Top Cities in Canada for International Students in 2025

While choosing the right course and the university to study abroad is crucial, considering the pros and cons of the cities in which these universities are located is a must. As most students will be spending anywhere between 2-4 years of their student lives in and around these cities, researching and understanding the locality before travelling to the country can significantly ease their transition to living and studying abroad.

According to QS Rankings for the top cities in Canada, four major locations rank among the best, not only in the country, but also in the world. The city you select will affect your cost of living, access to part-time job opportunities, lifestyle, safety, and the support you receive as an international student. With Canada’s vast landscape and diverse urban centres, it is essential to find a city that fits your academic ambitions and personal preferences.

Through this guide, we will provide you with the top cities in Canada for international students, focusing on affordability, cultural diversity, job prospects, public transport, and student support, ensuring you make an informed choice for a rewarding study experience.

What Makes a City Student-Friendly in Canada?

Several key areas directly impact the student-friendly nature of the top cities in Canada for international students, some of which have been highlighted below:

• Affordability: Inevitably, the living costs incurred by international students will be heavily affected by the location/city you choose to live in. Needless to say, affordable cities allow students to manage expenses on rent, groceries, and transport; however, the number of universities and colleges in these locations may be limited, thus leading to a limited number of seats available. Indian students often seek areas with reasonable rents and access to budget-friendly Indian groceries and restaurants.
• Safety: Another factor to consider when selecting the city/town to live in is the crime rate or the safety of international students. Mostly, Canadian cities rank high for safety, with low crime rates, well-lit public spaces, and robust emergency services. Additionally, cities like Ottawa and Halifax are known for their safe environments and community policing initiatives.
• Student Accommodation: While most cities and towns will have ample rooms and apartments that international students can rent, the availability of affordable dormitories, shared apartments, and homestays is essential. Some of the popular apps and platforms that students use to find appropriate accommodation include Facebook and other social media platforms, Kijiji, and student-specific platforms, as well as student support offices at individual universities. A typical lease duration for an apartment or room in Canada for international students can range between 8–12 months.
• Part-time Job Opportunities: One of the benefits and reasons to study in Canada is the opportunity to work part-time while completing your studies. Therefore, a strong local job market will significantly increase these opportunities. Major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton and many others will see various part-time work opportunities across different sectors. Students must ensure that they satisfy the rules and regulations for part-time work in Canada, including abiding by the 24-hour per week work limit.
• Cultural Diversity: The top cities in Canada are a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with thousands of immigrants and temporary residents living together and sharing in each other’s cultures. For Indian students, multicultural cities with vibrant Indian communities, temples, and grocery stores can significantly improve their study experience.
• Public Transport: Efficient, affordable public transport is vital. Most student cities offer discounted transit passes (e.g., Presto in Toronto, Compass in Vancouver, OPUS in Montreal), making it easy to commute to campus and explore the city.
• Climate: One of the most variable factors in choosing one of the top cities in Canada is the year-round weather. Depending on individual preferences and capabilities, students can choose to live in cities with moderate temperatures, like Vancouver or Halifax. In contrast, others may find it unproblematic to live in a harsher climate like Winnipeg or Montreal. Moreover, the location you choose will dictate the type of clothes you will need to bring with you.

Best Student-Friendly Cities in Canada for 2025

Here is a detailed comparison of the top cities in Canada for international students, along with the living costs, top universities, and other unique features:

Toronto, Ontario

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $27,600 - $41,500
• Top Universities: University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University
• Notable Features: Home to the largest Indian community in Canada and, as per QS Rankings, the second-best city to study in. Also known as the financial capital of Canada.

Vancouver, British Columbia

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $ 26,400 - $39,600
• Top Universities: University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and University Canada West
• Notable Features: Recognised for its mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and as a hub for jobs in Technology, Film and Media and Sustainability.

Montreal, Quebec

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $19,000 - $30,000
• Top Universities: McGill University, Concordia University, Université de Montréal
• Notable Features: Ranked as the best student city in Canada (QS Rankings 2026), Montreal is the bilingual hub of Canada, with most people speaking in either French or English. Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, accommodation in Montreal is comparatively affordable.

Ottawa, Ontario

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $19,000 - $25,500
• Top Universities: University of Ottawa, Carleton University and Algonquin College
• Notable Features: Perfect for students pursuing courses in public policy and technology, with the federal government located within the city. An affordable option for students, Ottawa is also one of the safest and cleanest cities in Canada.

Calgary, Alberta

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $24,000 - $32,300
• Top Universities: University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Notable Features: Known as the energy capital of Canada, Calgary offers immense opportunities to prospective students of engineering, business and geology.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $16,000 - $21,000
• Top Universities: Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University and NSCAD University
• Notable Features: With an affordable cost of living and high academic standards, Halifax offers a safe and welcoming environment. Growth in healthcare, technology, business and finance means good job opportunities for international students.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $16,000 - $22,500
• Top Universities: University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Booth University College
• Notable Features: With one of the cheapest rents and cost of living among all the top cities in Canada, international students can receive a quality education for a comparatively cheap price. Winnipeg also boasts a thriving job market and a clearly defined provincial nominee programme.

Edmonton, Alberta

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $25,000 - $33,000
• Top Universities: University of Alberta, MacEwan University and The King’s University
• Notable Features: Accessibility to affordable yet world-renowned education through top-ranking universities, Edmonton is also known for hosting over 40 festivals a year. Edmonton also boasts a robust economy, particularly in energy, technology, education and health.

Victoria, British Columbia

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $24,000 - $30,000
• Top Institutions: University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, and Camosun College
• Notable Features: Offering a safe environment with a mild climate, Victoria is located on an island offering breath-taking views and natural beauty.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

• Annual Cost of Living: CA $15,000 - $20,000
• Top Universities: University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Notable Features: Offering quality education with affordable rents, Saskatoon is recognised for its Provincial Nominee Programme and a strong job market, especially in the fields of agriculture, health and technology. 

Cost of Living Comparison for Indian Students Across Cities

Highlighted in the table below is the breakdown of the basic costs of living at some of the top cities in Canada for international students:

Note: The costs listed in the table are subject to change according to market trends and must only be used for reference purposes.

Cities with High Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students

Part-time job opportunities as a student are among the major reasons why many students from around the world choose to study in top cities in Canada. International students can find relevant job profiles and opportunities across different sectors and industries that not only offer them financial benefits but also career and networking opportunities.

As per regulations, international students on a student permit can work up to 24 hours per week during their term, the pay for which will be determined by the minimum wage set by the federal government. Let’s check out some of the best cities in Canada for part-time job opportunities.

• Toronto: As a popular city in Canada among international students, Toronto offers numerous part-time job opportunities to students in the fields of retail, technology, food and hospitality, and many other sectors.
• Vancouver: Another popular city among international students, with numerous opportunities across sectors like retail, food and hospitality, film and media and many more are available.
• Montreal: Students fluent in both the French and English languages will be able to find numerous opportunities in customer support and service roles across different sectors.
• Calgary: Being the energy hub of Canada, students will find several opportunities across different energy departments within the city, as well as non-medical healthcare services.
• Ottawa: Students can find opportunities across different administrative roles and on-campus roles at the top-ranking universities. Several opportunities for public policy and tech students are available in Ottawa.

Safety and Student Support in Canadian Cities

Ensuring that you are travelling to a safe and welcoming city and environment should be a crucial factor affecting the choice of city. Here are some safety and student support services offered at the top cities in Canada.

• Toronto: Being a large metropolis, Toronto maintains a strong record for safety with visible policing and community engagement. Universities offer numerous student support services like 24/7 campus security, mental health support, and international student offices.
• Vancouver: Known for its safe neighbourhoods, Vancouver offers extensive student support services, including a BC health integration plan, counselling, orientation programmes, and multicultural student associations.
• Ottawa: Being the country’s capital, Ottawa is one of Canada’s safest cities, with statistically low crime rates and a welcoming community. From the regional mentoring programme to the global assistance programme, students will receive intensive support services.
• Calgary: As one of the top cities in Canada, Calgary offers numerous student support services through its International Student Service, including assistance with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Students will also receive assistance and guidance in paving the path for a successful future and career.
• Halifax: Halifax is renowned for its friendly, tight-knit community and low crime rates. Its universities provide several student support services ranging from mental health resources to immigration support for international students.

Climate Differences and Student Life

The impact of weather on daily routines, clothing choices, and even social life is immense and should also be a factor when finalising the city in which you will be pursuing your higher studies. Here’s a city-wise snapshot of the climate in Canada:

Note: To handle such harsh winters in Canada, students are recommended to wear appropriate clothing, preferably 3-4 layers of clothing, especially when travelling.

How to Choose the Right City for You?

While it is important to ensure you are enrolling in the perfect programme and university based on your academic qualifications, it is equally crucial that the city you travel to aligns with your non-academic requirements. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you choose the right city.

• Verify programme availability and language of instruction at target institutions
• Define your Cost Affordability: If you prioritise affordability, Montreal, Halifax, or Winnipeg may be ideal.
• Define your Academic/Career Requirements: If you seek career opportunities, especially part-time work opportunities, and a bustling urban lifestyle, cities like Toronto and Vancouver stand out.
• Understand the Climate: For a milder climate, Vancouver and Halifax are preferable.
• Consider the length and intensity of winters if you are not used to cold climates
• If cultural comfort is important, Toronto and Vancouver offer large Indian communities.

To shortlist from the top cities in Canada, it is important to consider and undertake the following activities first:

• Compare the cost of living and accommodation options.
• Research part-time job markets and minimum wages in each city.
• Explore cultural communities and student associations.
• Assess climate conditions and transportation systems.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a City in Canada

While choosing the city to live in while you complete your studies in Canada, it is easy to overlook certain factors and commit avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Focusing only on big-name cities without assessing affordability.
• Overlooking the local job market and minimum wage differences.
• Underestimating the impact of climate on daily life.
• Not researching student support or accommodation options.
• Not connecting with current Indian students for real-life insights.

Selecting any one of the top cities in Canada for your stay as you complete your higher studies is a crucial step that many choose to overlook. However, considering the impact of choosing the right city can significantly affect your overall study abroad experience. From affordability to part-time job opportunities, it is advisable to weigh all the options and choose the city that best suits your needs and aspirations. Or connect with AECC Counsellors today and get expert guidance to study in Canada tailored to your needs and requirements.