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The average cost of living in Canada is around CAD 2782 for a single person. With its constantly rising economy and high standard of living, Canada provides limitless possibilities and potential. Understanding the cost of living in Canada will help students navigate their finances effectively while living there. But what is the cost of living in Canada? How much money do you need to live comfortably here?
Generally, larger metropolitan areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to have higher costs of living as compared to smaller cities and rural areas. If you wish to study in Canada, the first thing you need to know is the overall cost of living in Canada along with its various cities, which is explained in detail below with all the essential factors related to prices.
Cost of Living in Canada
The average cost of living in Canada for a single person is approximately CAD 2782 per month, according to LivingCost Data. If we break it down, the rent for a one-room apartment ranges from CAD 1200 to CAD 2787 per month. Food expenses are about CAD 759 per month, and transportation costs are around CAD 178 per month. These living expenses in Canada vary based on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors.
The amount of cost of living in Canada makes it nearly twice as expensive as the World’s average. In a comparison of 197 countries, Canada ranks as the 14th most expensive place to live. By understanding the elements that impact the cost of living in Canada per month, you can make informed choices to manage your finances effectively. Below we have given a detailed overview that provides a clearer picture for those considering a move to Canada, helping in effective financial planning.
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Cost of Transportation in Canada
Canada offers various well-developed transportation options such as cabs, buses and trains. Which ensures connectivity and accessibility throughout Canada. Transportation costs will be an expensive factor if you will have to travel to and fro constantly to your university.
Transportation expenses in Canada can significantly impact your average cost of living in Canada per month. To help you estimate your transportation budget in Canada, we have provided the following table that will give you an idea of the typical expenses associated with transportation in Canada:
| Transportation | Average Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | CAD 3.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | CAD 104.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | CAD 4.50 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | CAD 2.10 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | CAD 39.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | CAD 1.60 |
Cost of Dining in Canada
In Canada, you’ll find lots of restaurants serving delicious food at affordable costs. On average, a student might spend around CAD 759 per month on food. If we go for a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, you might spend around CAD 100. Eating out regularly can affect the student budget and the overall cost of living in Canada for international students.
However, cooking at home is often a more economical choice for students. It will help you save you a lot of money. Check out the table below for more info on restaurant’s average costs across Canada:
| Restaurants | Average Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | CAD 22.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | CAD 1000.00 |
| McMeal at Mcdonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | CAD 15.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | CAD 5.16 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle) | CAD 2.88 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | CAD 2.35 |
Cost of Groceries in Canada
In Canada, the person’s expenditure on groceries is approximately CAD 145, which covers essential food items like food, milk, water, fruits, vegetables and more for a week. Groceries significantly influence the average cost of living in Canada, if you prepare your meals at home.
It’s a wise idea to compare prices across different stores and vendors in Canada. Grocery prices can vary according to the quality and quantity of the products, as well as the location and availability of the store. Below, you’ll find the grocery items along with their respective costs:
| Grocery Items | Average Cost |
| Apples (1kg) | CAD 5.75 |
| Banana (1kg) | CAD 1.97 |
| Oranges (1kg) | CAD 5.26 |
| Tomato (1kg) | CAD 5.65 |
| Potato (1kg) | CAD 3.61 |
| Onion (1kg) | CAD 3.61 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | CAD 3.54 |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | CAD 2.94 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | CAD 3.65 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | CAD 5.1 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | CAD 4.77 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | CAD 15.7 |
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Cost of Utility in Canada
Utility services in Canada encompass essential amenities that contribute to residents’ quality of life. The utility cost in Canada covers heating, electricity, gas, a mobile plan, and other costs, which is quite reasonable compared to Canada’s overall cost of living. The monthly utility expenses for an individual in Canada are approximately CAD 207.
The amount of Utility expenses can vary depending on the specific utilities used and the size of the apartment. Below is a breakdown of the basic utility expenses in Canada for international students residing in the area:
| Utilities (Monthly) | Average Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | CAD 207 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | CAD 64 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | CAD 85.06 |
Miscellaneous Costs in Canada
In addition to the essential costs of living in Canada like housing rent, utility costs, transportation costs, and grocery costs, you may encounter some miscellaneous costs during your studies in Canada. These costs can include sports, leisure, clothing, minor medical appointments, etc.
You may find these expenses relevant once you settle into your new routine in Canada. Please see the below for a detailed list of these miscellaneous costs in Canada.
Cost of Sports And Leisure in Canada
Sports and leisure costs may seem low, but they can significantly impact the cost of living in Canada’s budget. Therefore, it’s essential to account for these expenses when planning your finances in Canada to ensure a comprehensive and realistic budget. Below, we have given the Sports and leisure costs. Please have a look.
| Sports And Leisure | Approx Cost |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | CAD 57.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | CAD 24.50 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | CAD 15.68 |
Cost of Apparel in Canada
The average consumer price in Canada is lower than in other countries, making it relatively affordable for various apparel expenses, like clothing and shoes. Below is the cost of apparel items in Canada.
| Clothing And Shoes | Average Cost |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | CAD 78.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | CAD 55.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | CAD 121.00 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | CAD 148.00 |
Cost of Accommodation in Canada
Before moving to Canada, it is essential to thoroughly research and compare apartment rents in different areas to ensure they meet your needs and budget. Rental costs in Canada can vary based on location, size, and type of accommodation. Accommodation cost covers a significant portion of the cost of living in Canada per month.
The cost of rent in Canada for 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments lies between, averages of CAD 1,901 and CAD 3,056, respectively. For those seeking more affordable options, cheap 1-bedroom apartments are available at CAD 1,685, while cheap 3-bedroom apartments come in at CAD 2,587. To help you better understand housing expenses, we have compiled average cost data for various flats both inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment Type | Approx Rent Per Month |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | CAD 1,901 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | CAD 1,685 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | CAD 3,056 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | CAD 2,687 |
City-Wise Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada varies significantly from city to city. While cities like Toronto and Vancouver are known for their high costs, others like Montreal and Ottawa offer a more affordable standard of living. So to give you an idea of how much it costs to live in Canadian cities. Please have a look:
| City Name | Average Cost of living per year |
| Cost of Living in Vancouver, BC | CAD 3494 |
| Cost of Living in Toronto, ON | CAD 3510 |
| Cost of Living in Calgary, AB | CAD 2879 |
| Cost of Living in Montreal, QC | CAD 25,000 |
| Cost of Living in Ottawa, ON | CAD 20,000 |
| Cost of Living in Quebec City | |
| Cost of Living in Edmonton | |
| Cost of Living in Calgary | |
| Cost of Living in Ontario | |
| Cost of Living in British Columbia | |
| Cost of Living in Waterloo |
Cost of Living in Canada Compared to Other Countries
Canada is usually considered a relatively expensive country to live in compared to some countries, it offers a high-quality lifestyle and economic stability. Additionally, the cost of living can vary significantly from country to country. It is essential to consider individual circumstances and preferences when comparing the cost of living in Canada to other countries.
So to give you an idea of how the cost of living in Canada compares to other countries, we’ve given the cost of living in other countries (not including rent). Please have a look:
| Country Name | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Canada |
| Cost of Living in the USA | CAD 1594 | Higher than Canada |
| Cost of Living in the UK | CAD 1202 | Lower than Canada |
| Cost of Living in Australia | CAD 1513 | Higher than Canada |
| Cost of Living in Ireland | CAD 1454 | Approximately equal to Canada |
| Cost of Living in Germany | CAD 1440 | Approximately equal to Canada |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | CAD 1480 | Approximately equal to Canada |
| Cost of Living in New Zealand | CAD 1397 | Lower than Canada |
| Cost of Living in South Africa | CAD 811 | Lower than Canada |
Average Tuition Fees in Canada
Many candidates choose the country to complete their graduation and postgraduate studies. Students in Canada, like those in the majority of industrialised and intelligent countries, have access to free public education until the age of 18. Education in Canada is less expensive than in the United States. In Canada, a single year of a four-year graduate programme costs CAD 22,750 for students living on campus and CAD 11,330 for those living at home. At the same time, premium universities can cost up to CAD 135,000 and CAD 65,000, respectively.
The college search can be time-consuming, so use the AI University Finder by Leverage Edu to ensure you find the finest college for your course. It organises your educational preferences for you so that you can find the most economical college options available to you. For your reference we have given the cost of UG and PG courses in Canada below:
Cost of UG Courses in Canada
| UG Course | Approx Tuition Fees |
| Business | CAD 56,000 |
| Computer and IT | CAD 55,000 |
| Engineering and technology | CAD 55,000 |
| Social and natural sciences | CAD 53,000 to CAD 56,000 |
Cost of PG Courses in Canada
| PG Course | Approx Tuition Fees |
| Business | CAD 52,700 |
| Computer and IT | CAD 52,500 |
| Engineering and technology | CAD 52,500 |
| Social and natural sciences | CAD 37,000 to CAD 58,300 |
Why Choose Canada to Study Abroad?
Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students from all over the world arrive in Canada. When you study in Canada, you are investing in your future. Discover the top reasons to study in Canada as an international student!
- In Canada, you’ll discover a great standard of living. International students enjoy the same rights and liberties as all Canadians, including respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society.
- Canada is regarded for providing high-quality education and research possibilities, from elementary to post-secondary degrees.
- Canada is a welcoming, secure, and culturally diverse community. Both our neighbourhoods and classes will make you feel at ease.
- Scholarships and work opportunities are available in Canada to help you pay for your education. Many programmes also provide co-op job assignments or internships to help you gain practical experience while you study.
- When you use your internationally recognised Canadian qualifications to grow your career, you will get a great return on your investment. Whether you choose to stay in Canada or return home, your Canadian education and network will help you prepare for the future.
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Tips to Save Money in Canada
Whatever your living expenditures in Canada for Indian students are, you can live independently by knowing how to spend wisely. We frequently try to minimise costs and save money, but the key is to be prudent with our money. There are methods for dealing with and minimising the expense of living for Indian students in Canada. Among them are:
Scholarships in Canada
In Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available to international students. The scholarships provide a stipend as well as tuition, housing, travel expenses, and health insurance. The cost of living in Canada for students can be greatly reduced if they obtain a scholarship to pay for and support their education and stay in Canada.
Student Cards
Canada is a country that values and cares about its student population. To reduce the cost of living in Canada for Indian students, the country provides a provision for daily discounts for students. To do so, present your I-card or student card at the time of purchase or payment. These savings are accessible at retail stores, bookstores, restaurants, and on public transit.
Part-Time Jobs in Canada
Part-time jobs in Canada are one of the finest options for Indian students to reduce their monthly living expenses in Canada. The student visa allows you to work various on-campus part-time jobs. You may also apply for an off-campus employment permit after completing six months of education. A Canadian student visa allows international students to work 20 hours per week in part-time occupations in Canada.
Outline Your Priorities
It is critical to make a list of monthly expenses. When it comes to managing their finances, students should be pragmatic. In a word, individuals should stop buying things that they can live without for a few months but continue to buy every month. Determine how much you want to spend on clothing, groceries, entertainment, and so on. Limit your ability to go beyond. Follow the plan.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Canada
If you want to make the most of your stay in Canada, it’s better to research all about the country. Some things that you need to know before you move to Canada include:
- Culture: Canada is known for its multicultural, respectful and diverse culture. All this can help you in a smoother transition. However, research the customs and culture of the city you’re moving to. It’ll not only help you blend in with locals but also help you feel more comfortable in a new country.
- Policies: Before you decide to move to Canada, do thorough research on the local laws and regulations. This will help you avoid any unnecessary trouble and educate you on your rights and responsibilities as an international student.
- Cost of Living: It is necessary to learn about the costs of living in Canada so it helps you make financial adjustments before settling in a new country.
- Housing Options: It is important to secure housing before you move to Canada. To make the process easier, you can reach out to Fly Homes.
- Job Market: Canada offers a diverse job market to international students, which is why it is one of the most preferred destinations for studying abroad.
- Climate: You need to be aware of Canada’s climate before you move here. You need to pack the appropriate clothing as the winters here are very rough and you get to experience a lot of snow. You need to be prepared for the climate change beforehand.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Canada
The monthly cost of living in Canada for a student living alone is estimated to be CAD 3365 including rent. Without rent, a single person’s monthly costs are expected to be CAD 1,343.3 The cost of living in Canada is 11.3% lower than in the United States.
Given the factors in this blog, a reasonable estimate for a family of four to live comfortably in Canada would be an annual income of CAD 75,000 to CAD 1,24,195 before taxes. This estimate incorporates the aforementioned fundamental expenses as well as some discretionary spending, savings, and emergencies.
Yes, Canada is costlier than India. Given that a Canadian dollar is worth 61.42 Indian rupees, it is evident that Canada has a greater cost of living than India.
For a 1 BHK apartment in the city centre, the rent may be close to CAD 1,913.47. Whereas, the rent for a 3BHK in the city centre may be close to CAD 3,123.33.
This was all about the cost of living in Canada. If you wish to know more about the cost of living in various countries, subscribe to Leverage Edu– your trusted study abroad consultant.
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