Cost of living for international students
Outside tuition, most international students spend around CAD 1,200–2,000 per month — though Toronto and Vancouver run higher, and smaller cities much lower. This guide breaks living costs down category by category, compares cities, and shows how to build a realistic annual budget.
| Expense | Indicative monthly (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared / residence) | 650 – 1,500 |
| Food & groceries | 300 – 500 |
| Transport (transit pass) | 90 – 160 |
| Utilities & internet | 80 – 200 |
| Phone plan | 35 – 65 |
| Books & supplies | 60 – 130 |
| Personal & leisure | 150 – 350 |
| Total | ≈ CAD 1,365 – 2,905 |
Accommodation — your biggest cost
Rent will make or break your budget. On-campus residence is convenient and social for first-year students but not always the cheapest; a shared apartment off campus is often better value once you know the city. Downtown rooms in Toronto or Vancouver can exceed CAD 1,200 a month, while a shared place in Winnipeg, Halifax, Saskatoon or St. John’s might be half that. Wherever you go, avoid paying a deposit for a home you have not verified in person or through your university’s housing office.
Food, transport and everyday costs
Cooking at home is dramatically cheaper than eating out — a monthly grocery budget of CAD 300–500 is realistic for most students. Public transit is excellent in the big cities, and a student transit pass (often CAD 90–160/month) is usually worth it; some universities include a discounted “U-Pass” in your fees. Budget separately for a phone plan, occasional eating out and entertainment.
Health insurance
Health coverage varies by province. Some provinces cover international students under their public plans; others require private insurance, usually arranged through your university. Either way, do not skip this — a single uninsured medical bill can dwarf a month’s rent.
Cost of living by city
Roughly speaking, from most to least expensive:
- Highest: Toronto and Vancouver.
- Mid-range: Ottawa, Calgary, Victoria, Waterloo, Halifax.
- More affordable: Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, St. John’s, Fredericton.
Choosing a lower-cost city can save you many thousands of dollars a year without compromising the quality of your degree.
A realistic annual budget
Add tuition (see our tuition guide) to roughly CAD 15,000–24,000 in annual living costs, plus one-off setup costs for your first month: winter clothing, bedding, a deposit and initial groceries can easily add CAD 1,500–2,500. Having this documented also supports your student visa application.
Tips to keep costs down
- Consider a more affordable province — the savings on rent alone are substantial.
- Cook at home and shop at budget grocery chains; use campus meal deals sparingly.
- Buy used textbooks or rent them, and use the library.
- Get a student transit pass and take advantage of student discounts everywhere.
- Apply for scholarships — many help with living costs, not just tuition.
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