Relocating to a new country for higher education requires careful financial planning, particularly when estimating daily expenses. While Canada is known for its strong education system and student-friendly environment, international students generally need to have a budget close to CAD 12,000 per year to cover the cost of living in Canada.
The overall expenditure depends on factors such as housing choices, local transportation, food preferences, academic fees, taxes, and health insurance. Most Canadian universities charge tuition fees starting at CAD 15,000 (~INR 9,03,999). For a single student, monthly expenses excluding rent are around CAD 880 (INR 53,034).
Monthly Living Expenses (CAD)
Cost of Living in Canada for Families and Students
Canada is renowned for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, world-class education, and welcoming environment for immigrants. Living expenses vary based on city and family size:
Single person: CAD 1,339/month (INR 83,369.8) excluding rent
Family of four: CAD 4,786.9/month (INR 2,98,016.8) excluding rent
Family of two: CAD 2,500/month (INR 1,51,876) excluding rent
Students: CAD 880 (INR 53,034) excluding rent
Rent for students can range from CAD 625/month for personal residences to CAD 800/month for on-campus housing. On average, rent in Canada is 528% higher than in India.
City-Wise Monthly Living Costs (CAD)
Although accommodation costs in some Canadian cities may appear high, job opportunities in Canada remain strong across various sectors, including healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and skilled trades. These roles offer competitive wages that help students and professionals manage living expenses while building long-term careers.
Accommodation Costs in Canada for International Students
On average, a single student requires CAD 18,340 (INR 11,14,531) per year, while the monthly cost including rent is estimated at CAD 1,708. Accommodation costs vary depending on whether students live on-campus or off-campus.
Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities for rent, while St. John’s offers some of the lowest rental prices. The rent has seen a 2.2% hike, and for a 2-bedroom house, it stands at $ 3,000 and $3,180, respectively.
Food Expenses in Canada
Daily food expenses for students typically range from CAD 200 to CAD 300 per month (approximately INR 12,053 to INR 18,079).
Travel Expenses in Canada
Students have access to affordable public transportation:
Fare for one-way public transit can cost a few dollars, whereas a monthly pass can cost around CAD 80 to CAD 150.
Education Costs in Canada
Canadian universities offer high-quality education at relatively lower costs than those in the USA. Tuition fees vary by course, university, and level of study:
Undergraduate Courses (CAD/year)
Postgraduate Courses (CAD/year)
Popular Universities Tuition Fees
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Provincial plans cover students in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan. Students in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island must opt for private insurance. The average person pays CAD 8,563/year for healthcare coverage.
Taxes and Working in Canada
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. Income is taxable, a SIN is required, and the average salary in Canada is around CAD 60,000 per year, depending on role and location.
Average Cost of Living in Canada: City Comparison
Affordable cities include London (ON), Calgary (AB), Regina (SK), and Edmonton (AB).
The cost of living may seem high initially, but salaries and opportunities in Canada make it manageable. Popular roles include retail associates, food service workers, warehouse staff, and campus assistants.