cost of living for each city:
City Name | Average Cost of living per year |
Vancouver, BC | $38,484 /INR 23,62,507 |
Toronto, ON | $37,000/INR 22,71,405 |
Calgary, AB | $26,904/INR 16,51,619 |
Montreal, QC | $25,000/INR 15,34,733 |
Ottawa, ON | $20,000/INR 12,27,787 |
City Name | Average living cost per person |
London, Ontario | $1,013 |
Calgary, Alberta | $1,154 |
Regina, Saskatchewan | $1,124 |
Edmonton, Alberta | $1,183 |
Self-sufficiency in handling living expenditures is crucial for Indian students. Prudent budgeting reduces expenses and saves money, which facilitates managing and lowers overall living costs. A few suggestions for helping students save money in Canada are provided below:
1. Create a Spending plan
Make a budget for yourself first. Decide how much you want to spend on entertainment, groceries, clothes, and other expenses. Adhere to your plan at all times. The money-saving factor is automatically taken into consideration when planning how to spend your money. Instead of depending on leftovers at the end of the month, put your attention towards saving. This bank account will function as a safe entry point.
2. Apply for Scholarships
Canada offers various scholarships for international students. Students should make sure that they apply for scholarships. Check the university's official websites for scholarships latest information.
3. Outline the Priorities
Including the required monthly expenses is crucial. Students should sensibly restrict their spending, even if they make purchases on a regular basis, by getting rid of unnecessary products that they can live without for a few months.
4. Travel through Public Transit
Students should start using public transit instead of cars or Uber. And they should make sure to check for the availability of student discounts on public transit passes.
5. Students Card
To ease the burden of expenses for international students, Canada has a provision of offering discounts to them. International students can utilize the discounts available at departmental stores, bookstores, etc.
6. Part-time Jobs
One of the best methods to lower your cost of living in Canada is to choose part-time employment. International students with valid student visas can work a variety of part-time jobs on campus. Following the six-month study period, they can be eligible for off-campus work permits.
The most frequent query from prospective immigrants to Canada is, "Is it expensive to live in Canada?" In Canada, a lot of people make ends meet with $250,000 year, before taxes. They believe it will be more than enough to give them a comfortable life. Still, this is a far cry from what the ordinary Canadian earns. After taxes, the average monthly pay is $3,400. Depending on where in Canada you decide to live, your pay may differ dramatically because employers take into account the cost of living in different cities. So, before creating your Canada strategy, be sure you have the necessary funds. Read on to understand which will work best for you.
Related Resources for your Canada Study Plan
Before choosing a country to study, international students should make a thorough comparative study. Each country has different accommodation costs, education costs, etc. Let’s have a look at the cost of accommodation in different countries.
Country | Accommodation Cost |
Canada | On-Campus: Rs. 4,75,007 to Rs. 5,93,759 annually |
USA | On-Campus: Rs. 7,27,559 to Rs. 8,24,072 annually |
UK | On-Campus: Rs. 41,120 to Rs. 61,681 monthly |
Germany | Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000 every month |
Australia | On-Campus: Rs. 5,488 to Rs. 13,970 per month |
UAE | On-Campus: Rs. 51,025 annually |
Living in Canada has always been an amazing experience. Since household expenses will consume half of your income, it is crucial that you arrive prepared. Regarding the expense of living for international students in Canada, there have been a lot of rumours. We hope that this post has provided you with all the answers you need in one convenient location.
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