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Exploring the Financial Landscape: Understanding the Cost of Living in Canada

Cost-of-Living-in-Canada-1

Canada, a favoured choice for international students, provides a mix of high-quality education and multicultural exposure. However, it's essential for those planning their academic path to understand the cost of living in Canada. This understanding provides a detailed view of the expected expenses, especially for students from India, who make up a significant part of Canada's international student population.

The living costs in Canada for Indian students, as well as those from other nations, can fluctuate depending on the city and lifestyle choices. 

Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students

Finding budget-friendly and cosy housing is a primary consideration for international students in Canada, particularly those from India. The cost of living in Canada, encompassing housing costs, differs significantly based on the location and chosen housing type. In this section, we dissect the different housing options and their associated costs, offering a comprehensive view of financial planning.

  • University Dormitories: Offer a community environment on-campus with utilities included, typically costing CAD 8,000 to 10,000 per year (INR 4,60,000 to 5,75,000).
  • Private Hostels: Provide budget-friendly accommodation with basic amenities, costing around CAD 500 to 800 per month (INR 28,750 to 46,000).
  • Shared Apartments: Balance privacy and community, priced at CAD 600 to 1,200 per month (INR 34,500 to 69,000).
  • Homestays: Offer cultural immersion, often including meals, with a monthly cost of CAD 750 to 950 (INR 43,125 to 54,625).
  • Rental Apartments: Provide complete independence, suitable for those with higher budgets, costing CAD 1,000 to 2,000 per month (INR 57,500 to 1,15,000).

Food and Groceries Cost in Canada 

Food and grocery costs contribute significantly to the total living expenses for Indian students in Canada. This section offers a comprehensive breakdown of different food and grocery items, with their prices providing a clear understanding of the potential daily expenditures.

Item

Cost

Item

Cost

Milk (1 liter)

CAD 2.50 (INR 144)

Fish (1 kg)

CAD 10.00 (INR 576)

Bread (1 loaf)

CAD 2.75 (INR 158)

Bananas (1 kg)

CAD 1.50 (INR 86)

Rice (1 kg)

CAD 3.00 (INR 173)

Oranges (1 kg)

CAD 3.00 (INR 173)

Chicken Breasts (1 kg)

CAD 12.00 (INR 691)

Grapes (1 kg)

CAD 4.00 (INR 230)

Eggs (12)

CAD 3.25 (INR 187)

Cucumber (1 kg)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Apples (1 kg)

CAD 4.00 (INR 230)

Bell Peppers (1 kg)

CAD 5.00 (INR 288)

Tomatoes (1 kg)

CAD 3.50 (INR 202)

Spinach (1 bunch)

CAD 2.50 (INR 144)

Potatoes (1 kg)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Coffee (1 kg)

CAD 15.00 (INR 864)

Onions (1 kg)

CAD 2.50 (INR 144)

Tea (1 kg)

CAD 10.00 (INR 576)

Lettuce (1 head)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Sugar (1 kg)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Cheese (1 kg)

CAD 10.00 (INR 576)

Flour (1 kg)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Yogurt (1 kg)

CAD 4.50 (INR 259)

Pasta (1 kg)

CAD 2.50 (INR 144)

Beef (1 kg)

CAD 14.00 (INR 806)

Olive Oil (1 liter)

CAD 10.00 (INR 576)

Butter (500g)

CAD 4.50 (INR 259)

Chocolate (100g)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Cereal (500g)

CAD 4.00 (INR 230)

Water (1.5 litres)

CAD 2.00 (INR 115)

Transportation Cost in Canada

Understanding transportation expenses is crucial for your budget planning. In this section, we offer a detailed analysis of different transportation costs in Canada for Indian students, denoted in both Canadian Dollars (CAD) and Indian Rupees (INR).

Type of Transportation

Cost

Public Transit (Bus/Train)

CAD 100 - 150 (INR 5,000 - 7,500)

Monthly Transit Pass

CAD 120 - 150 (INR 6,000 - 7,500)

Bicycle Rental

CAD 20 - 50 (INR 1,000 - 2,500)

Car Rental (per day)

CAD 30 - 60 (INR 1,500 - 3,000)

Gasoline (per litre)

CAD 1.30 - 1.70 (INR 65 - 85)

Uber/Lyft (per km)

CAD 1.50 - 2.50 (INR 75 - 125)

Taxi (start fare)

CAD 3.75 - 4.75 (INR 187.50 - 237.50)

Bike-sharing (Per Hour)

CAD 2 - 5 (INR 115 - 288)

Car-sharing (Per Hour)

CAD 5 - 15 (INR 288 - 865)

Long-Distance Bus Ticket

CAD 20 - 80 (INR 1,150 - 4,600)

Train Ticket (Inter-city)

CAD 40 - 120 (INR 2,300 - 6,900)

Domestic Flight (One-way)

CAD 100 - 300 (INR 5,750 - 17,250)

Subway Ticket (One-way)

CAD 3.00 - 3.50 (INR 173 - 202)

Personal Care Cost in Canada

When preparing for your journey as an international student in Canada, it's important to factor in personal care costs. We offer a summary of these expenses in Canada, aiding in your budget planning. Here's a list of key personal care costs for Indian students in Canada.

Personal Care Service

Cost

Toothpaste (100g)

CAD 2.50 (INR 144)

Shampoo (400ml)

CAD 5.00 (INR 288)

Conditioner (400ml)

CAD 5.00 (INR 288)

Body Wash (500ml)

CAD 4.50 (INR 259)

Deodorant (50ml)

CAD 3.50 (INR 202)

Razor Blades (Pack of 4)

CAD 15.00 (INR 864)

Basic Haircut

CAD 20.00 (INR 1,150)

Hand Sanitizer (250ml)

CAD 4.00 (INR 230)

Facial Moisturiser (50ml)

CAD 10.00 (INR 576)

Sunscreen (100ml)

CAD 12.00 (INR 691)

Healthcare Cost in Canada

Canada is famous for its excellent healthcare system. However, it's essential for Indian students to grasp the related expenses. The cost of living in Canada, especially healthcare costs, can greatly affect your financial planning. Here, we present a summary of healthcare costs specifically designed for Indian students living in Canada.

Healthcare Service

Cost

Visit to a General Practitioner

CAD 60 - 100 (INR 3,600 - 6,000)

Consultation with a Specialist

CAD 100 - 150 (INR 6,000 - 9,000)

Emergency Room Visit

CAD 150 - 350 (INR 9,000 - 21,000)

Dental Check-up

CAD 75 - 200 (INR 4,500 - 12,000)

Eye Examination

CAD 50 - 100 (INR 3,000 - 6,000)

Monthly Prescription Medication

CAD 30 - 100 (INR 1,800 - 6,000)

Utility Cost in Canada

This Utilities cost section provides a detailed breakdown of the key utility costs in Canada, presented in both Canadian Dollars (CAD) and Indian Rupees (INR), to assist Indian students in budgeting effectively.

Utility Service

Cost

Electricity

CAD 50 - 100 (INR 3,000 - 6,000)

Water

CAD 30 - 50 (INR 1,800 - 3,000)

Natural Gas

CAD 40 - 80 (INR 2,400 - 4,800)

Internet

CAD 45 - 100 (INR 2,700 - 6,000)

Mobile Phone

CAD 35 - 75 (INR 2,100 - 4,500)

Cable TV

CAD 25 - 50 (INR 1,500 - 3,000)

Garbage Collection

CAD 15 - 30 (INR 900 - 1,800)

Heating

CAD 50 - 150 (INR 3,000 - 9,000)

Air Conditioning

CAD 30 - 60 (INR 1,800 - 3,600)

Home Insurance

CAD 20 - 40 (INR 1,200 - 2,400)

Clothing and Shoes Costs in Canada

For Indian students residing in Canada, grasping the expenses related to clothing and footwear is crucial for handling the total cost of living. This part offers an in-depth look at the costs of different apparel and shoe items, aiding students in effective budgeting.

Item

Cost

Jeans (Mid-Range Brand)

CAD 40 - 60 (INR 2,400 - 3,600)

Summer Dress (Chain Store)

CAD 30 - 50 (INR 1,800 - 3,000)

Formal Shirt

CAD 25 - 50 (INR 1,500 - 3,000)

Casual T-shirt

CAD 15 - 30 (INR 900 - 1,800)

Winter Jacket

CAD 60 - 150 (INR 3,600 - 9,000)

Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

CAD 50 - 100 (INR 3,000 - 6,000)

Leather Business Shoes

CAD 70 - 120 (INR 4,200 - 7,200)

Sneakers

CAD 40 - 80 (INR 2,400 - 4,800)

Woollen Scarf

CAD 20 - 40 (INR 1,200 - 2,400)

Gloves

CAD 15 - 30 (INR 900 - 1,800)

Entertainment and Leisure Costs

Find below the overview of entertainment and leisure expenses in Canada, presented in both Canadian Dollars (CAD) and Indian Rupees (INR).

Leisure Activity

Cost

Movie Ticket

CAD 12 - 15 (INR 720 - 900)

Monthly Gym Membership

CAD 30 - 60 (INR 1,800 - 3,600)

Concert Ticket

CAD 50 - 100 (INR 3,000 - 6,000)

Dining at a Mid-Range Restaurant

CAD 20 - 40 (INR 1,200 - 2,400)

Entrance to a Nightclub

CAD 10 - 20 (INR 600 - 1,200)

Bowling

CAD 15 - 25 (INR 900 - 1,500)

Entry to a Museum

CAD 10 - 20 (INR 600 - 1,200)

Cheapest Cities to Live in Canada

For international students, especially those from India, finding affordable cities in Canada is crucial for managing their living expenses effectively. This section highlights the most budget-friendly Canadian cities, ideal for students seeking a balance between affordability and quality education.

  • Quebec City in Quebec
  • Winnipeg in Manitoba
  • Saskatoon in Saskatchewan
  • Halifax in Nova Scotia
  • Moncton in New Brunswick
  • Sherbrooke in Quebec
  • St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Lethbridge in Alberta
  • Thunder Bay in Ontario
  • Regina in Saskatchewan

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Canada for Students

For international students from India, it's essential to comprehend the elements that affect the cost of living in Canada to effectively manage their finances. Here are the primary factors:

  • Location: Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver typically have a higher cost of living compared to smaller cities or towns.
  • Housing: The decision to live in an on-campus residence, rent an apartment, or opt for shared accommodations can greatly influence costs.
  • Utilities: Expenses for electricity, heating, water, and internet can vary based on location and usage.
  • Food and Groceries: The cost can significantly vary depending on dietary preferences and whether students cook at home or dine out.
  • Transportation: Costs can fluctuate based on whether students use public transport, own a car, or use ride-sharing services.
  • Healthcare: While Canada provides healthcare services, international students might require additional health insurance.
  • Educational Supplies: The cost of textbooks, software, and other study materials can add to the expenses.
  • Entertainment and Leisure: Costs related to social activities, travel, and hobbies contribute to the overall living expenses.
  • Clothing: The need for weather-appropriate clothing, especially during colder months, is a necessary but variable expense.
  • Miscellaneous: Other factors to consider in the budget include phone plans, laundry, and personal care items.

Budgeting Tips to Save Money in Canada for International Students

For international students in Canada, especially those from India, effective budgeting is key to managing the cost of living. Here are practical tips to help save money while studying in Canada:

  • Opt for Shared Accommodations: Sharing an apartment or house can significantly reduce housing costs.
  • Use Public Transportation: Take advantage of student discounts on public transit to cut down on travel expenses.
  • Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out frequently.
  • Buy Second-hand Textbooks: Purchase used books or borrow from the library to save on educational materials.
  • Track Your Expenses: Use budgeting apps to monitor your spending and identify areas to cut costs.
  • Shop at Discount Stores: Buy groceries and essentials from discount stores or during sales.
  • Limit Entertainment Expenses: Look for free or low-cost entertainment options like community events or student clubs.
  • Use Student Discounts: Avail of student discounts are available in many shops, restaurants, and services.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Subscriptions: Cut down on subscriptions or memberships that are not essential.
  • Plan Your Groceries: Avoid impulse buys by planning your grocery shopping and sticking to a list.

Understanding the cost of living in Canada is crucial for Indian students planning their education abroad. This guide is designed to give a thorough breakdown of costs, from housing to recreational activities, to ensure you're adequately equipped for your educational adventure. With proper understanding and budgeting techniques, handling your financial matters in Canada can be an efficient and gratifying experience.

Indian students looking to study in Canada, AECC is your ideal partner. We offer expert guidance and support from choosing the right course and university to adapting to the Canadian lifestyle, AECC is dedicated to assisting you at every step. Contact AECC today for a seamless transition to your academic life in Canada!

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