Cost of Living in Canada
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studying Cost of Living in Canada into reality.
Cost of Living in Canada
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying Cost of Living in Canada into reality.
Canada is one of the most popular locations in the world for international students. The nation provides a wide range of chances for both career and personal development. The good news for individuals who are eager to study in Canada is that living costs are typically lower for international students studying there. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the cost of living in Canada is around CAD 20,635.
Let’s break down the costs and understand the different financial aspects that an international student has to focus on.
What is the Cost of Living in Canada per Month?
Students need to set aside funds for unexpected and regular expenses. They should also be well-prepared for ongoing costs, including lodging, food, groceries, basic utilities, clothing, entertainment, and travel-related health insurance. Here is a list of approximate expenses of each:
Expenses |
Cost (CAD/INR) |
Accommodation |
CAD 500-CAD 1000/ INR 24,340-INR 49,000 |
Food |
CAD 300-CAD 400/ INR 18,260-INR 24,340 |
Travel |
CAD 80-CAD 110/ INR 5,000-INR 6,700 |
Entertainment |
CAD 150/ INR 9,128 |
Other Utilities |
CAD 164.64/ INR 10,016 |
Internet |
CAD 78.82/ INR 4,800 |
Health Insurance |
CAD 74/ INR 4,500 |
Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students
Living cost in Canada for international students is typically determined by their lifestyle. Furthermore, the cost of housing would vary depending on whether they choose to live on or off campus. The university to which students choose to apply will determine whether or not to grant them access to the on-campus facilities. Applying separately is advised for on-campus housing.
Furthermore, the annual cost of on-campus housing might vary from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000. On the other hand, a shared apartment would set the student back between CAD 500 and CAD 1000 per month. It is dependent upon their geographic location and the season in which they are renting it.
According to a housing research and market analysis released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Canada is CAD 1,167. Depending on the city, the rent can vary.
Food & Grocery Costs in Canada for International Students
The average living expenses in Canada for international students, 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. Refer to the following table for grocery and food expenses:
Items |
Price (CAD) |
Milk, 1 L |
CAD 2.76 |
Rice, 1 kg |
CAD 4.40 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread 500g |
CAD 3.27 |
Eggs (regular) (12) |
CAD 4.29 |
Local cheese 1 kg |
CAD 14.79 |
Apples 1 kg |
CAD 5.06 |
Banana 1 kg |
CAD 1.86 |
Chicken Filets 1 Kg |
CAD 14.86 |
Transportation Costs in Canada
Major cities have lower transportation expenses since there are several easily available transit options. The cost of traveling for students varies based on whether they live on campus or off it. A monthly pass can cost between CAD 80 and CAD 150, but a one-way public transportation fare can only cost a few dollars. The cost of each form of transportation is shown here:
Transportation |
Average monthly cost |
Subway |
CAD 65- CAD 99 (monthly pass) |
Buses |
CAD 100- CAD 150 |
Taxi (up to 1km) |
CAD 2.00 |
Taxi 1-hour waiting (normal tariff) |
CAD 34.00 |
One-way ticket (local transport) |
CAD 3.25 |
Gasoline (1 L) |
CAD 1.59 |
Healthcare Costs in Canada
Another important aspect of cost of living in Canada for Indian students is health insurance. International students can obtain free or premium provincial health coverage in some provinces. Students must often apply to the relevant provinces in these situations. They must obtain private health insurance in areas where provincial health insurance is not offered.
Below are some well-known private health insurance policies and their associated costs:
Name of the Plan |
Approximate Costs in CAD |
iMED |
CAD 225 for 3 months |
BC MSP Program |
CAD 74 for 1 month |
AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan |
CAD 176.42 for 8 months |
The average yearly premium for obtaining health insurance is between 500 CAD to 700 CAD, according to the Canada Insurance Plan. International students typically choose from well-known insurance companies such as Alliance Global, Sun Life, Green Shield, Manulife Financial, etc. Insurance premiums are a part of being a student in Canada.
Utility Costs in Canada
Canada living expenses for international students must include utilities which are a crucial factor to take into account because they can raise living expenses considerably. A number of variables, including the size of the student residence, the local temperature, and unique usage habits, might affect the cost of utilities.
The following are some of the most common utility costs that are a part of monthly expenses in Canada for Indian students:
Utility |
Expenses |
Electricity |
CAD 50 to CAD 150 |
Gas |
CAD 30 to CAD 100 |
Water |
CAD 30 to CAD 50 |
Internet and phone |
CAD 50 to CAD 100 |
Home insurance |
CAD 15 to CAD 50 |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Canada
There are more important experiences in Canada than just academics. Affordable means of taking part in outdoor activities, cultural events, and the overall Canadian social scene show that leisure time does not have to be a luxury.
These are some approximate figures for typical entertainment and leisure costs:
Activity |
Average cost (CAD) |
Movie Tickets |
CAD 12-CAD 20 |
Concerts and live Performances |
CAD 30-CAD 150 |
Outdoor Activities (e.g., hiking, skiing) |
CAD 0-CAD 100 |
Dining Out |
CAD 15-CAD 50 |
Cultural Events and Festivals |
CAD 0-CAD 50 |
Museum or Art Gallery Admission |
CAD 10-CAD 30 |
Theme Parks or Amusement Parks |
CAD 40-CAD 80 |
Gaming |
Free to cost of gaming equipment |
Sport Events |
CAD 30-CAD 200 |
Average Cost of Living in Canada: City-Wise
The five most costly cities in Canada to live in are Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The approximate average cost of living in each city is listed below:
City Name |
Average Cost of living per year |
Ottawa, ON |
CAD 20,000 |
Montreal, QC |
CAD 25,000 |
Calgary, AB |
CAD 27,000 |
Toronto, ON |
CAD 37,000 |
Vancouver, BC |
CAD 39,000 |
Average Rent in Canada
In Canada, accommodations for international students include townhouses, dorms, shared apartments, homestays, and furnished or unfurnished apartments. Depending on their choice of housing, students can pay anywhere from CAD 500 to CAD 4000 in rent per month. In Canada, studios and unfurnished apartments are a good option for students looking for affordable rent. Sharing a space with others might also help lower house rent in Canada.
City |
Average rent in CAD |
Miramichi |
CAD 900 |
St. George |
CAD 1,030 |
Fredericton |
CAD 1,500 |
Saint John |
CAD 1,500 |
Moncton |
CAD 2,000 |
Wolfville |
CAD 1,350 |
Pictou |
CAD 1,100 |
New Glasgow |
CAD 950 |
Stellarton |
CAD 1,150 |
Clark’s Harbour |
CAD 1,500 |
Medicine Hat |
CAD 500 |
Canmore |
CAD 500 |
St. Albert |
CAD 600 |
Edmonton |
CAD 800 |
Calgary |
CAD 1,000 |
Tips to Save Money in Canada for International Students
Regarding the living cost in Canada for Indian students, there are strategies to manage and reduce it. Among them are:
- Canadian Scholarships
In Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available to students from overseas. The scholarships cover housing, travel expenses, health insurance, tuition, and/or a stipend. If a student is awarded a scholarship to help pay for their studies and stay in Canada, their cost of living can be greatly reduced.
- Canadian Student Cards
Canada is a nation that appreciates and gives its student population particular attention. Canada has the option to provide daily student discounts in an effort to lower the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. In order to do this, the customer must present their student ID card at the time of purchase or payment. These savings apply to dining establishments, bookstores, department stores, and public transportation.
- Jobs in Canada for Part-Time Workers
Choosing part-time work in Canada is one of the best methods for Indian students to lower their monthly living expenses. The ability to work various part-time jobs on campus is granted by the student visa. You can also apply for an off-campus work permit after completing six months of studies. International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week as part-timers in Canada with a student visa.
Takeaway
The expense of living in Canada is still a major factor for international students. Major cities tend to be more expensive, especially when it comes to housing and rent, even though they could also have more cultural and employment options.
Those who are thinking about moving to Canada should make sure they are financially prepared and select a place that fits their lifestyle preferences and budget.
Discover how affordable studying in Canada can be! Connect with AECC to explore detailed insights on the cost of living in Canada and plan your academic journey with expert guidance.