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.
Average Living Cost in Canada for International Students
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.
Breakdown of Monthly Living Costs/Expenses
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.
City-Wise Cost of Living in Canada
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+ |
- Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities.
- Montreal and Edmonton offer more affordable lifestyles.
- Calgary and Ottawa are moderately priced with excellent infrastructure.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada from Nepal?
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 Costs in Canada
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.
Food & Grocery Expenses
Monthly food costs largely depend on dietary preferences and cooking habits.
- Cooking at home: CAD 200 – 400/month
- Eating out occasionally: CAD 10 – 20 per meal
- Meal plans (on-campus): CAD 250 – 450/month
Students can save significantly by preparing meals at home and shopping at discount grocery stores or ethnic markets.
Transportation Costs for Students
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.
Utilities and Internet
When living off-campus, utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet may not be included in the rent.
- Utilities: CAD 80 – 150/month
- Internet: CAD 50 – 100/month
Bundled services or sharing expenses with roommates can help reduce costs.
Health Insurance for International Students
Health insurance is mandatory and varies by province:
- Annual cost: CAD 600 – 900
- Some provinces offer publicly funded health coverage, while others require private insurance.
- Coverage usually includes doctor visits, emergency care, and hospitalization.
Additional Living Costs to Consider
| 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.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
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.
Budgeting Tips for International Students in Canada
- Set a Monthly Budget: Track all income and expenses using apps or spreadsheets.
- Choose Affordable Cities: Consider smaller cities with lower living costs.
- Use Student Discounts: Available on transportation, shopping, restaurants, and more.
- Consider shared living: It reduces costs of rent, utilities, and groceries.
- Buy Second-Hand: Look for used furniture, books, and clothing through local platforms.
Conclusion
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.
