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Cost of Living in Canada for Families & Students
Students intending to live and study in Canada often look for the Cost of living in Canada accurate information. Canada is a popular destination for international students with diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. The living expenses in Canada are generally cheaper than other Anglophone destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, international students should have a yearly budget of CAD 12,000.
The major factors that influence the cost of living in Canada are accommodation costs, Travel & food expenses, University Tuition fees, Taxes, and Health insurance. Proper planning and budgeting before going to Canada would be a prudent decision. Also, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires evidence to prove that the candidates have sufficient funds to study and live in the country. So, if you are interested in studying in Canada, this blog will help you on how much exactly it’ll cost you to live in Canada.
What is the Cost of Living in Canada?
The average cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year , depending on one’s lifestyle and preferences. Most Canadian academic institutions offer courses with tuition fees starting at CAD 15,000 . Besides, the cost of living in Canada for a single student is around 880 CAD per month, without rent. The cost of living in Canada is affordable and manageable if you are smart enough to manage expenses.
Average Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
Students should keep money aside for other day-to-day and unavoidable expenses. They should also be well prepared for recurring expenses such as accommodation and housing, food and groceries, basic utilities, transportation, clothing, travel health insurance, and entertainment. International students require between 14,44,800 NPR to 19,28,000 NPR to cover it. Thus, the average cost of living in Canada can be around CAD 18,340 per annum. Additionally, the monthly cost of living in Canada is estimated to be C$1,132 per month, excluding rent. Monthly expenses with rent are estimated to be $1,708 per month per person and $3,911 for a family of four. For international students, the best way to manage living expenses in Canada is by applying for an International Student Identification Card upon reaching Canada for additional benefits.
Monthly Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
| Expenses | Cost (CAD) |
| Accommodation (shared apartments) | $400-$800 |
| Food | $300-$400 |
| Travel | $80-$110 |
| Entertainment | $150 |
| Other Utilities (electricity, cooling, water, heating, garbage) | $164.64 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | $78.82 |
| Health Insurance (BC MSP Program) | $74 |
Cost of Living in Canada for Families & Students
Canada is truly the best country in the world for living with its unique culture, best colleges and universities, immigrant-friendly, scenic beauty, amazing wildlife, excellent health care, reasonable budget, and medical facilities. No wonder many students prefer this country to complete graduation and post-graduation. The Canada’s living expenses can be a bit higher than expected, but appear reasonable when considering its supportive context for residents and foreigners. There are some cities in Canada with low cost of living and similar facilities. The average cost of living in Canada for families depends on family size, typically ranging between 2 and 4 individuals due to the prevalence of nuclear families.
- A single person estimated monthly cost is Rs.83,369.8 (C$1,339.1), without rent.
- A family of four estimated monthly cost is Rs.2,98,016.8 (C$4,786.9) without rent.
- For a family of 2, estimated monthly cost is about Rs.151876 (C$2,500), excluding rent.
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- On average, Rent in Canada is 311.67% higher than in Nepal.
Source: Numbeo
Personal residences for students can cost around $625 per month, while on-campus housing could cost around $800 monthly.
How much money is required to live comfortably in Canada?
While knowing the basic cost of living is important, also understanding how much money is needed to live comfortably in Canada is crucial. Living comfortably means having enough money for both necessities and leisure activities, with ability to set some savings. The required amount may vary depending on where you live in Canada, often differing by thousands in major cities. For instance, the cost of living in Toronto can be expensive particularly anywhere near downtown. Here are the details
| Canadian City | Single Person | Family of 4 |
| Toronto | $3,551 | $6,144 |
| Vancouver | $3,445 | $5,955 |
| Montreal | $2,384 | $4,799 |
| Ottawa | $2,822 | $5,329 |
| Calgary | $2,449 | $5,110 |
| Quebec City | $1871 | $4,126 |
| Halifax | $2,377 | $4,698 |
Let us discuss in detail regarding essential living expenses in Canada for international students:
Cost of Accommodation in Canada for International Students
The living expenses of a student usually vary based on their lifestyle and place of stay. Moreover, the accommodation cost would differ between living on-campus or off-campus. Students can avail of on-campus accommodation facilities based on the university they apply to. However, it is recommended to apply separately for on-campus accommodation. In on-campus accommodation, sharing a laundry room, common dining hall and recreation facilities exist.
The cost of on-campus accommodation may range from CAD 8000 to CAD 10,000 annually. A shared condo (off-campus shared accommodation) would cost around CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month. The cost of renting depends on the location and time of the year. Thus, the rent for off-campus housing is relatively higher than on-campus, but when shared, it is cheaper.
As per the published housing research and market report by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the rent of an average two-bedroom in Canada is CAD 1,167 per month. The rent might vary based on the city.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost |
| On-Campus | $8000-$10,000 (NPR 8.02 lakhs-10.03 lakhs) (annually) |
| Off-Campus Shared accommodation | $400 to $700 (NPR 40,140.02 to 70,245.04) (monthly) |
| 1 BHK in city center | $1,332 (RS. 1,33,666.28/-) (monthly) |
| 1 BHK outside the city center | $1,123 (RS. 1,12,693.12/-) (monthly) |
| 3-bedrooms apartment City Center | $2,718.34 (RS. 1,68,975,93/-) |
| 3-bedrooms apartment outside of center | 2,363.15 (Rs. 1,46,896/-) |
Average Rentals in Canada: City-Wise
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city or province you are in. On average, Rent in Canada is 28.1% lower than in the United States.
| City Name | Average Two-Bedroom Rent/month |
| Vancouver, BC | $18,254 |
| Toronto, ON | $1,666 |
| Victoria, BC | $1,571 |
| Ottawa, ON | $1,550 |
| Calgary, AB | $1,355 |
| Edmonton, AB | $1,270.00 |
| British Columbia, BC | $2034 |
Source: Rental market report by CMH
Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities in Canada. Rent has risen by 2.2%, for a 2-bedroom house it stands at $3000 and $3,180 respectively.
The cheapest city in terms of rent in Canada is St.John’s, rent is as low as $900 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Canadian cities like Halifax and Abbotsford have 2-bedroom rents of around $1300.
Travel Expenses in Canada
Transportation costs in major cities were lower due to more accessible transit options. Student commute expenses would vary depending on their place of residence; on-campus or off-campus. If they prefer to travel by public transportation, there are subways or commuter trains. Fare for one-way public transit can cost a few dollars, whereas a monthly pass can cost around CAD 80 to CAD 150. Here is mode of transportation price details:
| Transportation | Average monthly cost |
| Subway | CAD 65- CAD 99 (monthly pass) |
| Buses | CAD 100- CAD 150 |
| Taxi (up to 1km) | C$ 2.00 |
| Taxi 1-hour waiting (normal tariff) | C$34.00 |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | C$ 3.25 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | C$1.59 |
In major Canadian cities, people choose to use public transport, because of pollution effects and climate crisis. The local transportation in Canada is affordable with one-way ticket pricing of C$ 3.25 while the monthly transport pass price is $92. A car costs around $24,000 but can skyrocket depending on the model and features.
Food Expenses in Canada
For food and other daily expenses, excluding accommodation, the average cost of living in Canada usually ranges between CAD 200 and CAD 300 for international students. Refer the table below regarding food expenses in Canada:
| Milk (regular), 1 litre | C$ 2.76 |
| Rice (white), 1 kg | C$ 4.40 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | C$ 3.27 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | C$ 4.29 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | C$1 4.79 |
| Apples (1 kg) | C$ 5.06 |
| Banana (1 kg) | C$ 1.86 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 Kg) | C$ 14.86 |
Other Occasional Expenses
While residing in Canada, you will discover that every now and then you need to make some occasional expenses such as
- Buying prescription medicine that is not covered by health insurance.
- Long- distance Phone calls to friends and family in your home country. A mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10 GB+ data is C$ 55.36.
- School supplies.
- Buying clothes, if you wish to buy high-end brands then the average men’s and women’s clothing ranges from $45 to $150.
- Basic Utilities such as cost for electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and garbage for an average size apartment (say 85 m2) with one or two rooms is C$199.25.
Education System in Canada
Studying in Canada is a rewarding investment for students, offering premier education and a globally recognized degree. Administered by provinces, the Canadian education system is divided into four levels: pre-elementary, elementary or primary, secondary, and post-secondary. Colleges in Canada primarily offer diplomas, certificates, and vocational training programs, whereas universities provide degree programs such as bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Canada Education Cost
The education cost in Canada majorly depends on the chosen course, university, and tuition fee. Canadian universities revise their tuition fee every year for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Hence, international students have to confirm their tuition fee before applying for the university. Here is the Canada average education cost for different courses:
| Stream | UG Course Average Fee per year | PG Course Average Fee per year |
| Medicine | CA$ 33,000 | Not Available |
| Pharmacy | CA$ 32,886 | CA$ 10,500 |
| Engineering | CA$ 26,582 | CA$ 15,800 |
| Architecture and related technologies | CA$ 22,100 | CA$ 20,000 |
| Nursing | CA$ 18,000 | CA$ 12,000 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | CA$ 25,000 | CA$ 13,000 |
| Business Management | CA$ 23,500 | CA$ 20,000 |
| Law | CA$ 27,056 | CA$ 20,000 |
University Tuition Fees in Canada
Like most developed and intelligent nations, students in Canada enjoy free public schooling up to the age of 18. The cost of studying in Canada is comparatively lower than that in the USA. That said, the teaching quality is equally remarkable and practical, if not better. For a four-year degree program in Canada, the average cost of a single year is $22,750 for students with college residence and $11,330 for students living at home. The same fee can reach as high as $135,000 and $65,000 for more expensive universities.
Searching for colleges could be a tedious task for most students, and to ensure that you land in the best college that perfectly fits your course, you can use our Arch Global expert services. Our professionals help you to sort out your educational preferences so that you could have the best affordable college options for you.
Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Courses in Canada
| UG course | Tuition fee |
| Business | $ 56,000 |
| Computers and IT | $ 55,000 |
| Engineering and Technology | $ 55,000 |
| Social and Natural Sciences | $53,000 to $56,000 |
Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Courses in Canada
| PG course | Tuition fee |
| Business | $ 52,700 |
| Computers and IT | $ 52,500 |
| Engineering and Technology | $ 52,500 |
| Social and Natural Sciences | $37,000 to $58,300 |
Popular Universities in Canada: Average Tuition Fee
The below table provides you with a glimpse of education costs in Canadian universities.
| University Name | Tuition Fees |
| University of Toronto | C$6,100 to C$67,430 per year |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $11,460 per annum |
| Humber College | $29,500 per year |
| University of Regina | $20,050 per year |
| Royal Roads University | $27,500 per year |
| Thompson River University | $35,650 per year |
| York University | C$7,153 to C$38,826 per year |
Also Read: Affordable Colleges in Canada
Health Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for all international students in Canada and the medical coverage available will vary based on the province. If they decide to apply to universities in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, then their provincial health care plans will provide them coverage. However, coverage depends on their stay duration. If students plan to study in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, or Edward Island, then they have to opt for private insurance. Students are advised to thoroughly read about health insurance details on the university’s official website.
As per 2022 statistical data, the average person pays around C$8,563 per year to maintain the no-cost system. Moreover, it is important to note that Canada’s free Healthcare system is currently available to Canadian citizens and also to those with a permanent residence permit.
Taxes in Canada
Upon beginning to study in Canada and deciding to work, students would need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It represents that students were allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. Moreover, their income would be taxable, if they decide to work during the study period. Most people in Canada live on $2,50,000 per year, excluding taxes.
Average Cost of Living in Canada: City-Wise
The five most expensive cities to live in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. Here is the average cost of living for each city:
| City Name | Average Cost of living per year |
| Vancouver, BC | $38,484 |
| Toronto, ON | $37,000 |
| Calgary, AB | $26,904 |
| Montreal, QC | $25,000 |
| Ottawa, ON | $20,000 |
Affordable Cities in Canada Living Cost
| City Name | Average living cost per person |
| London, Ontario | $1,013 |
| Calgary, Alberta | $1,154 |
| Regina, Saskatchewan | $1,124 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | $1,183 |
Tips for Students to Save Money in Canada
For Indian students, self-sufficiency in managing living expenses is important. Wise spending helps to cut costs and save money, making it easier to handle and minimize overall living expenses. Given below are a few steps that can help students to save money in Canada:
1. Create a Spending plan
First, make a spending plan for yourself. Allocate the amount you wish to spend on groceries, clothing, entertainment, etc. Always stick to the plan you made. When formulating how to spend your money, automatically keep the money-saving factor in mind. Focus on saving rather than relying on leftover crumbs at the end of the month. This bank account will serve as a secure gateway.
2. Apply for Scholarships
Canada offers various scholarships for international students. Students should make sure that they apply for scholarships. Check the university’s official websites for scholarships latest information.
3. Outline the Priorities
It is important to note down the essential monthly expenses. Students should sensibly approach their expenses by cutting out unnecessary stuff that they can easily manage without it for a few months, even if they tend to buy them every month.
4. Travel through Public Transit
Students should start using public transit instead of cars or Uber. And they should make sure to check for the availability of student discounts on public transit passes.
5. Students Card
To ease the burden of expenses for international students, Canada has a provision of offering discounts to them. International students can utilize the discounts available at departmental stores, bookstores, etc.
6. Part-time Jobs
Opting for part-time jobs is one of the best ways to reduce cost of living in Canada. Canadian student visa permits international students to take up various on-campus part-time jobs. After the completion of six months of the study, they may have scope for off-campus employment permits.
Is Living in Canada for Nepali Students quite high?
Before moving to Canada, people’s most common question is “Is it expensive to live in Canada?” Many people in Canada live on $2,50,000 a year, excluding taxes. They feel it is more sufficient to provide them with a comfortable living. However, this is not even close to what the average person earns in Canada. The average monthly salary after tax deductions is $3,400. Your salary could vary significantly based on where you choose to settle in Canada, as employers adjust for city-specific living costs. So, make sure to have financial backing before making your Canada plan. To comprehend which will best suit your needs, read ahead.
Canadian Housing expenses Global Comparision
Before choosing a country to study, international students should make a thorough comparative study. Each country has different accommodation costs, education costs, etc. Let’s have a look at the cost of accommodation in different countries.
| Country | Accommodation Cost |
| Canada | On-Campus: 7,60,011.2 NPR to 9,50,014.4 NPR annually Shared Off-Campus: 38,000 NPR to 66,500.8 NPR every month |
| USA | On-Campus: 11,64,094.4 NPR to 13,18,515.2 NPR annually Shared Off-Campus: 53,452.8 NPR per month |
| UK | On-Campus: 65,792 NPR to 98,689.6 NPR monthly Off-Campus: 98,710.4 NPR to 3,29,036.8 NPR every month |
| Germany | 40,000 NPR to 96,000 NPR every month |
| Australia | On-Campus: 8,780.8 NPR to 22,352 NPR per month Off-Campus: 7,200 NPR to 35,124.8 NPR per month |
| UAE | On-Campus: 81,640 NPR annually Off-Campus: 1,01,824 NPR to 2,79,760 NPR per month |
Canada has always been a wonderful place to live in. It is important to come well prepared as household costs will take up 50% of your salary. There have been many speculations about the cost of living in Canada for international students. Hope through this article we brought answers to all your questions in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of living in Canada per month?
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four is 3,545.8$ (4,797.2C$) without rent. A single-person estimated monthly costs are 992.1$ (1,342.3 C$) without rent. On average, the Cost of living in Canada is 11% lower than in the United States.
2. Is it expensive to live in Canada for Nepali Students?
Studying in Canada is affordable if you compare it to other popular study destinations. A student requires around C$30,000 and C$50,000 per annum depending on the course/city to cover his tuition fees. Apart from this, the cost of living, food, and other living expenses will be around C$18000 per annum. This amount is quite affordable if you compare it to other popular study-abroad destinations. Students should consider accommodation, food, transport, and healthcare as major components of their living expenses.
3. What are the general monthly expenses in Canada for students?
The monthly expenses in Canada for Indian students consist of utilities like Rent CAD 400-600, Food CAD 200-300, Stationery CAD 150-200 , Transportation costs CAD 100-250, etc.
4. What is the cost of living in Canada in Nepalese Rupees?
On average, the living cost in Canada for international students is around CAD 18,340 per annum. Regarding the Cost of living in Canada for Indian students, it converts to nearly Rs. 18.15 lakhs per annum on average as per the current exchange rate as of July 2023.
5. What is cost of living in Canada for Nepali Family?
Cost of living in Canada for Indian Families and students:
- For a single person per month, excluding rent, it is $1,245 (Rs./-).
- For a single student per month, excluding rent, it is $880 (Rs. /-).
- For a family of two per month, excluding rent, it is around $2,500 (Rs.2,48,644.8/-).
- For a family of 4 per month, excluding rent, it is nearly $5000 (Rs.4,97,291.2/-).
6. How much is the cost of living in Canada for a couple?
For a couple, in order to live comfortably, it is recommended to have around $3,500 per month or around $50,000 plus per year. This can differ a lot based on whether the couple is a one-income or two-income household, and also, the size of the apartment /house you choose to live in.
7. How much money is needed to live comfortably in Canada?
Living costs vary depending on the city or region selected to stay. Depending on one’s lifestyle, the approximate cost of living in Canada for a student would range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000. However, major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher living expenses compared to other cities or rural areas.
8. Is Cost of living in Canada for Nepal Students high?
Living expenses in Canada depends on the selected accommodation and rent. On average, the living cost in Canada for international students is around CAD 18,340 per annum. Regarding the Cost of living in Canada for Nepali students, it converts to nearly Rs. 18.15 lakhs per annum on average as per the current exchange rate as of July 2023.
9. Which province in Canada has the highest cost of living?
The province with highest cost of living in Canada is Ontario. Along with highest housing and rental prices, monthly home insurance in Ontario ranges $215 per month, and car insurance averages $155 per month. The second province is British Columbia with cost of rent and the detached housing slightly higher.
10. Which province in Canada has the lowest cost of living?
The province with the lowest cost of living in Canada is New Brunswick. Housing costs are significantly lower than in other provinces. Home insurance averages $60 per month and car insurance is around 72.25$ per month. Most people prefer to stay in these areas due to lowered cost of living. The cheapest province to live in Canada is Newfoundland and Labrador, due to much lower rental costs and taxes but the food prices are the same as the rest of Canada.
11. What is the cost of living in Canada for a single person?
The average living cost in Canada for a single person is approximately $45,000 per year while couples would require at least $50,000. It is normally assumed that majority of families in Canada will spend between $55,000 to $65,000 on living expenses every year.