Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
April 05, 2025
Shatavisha
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The living expenses in Canada for international students are affordable compared to the USA. That said, living in Canada can also be costly, based on how you are spending your money, where you are spending and your location.
To ensure that your time in Canada is hassle-free, you need to plan your finances properly. So, go through this guide, and plan your living expenses while living in Canada.
A Breakdown of Total Living Expenses in Canada
Living expenses in Canada, just like any other country, depend on the area or the city you are living in. For example, if you live in Toronto, or Vancouver your monthly expenses can go from 1,400 CAD to 2,000 CAD.
However, if you live in Montreal, or Edmonton, your monthly expenses can go from 1,000 CAD to 1,400 CAD.
Find out more about it in the breakdown below!
- Living Cost in Canada for International Students
As an international student, you should prepare a budget of CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,500 per month for your living expenses in Canada. This money will cover your rent, transport, groceries and other utilities. However, do remember that your living expenses can increase according to the city you live in, and your lifestyle choices.
Therefore, it can also go up to 2,000 CAD per month, according to your city choices.
Here is the Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Shared and on Campus Rent | 500–800 |
| Groceries expenses | 250–400 |
| Transportation expenses | 80–150 |
| Utilities & Internet expenses | 100–200 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | 200–400 |
| Total (Approx.) expenses | 1,000–1,500 |
- Cost of Studying in Canada
If you are studying in Canada, your tuition fees will vary according to your program and the institution you’re studying in. However, a gross yearly expenditure of your yearly expenses for an undergraduate student can be CAD 20,000/- to CAD 40,000.
Similarly, the yearly expenditure for a postgraduate student can range between CAD 15,000/- to CAD 35,000/-. However, remember that this expense does not include your living expenses. Therefore, you must calculate accordingly.
Here is a Breakdown of the Annual Study Costs (CAD):
| Program Level | Public Colleges | Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Program | 15,000–25,000 | 20,000–40,000 |
| Postgraduate Program | 13,000–20,000 | 15,000–35,000 |
| PhD Program | 7,000–15,000 | 10,000–20,000 |
- How Much Fund is Required to Study in Canada?
In every other city apart from Quebec, you must show funds between CAD 27,000/- and CAD 58,000/- per year for tuition and living expenses. Therefore, you have to calculate your monthly expenditure accordingly.
In Quebec, you must show funds between CAD 30,000/- to CAD 45,000/- for your tuition and living expenses per year. Hence, you have to divide and calculate your monthly expenses according to that.
Here is the Proof of Funds Requirement (Other than Quebec) (2025)
| Total Expenditure | Amount (CAD/Year) |
|---|---|
| Yearly Tuition Fees | 15,000–40,000 |
| Yearly Living Costs | 12,000–18,000 |
| Total Expenditure | 27,000–58,000 |
Here is the Proof of Funds Requirement (Quebec) (2025)
| Total Expenditure | Amount (CAD/Year) |
|---|---|
| Yearly Tuition Fees | 15,000/- to 20,000/- |
| Yearly Living Costs | 15,000/- to 20,000/- |
| Total Expenditure | 30,000/- to 40,000/- |
- City-Wise living expenses in Canada for international students per month
Like most of the other countries of the world, the living cost in Canada for international students depends on the city they are residing in. Therefore, if you are living in tier 1 cities like Toronto, your monthly expenses can range between CAD 1,500/- to CAD 2,000/- per month. However, if you are living in cities like Edmonton, your monthly cost ranges between CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,400/-.
So, it all depends on the city you are living in!
Here is a Complete Breakdown of Monthly Costs by City (CAD)
| City | Rent | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $800–$1,200 | $300 | $150 |
| Vancouver | $900–$1,300 | $350 | $100 |
| Montreal | $500–$800 | $250 | $85 |
| Edmonton | $600–$900 | $280 | $90 |
| Quebec | $815–$1,700 | $540 | $95 |
- Scholarships & Loans to Study in Canada
Cost of living in Canada can be high, especially if you are moving there from India. Hence, looking for a good scholarship is a smart choice. A steady flow of cash will help you to focus on your education, and reduce your stress.
So, here are some of the scholarship programs you would want to look for, before moving to Canada. Take a look!
List of the Top Scholarship Programs (2025)
| Scholarship | Amount (CAD) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate | $50,000/year | PhD students |
| Lester B. Pearson Award | Full tuition | Undergraduates (U of T) |
| University of Alberta Awards | 5,000–30,000 | All levels |
| Humber College Scholarships | 1,000–5,000 | Diploma/Certificate |
A scholarship is a great way to gather funding for your abroad education and lifestyle. That said, some scholarship amounts are not enough for students to survive in Canada. Moreover, not all scholarship programs are for undergraduate or graduate students. Hence, at such times, it’s best to go for an education loan.
Here is a list of the top Education Loan Vendors in India (2025)
| Name of the Vendor | Maximum Loan Amount (INR) Provided |
|---|---|
| Student Cover | Depending on the partner bank or NBFC |
| Avanse | Up to ₹1.25 Cr. |
| Axis Bank | No upper limit |
| HDFC Credila | Up to ₹65 Lakhs |
| Union Bank of India | Secured up to ₹1.5 Cr, Unsecured up to ₹40 lakhs |
FAQs
- Can I get a part-time job in Canada to manage my living expenses?
Yes, you can get a part-time job in Canada. Your hourly pay can range between CAD 15 to CAD 25. So, you can manage your personal expenses well with part-time jobs in Canada.
- How much do apartments charge a month in Canada?
An apartment roughly charges around CAD 5,000 a month. If you are a student, it’s best if you stay on-campus. On-campus accommodations are more affordable and safe than living off-campus.
- How much would it cost me to survive in Canada for a month?
In tier one cities like Vancouver, your one month expense would be 1,500/- to 2,000/- CAD. However, if you are living in Montreal or Edmonton, you can easily suffice within 1,400/- CAD every month.
- Is Life in Canada Expensive?
If you are going from India, then life in Canada can seem expensive to you. However, if you compare with the expenses in the USA, then livelihood in Canada would seem affordable. Moreover, working part-time in Canada is easier and often pays sufficient money. So, you can live in the USA.
Parting Thoughts
Living expenses in Canada for international students depend on the university they are studying in and the city they are living in. So, now that you have the knowledge about average living expenses there, pack your bags and get ready to move to the land of maple and T.Horts.
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