Cost of Living in Canada for International Students in 2025

Canada ranks among the top 30 most expensive countries to live in globally, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver driving up the average. However, when it comes to international education, it strikes a great balance between affordability and quality, offering lower living costs than the US or UK, along with world-class universities and work opportunities. As an international student, the living costs are CAD 12,000 to 18,000 (INR 7.4 - 11.16 lakhs) per year, excluding rent.

This blog will cover everything from food and rent to transport and utilities to help you understand the cost of living in Canada. Read on!

Key Highlights:

• The average cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 12,000 to 18,000 (INR 7.5 - 11.16 lakhs) per year, excluding rent.
• As a student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
• In Canada, a postgraduate course costs from CAD 18,000 to CAD 35,000 (INR 11 - 21.7 lakhs) per year. 

The monthly cost of living in Canada can range from CAD 2,400 to CAD 6,700 (approximately INR 2 lakhs to INR 4 lakhs). Food, accommodation, and utilities, in addition to tuition, should be considered when you budget for your studies in Canada. These costs can add up quickly, and it’s smart to find ways to minimise them. 

University location, daily travel, and place of residence within the city all affect monthly expenses. Personal preference and spending habits also cause variations in expenditure. 

Let's understand the costs of living in Canada

Whether you live in Canada by yourself or with a family determines your monthly expenses. As an individual, you’ll have living expenses around INR 1.5 lakhs, while as a family, you can go up to INR 3 lakhs per month. Young professionals can afford to spend slightly more for private rentals, frequent dining out, or commuting convenience. Living with family is the most expensive alternative, as there is a need for larger housing, childcare costs, and other essentials.

To compare the differences and plan your overall monthly budget, refer to the table below. 

Accommodation costs in Canada can range from CAD 700 to CAD 2,323 (INR 43,300 - 1.43 lakhs) monthly. Several factors, like the type of housing and location within the city influence the prices of accommodation. 

Given below is an overview of the Canadian housing market:

Student Accommodation

Average rent: CAD 700 to 1,200 (INR 43,300 to 74,200).

It is common for Universities in Canada to provide housing benefits to their students. These are often bundled with utilities such as internet facilities and washing areas, which is why it is the most economical housing option. Prices are typically in the range CAD 700 to 1,200 per month

Studio Apartments

Average rent: CAD 2,004 per month (INR 1.24 lakhs)

Studio apartments, which combine living and dining spaces, are a great alternative. This is the most popular option among single working professionals. It is noteworthy that prices are steep in the heart of the city and decrease with distance. You can expect to pay CAD 2,004 per month (INR 1.24 lakhs) in Vancouver,  CAD 1,763 per month (INR 1.09 lakhs) in Toronto, and CAD 1,194 per month (INR 73,900) in Montreal for this type of accommodation.

1 Bedroom Apartments

 For those who treasure and prioritise their privacy, with separate living and sleeping areas, 1-bedroom apartments are a common choice. Within the city’s centre, the rent is CAD 1,369 (INR 84,700), and outside the city’s centre, rents can go up to CAD 1,131 per month (INR 70,000). Averages vary with the city and neighbourhood. 

3 Bedroom Apartments (Families)

If you require a larger living space, 3-bedroom apartments cost CAD 2,323 per month (INR 1.43 lakhs) within the city, while costing CAD 1,902 per month (INR 1.17 lakhs) outside the city. Vancouver and Toronto have higher prices due to greater demand, while smaller cities are more affordable. 

The table below shows a detailed comparison of housing costs according to type and city. 

An undergraduate degree in Canada typically costs around CAD 36,100 per year (INR 22.33 lakhs). However, for postgraduate programs like MBA, tuition can rise to CAD 50,000 per year (about INR 31 lakhs). Tuition fees vary depending on the university and the program of study, making them one of the largest upfront costs for international students.

Let’s discuss the tuition fees in Canada for UG and PG programs:

Fees for Undergraduate Courses in Canada

Education in Canada is based on credits. Hence, you need to pay your UG tuition fees according to credits. For undergraduate courses in Canada, a credit can go up to CAD 2000 for international students, making your yearly fees as high as CAD 60,000 (1 year has 30 credits). 

Here are some popular UG programs in Canada and their tuition fees:

Fees for Postgraduate Courses in Canada

As discussed above, a typical academic year in Canada consists of 30 credits. So during your PG course, you will have 60 units. It can be more or less, depending on the university and the program (for example, an MSc in Neurosciences at McGill University has 45 credits, instead of the usual 30 credits). However, the postgraduate fees in Canada is generally lower than UG, and additional scholarships and fellowships make it easier to handle expenses. 

Some popular PG courses and their tuition fees are:

A significant portion of your monthly living expenses will go to utilities, including electricity, heating (gas or hydro), water, and internet services. You should budget according to the size of your home, the number of people sharing the space, and how much each utility is used. On average, however, you can expect to pay CAD 100 to CAD 250 per month (INR 6,000-15,000). 

Living in student accommodations splits these costs, making them manageable. For a better understanding of typical utility expenses, see the table below.

At chains like Loblaws, No Frills, Metro, and Walmart Canada, grocery shopping can be quite budget-friendly. As a student, you can expect to spend CAD 200-300 (INR 12,370- INR 18,560) per month on groceries, with variations for diet type and preferences. If you buy in bulk, stick to store brands, and shop in discount aisles, you can easily keep your costs down.

Here is a quick guide on the standard rates of everyday grocery items. 

Additionally, cooking at home is the smartest decision you could possibly make. Doing this would keep you healthy and your wallet happy. The price of a home-made meal is CAD 3-6 per serving (INR 185- INR 370), while it can cost around CAD 15- CAD 25 per person (INR 928- INR 1,547) for a meal outside. If you order food too frequently, your food bill can double, even triple. So, to keep costs down, meal-prepping and home-cooked dinners are the way to go.

The table below will give you an idea of the costs per meal from well-known Canadian restaurants. 

Canada is a very large country. This means that the travel sphere can vary significantly according to location. You can expect to spend anywhere between CAD 100 to CAD 500 on transport monthly (INR 

In large cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, there is a robust public transportation system in place. In smaller places, biking, walking, and owning a car are common modes of commute. Transportation costs can add up if one isn’t careful, so it is important to explore all possible options if you need to travel regularly. 

In the table below, the expected fare according to the city is for your perusal:

Some popular modes of conveyance include:

Public Transport

Major Canadian cities offer buses, subways, trams, and commuter trains to their inhabitants in public transport. Most students and working professionals utilise the reliable networks of Toronto (TTC), Vancouver (TransLink), and Montreal (STM). A monthly transit pass amounts to 105 CAD on average, which amounts to 6,500 INR per month. Smaller cities have lower costs and fewer facilities. 

Student Discounts and Travel Passes

Student-specific discounts are widely used in many transit systems, which makes commuting more affordable. Students in Montreal can avail themselves of reduced STM monthly rates while applying for a discounted PRESTO card in Toronto. These passes cut monthly fares by 10-30% and require a university admit card. Students can save up to 15-35 CAD (930-2,100 INR) each month.

Owning a Vehicle

Owning a car is a good idea in suburban and rural areas, especially if you live with your family. This is not cheap, however, as monthly costs include fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking, and registration, which can go up to 700-1,000 CAD (43,300-61,800 INR). There is also an added cost during the winter months for tires and maintenance. Even when it is hard to find, public transport is the most budget-friendly choice. 

As a student in Canada, life isn’t just about classes and assignments; you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind. From scenic hikes and student film nights to concerts and local cafés, Canada offers vibrant social and cultural experiences.

While your entertainment budget depends on your lifestyle and city, here’s what you can expect to spend on average.

While most people factor in tuition and the cost of living when making decisions, smaller but important costs, such as mandatory health premiums to seasonal gear, and course-specific fees, often get neglected. If you are not prepared, these surprise costs can strain your wallet and cause significant financial stress.

To help you, we have highlighted a few ‘hidden’ expenses in the table below.

Not all Canadian cities come with the same price tag. Where you live greatly impacts what you’ll pay for rent, groceries, public transport, and leisure. On average, the annual cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 (INR 12.4- 18.6 lakhs), but this can vary significantly between cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Halifax. Knowing your city’s cost dynamics helps you plan smarter and stretch your student budget better.

Expensive cities to live in Canada 

Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria are among the most expensive in Canada for students. Here, the annual cost of living can go well beyond CAD 25,000 to CAD 30,000 (INR 15.5- 18.6 lakhs), driven mainly by high rent, transport, and food prices. While these cities offer excellent universities and career exposure, budgeting wisely is key to managing student life here.

Listed below are the most expensive cities in Canada:

Affordable cities to live in Canada

If you're looking to cut down on living expenses, cities like London, Edmonton and Calgary are great options. In these locations, you can manage monthly expenses in the range of CAD 1,000 to 2,000 (INR 62,000 - 1.24 lakhs) per person, making them ideal for international students seeking quality education without the hefty price tag.

To know which cities will let you stretch your budget without compromising on experiences, view the list below. 

While Canadian Healthcare has a strong reputation for being accessible and reliable, international students should know how the system works. From arranging your insurance coverage to being cognizant of what is covered, what isn’t, out-of-pocket spending, etc, can make a big difference to your physical and financial well-being. 

The following section provides an overview of the same. 

Prescription Medications

Depending on Insurance coverage and type of medication, the cost of prescription medicine is highly variable. A majority of the cost might be covered by private insurance (often provided by your school). In case this provision isn’t in place, you may need to pay CAD 5 to CAD 100 (INR 310 to INR 6,180) per prescription.

Dental Care

Costs can add up for Dental care, as this is usually not covered by public healthcare. Routine check-ups cost between CAD 100 to CAD 300 (INR 6,180 to INR 18,560), and prices can increase steeply in cases of fillings or extractions. Several schools provide dental plans at discounted rates, which are worth looking into. 

Vision Care

Basic eye exams here cost CAD 50 to CAD 100 (INR 3,090 to INR 6,180), and procuring prescription eyeglasses can further add CAD 100 to CAD 500 (INR 6,180 to INR 30,935). Make sure that you have private insurance if this is a recurring issue, as public insurance does not provide coverage for Vision care. 

Taxes in Canada are levied both at the federal and provincial levels and are progressive. Taxes are different for each province and depend on your income. These funds are used to develop healthcare, education, and infrastructure, some of which you will contribute to after graduation. 

To help you understand the system, here is a quick look at the tax brackets in Canada. 

As an international student in Canada, your ideal monthly budget should range between CAD 1,200 to 2,500 (INR 74,400 to INR 1.55 lakhs), depending on the city and your lifestyle choices. Major expenses include rent, groceries, transportation, health insurance, and leisure. Planning your budget ensures you stay financially stable while enjoying student life in Canada.

Here’s an overview of an ideal monthly budget for living in Canada as an international student:

To compare study abroad destinations, there is no better metric than rent. This is because it is the largest chunk of expenditure, irrespective of location. The following table gives an apples-to-apples comparison of the most popular student hubs to give you an idea of Canada’s position in the lineup. 

Canada offers a range of scholarships that can significantly ease your financial load as an international student. Some top scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also help with living expenses, sometimes up to CAD 20,000 (INR 12.4 lakhs) or more per year. For example, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer CAD 50,000 (INR 31 lakhs) annually to outstanding PhD students, while the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are fully funded for undergraduate students, covering tuition, books, and residence.

It is thus highly recommended that you apply for the scholarships listed below.

Living costs in Canada vary widely depending on location, lifestyle, and personal circumstances.

Here are the 5 most important factors that influence how much you'll spend in Canada:

1. City and Province

Where you live in Canada is the biggest cost driver. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are significantly more expensive than places like Calgary or Halifax. Rent, transportation, and daily expenses can differ by 30–50% depending on the region.

2. Housing Type and Rent

Your choice of housing—shared apartment, studio, or on-campus accommodation—affects your budget. For example, living alone in a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto can cost CAD 2,300/month, while a shared space in Winnipeg may cost under CAD 800/month.

3. Transportation

Cities with robust public transit systems (like Montreal or Ottawa) can save you the cost of owning a car. In contrast, smaller towns might require a personal vehicle, adding to fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.

4. Food and Lifestyle Choices

Eating out, international grocery preferences, or following a specialised diet (e.g., vegetarian, halal) can raise your expenses. Cooking at home and using student discounts can help reduce monthly costs.

5. Health Insurance and Government Coverage

Every province has different healthcare coverage rules. In some provinces like British Columbia, international students must pay for mandatory provincial insurance (e.g., MSP), while in others like Ontario, students often rely on private or university-provided plans.

Living smart on your budget in Canada needn't be a deprivation; just a little strategy and planning. Get it right, and you can get the most from every dollar that you spend, find great bargains, and still live life to the fullest as a student. Here are five tried-and-tested tips for staying within your means:

Cook in Batches & Prep Meals

Spend an hour or two every weekend batch-cooking a handful of meals like stir-fries, pasta bakes, chilli to portion and freeze. Home-cooked meals are not only more delicious than cafeteria fare but usually cost between CAD 3-6 per serving (INR 185-370), compared to CAD 15-20+ when dining out.

Use Student Discounts Everywhere

Flash your student ID at clothing stores, bookstores, movie theatres, and transit centres. Most department stores (such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Apple, Indigo) and cultural institutions (museums, theatres) provide 10-15 % discounts. Even your month-long bus pass can be reduced by another CAD 10-20 (INR 620-1,240) with a student discount.

Share Rent and Utilities

Splitting the cost of accommodation with roommates can help bring down your rental expense from CAD 1,600 (INR 99,000), to CAD 800-1,000 (INR 49,500-62,000). Dividing the costs of internet, electricity, and water also helps save an extra CAD 100-150 (INR 6,200-9,300) every month.

Choose Free Recreation

Canada has several hiking trails, parks, free museum days, university club events, and community sports leagues. Not only can you create memories with your friends through these avenues, but also save a significant amount of money. Instead of splurging on concert tickets or amusement parks, it is better to explore campus movie nights and library workshops, where you can have a blast without blowing your budget.

With this blog, you have gained information about what it costs to live and study in Canada. From standard rates of groceries to other utilities like healthcare, and transport (including student discounts and transit pass tips), you now know which cities are budget-friendly and where to look for student discounts. You know which scholarships to apply to and exactly why this destination is expensive in comparison to other countries. 

If you want to apply these lessons and take action, do it with Yocket Premium. With us, you'll receive one-on-one, personalised guidance to shortlist the correct universities and cities according to your vision and budget. Our advisors are there to guide you through scholarship plans, personalised budget calculators, and timely reminders so nothing slips through. Let us simplify your Canadian education experience, convenient, informed, and exciting- from application to arrival. We are here to help you along the way.