Cost of Living in Victoria, Canada for International Students

So, you’re thinking about studying in Victoria, Canada? Smart choice. But let’s be real. Before you book that flight, you need to know how much it’s going to cost to live there. The Cost of Living in Victoria, Canada for International Students isn’t just numbers on a page, but it’s rent, groceries, buses, weekend coffees, and the occasional night outs. Knowing what to expect can save you stress, surprises, and your hard-earned money. In this guide, we break down all the essentials so you can plan smart and live comfortably.

Cost of Living in Victoria: Quick Highlights

Knowing the cost of living in Victoria upfront is crucial. Here is a glance at all major expenses, housing, groceries, dining, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, so you can plan your budget without surprises. 

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)	What Students Should Know
Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment)	CAD 1,500 – CAD 2,150	City centre is pricier; consider off-campus for savings
Groceries	CAD 250 – CAD 350	Cooking at home saves money vs eating out
Dining Out	CAD 10 – CAD 70 per meal	Mid-range restaurant for two ~ CAD 70 & fast food is cheaper
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet, phone)	CAD 370 – CAD 385	Basic utilities & internet, adjust for usage
Transportation	CAD 85 – CAD 95	Monthly bus pass covers unlimited trips & taxis extra
Entertainment	CAD 10 – CAD 50+	Movies, museums, concerts, student discounts available
Total Estimated Monthly Cost (excluding tuition)	CAD 2,200 – CAD 3,100	Depends on lifestyle, location, and spending habits

Cost of Living Accommodation in Victoria

Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students and residents in Victoria. Options include on-campus residence halls, off-campus apartments or houses, homestays with local families, and short-term stays like hostels or hotels. Costs vary depending on type, location, size, quality, and amenities.

Type	Location	Average Monthly Rent
1-bedroom apartment	City centre	CAD 1,950 – CAD 2,150
1-bedroom apartment	Outside city centre	CAD 1,500 – CAD 1,750
3-bedroom apartment	City centre	CAD 3,600 – CAD 3,900
3-bedroom apartment	Outside city centre	CAD 2,900 – CAD 3,300

Note: Apartments in the city centre are more expensive due to proximity to universities, shopping, and public transport, while options outside the city centre are more affordable but may require longer commutes.

Cost of Grocery in Victoria

Groceries are an essential part of your budget in Victoria. This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, fruits, and other daily necessities. Knowing grocery prices before moving or cooking at home helps you manage expenses effectively, as eating out is usually more costly.

Item	Average Cost
Milk (1 L)	CAD 3.80
Bread (0.5 kg)	CAD 4.70
Rice (1 kg)	CAD 6.50
Eggs (12)	CAD 5.50
Cheese (1 kg)	CAD 20.50
Apples (1 kg)	CAD 6.20
Bananas (1 kg)	CAD 2.00
Oranges (1 kg)	CAD 5.80
Tomatoes (1 kg)	CAD 7.40
Potatoes (1 kg)	CAD 5.40
Onions (1 kg)	CAD 4.40
Lettuce (1 head)	CAD 3.60
Water (1.5 L bottle)	CAD 2.60

Note: Shopping at local markets or discount grocery stores can help you save, while specialty stores may charge slightly higher prices for imported or organic items.

Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?

Restaurant Food Costs in Victoria

Victoria has a diverse food scene, with restaurants offering a wide range of options for students and residents. While eating out occasionally won’t drastically affect your budget, frequent dining at mid-range or premium restaurants can add up.

Type of Meal	Average Price
Lunch menu in a cheap restaurant	CAD 16
Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant	CAD 70
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s)	CAD 10.50
Cappuccino in a cafe	CAD 3.80

Note: Preparing meals at home is generally cheaper, but trying local restaurants and cafes occasionally is part of enjoying life in Victoria.

Cost of Utilities in Victoria

Utilities are an essential part of the cost of living in Victoria. These include electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, internet, mobile phone plans, and other services. The costs vary depending on the size and type of your accommodation, location, and your usage habits.

Type of Utilities	Average Monthly Cost
Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage)	CAD 200 – CAD 210
Internet plan (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data)	CAD 105 – CAD 110
Mobile phone plan (calls + 10 GB or more data)	CAD 70 – CAD 75

Note: Conserving energy and choosing bundled internet/mobile plans can help reduce your monthly utility expenses.

Cost of Transportation in Victoria

Transportation is an important aspect of living in Victoria, especially for students and working residents. The city offers multiple modes of transport, including buses, ferries, rental cycles, and trains. Costs vary depending on the mode, distance, frequency, and time of travel.

Mode	Average Cost
Local bus ticket (one-way trip)	CAD 2.50
Monthly bus pass (unlimited trips)	CAD 85
Taxi fare (1 km trip)	CAD 2.50
Gasoline (1 L)	CAD 1.95

Note: Using a monthly bus pass or cycling for short distances can save money, while taxis are convenient for occasional travel.

Also Read: How to Settle in Canada from India as a Student?

Cost of Entertainment in Victoria

Entertainment is an important part of life in Victoria. From movies and museums to concerts, theatres, and nightlife, there are plenty of options to enjoy your free time. The cost of entertainment depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices.

Type of Entertainment	Average Price
Movie ticket (one person)	CAD 16
Museum or art gallery ticket (one person)	CAD 15
Theatre or concert ticket (one person)	CAD 50
Nightclub or bar entry fee (one person)	CAD 10
Drink in a nightclub or bar (one person)	CAD 7

Note: Taking advantage of student discounts, free events, and off-peak pricing can help reduce entertainment expenses.

Cost of Living in Victoria Compared to Other Cities

Generally, Victoria offers a little expensive cost of living with an amazing lifestyle compared to many major metropolitan cities in Canada. For your reference, we have given the cost of living in Victoria compared to other cities like Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kelowna and Canada. So that you can understand how convenient it is to live in Victoria for higher studies compared to other cities. Please have a look:

City	Overall Cost Difference vs Victoria	City Centre Rent (1-Bedroom)	Monthly Transportation Pass	Dinner for Two at Mid-Range Restaurant
Victoria	Baseline	CAD 1,800 – CAD 2,000	CAD 85	CAD 71
Toronto	+13%	Higher (CAD 2,400 – CAD 2,700)	CAD 153	CAD 91
Vancouver	+15%	CAD 2,500+	CAD 100	CAD 80
Montreal	-15%	CAD 1,200 – CAD 1,500	CAD 85	CAD 60

Notes:

• City-centre rent refers to the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment.
  
• Transportation costs reflect monthly public transit passes.
  
• Dining out costs reflect dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant.
  
• All prices are approximate and may vary based on neighborhood and lifestyle.

Why Choose To Study in Victoria?

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is an ideal destination for international students for many reasons. It combines world-class education, a high quality of life, and a welcoming environment, making it perfect for studying, living, and exploring.

1. High-Quality Education

Victoria is home to reputable institutions such as the University of Victoria, Camosun College, and Royal Roads University. These institutions offer a wide range of programs, modern facilities, research opportunities, and strong academic support for both domestic and international students.

2. Safe and Student-Friendly City

The city consistently ranks as one of the safest in Canada. With low crime rates, a friendly community, and excellent healthcare services, students can focus on their studies with peace of mind.

3. Mild Climate and Beautiful Environment

Victoria enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Surrounded by scenic coastlines, parks, and mountains, students can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports year-round.

4. Multicultural and Welcoming Community

Victoria attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Cultural events, student associations, and local communities make it easy for international students to feel at home.

5. Opportunities for Work and Career Growth

Students in Victoria can take advantage of part-time work opportunities while studying. Additionally, post-graduation work permits and career support services help international students transition smoothly into the Canadian workforce.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada: Updated Prices

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This was all about the cost of living in Victoria, covering accommodation, groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and salary expectations to help you plan your budget better. For more insights on studying abroad, student life, and essential preparations for international students, make sure to check out the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu and stay updated!