The Ultimate Guide to the Cost of Living in Canada: Living Expenses for International Students

Hi there, prospective Canuck youngsters! Do you intend to pursue your studies in the Great White North, then? We at Western Overseas – a team of professionals spread over India, Australia & Canada are here to make your dreams – a sure-shot reality!!!

First, let's talk about the basic stage since your plans may still be in a dough state. The green stuff is the most important part of your Canadian dreams. Wondering what’s that green stuff? Well, it’s none other than cash; having your finances sorted for such a huge step is integral, and don’t worry we are here to break it down for you.

Annual living expenses in Canada can range between $7,000 (395,500 INR) and $20,000 (1,130,000 INR). That's right, from the happening streets of Toronto to the cozy corners of Vancouver. Absolutely; it does come with a price. The Canadian government requires you to show at least $20,635 (1,167,527.5 INR) for annual living expenses. Here’s a top, keep some extra money than this – to enjoy the beauty of Canada without any tensions.

Now, let's talk about the necessities. You must have a roof over your head, correct? Rent in Canada varies according to where you live. In Toronto, you could pay anywhere from $1,100 (62,150 INR) to $2,700 (152,550 INR) per month for a cozy vibe. When you add in utilities, internet, and a phone plan, you end up with a monthly bill that will make your head spin faster than a curling ston

 

General Living Costs for International Students				Accommodation Costs
Category	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)		Accommodation Type	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)
Annual Living Cost	CAD 20, 635	INR 12,54,064.89		On-Campus (annually)	CAD 8,000 - CAD 10,000	INR 8.02 lakhs - 10.03 lakhs
Monthly Living Cost (excluding rent)	CAD 1,132	INR 68,792		Off-Campus Shared (monthly)	CAD 400 - CAD 700	INR 40,140.02 - 70,245.04
Monthly Cost (single person)	CAD 1,339.1	INR 83,369.8		1 BHK in City Center (monthly)	CAD 1,332	INR 1,33,666.28
Monthly Cost (family of 4)	CAD 4,786.9	INR 2,98,016.8		1 BHK Outside City Center	CAD 1,123	INR 1,12,693.12
Monthly Cost (family of 2)	CAD 2,500	INR 1,51,876		3 Bedrooms in City Center	CAD 2,718.34	INR 1,68,975.93

 

City-Wise Cost of Living
City	Single Person	Family of 4
Toronto	CAD 3,551	CAD 6,144
Vancouver	CAD 3,445	CAD 5,955
Montreal	CAD 2,384	CAD 4,799
Ottawa	CAD 2,822	CAD 5,329
Calgary	CAD 2,449	CAD 5,110
Quebec City	CAD 1,871	CAD 4,126
Halifax	CAD 2,377	CAD 4,698

 

Food Expenses			Transportation Costs			Other Utilities
Food Item	Cost (CAD)		Transportation Type	Cost (CAD)		Utility	Cost (CAD)
Milk (1 litre)	CAD 2.76		Subway (monthly pass)	CAD 65 - CAD 99		Basic Utilities	CAD 199.25
Rice (1 kg)	CAD 4.40		Buses (monthly pass)	CAD 100 - CAD 150		Internet (60 Mbps or more)	CAD 78.82
Bread (500g)	CAD 3.27		Taxi (up to 1 km)	CAD 2.00		Health Insurance (monthly)	CAD 74
Eggs (12)	CAD 4.29		Taxi (1-hour waiting)	CAD 34.00		Mobile Plan (monthly)	CAD 55.36
Cheese (1 kg)	CAD 14.79		One-way Ticket (Local)	CAD 3.25
Apples (1 kg)	CAD 5.06		Gasoline (1 litre)	CAD 1.59
Banana (1 kg)	CAD 1.86
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	CAD 14.86

 

However, it is not all doom and gloom. Canada has some great student discounts. Many banks provide special accounts for broke college students, with benefits such as free banking and travel discounts. Don't forget about student discounts; from discounted transit passes to cheap eats, there are plenty of ways to stretch your money.

So there you have it, everyone. Living in Canada isn't cheap. But it offers one hell of an experience with some good old-fashioned Canadian hospitality, safety, quality education, Canadian credentials & an all-rounder beauty to enjoy. But you can carefully budget for living the Canadian dream in no time with the information of which city suits your pocket the best. Check the pointers below;

So, pack your bags, grab your toque, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, eh? Educational experiences come with many more benefits& discounts other than the Canadian grand lifestyle i.e. discounts on software, electronics, clothing, movies, museums, and a lot more. Just keep your student ID card with you and check what rates can be reduced.

Now let's talk frankly about the tuition fees. International undergraduates typically pay around $36,100 (which is 2,038,650 INR) per year. On the other hand, a master’s program can cost you around $17,000(935,000 INR) to $35,000 (1,925,000 INR) per year. However, there are a variety of scholarships and grants available to help lessen the fees.

So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exciting journey through the land of poutine (a popular Canadian dish), polar bears, and maple syrup – all of this is only the starters. Visit your nearest Western Overseas branch to know more and we will make your Canadian goals a reality in a short time without budget constraints. 

FAQ

What is the cost of studying in Canada for international students?

For undergraduates, tuition fees average $36,100 per annum. And for post-graduates, it is $21,100 every year.

Can an international student work while studying in Canada?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours weekly.

In general, how much money can one make monthly as an international student in Canada?

An international student can earn an average of Sixty-Two Thousand Two Hundred Ninety US Dollars annually or Thirty-one US Dollars ninety-four cents per hour.

Which city in Canada is considered as being the cheapest city for international students to pursuit their education?

Some of the institutes located in Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario afford accommodation for international students.

How much do international students spend on living expenses each year in Canada?

Total expenses for an average International Student can go as far as $37,247 depending on tuition fees, rent/housing payments, health insurance costs or premiums associated with medical attention and/or treatment charges or any medical bills incurred at a hospital or a clinic by a student during their stay here including textbooks and academic supplies used during one’s studies period., transportation (buses and taxi fare required when moving around or traveling back home), groceries including foodstuffs purchased while living here.