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The country has been mesmerizing for natural beauty as well as for its education system. They offer a very high quality of life, multicultural diversity, and globally recognized institutions. Students get quality at minimal cost in Canada under globally recognized universities. While thinking of studying in Canada, students need to manage living costs in Canada for a smooth and financially stable study experience.
Here we will provide you with breakdowns on living costs in Canada for international students. We have included possible living expenses, monthly budgets, and financial planning scenarios for 2025.
Living cost for international students in Canada are an average of CAD 15,000 to CAD 23,000 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition. The total costs of living in Canada may vary depending on location, lifestyle, type of accommodation, and personal spending habits.
Below are some headings that mostly occur in monthly living costs/expenses in Canada for international students.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Rent) | 700 – 2,500 |
| Food & Groceries | 300 – 600 |
| Transportation | 80 – 150 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100 – 250 |
| Health Insurance | 70 – 100 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | 100 – 300 |
| Entertainment | 50 – 150 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 1,400 – 4,050 |
The comprehensive table offers a snapshot of typical monthly living cost in Canada for international students in Canada. Costs can be on the lower or higher end depending on the city and standard of residence.
The city you choose to live in greatly influences your overall budget. Here’s a comparative view of average monthly expenses across key Canadian cities:
| City | Average Monthly Living Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 2,500 – 4,000+ |
| Vancouver | 3,500 – 4,200+ |
| Montreal | 3,100 – 3,800+ |
| Calgary | 3,000 – 3,600+ |
| Ottawa | 3,2000 – 3,500+ |
| Edmonton | 2,400 – 3,000+ |
In the 2024–2025 academic year, international undergraduate students can expect to pay an average annual tuition fee in Canada of approximately CAD 40,114, while graduate students face an average of around CAD 27,000.
Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the field of study and university. So below are the costs to study in Canada as per some top courses for international students in Canada:
| Field of Study | Undergraduate (CAD) | Graduate (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | 30,000 to 90,000+ | 10,000 to 12,000+ |
| Dentistry | 20,000 to 60,000+ | 27,000 to 45,000+ |
| Pharmacy | 22,400 to 54,800+ | 18,000 to 23,000+ |
| Law | 14,000 to 28,000+ | 21,100 to 25,000+ |
| Engineering | 30,000 to 60,000+ | 20,000 to 50,000+ |
| Mathematics, Computer & Information Sciences | 35,000 to 40,000+ | 9,000 to 20,000+ |
| Business, Management & Public Administration | 28,000 to 30,000+ | 10,000 to 50,000+ |
| Architecture | 20,000 to 40,000+ | 25,000 to 27,000+ |
| Nursing | 20,000 to 40,000+ | 6,300 to 41,000+ |
| Education | 20,000 to 28,000+ | 20,000 to 23,000+ |
Accommodation is the largest expense for most international students. The type of housing selected can significantly influence your monthly budget:
| Type of Accommodation | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Residence | 800 – 1,200+ |
| Shared Apartment | 600 – 1,000+ |
| Private 1-Bedroom Apartment | 1,200 – 2,500+ |
Tip: On-campus housing may include utilities and meal plans, making it a convenient choice for new students.
Monthly food costs largely depend on dietary preferences and cooking habits.
Students can save significantly by preparing meals at home and shopping at discount grocery stores or ethnic markets.
Canada offers efficient and student-friendly public transportation networks. Most major cities provide discounted monthly passes for full-time students.
| City | Monthly Transit Pass (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 130 to 150 |
| Vancouver | 55 to 80 |
| Montreal | 60 to 90 |
| Ottawa | 229 |
| Calgary | 86 to 100 |
| Edmonton | 40 to 80 |
In some cities, public transit costs may be included in your student ID or university fees.
When living off-campus, utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet may not be included in the rent.
Bundled services or sharing expenses with roommates can help reduce costs.
Health insurance is mandatory and varies by province:
| Additional Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Textbooks & Materials | 500 – 1,000 per year |
| Mobile Phone Plan | 30 – 50 per month |
| Clothing (Seasonal) | 200 – 400 per year |
| Gym Membership | 30 – 70 per month |
| Emergency Funds (recommended) | 500 – 1,000 per year |
Many universities tend to provide free or subsidized access to gyms, events, and other services.
Students can overcome the financial burden by working part-time to support their funds while studying in Canada. Working side jobs can help manage average living cost in Canada for international students. Students can work up to 20 hours a week during their academic sessions and full-time during their breaks. Average hourly wages in Canada range from CAD 12 to 20, which will help you cover a portion of your monthly expenses.
While being in Canada, living there and studying your favorite courses caan be a dream come true for students. It comes with a crucial responsibility toward the students. Financial burdens mostly keep students behind in various factors of life. Understanding the cost of living in Canada, or at least having knowledge of possible expenses, will help you a lot in your academic journey. Wherever in Canada you go, budgeting wisely can ensure a rewarding and stress-free experience.
To ensure you are all checked in with financial resources and knowledge to study in Canada, join us at Student Connect. Here we will help you estimate your financial ability and help you get best courses and universities according to your budget and provide you with guidance in managing all living costs in Canada.
