Cost of Living in Windsor: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Windsor, located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and proximity to Detroit, USA. Understanding the cost of living in Windsor will help students navigate their finances effectively while living there. But what is the cost of living in Windsor? How much money do you need to live comfortably here? 

For students considering higher studies in Canada, Windsor offers a blend of affordable living, quality education, and a funloving community. This comprehensive guide explores the cost of living in Windsor in detail, providing valuable insights to help you budget effectively and make an informed decision.

Cost of Living in Windsor Overview

The average cost of living in Windsor for a single person is approximately CAD 2439 per month, according to LivingCost Data. If we break it down, the rent for a one-room apartment ranges from CAD 1,634 to CAD 1,753 per month. Food expenses are about CAD 666 per month, and transportation costs are around CAD 113 per month. The overall cost of living in Windsor per month can vary based on lifestyle choices, the specific area, and other personal factors.

Windsor is one of the top 25% of most expensive cities globally and ranked 87th out of 153 in Canada for cost of living. The type of accommodation, food preferences, and personal spending habits. All these costs play a significant role in determining the final costs. This detailed overview provides a clearer picture for those considering a move to Windsor, helping in effective financial planning.

Also Read:  Cost of Living in Calgary: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Costs of Accommodation in Windsor

Before moving, it is essential to thoroughly research and compare apartment rents in different areas to ensure they meet your needs and budget. Rental costs can vary based on location, size, and type of accommodation. There are two types of accommodation available in Windsor, such as On-Campus Housing and Off-Campus Housing. For your reference, we have given the details of these types of accommodation with their costs. below:

On-Campus Housing in Windsor

Accommodation expenses make up a significant portion of the overall cost of living in Windsor. When planning your budget for Windsor, it’s important to consider these costs. For students, on-campus housing is a convenient and often affordable option. The Universities in Windsor offer various housing options, including dormitories and apartment-style residences. 

Costs of on-campus housing range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 8,000 per academic year, depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan chosen. On-campus living not only provides proximity to classes but also includes utilities, internet, and access to campus facilities.

Off-Campus Housing in Windsor

Off-campus housing is another popular option for students. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Windsor’s city centre typically costs around CAD 1,675. 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	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 bedroom	in the City Centre	CAD 1,675
3 bedrooms	in the City Centre	CAD 2141
1 bedroom	Outside of Centre	CAD 1,725
3 bedrooms	Outside of Centre	CAD 2,625

Cost of a Utility in Windsor 

For a one-bedroom apartment in Windsor, the average monthly utility costs are approximately CAD 207. However, this amount can vary depending on the specific utilities used and the size of the apartment. It’s crucial to consider these utility expenses when estimating your total cost of living in Windsor, as they can have a substantial impact on your budget.

Utility services in Windsor encompass essential amenities that contribute to residents’ quality of life. These services typically include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Below is a summary of the average utility expenses residents can expect in Windsor:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, etc	CAD 207
Internet	60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly	CAD 87
Mobile Phone	Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	CAD 85

Also Read: Cost of Living in Saskatoon: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Costs of Dining in Windsor

For those who like to eat out, Windsor has a diverse culinary scene that can be both enjoyable and affordable. However, the cost of eating out varies based on the type of restaurant, the cuisine, the number of diners, and the location. Eating out regularly can affect the student budget and the overall cost of living in Windsor. 

On average, a student might spend around CAD 666 per month on food. However, cooking at home is often a more economical choice for students. It will help you save you a lot of money. Here is an approximate estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Windsor:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Lunch Menu	CAD 14.5
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	CAD 58.9
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	CAD 12.9
Cappuccino	CAD 4.93

Cost of Grocery in Windsor

Grocery expenses are a significant portion of the daily cost of living in Windsor, particularly if you prepare your meals at home. Your meal preferences will decide your grocery budget, which in turn impacts the overall cost of living in Windsor, Canada.

In Windsor, to save money on groceries, it’s beneficial to compare prices across different stores and vendors. Grocery prices can vary according to the quality and quantity of the products, as well as the location and availability of the store. Below is a table summarising the average grocery expenses in Windsor for those planning to cook at home:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Apples (1kg)	CAD 6.31
Banana (1kg)	CAD 1.43
Oranges (1kg)	CAD 5.46
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	CAD 2.8
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	CAD 2.76
Rice (white), (1kg)	CAD 4.8
Eggs (regular) (12)	CAD 4.17
Local Cheese (1kg)	CAD 15.19
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	CAD 2.2
Tomato (1kg)	CAD 5.01
Potato (1kg)	CAD 2.54
Onion (1kg)	CAD 3.22
Lettuce (1 head)	CAD 3.47

Costs of Transportation in Windsor

Windsor features a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including intercity rail,  commuter bus service, cabs, etc. This network effectively meets the needs of its residents, ensuring connectivity and accessibility throughout the area. As commuting to and from college, for a student transportation costs will be a regular part of their routine.

Transportation expenses in Windsor can significantly impact your overall cost of living in Windsor. To help you estimate your transportation budget, we have provided a table with average transportation costs below. Review it to plan your travels around the Windsor area comfortably.

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport	CAD 117
Ticket for Local Public transport	CAD 3.28
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 8 km	CAD 20.8
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol	CAD 1.49

Also Read: Cost of Living in Regina: Food, Room Rent & Transportation

Miscellaneous Costs in Windsor

In addition to the essential cost of living in Windsor like housing rent, utility costs, transportation costs, and grocery costs, you may encounter some miscellaneous costs during your studies in Windsor, Canada. These costs can include a gym subscription, movie tickets, clothing, minor medical appointments, etc. These miscellaneous expenses should be taken into account when managing your budget for the cost of living in Windsor.

Although these miscellaneous costs may vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences, they are important for financial planning. You may find these expenses relevant once you settle into your new routine in Windsor. Please see the table below for a detailed list of these fees.

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	CAD 13.5
Brand Jeans	CAD 56
Fitness Club	CAD 47.1
Brand Sneakers	CAD 112
Doctor’s visit	CAD 164

Cost of Living in Windsor Compared to Other Cities

Windsor is often considered a city with a moderate cost of living compared to other Canadian cities. When evaluating the cost of living in Windsor, many expenses come into play such as housing, transportation, dining, and entertainment. Despite these expenses, Windsor remains an attractive option for those in Canada looking for a balanced lifestyle with relatively low living costs.

So to give you an idea of how the cost of living in Windsor compares to other cities like Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Ontario, Canada, Colorado and the UK. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living (including rent)	Comparison with Cost of Living in Windsor
Cost of Living in Toronto	CAD 3510	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in Calgary	CAD 2879	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in Montreal	CAD 1,388	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in Ontario	CAD 3072	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in Canada	CAD 2782	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in Colorado	CAD 3346	Higher than Windsor
Cost of Living in the UK	CAD 2974	Higher than Windsor

Average Tuition Fees in Windsor

Understanding the tuition fees at universities in Windsor is crucial as they can significantly impact the average cost of living in Windsor for international students. Tuition fees in the universities of Windsor vary based on the institution, specific program, and level of study chosen. Prospective students should carefully consider their educational goals and financial resources.

By doing careful financial planning, students can maximise their opportunities to obtain a high-quality education from their desired university at an affordable price. It is advisable to check for financial aid or scholarships on the official websites of the universities. Below is a table summarising the tuition fees at university in Windsor:

Name of University	Approx Tuition Per year
University of Windsor	CAD 30,000 – CAD 55,890
St. Clair College	CAD 14,440 – CAD 33,440

Students can plan their living costs more effectively by understanding the average tuition fees at universities in Windsor. Although tuition fees in Windsor are generally more affordable than in other Canadian universities.

Conclusion: Now you have understood that the cost of living in Windsor is relatively affordable compared to other Canadian cities, making it an attractive destination for students pursuing higher education. By understanding the various expenses, students can enjoy a comfortable and enriching experience while studying in Windsor.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Windsor

So, this was all about the cost of living in Windsor. 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.