While planning for your future might be exhilarating, choosing a study abroad destination can be equally scary. Canada has recently emerged as the #1 international destination for students seeking to widen their horizons in a new country. This multilingual country allows you to pursue a world-class education while also having an enriching cultural experience. If you have decided to study in Canada, you should be aware of the cost of living in the country.
Table of Contents
- The Average Student living Cost in Canada for International Students
- Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students
- Transportation Costs in Canada for International Students
- Food & Groceries Cost in Canada
- Cost of Health Insurance in Canada
- Miscellaneous Cost in Canada
- General Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
- The Lowest Cost Of Living Cities In Canada
- Money-Saving Hacks For International Students In Canada
The Average Student living Cost in Canada for International Students
Canada is the world's second-largest country in terms of land size; therefore, costs vary greatly depending on where you live. A single person's monthly living expenses in Canada are projected to be $2370 on average (Canadian Dollars). Cities such as Vancouver and Toronto are more expensive to live in than Winnipeg or Quebec. Cities in British Columbia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island are thought to be less expensive. You must choose your city and school as an international student after analysing the average living expenses in Canada. Quebec has nearly as many good schools as Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
Particulars |
Estimate Annual Expenditure (In CAD) |
Estimate Annual Expenditure (In NGN) |
Accommodation and Housing |
40000-80000 |
13,00,000-26,00,000 |
Groceries |
1100 |
360000 |
Basic house costs (Electricity, Water, Heating/ Cooling, Garbage, etc.) |
1800 |
590000 |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, Cable/ADSL, Unlimited data) |
1800 |
590000 |
Transportation |
1000 (Commutation through public transport) |
330000 |
Books and other study material |
800 |
260000 |
Clothing |
1800 |
600000 |
Entertainment |
600 |
200000 |
Restaurants and outside eating |
1200 |
400000 |
Basic Health Insurance |
600 |
200000 |
Related Article: Cost of Studying in Canada
Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students
The majority of first-year students opt to live on campus in residence halls or dorms. Common amenities found in dorms include a kitchen, entrance, and laundry room. Depending on your university's location, on-campus accommodation could cost anywhere from CAD 3000-7000 per year. You can also split the cost of off-campus lodging with your friends. Off-campus rent in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, Canada, which can range from CAD 750 to $2200 per month, is higher than in most other cities. The homestay programme in Canada offers the option for international students to reside with a host family. If you choose this option, you must pay a placement fee of CAD 200 as well as a monthly cost between CAD 750 and CAD 950.
Type of Accommodation |
Average Cost |
On-campus |
(annually) CA$ 8,000 to CA$ 10,000 |
Shared accommodation Off-campus |
CA$ 400 to CA$ 700 every month |
1 BHK in City Centre |
CA$ 1,332 every month |
1 BHK Outside of Centre |
CA$ 1,123 every month |
Homestay |
CAD 750 and CAD 950 |
Townhouses |
250 CAD - 650 CAD |
Related Article: Student Accommodation Support
Transportation Costs in Canada for International Students
The transportation infrastructure of Canada is highly developed and consists of buses, trains, and taxis. You can get monthly bus and rail passes for less money if you show a copy of your legitimate college ID. Typically, monthly transportation costs fall between $80 to $120. When estimating your transportation costs, don't forget to account for the price of airline tickets.
Transport |
Cost |
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.25 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
100 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
2 |
Taxi 1 hour Waiting for (Normal Tariff) |
34 |
Gasoline (1 litre) |
2.02 |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
28,000.00 |
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25,184.90 |
Related Article: Study in Canada
Food & Groceries Cost in Canada
Whether you remain in privately rented housing off-campus or on-campus will have a significant impact on these. The majority of colleges offer meal plans to students who live on campus. Depending on your university, annual costs for on-campus meal programmes can range from CAD 769 to 1,200. Food expenditures can vary greatly depending on the preferences and interests of students who opt to stay in privately rented accommodations. You can save money by buying food in supermarkets and preparing meals at home.
Particulars |
Cost |
Milk (regular), (1 litre) |
2.61 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
3.06 |
Rice (white), (1kg) |
3.99 |
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.89 |
Local Cheese (1kg) |
14.37 |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
14.17 |
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
17.5 |
Apples (1kg) |
4.62 |
Banana (1kg) |
1.81 |
Oranges (1kg) |
4.41 |
Tomato (1kg) |
4.64 |
Potato (1kg) |
3.03 |
Onion (1kg) |
2.91 |
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.84 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.22 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.95 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
3 |
Cost of Health Insurance in Canada
You must have health insurance if you plan to study in Canada as an international student. The province in which you live will determine your insurance policy coverage. The provincial health plan will cover you if you attend school in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Labrador, Manitoba, Newfoundland, or Saskatchewan. You must obtain your own private health insurance if you decide to study in another part of the country.
Name of the Plan |
Approximate Costs |
iMED |
225 CAD for 3 months |
BC MSP Program |
74 CAD for 1 month |
AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan |
176.42 CAD for 8 months |
Miscellaneous Cost in Canada
The costs of living in Canada are not limited to those mentioned above. As a student, you will want to have a diverse social life in order to appreciate the country in which you have chosen to study. Your spending will increase as a result. You must, for example, account for the cost of entertainment, groceries and toiletries, mobile phone and internet expenses, and so on.
General Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
The costs of living in Canada are not restricted to the abovementioned costs. As a student, you will want a well-rounded social life in order to appreciate the nation in which you have decided to study. As a result, your expenses will skyrocket. For example, you must account for the cost of entertainment, grocery and toiletry shopping, mobile phone and internet charges, and so on.
Factors |
Average Cost Per Month |
Accommodation |
400 CAD - 600 CAD |
Food |
200 CAD - 300 CAD |
Transportation |
100 CAD - 250 CAD |
Internet |
30 CAD - 50 CAD |
Miscellaneous |
600 CAD - 700 CAD |
The Lowest Cost Of Living Cities In Canada
Average Monthly Rent for 1 BHK (in CAD) |
Expenses |
Ontario |
CAD 800-1000 |
British Columbia |
CAD 1500-2000 |
Quebec |
CAD 800-1300 |
Alberta |
CAD 950-1300 |
Nova Scotia |
CAD 500-750 |
Saskatchewan |
CAD 500-700 |
Manitoba |
CAD 700-1000 |
New Brunswick |
CAD 650-1100 |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
CAD 735-905 |
Prince Edward Island |
CAD 550-750 |
Money-Saving Hacks For International Students In Canada
Canada appreciates and cares about its student population. The country has a provision for daily discounts to students to minimise the cost of living in Canada for students. At the time of purchase or payment, the user must produce his or her I-card or student identification. These discounts are available in retail stores, bookstores, restaurants, and public transportation stations.
Applying for scholarships can help you save money largely in terms of your tuition fee. The government, organisations and universities offer various scholarships. There are set eligibility requirements that must be fulfilled.
Finally, Part-time jobs are one of the best ways to earn money and reduce your financial burden while studying abroad. There are various places where you can learn new skills and also earn while doing so.