Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

As you seek to uncover the living expenses in Canada, you join the ranks of dreamers and achievers aiming to secure the finest quality of life for themselves. Undoubtedly, Canada stands out as a premier destination for its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and robust economy.

Average Cost of Living in Canada per month: An overview

  • While for a single person, the estimated monthly costs amount to CAD$1,452.7, excluding rent.
  • Canada’s vast size means that prices fluctuate across regions. However, according to the EduCanada government, the average cost of living for foreign students is approximately $12,000 CAD per year.

Monthly Expenses in Canada for International Students

Category Average Cost in CAD
Rent
$400-$1500
Groceries
$350 to $450
Local Transport
$85 to $ 120
Utilities
$250 to $300
Insurance
$550 to $900

Study Abroad Services

Total Cost of Study in Canada for Indian and International students in different locations

While the cost of living in Canada is always more affordable compared to other English-speaking countries, the total price still varies between provinces. However, other costs might vary that sum into the overall expenses. For example- the living expenses in Toronto might be less than the tuition costs.  Let’s delve into the expense rankings of some of Canada’s major cities in the form of a cost-of-living index: 

Rank

City

Cost of Living Index

Rent Index

Cost of Living Plus Rent Index

1

Victoria

75.0

45.6

61.1

2

Vancouver

73.6

52.8

63.8

3

Kamloops

71.4

34.8

54.1

4

Ottawa

70.8

36.6

54.7

5

Calgary

70.8

33.7

53.3

6

Toronto

69.4

48.4

59.4

7

Halifax

67.9

35.8

52.7

8

Quebec City

67.5

23.5

46.7

9

Saskatoon

67.1

25.5

47.5

10

Mississauga

64.8

45.7

55.8

11

Kelowna

64.7

34.3

50.3

12

Winnipeg

64.2

25.7

46.0

13

Montreal

63.9

30.5

48.1

Note: A cost-of-living index is a theoretical measurement tool used to assess the relative cost of living across different time periods or geographical regions. It gauges variations in the prices of goods and services, accommodating substitutions with alternative items as prices fluctuate.

Accommodation or Cost of House in Canada for Students

Canadian students may deal with certain difficulties when looking for on-campus housing at the universities.

It is worth noting that students need to thoughtfully answer the question of whether living on campus is linked to their needs since it typically requires sharing the bedrooms, dining areas, bathrooms, and amenities with other roommates. On-campus housing prices fluctuate between amounts that are determined by the location and type of student’s accommodation.

Here’s the average cost of accommodation for international students based on type:

 

 

Accommodation Type

Average Cost (CAD)

Homestays

$400 – $800 per month

Dormitory

$3,000 – $7,500 per school year

Renting

$400 – $1,500 per month

List of necessary food items with cost:

 

Item

Price (CAD)

Price of milk in Canada- 1 liter 

C$3 approx

12 eggs, large

C$6 approx

1 kg of apples

C$5.5 approx

1 kg of potatoes

C$3 approx

0.5 l domestic beer in the supermarket

C$4 approx

2 liters of Coca-Cola

C$3 approx

Bread for 2 people for 1 day

C$2.5 approx.

Budgeting Tips for International Students in Canada:

  • Track Your Money: Make a well-planned budget that is with prescribed savings.
  • Differentiate Needs from Wants: Put the financial demand that is necessary and crucial before those that are not.
  • Budget Income and Expenses: Spend money on important things, including food, lease payments, and transport.
  • Explore Earning Opportunities: If you are not already employed, consider job opportunities like part-time work or freelancing to cover your expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently asked questions

What will be the number of hours a week I can work on a student visa? 

Currently, if you study as an international student in Canada, your timetable does not allow you to work over 20 hours per week in your college/university during the academic sessions. In addition, you may also choose to carry out your internship on campus or off campus. The first option is for a six-month or more-long study. This option requires a study permit that is authorized by a visa officer.

Where is it cheaper to live: in Canada or in the US?

In general, Canada has an advantage when it comes to the prices of daily supplies compared to the United States. The US average for a two-person household is near USD 5,378. Nevertheless, as it may differ depending on the destination, it could be challenging to give an exact comparison.

For instance, the prices of staying in this area, like Michigan or Detroit, could be similar to this area such as Vancouver.

What is the public transport system in Canada like?

Canadian cities are closely knit together by an extensive network of underground and street transportation systems, which is one of the things that makes Canada attractive. The cost of transportation for local travel is, on average, between $85 and $120 monthly.

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