Cost of Living in Canada

Among the top study destinations in the world, Canada is one of the more affordable options for international students. Compared to other destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany and other popular countries, the cost of living in Canada is also one of the more affordable options for international students. Various factors like the type of accommodation, the location of the accommodation, the lifestyle of the student, the tuition fees and many other factors affect the overall cost of studying and living in Canada.

As per the student visa requirements in Canada, all international students are required to possess a minimum amount of CA $22,895 as proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of living in Canada, over and above the tuition and university fees. However, with proper financial management and smart planning, students can cut down on their yearly expenses and save a significant amount while completing their studies abroad.

On average, international students will be spending anywhere between CA $14,000 - $50,000 per year in tuition and living expenses, depending on a number of factors. In this article, we have discussed and outlined the different costs and expenses associated with living in Canada as an international student.

What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Canada?

In addition to covering the tuition and university fees, all international students also need to budget for additional expenses, including accommodation, food and groceries, transportation, utilities, health insurance and other miscellaneous costs. Outlined in the table below are certain costs of living in Canada that all international students should include in their monthly budget:

Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students

Accommodation costs make up the majority of the portion of the overall cost of living in Canada for international students. Inevitably, the type of accommodation and the location of the accommodation will also heavily influence the budget for the international students. Let’s check out a few different types of accommodation and the factors affecting their cost.

• On-Campus Housing: While not a requirement for many universities in Canada, some may require first-year students to live on campus. However, this is the most common type of accommodation that many students choose for their first year of studies. On-campus housing usually accounts for the utilities and meal plans that students need while staying in on-campus housing, thus significantly reducing the overall cost of living in Canada for international students. There are different types of on-campus accommodation that students can also choose from, and they are:
  • Shared Rooms: The most affordable type of accommodation, students are offered rooms where 2-3 students share the room, depending on the size of the room.
  • Private Dorm: Often slightly higher in cost, these are smaller rooms with the capacity to accommodate one student and their belongings.
• Off-Campus Housing: Commonly chosen by second-year and higher students, off-campus housing allows students to live in private rooms, while also sharing the expenses with flatmates occupying other rooms. While off-campus accommodation is often slightly more expensive, the rules and regulations of living in such accommodation will be more flexible and different from on-campus accommodation. There are types of off-campus accommodation that international students can also choose from:
  • Shared Apartment: Often, 2-3 BHK apartments are shared between 2-3 individuals who share the entire cost of living in that specific apartment. Costs, including the utilities, groceries, food, electricity, water, waste management, and other costs, are often shared between the flatmates.
  • Private Apartment: Often a 1 BHK or 1RK apartment, students choose this type of apartment for complete freedom. However, such apartments often incur higher monthly costs, including rent, utilities, electricity and water bills and other accommodation costs.

Check out the table below to get an understanding of the average cost of living in Canada in different types of accommodation and in different locations.

Note: Major cities like Vancouver and Toronto will be more expensive than the more affordable cities like Victoria (BC), Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina and many more. Therefore, it is important to research the place you will be travelling to for a better understanding of the overall cost of living in Canada. Connect with AECC counsellors to get expert guidance and support in learning everything you need to know about student living in Canada.

Food & Grocery Costs in Canada for International Students

Food and Groceries are inevitable costs that students will incur every month, varying by the type of accommodation they have chosen. Moreover, the lifestyle they choose to live while studying in Canada will also heavily affect their budget for food and groceries. Let’s understand this a bit:

• Food and Groceries: Assuming a student buys the necessary food and grocery items at budget stores to cook all their meals at home for the month, the cost of food and groceries can range between CA $200 and $400.
• Eating Out: Assuming that a student chooses to eat out at restaurants and cafes frequently or daily, the cost of food and groceries in Canada significantly increases and can range between CA $450 - $750 per month.
• On-Campus Meal Plans: Offered by on-campus housing, this cost is usually included in the monthly/annual accommodation cost that students pay. The cost of a meal plan in Canada for international students can range between CA $250 - $460 per month.

Source: Statistique Canada

Transportation Costs in Canada

Major cities have lower transportation expenses since there are several easily available transit options. The cost of travelling for students varies based on whether they live on campus or off it. A monthly pass can cost between CA $80 and CA$ 150, but a one-way public transportation fare can only cost a few dollars. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the different transportation options and their respective costs:

Utility Costs in Canada

Utility costs in Canada are also inevitable costs that all students, especially those living in off-campus housing, will have to cover every month or annually. Monthly/annual costs such as the electricity, water, heating and garbage costs, as well as other costs, including the internet connection and mobile plans, all make up the utilities costs. Let’s check out the different utility costs in Canada in the table below:

Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Canada

A part of being an international student is experiencing the new culture, lifestyles and traditions followed in the country you will be travelling to. There are several activities for entertainment and leisure that international students can take up at an affordable cost, provided they budget these activities into their monthly budget. These are some approximate figures for typical entertainment and leisure costs in Canada:

Average Cost of Living in Canada: Province-Wise

International students are required to present proof of sufficient finances at the time of applying for the Student Permit in Canada of CA $22,895 to cover the costs of living in the country for one year. However, depending on the lifestyle that each international student chooses to pursue, the cost of living can exceed the minimum finances required to live in the country. Here is a list of the average annual cost of living in different provinces across Canada as an international student.

Note: The actual cost of living in Canada will depend on a number of varying factors, including the lifestyle of the student, the accommodation, the city they are living in and any additional expenses that the student has chosen to take up. The costs highlighted in the table above have been provided for reference purposes only.

Tips to Save Money in Canada for International Students

The costs of studying and living in Canada are some expenses that all international students will have to cover as they complete their higher studies. However, there are various tips and techniques that the students can use to eliminate unnecessary expenses and cut down on the overall cost of living in Canada as international students. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can save money in Canada as an international student.

Canadian Scholarships

In Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available to students from overseas. These scholarships in Canada cover housing, travel expenses, health insurance, tuition, and/or a stipend. Research and review the different scholarships and financial aid offered by your university and apply for the same, if necessary.

Student Discounts

Canada is a nation that acknowledges the cost of studying and gives its student population particular attention. Canada has the option to provide daily student discounts in an effort to lower the overall cost of living in Canada. To avail of such discounts, students must present their student ID card at the time of purchase or payment. These savings usually apply to dining establishments, bookstores, department stores, and public transportation.

Part-time Jobs in Canada

Choosing part-time work in Canada is one of the best methods to reduce the monthly living expenses as an international student. Canada offers students the ability to work various part-time jobs both on-campus and off-campus. However, as per the Canadian student visa regulations, international students can only take up part-time work of a maximum of 24 hours per week while they complete their studies.

Shared Accommodation

While you may miss the freedom of living in your own room, one of the best ways to cut down on costs is to take up shared accommodation, both on-campus and off. This way, the overall cost, including the rent, the food and groceries, the utilities and other monthly/annual costs can get cut down, at least by half.

Cooking at Home

As tiring as it can get, it is always advisable to cook your own meals for the day, at least 1-2 meals. This way, you will be able to significantly reduce your monthly expenditure on food and groceries. Eating out or ordering is usually an expensive affair and can significantly increase your monthly expenditure.

Buy Second-hand Books and Supplies

It is advisable to buy second-hand or third-hand books and supplies from your seniors or the library to help cut down on the costs of acquiring the necessary books and supplies for the term.

Budget Your Expenses

It is extremely important to budget your expenses every month to track all the expenses, both necessary and unnecessary. This will allow you to save a lot of money over the span of a year, which can help you budget for the next year as well.

As an international student, budgeting the overall cost of living in Canada is a crucial step that no one should miss before applying for admission. Finances are often a point of struggle for many students, and it is important to be prepared for any expenses beforehand to avoid last-minute stresses and difficulties. From noting down the mandatory expenses to expenses that can be avoided, all students must understand and figure out how to budget their finances for every month that they will be living in Canada. Or, connect with AECC Counsellors today and get expert guidance on managing your finances for your higher studies in Canada.