Cost Of Living In Canada For International Students

Planning to study in Canada? Then getting to know the cost of living in Canada for students is of utmost importance. Canada is popular for its high-quality life, which is why the cost of living in Canada is an important consideration for both domestic and international students. International students need to have a clear understanding of Tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare and other daily expenses in order to live comfortably in Canada. This blog aims to provide a detailed understanding of living expenses for students in Canada.

Student Living Expenses in Canada

Average cost of living in Canada for students might range from  $1,900 to $ 2,200 per month. This figure excludes tuition fee.

Tuition Fees

Domestic Students

Tuition fees for Canadian citizens and permanent residents vary depending on the program and institution. On average the course fees for undergraduate courses range from CAD $6,000 – $8,000 per year where as the Graduate programs Course fees range from CAD $7000 to $10,000 per year.

• Undergraduate programs: CAD $6,000 – $8,000 per year
  
  
• Graduate programs: CAD $7,000 – $10,000 per year

Some professional programs like medicine, law, and business can cost significantly more.

International Students

International students pay higher tuition fees. On average:

• Undergraduate programs: CAD $25,000 – $35,000 per year-( ₹15.25 lakh – ₹21.35 lakh per year)
  
  
• Graduate programs: CAD $20,000 – $30,000 per year (₹12.2 lakh – ₹18.3 lakh per year)

Top-ranked universities and specialized programs can exceed CAD $50,000 annually.

Accommodation

Canada offers wide range of housing options for international students. The cost of living in canada for indian students varies based on the accommodation type. on campus accommodation is relatively pocket friendly when compared to off campus accommodation. The average cost of accommodation For Indian students might range from. CAD $600 – $2,000 per month.

There are various types of off campus accommodation for Indian students in Canada such as shared apartments, studio homes, homestays. Private student residences, and PBSAs.  Here is A comparative acc

On-Campus Housing

Many universities offer dormitories or residences, which are convenient but sometimes costlier.

• Average cost: CAD $600 – $1,000 per month
  
  
• Includes utilities and internet in most cases
  
  
• Meal plans are often required and cost an additional CAD $250 – $500/month

Off-Campus Housing

Rent varies significantly by city:

• Toronto/Vancouver: CAD $1,200 – $2,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment
  
  
• Montreal/Ottawa: CAD $800 – $1,400/month
  
  
• Smaller cities (Halifax, Saskatoon, etc.): CAD $600 – $1,000/month

Shared accommodations (e.g., renting a room in a shared apartment) can lower costs to CAD $400 – $900/month depending on location.

Here’s a clear comparison table showing on-campus vs. off-campus accommodation types for students in Canada, with cost of living in canada for indian students in rupees:

Food and Groceries

The average monthly food cost depends on lifestyle and location:

• Groceries: CAD $200 – $400/month
  
  
  • Staples include rice, pasta, vegetables, meat, dairy, and snacks
    
    
  • Shopping at stores like Walmart, Costco, or No Frills helps save money
    
    
• Eating out:
  
  
  • Fast food meal: CAD $10 – $15
    
    
  • Restaurant meal: CAD $20 – $50

Most students try to cook at home to reduce expenses.

Transportation

Transportations is a prime factor while calculating living expenses in canada for international students . Most Indian students in Canada rely on public transportation like buses, subways, and trains. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa have well-connected transit systems.

A monthly student transit pass typically costs between CAD $80–$150 (₹4,880–₹9,150), depending on the city and zone. Many universities offer subsidized transit passes as part of student fees. Students who live near campus often save money by walking or biking instead.

Public Transit

Most Canadian cities have reliable public transportation systems (buses, subways, trams). Monthly transit passes cost:

Toronto (TTC): CAD $156

Vancouver (TransLink): CAD $110 – $189 depending on zone

Montreal (STM): CAD $60 – $100

Smaller cities: CAD $50 – $90

Students often get discounted passes through their school, reducing costs by 20–40%.

Biking and Walking

In cities like Victoria, Montreal, and Ottawa, biking is popular. Many students live close to campus and walk or bike to save on transportation.

Health Insurance

International students in Canada must have health insurance. Some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta offer government health plans, while others require private coverage. Most universities include a health insurance plan as part of tuition, which averages to about CAD $600–$1,000 per year, or around CAD $50–$90 per month (₹3,050–₹5,490). This usually covers basic medical services but may exclude dental or vision care unless you opt for extended coverage.

Domestic Students

Most provinces offer public healthcare coverage to domestic students. Some costs may still apply for dental and vision care.

International Students

International students must have health insurance:

• Provincial healthcare (available in some provinces): Free or nominal charge
  
  
• Private insurance (where provincial care is not available): CAD $600 – $1,000/year
  
  
• Some institutions automatically enroll international students in group health insurance plans.

Books and Supplies

Textbooks and academic materials: CAD $500 – $1,000/year

Savings tips:

• Buy used textbooks
  
  
• Rent books or use digital versions
  
  
• Share materials with classmates

Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses

These include mobile phone plans, internet, clothing, entertainment, and personal care.

Monthly Estimates:

Mobile plan: CAD $30 – $80/month

Internet (shared): CAD $20 – $40/month per student

Clothing and personal care: CAD $50 – $100/month

Entertainment and leisure: CAD $50 – $200/month

Streaming services, outings, or occasional trips can add up, so budgeting is key.

City-Wise Cost Breakdown (Monthly Average Cost for Students)

The monthly cost of living for Indian students in Canada varies significantly based on the city. In major metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver, students can expect to spend between ₹97,000 to ₹1.22 lakh per month, largely due to higher housing and transportation costs. In contrast, cities like Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg are more affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from ₹65,000 to ₹90,000. These cities offer lower rent and living costs while still providing quality education and student-friendly amenities. Factors such as shared housing, part-time work, and student discounts can further help manage expenses. Choosing a city wisely based on budget and program availability can make a substantial difference in a student’s financial planning while studying in Canada.

Note: These are estimates for 2025. Individual expenses may vary.

Part-Time Work and Budgeting Tips

A great way to live comfortably in Canada is to work part- time and save for your expenses. International students studying in Canada can work up to 20 hours a week during their academic sessions and 40 hours a week during university breaks.

Work Opportunities

Students on a study permit can work:

• Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
  
  
• Full-time during scheduled breaks

Common student jobs include:

• Retail and hospitality
  
  
• On-campus roles
  
  
• Tutoring
  
  
• Freelance or remote work

Hourly wages vary but usually range from CAD $15 – $20/hour, depending on the province. This way one can save a decent amount that can help in mitigating living cost in Canada for international students.

Budgeting Tips

• Choose Affordable Cities: Opt for cities like Montreal or Calgary, which have a lower student living cost in Canada.
  
  
• Shared Accommodation: Sharing apartments can significantly reduce the living cost in Canada for students.
  
  
• Cook at Home: Preparing meals can lower the living cost in Canada for Indian students
  
  
• Use Public Transportation: Monthly transit passes are economical and reduce transportation costs.
  
  
• Student Discounts: Leverage student discounts available on various services and products.
  
  
• Track your spending using budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB
  
  
• Take advantage of student discounts (e.g., Amazon Prime, local transit, restaurants)
  
  
• Cook at home and plan meals
  
  
• Share housing and utility costs
  
  
• Use campus resources (free gym, software, events)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships

Canadian universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for both domestic and international students. These range from CAD $500 to full tuition waivers.

Bursaries and Grants

Bursaries are available based on financial need. Provincial and federal programs like OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) also support domestic students.

International students should research scholarships at their chosen institution and apply early.

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students per Month

Conclusion

The cost of living in Canada for students depends on the city, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. While tuition and housing are the largest expenses, smart budgeting and part-time work can make living in Canada manageable for many students.

On average, international students can expect to spend CAD $1,300 – $2,000 per month on living expenses, excluding tuition. Domestic students typically face lower tuition fees and can save more if living at home.

Studying in Canada is an investment, and understanding the financial landscape is crucial for success. With proper planning and resourcefulness, students can enjoy all that Canada has to offer while staying within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How much money do you need to live in Canada as a student?

A. On average, a student needs CAD 1,200 to CAD 2,500 per month to cover basic expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and miscellaneous costs. This equals CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, depending on the city and personal lifestyle.

Q. Is Canada cheaper for international students?

A. Canada offers relatively affordable education compared to countries like the US or the UK. However, the living cost in Canada for international students can still be significant. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive, while Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa are generally more budget-friendly.

Q. Is Canada expensive for Indian students?

A. The cost of living in Canada for Indian students can feel expensive due to currency exchange rates. On average, monthly expenses in Canada for Indian students range from INR 75,000 to INR 1,50,000, depending on the city and lifestyle. Proper budgeting and student discounts can help manage costs effectively.

Q. What is the living cost in Canada for a student?

A. The student living cost in Canada typically includes rent, food, transportation, internet, and healthcare. On average, it amounts to CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,000 per month, though this can vary widely based on location and personal spending habits.

Q. What are the living expenses in Canada for international students per month?

A. The living expenses in Canada for international students per month typically range from CAD 1,200 to CAD 2,500, depending on the city, type of accommodation, and lifestyle.