Cost of Living in Kingston: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Ascertaining the cost of living in Kingston is important before moving to Kingston. There can be a lot of expenses that an international student has to keep in mind. For example, the cost of accommodation, cost of utilities, transportation cost, tuition fee expenses, and more. Kingston comes under some of the best places to live in Canada.

Apart from offering excellent education facilities, it offers a safe and clean environment. The city is also a short drive from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. The average cost of living in Kingston is estimated to be around CAD 1,516. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living in Kingston.

Cost of Living in Kingston

The average cost of living in Kingston is CAD 1,516 excluding rent expenses. Kingston is a more expensive city than others. However, it depends on many factors such as the area you choose around Kingston or Canada, the lifestyle you follow and what are your personal preferences.

Below we have provided the housing expenses in Kingston, transportation costs, utility expenses, and more.

Cost of Accommodation in Kingston

The accommodation cost is one of the most important expenses a student will incur while studying abroad. The housing expenses add to the cost of living in Kingston. University halls and private housing are some of the popular choices among students who move to Kingston.

The following table gives you an idea of the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre of Kingston:

Housing	Approx Cost
1 bedroom apartment in City Center	CAD 1645
Cheap 1 bedroom apartment	Cad 1325
Cheap 3-bedroom apartment	CAD 2183
Basic Utility Bill one person	CAD 264
Mortgage Interest Rate for 20 Years	7.33%
Halls of residence accommodation	CAD 892.19 – CAD 2,197.18
Ensuite/ Studio	CAD 810 – CAD 975 / Month

Cost of Transportation in Kingston

Transportation cost is a regular expense that adds to the cost of living in Kingston. A one-way ticket for local transportation in Kingston costs about USD 2.25. The average transportation cost is provided below:

Transportation	Approx Cost
Monthly ticket for local transport	CAD 80
Local transport ticket	CAD 3.50
Gas / Petrol 1 liter	CAD 1.47
Taxi Ride for 1 km	CAD 2.24

Also Read: Cost of Living in Madagascar: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of Food in Kingston

Food expenses are inevitable. The cost of food includes grocery expenses, food expenses at a restaurant, and more, The average cost of inexpensive restaurant meals is around CAD 24, which will not affect the cost of living in Kingston that much.

In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the Kingston:

Food	Approx Cost
Dinner in a Restaurant (Inexpensive restaurant)	CAD 100
Lunch Menu	CAD 24
Fast food meal	CAD 13.50
Pepsi / Coke	CAD 2.33
Cappuccino	CAD 5.08
Beer in a Pub	CAD 8
Milk	CAD 4.08
Rice	CAD 6.19
Bread 500 g	CAD 3.20
Eggs 12	CAD 3.82
Fruits	CAD 5
Vegetables	CAD 3
1 kg Cheese	CAD 15.20

Cost of Utilities in Kingston

The Ulitliy expenses also add to the cost of living in Kingston. The monthly cost of basic utilities in Kingston is approximately USD 264, which includes electricity, water, heating, garbage, etc. Here is the average cost of utilities in Kingston.

Utilities	Approx Cost
Utility Bill one person	CAD 264
Internet plan	CAD 88
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	CAD 77

Cost of Entertainment in Kingston

The cost of entertainment also adds to the cost of living in Kingston. The entertainment costs include the costs incurred for a gym membership, movies, shopping, and more. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average Entertainment costs you can pay in Kingston:

Entertainment	Approx Cost
Cinema Ticket, 1 person	CAD 15
Gym Membership, 1 month	CAD 52
Basic haircut	CAD 15
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	CAD 15
Brand Jeans	CAD 54.16
Brand Sneakers	CAD 112

Cost of Living in Kingston vs Toronto

The cost of living in Kingston is more affordable than the cost of living in Toronto. The average cost of living in Kingston is around CAD 1516 excluding rent, while in Toronto, it can cost up to CAD 1,532 excluding rent.

If we consider the rent cost of an apartment in the city centre area then it can cost around CAD 1,325 to CAD 1645 in Kingston. At the same time, its price in Toronto can be around CAD 2,150 to CAD 2520. Please note that the cost of living in Kingston Canada and Toronto may vary depending on location, lifestyle and personal preferences.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada: Expenses You Need to Know

Average Tuition Fees in Kingston

The tuition fees are the main expense of an international student. The average tuition fee per student varies on the basis of the course taken. It also varies depending on the level of education. Moreover, the international student and the domestic students are charged differently.

Level of Education	Average Tuition fee per year
Undergraduate student	CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 / Year
Postgraduate student	CAD 15,000 – CAD 40,000 / Year

Why Choose Kingston to Study Abroad?

Along with the affordable cost of studying and the cost of living in Kingston, there are many reasons why a student should choose to study in Kingston. Here are some reasons given below:

• Kingston is home to some of the best colleges in Canada. For example, Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, Kingston University, Royal Military College of Canada, and Mico University College, among others.
• Graduates of the universities in Kingston are sought after by employers. The reason is the high quality of education.
• Kingston offers a world-class quality of life. The city has a thriving downtown district, with a vibrant art and theatre scene, and a high-class, yet eclectic, restaurant and bar district.
• It is the largest city outside of Ottawa in Eastern Ontario and is well known for its entrepreneurial workforce in the country. Moreover, it is a clean and safe place to live.
• Graduates of the universities in Kingston are sought after by employers. The reason is the high quality of education.

Things to Know While Moving to Kingston

Here are some things an international student should keep in mind before moving to a new country, along with the average cost of living in Kingston. Here are some of the facts about Kingston that a student must know before moving.

• The city is home to some of the best universities in Canada, and the prestigious military academy – Royal Military College of Canada.
• From 1841 to 1844 the city was the capital of the United Province of Canada
• The cost of living in Kingston in terms of housing is expensive. For example, a  2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500 per month.
• Kingston Public Market is a great place to go for grocery shopping. The place is usually open on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Thursdays.
• The downtown area in the city is the hub of all activities. It is easy to find restaurants and entertainment venues in the location.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Newcastle: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Nashville: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense	Cost of Living in Brooklyn: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide	The Cost of Living in Portsmouth: A Comprehensive Analysis

FAQs on the Cost of Living in Kingston

So, this was all about the cost of living in Kingston. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.