Do you know? Rent in Canada is, on average, 605.0% higher than in India.
Canada is among the top destinations for Indian students, but living costs vary widely by city and lifestyle. A single person’s monthly expenses without rent average CAD 1,300 (INR 82K), while rent for a one-bedroom apartment in city centers is around CAD 1,500 (INR 95K).
For international students, the total monthly cost ranges from CAD 1,200–2,000 (INR 76,000–1.27L), including housing, food, transport, and utilities. In Toronto and Vancouver, costs can exceed CAD 2,500 (INR 1.59L), while Montreal and Ottawa remain more affordable at CAD 1,600–2,100 (INR 1.02L–1.33L).
What is the Average Cost of Living in Canada in 2025?
The average cost of living in Canada in 2025 depends on the city, lifestyle, and housing choices. On average, a single person spends around CAD 1,800–2,500 per month (approx. INR 1.14–1.59 lakh), while international students spend CAD 1,200–2,000 per month (INR 76,000–1.27 lakh).
Here’s a breakdown of the typical monthly expenses for a student or single resident:
Expense Category
Monthly Cost Range (CAD/INR)
Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment)
CAD 900–1,800 (INR 57K –1.14 L)
Food & Groceries
CAD 300–500 (INR 19K –31K)
Transportation
CAD 100–150 (INR 6K–9.5K)
Utilities (electricity, internet, phone)
CAD 150–250 (INR 9.5K –15.9K)
Health Insurance
CAD 70–100 (INR 4.4K–6.4K)
Entertainment & Miscellaneous
CAD 150–250 (INR 9.5K–15.9K)
Total Estimated Cost
CAD 1,800–2,500 (INR 1.14–1.59 lakh)
(Conversion rate: 1 CAD = 63.65 INR)
City-Wise Average Cost of Living in Canada (2025)
Canada’s cost of living varies significantly by city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive due to higher rent and transport, while Montreal and Ottawa provide more affordable options for students and newcomers.
Housing is one of the largest expenses when calculating the average cost of living in Canada. The type of accommodation, on-campus, shared apartment, or private rental, can significantly affect your monthly budget.
On-Campus Housing: Convenient and near classes, often including utilities. Costs range from CAD 800–1,500 (INR 51K–95K).
Shared Apartments: Rent and utilities are split, reducing monthly expenses. Typical range: CAD 600–1,200 (INR 38K–76K).
Private Rentals: Offers privacy and flexibility but is more expensive, with combined rent and utilities ranging from CAD 900–1,800 (INR 57K–1.14 L).
Average Rent by City
Canada’s rent prices vary significantly by city. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are the priciest, while Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa are more affordable.
The table below shows the typical costs for private 1BHK apartments and shared accommodations in key cities.
City
1BHK Apartment Cost Range (City Centre / Outside Centre)
Shared Apartment / Room Cost Range
Toronto
CAD 1,844 / 1,609 (approx. INR 1.17–1.02 lakh)
CAD 800–1,200 (INR 51K–76K)
Vancouver
CAD 1,900 / 1,650 (approx. INR 1.21–1.05 lakh)
CAD 850–1,250 (INR 54K–79K)
Montreal
CAD 1,350 / 1,100 (approx. INR 86,000–70,000)
CAD 600–1,000 (INR 38K–63.5K)
Calgary
CAD 1,400 / 1,200 (approx. INR 89,000–76,000)
CAD 650–1,050 (INR 41K–67K)
Ottawa
CAD 1,500 / 1,250 (approx. INR 95,000–79,500)
CAD 700–1,100 (INR 44.5K–70K)
(Conversion rate: 1 CAD = 63.65 INR)
Food, Groceries, and Transportation Costs in Canada
Food, groceries, and transport are major components of the average cost of living in Canada per month. Students need to budget carefully, as prices vary by city and lifestyle.
Dining and Food Costs in Canada
Eating out is common, but groceries help keep monthly expenses lower.
Here is the average cost breakdown for dining and food items:
Item
Price Range (CAD / INR)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CAD 25 (INR 1.59K)
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CAD 100 (INR 6.36K)
McMeal at McDonald’s
CAD 15 (INR 955)
Cappuccino
CAD 5.24 (INR 335)
Source: Numbeo
Groceries Costs in Canada
Basic groceries for one person per month.
Here is the list of the common items:
Item
Price Range (CAD / INR)
Milk (1L)
CAD 3.07 (INR 195)
Bread (500g)
CAD 3.67 (INR 234)
Rice (1kg)
CAD 5.11 (INR 325)
Eggs (12)
CAD 4.83 (INR 307)
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
CAD 16.66 (INR 1.06K)
Apples (1kg)
CAD 5.73 (INR 365)
Tomato (1kg)
CAD 5.65 (INR 360)
Potato (1kg)
CAD 3.70 (INR 235)
Onion (1kg)
CAD 3.63 (INR 231)
Lettuce (1 head)
CAD 3.54 (INR 225)
Source: Numbeo
Transportation Costs in Canada
Public transport is affordable, but taxis and cars cost more.
Here is the general list:
Transport
Price Range (CAD / INR)
One-way Ticket
CAD 3.50 (INR 223)
Monthly Pass
CAD 104.50 (INR 6.65K)
Taxi Start
CAD 4.70 (INR 299)
Taxi 1 km
CAD 2.17 (INR 138)
Taxi 1-hour Waiting
CAD 36.29 (INR 2.31K)
Gasoline (1L)
CAD 1.56 (INR 99)
Volkswagen Golf 1.4
CAD 33,978 (INR 21.63L)
Toyota Corolla 1.6L
CAD 28,096 (INR 17.86L)
Source: Numbeo
Additional Monthly Expenses in Canada
Apart from rent, food, and transport, students and residents need to budget for utilities, connectivity, entertainment, and personal expenses. These add significantly to the average cost of living in Canada per month.
Men’s Leather Business Shoes: CAD 145.63 (INR 9.27K)
Monthly Budget Plan for Indian Students
This table provides a sample breakdown of essential monthly expenses for Indian students in Canada.
Expense Category
Cost Range in CAD
Cost Range in INR
Rent (1BHK/shared)
1,400–1,800
INR 89K–INR 1.15L
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Phone)
350–400
INR 22K–INR 25K
Food & Groceries
300–400
INR 19K–INR 25K
Transportation
100–150
INR 6K–INR 10K
Health Insurance
60–80
INR 4K–INR 5K
Entertainment & Personal
150–200
INR 10K–INR 13K
Total Monthly Expenses
2,360–3,030
INR 1.49L–INR 1.98L
Source: Numbeo
How to Manage and Reduce Cost of Living in Canada
Managing the cost of living in Canada doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning and smart choices, both students and newcomers can make their budget go further while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Understanding where most expenses occur helps reduce the average cost of living in Canada per month.
Accommodation Tips
Shared apartments or student residences are more affordable than private 1BHKs.
Look for rentals that include utilities to avoid additional monthly bills.
Food and Grocery Savings
Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out.
Shop at local markets or budget-friendly supermarkets for groceries.
Take advantage of student discounts and bulk offers.
Transportation Strategies
Use a monthly public transport passe instead of taxis.
Walk or cycle for short trips to save on fuel and fares.
Other Monthly Expenses
Choose affordable mobile and internet plans.
Use student memberships for gyms, cinemas, and other activities.
Keep track of personal spending to avoid unnecessary costs.
Extra Tips for International Students
Part-time work can help cover living expenses.
Share subscriptions like streaming services with roommates.
Use loyalty programs, coupons, and seasonal deals to save on everyday purchases.
Following these steps can make a noticeable difference in how much you spend. For international students, knowing how much is the cost of living in Canada and planning accordingly ensures you can enjoy life without financial stress.
Conclusion
Studying or living in Canada offers a high quality of life, excellent career opportunities, and a safe, multicultural environment. The average cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 1,200–2,000 (76.4 K–1.27 L INR) per month, but with smart planning and budgeting, it is manageable.
International students can enjoy life in Canada comfortably by selecting the right accommodation, managing daily expenses, and leveraging student discounts and local resources. Knowing how much is the cost of living in Canada beforehand helps set realistic expectations and ensures a balanced lifestyle without financial stress.
How much money do I need to live comfortably in Canada?
Living comfortably in Canada requires CAD 1,500–2,000 per month (around INR 95K–1.28L). This includes rent, food, transport, healthcare, and personal expenses. Costs vary with city and housing type
Which Canadian city has the lowest cost of living?
Cities such as Ottawa, Montreal, and smaller towns generally have lower costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver. Rent, dining, and transport expenses are significantly lower, making these cities ideal for students who want a balance of quality living at an affordable monthly budget.
How much is rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canada?
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from CAD 1,200–1,850 per month (INR 76K–1.18L) depending on city, location, and whether it is shared. City centre apartments are more expensive, while outskirts and shared flats can reduce monthly rent significantly for students.
Is Toronto more expensive than Vancouver for students?
Yes, cost of living in Toronto Canada is generally higher than Vancouver, particularly for rent, dining, and public transport. Students need to plan monthly expenses carefully, as living in Toronto can cost 10–20% more than Vancouver depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
How much does food cost per month in Canada for students?
Monthly food expenses typically range from CAD 250–400 (INR 16K -25K). This includes groceries for cooking and occasional meals at restaurants. Smart shopping, meal planning, and cooking at home can help reduce costs without compromising a balanced and nutritious diet.
Are healthcare and insurance costs high in Canada?
Healthcare and insurance costs for students generally range from CAD 50–100 per month (INR 3K-6K). This covers mandatory student health plans or basic insurance. Costs vary with coverage, province, and healthcare providers, making it important to include this in monthly budgeting.
Can I live in Canada on a budget of CAD 1,000 per month?
Living on CAD 1,000 per month (IR 64K ) is very tight. Students need shared housing, minimal dining out, and careful management of groceries, transport, and personal expenses. Additional savings or part-time work is often necessary to meet all living costs while studying comfortably.
How do living costs differ for international students in Canada?
International students face tuition, rent, insurance, and daily living expenses, making their costs higher than locals. Monthly expenses often range between CAD 1,200–2,000 (INR 76K- 1.28L), depending on the city, accommodation, and lifestyle. Planning and budgeting are essential to avoid financial strain.
Do part-time jobs cover living expenses for students in Canada?
Part-time jobs help cover food, transport, and small personal expenses, but they usually do not fully cover rent or tuition. Students should combine part-time earnings with savings or family support. Managing work hours is crucial to balance studies and avoid overspending.
How much should I save before moving to Canada for studies?
Students should save CAD 10,000–15,000 (around 6.5–9.5 lakh INR) before moving. This covers initial rent deposits, tuition, insurance, and three to six months of living expenses, ensuring a smooth transition without financial stress during the first semester or month of studies.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
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