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With its constantly rising economy and high standard of living, Canada provides limitless possibilities and potential. Every year, the country creates thousands of employment, lowering poverty and boosting the economy. The average cost of living in Canada is around 1,452 CAD for a single person without rent. Generally, larger metropolitan areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to have higher costs of living compared to smaller cities and rural areas.
A healthcare institution in the country is a basic human right. Because access to medical care is so quick and easy, Canada’s healthcare system is the greatest in the world. As a result, many candidates choose the country to complete their graduation and postgraduate studies. If you wish to study in Canada, you need to first learn about the cost of living in Canada which are given below:
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Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada is a critical aspect of financial planning and lifestyle decisions. It may be CAD 1,400 and may go up to CAD 50,000 depending upon it. By understanding the factors that influence the cost of living, students can make informed choices to manage their finances effectively and achieve their desired standard of living.
Students shall keep in mind that your expenses while living in Canada might increase or decrease depending on your lifestyle choices. Therefore, you need to budget accordingly. Here’s a proper cost of living table that would help you manage your finances better.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia: A Guide
Cost of Transportation in Canada
Canada offers various transportation options such as cabs, buses and trains. These will be an expensive factor if you will have to travel to and fro constantly to your university. The following tale 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 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | CAD 33,978 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | CAD 27,778 |
Cost of Food in Restaurants
In Canada, you’ll find lots of restaurants serving delicious food at affordable costs. For a meal for two at a mid range restaurant, you might spend around CAD 100. While that might not seem like much on its own, it all adds up when you consider the overall cost of living in Canada. Check out the table below for more info on restaurant costs across the state:
| Restaurants | Average Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | CAD 22.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | CAD 90.00 |
| McMeal at Mcdonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | CAD 13.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-litre draught) | CAD 7.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) | CAD 8.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | CAD 4.82 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle) | CAD 2.54 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | CAD 2.13 |
Cost of Groceries in Restaurants
In Canada, the typical monthly expenditure on groceries is approximately CAD 145, which covers essential food items like food, milk, water, fruits, vegetables and more. Groceries significantly influence the overall cost of living in Canada. Below, you’ll find the grocery items along with their respective costs:
| Grocery | Average Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | CAD 2.78 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | CAD 3.30 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | CAD 4.43 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | CAD 4.32 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | CAD 14.76 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | CAD 14.93 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | CAD 18.23 |
| Apples (1kg) | CAD 5.13 |
| Banana (1kg) | CAD 1.87 |
| Oranges (1kg) | CAD 4.80 |
| Tomato (1kg) | CAD 5.01 |
| Potato (1kg) | CAD 3.22 |
| Onion (1kg) | CAD 3.29 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | CAD 3.19 |
| Water (1.5-litre bottle) | CAD 2.30 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | CAD 17.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | CAD 3.54 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | CAD 4.19 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Taiwan: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Utility Bills and Expenses in Canada
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 a single individual in Newcastle is approximately CAD 199 . 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 214.12 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | CAD 65 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | CAD 85.61 |
Cost of Sports And Leisure in Canada
In addition to the essential expenses in Canada, various other costs like sports, gym, and Leisure fees need to be considered when calculating the overall cost of living in Canada. These 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.
| Sports And Leisure | Approx Cost |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | CAD 56.82 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | CAD 23.75 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | CAD 15.00 |
Cost of Clothing and Shoes in Canada
The average consumer price in Canada is lower than in other countries, making it relatively affordable for various expenses, like clothing and shoes. Below is the cost of clothing items in Canada.
| Clothing And Shoes | Average Cost |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | CAD 72.91 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | CAD 51.10 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | CAD 112.54 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | CAD 140.91 |
Cost of Accommodation in Canada
The cost of rent varies between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, with averages of CAD 1,913 and CAD 3,123, respectively. For those seeking more affordable options, cheap 1-bedroom apartments are available at CAD 1,729, while cheap 3-bedroom apartments come in at CAD 2,640. Check out some more costs associated with accommodation in Canada:
| Apartment Type | Rent Per Month |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | CAD 1,913 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | CAD 1,729 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | CAD 3,123 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | CAD 2,640 |
| Apartment Location ( for buying) | Cost |
| The price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre | CAD 9,154.11 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | CAD 6,505.95 |
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 Monteral and Ottawa offer a more affordable standard of living.
| City Name | Average Cost of living per year |
| Vancouver, BC | CAD 38,484 |
| Toronto, ON | CAD 37,000 |
| Calgary, AB | CAD 26,904 |
| Montreal, QC | CAD 25,000 |
| Ottawa, ON | CAD 20,000 |
Average Tuition Fees in Canada
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 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.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense
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
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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.
Ans. For a 1 BHK apartment in city center the rent may be close to CAD 1,913.47. Whereas for a 3BHK it 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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