Cost of Living in Canada for International Students 2025: Tuition, Rent & Monthly Expenses Guide

Canada remains the most popular destination for international students in 2025, receiving students from more than 180 nations. The country boasts the top universities, multicultural society, and part-time work, making it have more than a million international students. Regardless of how much career life and educational quality influence this decision, the price of living in Canada is one of the largest worries for parents and students. 

The expense of studying in Canada can be broken down into two primary aspects: 

• Tuition Fees: Vary with the courses, level of degree, and institution.  

• Living Expenses: Housing, food, transportation, utilities, health care, and lifestyle. 

The cost of living varies from city to city. Toronto and Vancouver are famous for expensive housing and food, whereas Montreal and Calgary are very affordable. The stingy students can definitely maintain a comfortable lifestyle in expensive cities, whereas students in smaller cities experience their cost of living much lower.

In Canada, average yearly living expenses of international students in 2025 vary between CAD 10,000 to 16,000 (₹6.1-9.8 lakh) without tuition fees. Once included in the tuition fee, education can be expensive based on the study schedule. Still, compared to nations like the USA, UK, and Australia, Canada is more value for money because of cheaper healthcare, scholarships, and opportunities for part-time work. 

We are providing a comprehensive analysis of the tuition and living cost fee, best cities, budgeting, and competitor analysis with other best countries to study abroad. You will know how much and how to budget accordingly by the end of it to study in Canada in 2025. 

What Does “Cost of Living in Canada” Really Mean for International Students? 

While planning to study abroad, tuition fees are considered by most parents and students, but not the second factor of checking the international students' living expense in Canada 2025. Your lifestyle, experience, and monthly budget are all directly related to the living expenses. For international students, the living expenses are not only rent but also food, transport, healthcare, and miscellaneous day-to-day expenses. 

Understanding this divide helps families to plan realistically for Canada’s study expense and prevent last-minute financial stress. 

How is the average cost of living calculated for students in Canada? 

The estimated average living cost is derived by summing typical student expenditure across categories: 

• Housing (40-50%) - home, shared house or flat, or flatmate. 

• Food & groceries (20-25%) - eating at home or eating out. 

• Transportation (5-10%) - bus, subway, or student transport tickets. 

• Utilities & internet (10-15%) - electricity, heating, Wi-Fi, phone. 

• Healthcare (5-10%) - requires student health insurance + medication. 

• Lifestyle (5-10%) - entertainment, gym, clothing, personal expenses. 

Internationally educated students in Canada pay an average of CAD 1,200-1,800 (₹76,400-1.15 lakh) monthly. This works out to CAD 14,000-21,600 (₹8.9-13.7 lakh) annually, depending on the student's lifestyle. 

How does the cost of living differ for students vs. working professionals? 

It should be pointed out that students are most likely going to be living on stricter budgets than working professionals. 

International students: 

• Shared accommodation or dorms. 

• Dependence on public transport and student fares. 

• Home-cooked meals or meal plans on campus. 

• Monthly expenditure: CAD 1,200-1,800 (₹76,400-1.15 lakh). 

Working professionals: 

• Self-contained one-bedroom flat. 

• Having a car rather than using public transport. 

• Eating out more often. 

• Monthly spend: CAD 2,000-3,000+ (₹1.27-1.91 lakh). 

This comparison characterizes how student budgets differ so dramatically from those of professionals, justifying why planning is necessary to study in canada. 

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How Much Does Housing Cost for Students in Canada? 

Accommodation is usually the biggest monthly cost for international students and can equal as much as 50% of the study cost in Canada. Housing costs widely depending on the city, accommodation type, and whether bills are paid. 

Generally, students can prepare to pay between CAD 400-1,500 (₹25,500-95,600) per month for rent. The priciest cities are Toronto and Vancouver, whereas smaller cities such as Halifax or Winnipeg provide lower-cost housing. 

What are the typical rent options for students (dorms, shared flats, private apartments)? 

Overseas students usually opt for one of three most popular alternatives: 

Accommodation Type	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
On-Campus Dormitory	400-800	₹25,500-51,000
Shared Apartment	600-1,000	₹38,200-63,700
Private 1-Bedroom Apartment	1,000-1,500	₹63,700-95,600

Tip: Budget-conscious students should attempt shared accommodation or dormitory residence, at least in the first year. 

Which Canadian cities are the cheapest and most expensive for student accommodation? 

Rent contrasts wildly from city to city. Following is a city-by-city comparison of standard student rents in 2025: 

City	Approximate Rent (Shared/1-Bedroom, CAD)	Average Rent (INR)
Toronto	900-1,500	₹57,300-95,600
Vancouver	850-1,400	₹54,200-89,200
Montreal	600-1,000	₹38,200-63,700
Ottawa	700-1,100	₹44,600-70,100
Calgary	650-1,000	₹41,400-63,700
Halifax/Winnipeg	500-800	₹31,800-51,000

Tip: Budget-conscious students should opt for cities like Montreal, Winnipeg, or Halifax, while Toronto and Vancouver demand more generous monthly budgets. 

What additional housing costs (utilities, internet, deposits) should students expect? 

Rent is only the starting cost. International students must also plan for added or hidden housing expenses: 

•  Utility (heat, electricity, water): CAD 100-150 (₹6,400-9,600) 
•  Internet/Wi-Fi plans: CAD 50-80 (₹3,200-5,100) 
•  Mobile phone plan: CAD 40-60 (₹2,500-3,800) 
•  Security deposit (initial, refundable): Typically, 1 month's rent 
•  Furniture (if unfurnished): CAD 200-500 (₹12,700-31,800) one-off 

 Students residing in on-campus residence halls typically end up saving on these additional charges as utilities and internet are typically already factored into the cost of rent. 

What Are the Monthly Food and Grocery Expenses in Canada? 

Food is one of the vital components of Canada's living cost for international students 2025. Based on lifestyle and city, international students pay CAD 400-700 (₹25,500-44,600) a month on food. Home food is cheapest, and eating out or compromising on university cafeterias pushes the cost of studying in Canada up. Students typically alternate between home eating, eating out occasionally, and meal plans on campus to control monthly expenses in Canada. 

How much do students usually spend on groceries per month? 

Most students spend CAD 250-500 (₹15,900-31,900) on grocery shopping. Buying from discount stores such as Walmart, Costco, or No Frills is budget-friendly, with Indian/Asian stores responding to food habits according to culture. 

Item Category	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Groceries (staples, fruits, dairy)	200-350	₹12,700-22,300
Snacks & Beverages	50-100	₹3,200-6,400
Bulk/Indian Stores	80-150	₹5,100-9,600
Total	250-500	₹15,900-31,900

Is eating out affordable for international students in Canada? 

It is CAD 10-30 (₹640-1,910) per meal to dine out, and the campus meal plan cost is CAD 250-400 (₹15,900-25,500) per month on average. Dine-out tends to add to the monthly bill in Canada, so students hardly dine out. 

Type of Meal	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)
Fast Food	10-15	₹640-960
Casual Dining	15-25	₹960-1,600
Indian/Asian Restaurants	20-30	₹1,280-1,910
Campus Meal Plan (monthly)	250-400	₹15,900-25,500

How Expensive Is Transportation for Students in Canada? 

Transportation is a big factor in Canada cost of living for international students 2025. As public transport is used by most instead of cars, equipping with monthly passes is a necessity. The cost is different from city to city, for example, Toronto and Vancouver are costly, whereas Montreal and Winnipeg are comparatively inexpensive. Student discounts on passes also assist students, making traveling within the city affordable for them. Alternatives such as walking or cycling lower overall monthly costs in Canada even further. 

Do international students get discounts on public transportation? 

Indeed, most Canadian cities have special student fares for students on buses, trams, and metros. A student card or an admission certificate is normally required. 

City	Student Discount (CAD)	Discount in INR
Toronto (TTC)	156 128	₹1,780
Vancouver (TransLink)	130 105	₹1,590
Montreal (STM)	97 57	₹2,550
Ottawa (OC Transpo)	125 119	₹380
Calgary	112 82	₹1,910

How much does a student transport pass cost per month? 

International students pay an average of CAD 80-150 (₹5,100-9,600) per month for transportation. The actual price depends on the city and whether they qualify for a student discount. 

Expense	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Metro/Bus Pass	80-150	₹5,100-9,600
Occasional Taxi/Ride-share	40-80	₹2,500-5,100
Total Monthly Transport	120-230	₹7,600-14,700

Is cycling a cost-effective transportation option in Canadian cities? 

Yes, in student-friendly cities like Victoria, Montreal, and Halifax, cycling is cheap and environmentally friendly. A quality bicycle is CAD 300-600 (₹19,100-38,200) to purchase initially, and bike-sharing schemes are CAD 15-25 (₹960-1,600) per month. 

How Much Do Health Insurance and Medical Expenses Cost in Canada? 

Health insurance is part of the international student cost of living in Canada 2025 that international students must pay. Because healthcare for residents is funded by the government but not necessarily international students as well, most provinces need other student health coverage.  

The premium and insurance fee vary based on where the student is schooled, whether it is packaged with tuition in some provinces or paid as private insurance. In general, students need to budget for premium and other expenses such as medicine and dental service, which are not covered. 

Why is health insurance mandatory for international students in Canada?   

Health insurance helps protect students from paying exorbitant medical bills upon visiting hospitals and clinics. It's also a requirement for a student visa, so it's extremely important to study in Canada.

How much does public vs. private health insurance cost for students? 

Insurance differs by province in price. Public schemes are approximately CAD 600-900 (₹38,200-57,400) per year on average, while private schemes can be CAD 700-1,200 (₹44,600-76,500) a year. 

Province/Option	Annual Premium (CAD)	Annual Premium (INR)
Ontario (UHIP)	756	₹48,200
British Columbia (MSP)	600	₹38,200
Quebec (Public Insurance)	900	₹57,400
Private Insurance (Average)	700-1,200	₹44,600-76,500

Are there any hidden healthcare costs students should be aware of? 

Yes. Health insurance does not cover: 

• Prescription medication (CAD 50-100 / ₹3,200-6,400 per month). 

• Dental checkups (CAD 150-300 / ₹9,500-19,100 each time). 

• Vision care (glasses/contacts CAD 200-400 / ₹12,700-25,500). 

All these additional expenses can be added up to CAD 500-1,000 (₹31,900-63,700) per year on top of the overall Canada study expense. 

What Are the Education-Related Expenses in Canada? 

While payment of tuition fees constitutes the biggest chunk of Canada study expense, students are also accumulating other education expenses. These are semester contributions, administrative charges, exam fees, textbooks, software licenses, and study materials. While all such expenses could be trivial compared to tuition, they range from CAD 800-1,500 (₹51,000-95,600) annually, and students need to budget them well in advance. 

How much are semester contributions and administrative fees? 

Canadian universities impose semester charges and administrative charges for student activities such as sports centers, student unions, and libraries. These vary from CAD 100-500 (₹6,400-31,900) per semester based on the institution. 

Expense Type	Approximate Cost (CAD)	Cost in INR
Student Services Fee	100-300	₹6,400-19,100
Exam/Assessment Fees	150-250	₹9,500-15,900
Library & Lab Charges	200-500	₹12,700-31,900

Do public universities in Canada charge tuition fees? 

Yes, public institutions also have tuition fees, but their non-tuition fees are less compared to private institutions. Foreign student tuition itself is already very high, but these extra fees are compulsory and non-refundable, becoming part of the cost of living in Canada for foreign students 2025. 

How much do textbooks, study materials, and software cost per semester? 

Study materials can be surprisingly costly. Typically: 

• Textbooks: CAD 500-1,000 (₹31,900-63,700) annually. 
• Software licenses (e.g., MS Office, statistical packages): CAD 100-300 (₹6,400-19,100). 
• Stationery & printing: CAD 50-100 (₹3,200-6,400).

Only a few students incur more expenditure by purchasing new books, renting them, or making use of paid electronic libraries. 

How Do Living Costs Differ Across Canadian Cities? 

Canada is not the same everywhere, and Canada cost of living varies thousands of Canadian dollars depending on the cities. Toronto and Vancouver are among the costliest cities to live in Canada, while Halifax, Winnipeg, and Ottawa are relatively inexpensive. One needs to keep these city-specific prices in mind because that will assist the parents and the student in deciding where to study as well as Canada study cost and lifestyle and job prospects. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and a hub of business, culture, and education. It is also Canada's most costly city for students. 

• Estimated monthly student budget: CAD 1,800-2,200 (₹1,14,700-1,40,200). 

• The single room apartments are the most expensive, costing CAD 1,500+ (₹95,600+). 

• Food, transit, and medical insurance contribute substantially to the Canadian monthly expense. 

How Expensive Is Vancouver Compared to Other Canadian Cities? 

Vancouver is Canada's west coast treasure, but also one of its most expensive cities to reside in. 

• Student monthly costs: CAD 1,700-2,100 (₹1,08,300-1,33,900). 

• High renting (like Toronto) and lifestyle expenses make it an expensive option. 

• But the pleasant climate and accessibility of nature are luring a number of foreign students. 

Which Student Cities in Canada Are Budget-Friendly (e.g., Halifax, Winnipeg)? 

Smaller Canadian cities have cheaper housing and a lower cost of living, thus being ideal for budget students. 

• Montreal: CAD 1,200-1,500 (₹76,400-95,600) per month. 

• Ottawa: CAD 1,300-1,600 (₹82,900-1,02,000). 

• Halifax: CAD 1,100-1,400 (₹70,100-89,200). 

• Winnipeg: CAD 1,000-1,300 (₹63,700-82,900). 

These cities are usually referred to as the cheapest in Canada for students but still provide good quality education and student life. 

City	Approx. Monthly Cost (CAD)	Cost in INR (₹)
Toronto	1,800-2,200	1,14,700-1,40,200
Vancouver	1,700-2,100	1,08,300-1,33,900
Montreal	1,200-1,500	76,400-95,600
Ottawa	1,300-1,600	82,900-1,02,000
Halifax	1,100-1,400	70,100-89,200
Winnipeg	1,000-1,300	63,700-82,900

How Can Students Manage and Reduce Their Living Expenses in Canada? 

Studying in Canada is financially manageable with smart planning. International students can reduce their monthly expenses in Canada by leveraging part-time work, student discounts, scholarships, and cost-saving strategies on housing, food, and transport. Understanding available opportunities and planning ahead ensures students can balance academics with financial responsibility without compromising lifestyle. 

What part-time job opportunities are available for students in Canada? 

International students on a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks. Jobs on-campus, off-campus, or co-op placements allow students to earn an average salary while gaining Canadian work experience. 

Job Type	Monthly Income (20 hrs/week)	Monthly Income (INR ₹)
On-campus assistant	1,200-1,440	76,464-91,725
Retail / Café	1,120-1,280	71,366-81,616
Tutoring / Coaching	1,600-2,000	1,01,952-1,27,440
Internships / Co-op	1,440-2,000	91,725-1,27,440

Tip: Combining part-time work with student discounts can significantly reduce overall costs. 

How can students save money on rent, food, and transportation? 

By implementing the following strategies, students can reduce living expenses by up to 30%, making studying in Canada much more affordable: 

• Share apartments, live in student residences, or choose cheaper suburbs  

• Cook at home, buy in bulk, use student cafeteria plans  

• Use student transit passes, cycle, or walk  

Category	Estimated Monthly Savings (CAD)	Estimated Savings (INR ₹)
Housing	300-600	19,116-38,232
Food & Groceries	150-300	9,558-19,116
Transport	50-150	3,186-9,558

What financial aid, scholarships, or discounts are available for international students? 

Many universities, government bodies, and private organizations provide financial support to international students. Scholarships can cover tuition, living costs, or both, helping reduce the overall Canada study cost. 

Conclusion 

Study in Canada in 2025 is of great worth for international students if you strategically manage your Canadian monthly allowance. Tuition fee, living expense, and city expenditure can be adequately managed with the support of scholarships, work permit, and frugal tips. In contrast to other leading study abroad destinations such as the USA, UK, or Australia, Canada offers a mix of quality education, cost-effectiveness, and study-to-work opportunity. By budgeting and planning ahead, students are able to spend time on studies and still enjoy a good life.