USA vs Canada: Cost of Living in Canada vs USA

Why Choose Canada or US for Studying Abroad?

Before we delve into the question: Is Canada better than US for international students, let us first learn why both these countries are a preferred study destination for millions of students.

• The United States has been the ultimate study abroad destination for students from ages especially for MS in US and other master’s programs. It has established its reputation as a global leader in tech and research, which attracts students wanting to pursue high-quality education. Other than this, factors including excellent R & D opportunities, state of the art infrastructure, technological advancements, booming industries, etc. have added to its appeal as the penultimate study abroad destination.
• In recent times, Canada has emerged as a frontrunner in attracting international students to the Canadian universities, marching ahead of countries including the UK, Australia, US, etc. This has been mainly because of the lenient immigration policies, high-quality education that is relatively cheaper, good work-related opportunities, speedy processing times for study permits, wide availability of scholarships etc. These along with a good quality of life is making Canada a favourite amongst foreign students.

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US vs Canada: Language and Student Support

The first thing a student has to consider while going abroad is language of communication. Apart from this a favourable environment is also desirable.

US	Canada
English is the most common language spoken by people in the US	Bilingual in nature, English and French are the most commonly spoken languages
International Student are assisted with cultural & social adjustments through a variety of programs & inductions	Students from around the world are assisted with cultural & social adjustments through a variety of programs & inductions

Key takeaway: Both the countries provide Foundation courses to students before under graduation and graduation to help them adapt to university environment, the culture, language improvements and develop a strong base for the course ahead.

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US vs Canada: Which is Better for Education?

While answering the question, USA or Canada which is better to study, the most important thing one must consider is the quality of education.

• The US as we all know is definitely the torchbearer of quality education. The quality of its programs has stood the test of time and the higher education standards provided here are unparalleled. Most US universities have a strong foundation in research, which makes it the perfect for students willing to indulge in breakthrough research projects. Apart from this, the US offers a wide range of courses in a wide array of upcoming fields which makes it even more lucrative.
• Canada is also not far behind when it comes to the quality of education . Although Canada has been recognised worldwide for its outstanding quality of education at all levels, in the last several years, the universities have also upped their game. As a result of this their universities like University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are constantly being featured in the list of best Universities in the world.

Key takeaway: While the quality of education is very good in both countries, the US definitely wins: “USA or Canada: which is better to study?“ race by a small margin. Some examples are pre-MBAs, pre-med courses, pre nursing programmes, pre law degrees, pre-Masters in psychology, pre-economics studies, finance preparation courses, business foundation degrees, among others.

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US vs Canada: Education System

There are similar types of educational institutions in both counties. However, the nature of these institutions may vary.

• In Canada, universities grant degrees, while colleges grant certificates and diplomas. Therefore, for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees you should look for a university in Canada, not a college.
• In the United States, the term college can imply any degree-granting institution. A university is just a bigger institution that offers more options and programs. Therefore, the terms college and university are used interchangeably in the US.

Types of Institutions in US	Types of Institutions in Canada
State college or university (Subsidised by the government- local or state) Grant Degrees, diplomas, certificates	Universities - Private & Public Majorly degree-granting May also provide Postgraduate diplomas and certificates (up to one year)
Private college or university (Run privately)	Colleges and institutes (Provide training in applied fields of work. Also known as colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied arts or applied technology, institutes of technology or science, collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel in Quebec)
Community College (2-year colleges, award associate degrees and certifications, teaches transferable courses that can be used for 4-year university programs)	-
Institute of Technology (Provides both 4 year graduate programs and short term courses in Science & Technology)	-

Key takeaway: The nature of the education system in the US differs from Canada. Also, while the US has a number of institutions to choose from, in Canada, this choice is limited. The US offers a variety of courses as it has many mid-level educational institutions. These range from core courses related to STEM to interdisciplinary programs.

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US vs Canada: Admission Requirements for International Students

Talking about studying in US after 12th vs Canada, let’s now talk about admission requirements. The admission requirements may vary between the type of institution and between the courses.

USA Admission Requirements

Institutions in US	US Degrees	US Admission Requirements
Community college, junior or technical college	Associate degree (These can be transferable e.g., associate of arts, associate of science or prepare for entering the job market e.g., associate of applied science degree)	Lower TOEFL score than 4-year degree programs English second language program can be taken
Mostly offered by universities	Bachelor’s degree	12th Standard Minimum GPA – 2.50 to 3. 60 TOEFL- 61 to 100 SAT
Universities	Master’s degree	Bachelor’s degree Minimum GPA – 2.50 to 3.50 TOEFL -78 to 100

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Canada Admission Requirements

Institutions in Canada	Level of Studies	Canada Admission Requirements
College	Certificate/Diploma (1 year)	Minimum of Higher second class in intermediate (i.e., above 55%) IELTS (overall 6 with no sections less than 5.5) TOEFL- 80-84
University/College	Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years)	First class in Intermediate IELTS (Overall 6.5 with no sections less than 6.0) TOEFL- 88-100
College	Associate Degree 2 years	Minimum of Higher second class in intermediate (i.e., above 55%) IELTS (Overall 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in writing band)
	Applied degree 4 years	IELTS 6.0 AND Engineering degree or basic science graduation degree OR 2-year diploma
University/College	Post Graduate certificate/ Diploma 1-2 years	Bachelor’s degree 50-60% academics ( 3 or 4 Years) IELTS (Overall 6.5 with no sections less than 6.0) TOEFL- 88-93
University	Master's Degree (Graduate studies) 2-3 years	1st Class in Bachelor's degree (4 Years) IELTS (Overall 6.5 to 7.5 with no sections less than 6.0 or 6.5) TOEFL- 88-100
University	MBA 2 years	2-3 years of work experience GMAT between 550- 730 TOEFL- 88-100 IELTS- 6.5 - 7.5 16 years of education with first class

Key takeaway: Studying in Canada requires a better profile in terms of academic, technical skills and research skills. Most Canadian Institutions do not emphasise on GRE unlike the US.

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US vs Canada: Application Process

In the US and Canada both, the students need to apply to individual universities or colleges for admission. However, the difference lies in the procedure.

While admission to Canadian colleges and universities are mainly based on grades, in US colleges may require a set of essays, statements of purpose (SOP), or Letters of recommendations as a part of the application process.

Admission Process in US	Admission Process in Canada
Choose your course	Choose your course
Find a college or university of your choice	Find a college or university of your choice
Submit your application along with requirements like essays, SOP, etc. for individual institutions.	Fill in the application for each of the institutions
Wait for a response	Wait for a response
Accept and start the visa application	Accept and begin the application for a study permit

Key takeaway: The admission and application process is simpler in Canada when compared to the US. However, the number of universities is limited in Canada and hence it becomes challenging to get an admit.

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US vs Canada: Student Visa Process

After having understood the intricacies of studying in USA vs Canada, let us now look at the visa process in both the countries.

Visa Process in US	Visa Process in Canada
F1 student visa is commonly required	Students need the SDS Visa program, or the Canada Study Permit.
The cost of application for a student visa is 160 USD.	Visa fees for Canadian Student Permit is 112 USD or 150 CAD
The visa process includes a personal interview, biometrics, and sometimes a medical examination.	Canadian Visa requires the biometrics but not the personal interview.
Requirements: Get accepted by a SEVP approved US University around 6 to 12 months before the program begins, and pay the SEVP fees. Fill up the US Student Visa Application and pay the fees. Schedule and attend the visa interview	Requirements: Letter of Acceptance from the university If applying for Quebec, a Certificate of Acceptance from the Government Get & Fill in Canadian Student Visa Application Package from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website/Canadian Embassy

Key takeaway: In the U.S, the visa application process is extremely lengthy and complicated. In comparison, the Canadian student visa application process is relatively simpler and shorter.

Top Universities in US vs Canada

Universities in both the US and Canada have made it to the top university rankings. According to World QS Rankings 2021, following are the top universities in the United States and Canada.Top 10 Universities in the US

The US is home to the world renowned Ivy league institutions and some of the best institutions of higher education are located in the country. Given below is the comparison of Canadian and American universities.

Top 10 Universities in US

US Universities	QS World Rankings 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1
Stanford University	3
Harvard University	5
California Institute of Technology	6
University of Chicago	10
University of Pennsylvania	13
Yale University	14
Columbia University	19
Princeton University	20
Cornell University	21

Top 10 Universities in Canada

Canada is not far behind when it comes to high quality educational institutions. In fact, the ranks of its universities are increasing year over year.

Canadian Universities	QS World Ranking 2024
University of Toronto	26
McGill University	27
University of British Columbia	46
University de Montreal	111
University of Alberta	126
McMaster University	140
University of Waterloo	149
Western University	170
University of Ottawa	230
University of Calgary	235

 

Key takeaway: US universities have better worldwide ranks compared to Canadian universities.

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Top Courses in US vs Canada

Both the US and Canada are known for their high quality education. Here is a look at the top streams in both these countries:

US	Canada
Business Management	Business Management
Engineering	Engineering
Computer Science & IT	Computer Science and IT
Social Science	Media & Journalism
Physical and Life Sciences	Biosciences, Health and Medicine
Sports Management	Hospitality Management
Biotechnology	Geosciences
Physiotherapy	Finance
Law	Agricultural Science & Forestry
Education	Psychology & Human Resources

Key takeaways: Both provide a range of programs and courses. However, they differ when compared on which ones are the top courses.

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US vs Canada: Tuition Fees

Taking the discussion Canada vs USA for international students, we compare the tuition fee of the two countries. We find that the cost of pursuing education in Canada is relatively less when compared to the US, and hence answers the question-”Is studying in Canada cheaper than US?”

An important thing to remember is that the amount of tuition fees varies from university to university and from program to program.

Given below is a comparison between tuition fees in the two countries:

Program	Tuition Fees in US per year (in USD)	Tuition Fees in Canada per year (in CAD)
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree	10,000 - 40,000	5,000- 25,000
Graduate Degree	20,000 - 45,000	10,000 - 35,000
Doctorate Programs	28,000- 55,000	6,000 - 16,000
Courses Offered by Community Colleges	6000 - 8000	-

Key takeaway: Canadian institutions are much more affordable compared to US universities both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

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Cost of Living in Canada vs USA

Another factor that contributes to the total expenses in a foreign country is the cost of living. We have also added the costs in INR for those looking into Canada vs USA for Indian students.

Expenses	Cost of living per year in USA (in USD)	Cost of living per year in Canada (in CAD)
On-campus accommodation	5,304-8,161 (INR 3,97,000-6,10,000)	3,000-7,500 (INR 1,62,000- 4,05,000)
Private Accommodation	6,000-14,000 (INR4,50,000-10,50,000)	8,000-9,000 (INR 4,48,000-5,03,000)
Public Transport	1,200 (INR 90,000)	960-1,320 (INR 53,000-74,000)
Entertainment	2,000 (INR 1,50,000)	1,800 (INR 1,00,000)
Internet	360-720 (INR 30,000-60,000)	600 (INR 33,000)
Books and Academic Supplies	1,170 (INR 88,000)	1,500 (INR 84,000)
Household & Other Bills	600 (INR 45,000)	800 (INR 45,000)

Please note that the figures in the table above are tentative and depend on one’s lifestyle and the city.

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Let us also compare the cost of living in the most famous cities of the US and Canada to get a clear picture of small expenses an international student would incur.

Expenses in New York City (in USD)	Expenses in Toronto (in CAD)
Rent of one bedroom apartment- 3,116.43	Rent of one bedroom apartment- 1,536.22
A loaf of bread costs 95 cents, 0.15 Kg of chicken breast costs 1.96, cappuccino at 4.47	A loaf of bread costs 59 cents and 0.15 Kg of chicken breast costs 1.88, cappuccino at 3.15
Cost of inexpensive meal at restaurant is 20	Cost of an inexpensive meal at restaurant is 14.9
A local transport ticket for one-way travel costs 2.75. For 1 mile taxi takes 2.16	A local transport ticket for one-way travel costs 2.42. For 1 mile taxi takes 2.70
Levi jeans pair costs 53.74	Levi jeans pair costs 52.59

Key takeaway: In terms of accommodation, Canada is cheaper. The average cost of living in the US is greater compared to Canada.

US vs Canada: Financial Aid

The cost of education in both the US and Canada is quite high. However, the good thing is that they both offer a number of Scholarships and other forms of financial aid to international students.

These scholarships can be university-specific, Government Funded or Private Scholarships or from the country you are applying from. Some of the top scholarships provided by the two countries are:

Scholarships in US	Scholarships in Canada
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPA)
Inlaks Scholarships	International Research Linkages funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund	Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation
East-West Centre Scholarships and Fellowships	Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
AAUW International Fellowships	Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship	IDRC Research Awards
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program

Key takeaway: Both the countries offer financial aid for students at different levels.

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US vs Canada: Part Time Job Opportunities

A lot of students studying abroad wish to take up some sort of part time jobs to support themselves financially. So, let’s see which one is better when it comes to part time work conditions:

Part-Time Work in US	Part-Time Work in Canada
F1 visa holders can work only after first academic year	F1 visa holders can work only after first academic year
An application with student's Designated School Official has to be initiated to get permission for working off-campus	Work permit is required for co-op programs which let students intern during a semester
A maximum of 20 hours per week of working time	A maximum of 20 hours per week of working time
For OPT holders, off-campus job must be related to field of study	Work can be done under any employer except some.

Key takeaway: It is easier to find part -time jobs or on campus jobs as an international student in Canada compared to the US.

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US vs Canada: Ease of Switching Undergraduate Stream

There are many students who study Electronics and then want to do their Masters in Computer Science or switch to Aeronautics for Masters after a Mechanical Engineering undergrad.

Since Canada is strict about academic scores, it is less accepting of change of undergrad stream than the US which looks at the overall profile of a student including his/her projects, internships and extra-curricular.

Key takeaway: Due to a more open education system, the US is more likely to accept international students applications who look for changing their stream for Masters after undergrad than Canada.

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US vs Canada: Ease of Switching Masters Program

After admission to an institution in Canada or the US, an international student may wish to change their Masters stream due to a variety of reasons such as shift of interest or other requirements.

For applying to their university, one may have to get involved in a lot of formalities.

Changing Masters Stream in US	Changing Masters Stream in Canada
The reason for changing masters may not be accepted if not convincing by authorities. Letter of references, application for stating change while proving capabilities to perform well in new program are required.	A change in the study permit is not required except if one has a co-op work permit. An update needs to be submitted to IRCC.

Key takeaway: Canada has a relatively easier set of formalities compared to the US when it comes to switching the Master’s program in Canada after admission.

US vs Canada: Employment Opportunities

According to QS Graduate Employability (GE) Rankings 2020, the universities in the US rank better than Canadian institutions. Also, Graduates with a degree in Computer Science from US universities earn more than 52,272 USD. For careers in Computer Science, the average salary in Canada is 58,469 CAD but the starting salary may go to 30,000 CAD.

US Universities and GE Rank	Canadian Institutions GE Rank
MIT #1	University of Toronto #16
Stanford University #2	University of Waterloo #25
University of California #3	University of Alberta #87
Harvard University #5	McMaster University #98
New York University #11	Queen’s University of Kingston #101-110

Key takeaway: Average starting salary after graduation may be higher in the US than in Canada. However, it is a factor of university, city, type of course and employer. Also, the US offers more employment opportunities than Canada and is not limited to STEM fields.

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Canada or USA: Which is Better for Students?

An essential part of the university and college experience is to experience a student's social life. Both the US and Canada provide a variety of experiences and opportunities to the students in this regard.

• The US is known for its vibrant student and campus culture. There are multiple clubs, on campus activities, which give students ample opportunities of forming connections. Since most students live on campus, they have access to multiple university activities.
• Staying in Canada has its own set of advantages for students. Canada is comparatively safer and considered more tolerant to international students. Also, since international students make up nearly one fifth of Canada’s university population, there are more chances of cultural exchanges.

Key takeaway: Both the US and Canada provide immense opportunities for students to grow and learn.

US vs Canada: Stay Back Options

After completing your course, you might wish to stay back in the country to get some work experience. Both US and Canada do allow students to stay back but the process differs significantly.

Stayback Options in US	Stayback Options in Canada
After completing studies, a student can make use of post-degree OPT work limit to stay in the U.S	If you have graduated from a list of DLIs then you can apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
For OPT, a job should be found within 90 days of completing graduation. STEM students can get an extension of up to 24 months of OPT work limit.	If you are a student and waiting for your final marks and have your study permit valid even after getting your final marks, you can apply for PGWP till 180 days.
Non-immigrant H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation) can be applied if a student already has an employer to sponsor him and the job is related to the major field of studies in his U.S Bachelor’s degree. A labour condition attestation is required before applying for this visa. It is granted for 3 years and can be extended up to 6 years.	If your study permit expires before getting your final marks, then either you have to leave Canada and apply from your home country for PGWP or, get your study permit extended and then apply for PGWP.

Key takeaway: In the US, after completing graduation, if you have not exhausted all your part time work limit (12 months in general except for STEM students for whom it is 36 months) under OPT, you can stay back only for 90 days. However, in Canada, you get a time till 180 days to apply for a PGWP and stay for up to 3 years depending on the length of your program irrespective of whether the course is a STEM or not.

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US vs Canada: Permanent Residency

While permanent residency can be obtained in both countries, they vary in terms of the ease and time taken.

While in the US the process is long and slow, in Canada it is relatively easier.

PR in US	PR in Canada
One option is a Green Card. You can also ask your company to sponsor you. It is called employer sponsorship. The company shall fill EB-2 or EB-3 basis your employment status.	There are many ways of finding permanent residency in Canada such as Express Entry, Provincial nominees among many others.

Key takeaway: In the US, citizenship can be obtained after 5 years of residence through employment. In Canada, one of the PR options called Canadian Experience Class allows international graduates to become permanent residents after 1 year of skilled occupation.

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Canada vs USA for International Students: Benefits as a Citizen

If you are considering settling down in the US after completing your education, a comparison between the two will be helpful.

Benefits to Settle in US	Benefits to Settle in Canada
Medium income of US families lies around  63,179 USD	Canadian residents have their median salaries ranging from 45,220 CAD to 89,610 CAD
Practical tax rate is 18%	Practical tax rate is 28%
Post taxes average salary is around 52,000 USD	Post taxes average salary is around 35,000 CAD
Living index lies around 69.91	In Canada, living index is 65.01
Under Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), it can provide leave up to 12 weeks. This varies with states	Through provincial employment insurance, Canada provides mandated maternity leaves for mothers and fathers. Benefits could be up to 573 CAD per week
Health care costs reach 10,739 USD annually	Health care costs 7,068 CAD annually

Key takeaway: Taxes are lower in the US but cost of living is on a higher side compared to Canada as well. Social benefits such as maternity leaves and health care costs make Canada a highly sought after nation for settling.

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US vs Canada: Climate Conditions

When comparing Canada vs USA for Indian students, an important factor that comes up is climate. Here’s a quick look at the two:

US Climate	Canada Climate
The weather in the U.S. is diverse, depending on your location in this gigantic country.	The weather is on the colder side where winters in Canada can be gruelling with -30 degrees Celsius at some places.
Weather can swing from one end of the spectrum to the other in a single location or stay in extremes in certain locations.	In summer, the weather is pleasant under 30 degrees Celsius.

Key takeaway: For some study abroad aspirants, climate has been a major dampener in Canada.

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There is nothing called a perfect country. As an international student aspiring to study abroad you need to assign weight to each factor these countries offer according to your preferences. Pursuing an international degree is a demanding process right from choosing a university to looking for job opportunities, and if you are confused, our Yocket Counsellors are available right at your service!