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If you’re considering a move to Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the 2025-2026 academic or fiscal year, you’ll be glad to know it remains one of Canada’s most affordable major cities. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is approximately USD 2,100 to USD 2,700 CAD, while a family of four can expect to spend over USD 6,500 CAD to cover all expenses. For students, annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs at institutions like the International College of Manitoba (ICM) and the University of Winnipeg are estimated to be between USD 10,000 and USD 20,000 CAD, with additional living costs ranging from USD 1,500 to USD 2,000 CAD per month.
In this blog, we will explore the cost of living in Winnipeg in detail, breaking down expenses like housing, groceries, and transportation, and help you prepare for a smooth transition to studying in Canada.
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Cost of Living in Winnipeg for International Students
For international students, Winnipeg presents a more budget-friendly option than other major Canadian cities. Here is a breakdown of estimated monthly and annual costs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Living Expenses (excluding tuition) | USD 1,500 – USD 2,500 | USD 18,000 – USD 30,000 |
| On-Campus Housing | USD 650 – USD 1,000 | USD 7,800 – USD 12,000 |
| Off-Campus Housing (shared) | USD 500 – USD 900 | USD 6,000 – USD 10,800 |
| Groceries | USD 200 – USD 400 | USD 2,400 – USD 4,800 |
| Public Transportation | USD 100 – USD 150 | USD 1,200 – USD 1,800 |
| Utilities (incl. internet) | USD 100 – USD 200 | USD 1,200 – USD 2,400 |
| Personal & Misc. Expenses | USD 200 – USD 400 | USD 2,400 – USD 4,800 |
| Tuition Fees | ||
| Undergraduate Programs (average) | USD 10,000 – USD 20,000 | |
| Graduate Programs (average) | USD 14,000 – USD 30,000 | |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Manitoba: Updated Prices
Cost of Accommodation in Winnipeg
Navigating the housing market is a key part of planning your move to Winnipeg. As of mid-2025, the city continues to offer a distinct affordability advantage compared to other major Canadian centers. Here is a table outlining the estimated costs for different types of accommodation.
| Category | Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Estimated Annual Cost (CAD) |
| Rental Market | One-Bedroom Apartment | USD 1,350 – USD 1,450 | USD 16,200 – USD 17,400 |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | USD 1,600 – USD 1,750 | USD 19,200 – USD 21,000 | |
| Room in Shared House/Apt. | USD 500 – USD 850 | USD 6,000 – USD 10,200 | |
| Student Housing | On-Campus Housing | USD 650 – USD 1,000 | USD 7,800 – USD 12,000 |
| Real Estate Market | Average Single-Family Home (Purchase) | N/A | USD 400,000 – USD 475,000 |
| Average Condo (Purchase) | N/A | USD 240,000 – USD 290,000 |
Cost of Dining in Winnipeg
For international students in Winnipeg, managing your food budget is important to staying on track. While dining out can be a fun treat, cooking at home is significantly more economical. Here is a breakdown of estimated monthly and per-meal costs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Category | Item/Meal | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Cooking at Home | Monthly Groceries | USD 250 – USD 400 |
| Loaf of Bread | ~USD 3.50 | |
| Dozen Eggs | ~USD 5.00 | |
| 1 kg Rice | ~USD 5.50 | |
| 1 kg Chicken Breast | ~USD 17.00 | |
| 1L Milk | ~USD 3.50 | |
| Dining Out | Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 15 – USD 25 |
| Combo Meal at Fast Food Restaurant | USD 13 – USD 17 | |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | USD 70 – USD 100 | |
| Domestic Beer (Draught) | USD 7 – USD 9 | |
| Cappuccino (Regular) | USD 5 – USD 6 | |
| Meal Plans | On-Campus Meal Plan (per term) | USD 2,500 – USD 3,600 |
Cost of Utilities in Winnipeg
A critical component of an international student’s budget in Winnipeg is the cost of utilities. These expenses can fluctuate significantly, especially during the cold winter months, so it is essential to budget for them. Here is a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs for utilities for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Utility Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Notes |
| Electricity & Heating | USD 100 – USD 250+ | This can vary the most. Expect higher bills in the winter, particularly if your accommodation uses electric heating. |
| Internet | USD 50 – USD 80 | Costs depend on the provider and speed of the plan. Many providers offer promotional rates for new customers. |
| Water & Waste | USD 40 – USD 60 | Often included in rent for on-campus or apartment living. Check your lease agreement. |
| Mobile Phone Plan | USD 40 – USD 70 | This price range is for plans with a reasonable amount of data (e.g., 10 GB or more) and unlimited calls and texts. |
| Total Estimated Utilities | USD 230 – USD 460+ | This does not include any unexpected costs. Sharing accommodation with roommates can significantly reduce these expenses. |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Abbotsford BC: Updated Prices
Cost of Transportation in Winnipeg
Navigating Winnipeg is made convenient by its public transportation system, which is a key part of the city’s overall affordability for students. Here is a breakdown of the estimated transportation costs for international students for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Category | Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Public Transit | U-Pass (Fall & Winter) | USD 231.00 per term |
| Standard Monthly Pass | USD 100 – USD 150 | |
| Single-Ride Fare | USD 3.35 | |
| Other | Taxi/Rideshare (e.g., Uber) | Varies |
| Car Ownership | USD 700 – USD 1,000+ per month |
Miscellaneous Costs in Winnipeg
Beyond the major costs of tuition and accommodation, international students in Winnipeg must also account for various miscellaneous expenses. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for them to avoid unexpected financial stress. Here is a table outlining some of the common miscellaneous costs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Expense Category | Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Healthcare | Student Health Insurance | USD 40 – USD 120/month (or USD 480 – USD 1,440/year) |
| Academic | Textbooks & Supplies | USD 50 – USD 150/month (or USD 600 – USD 1,500/year) |
| University Fees | Varies | |
| Personal | Clothing & Personal Care | USD 50 – USD 100+ per month |
| Entertainment | USD 50 – USD 150 per month | |
| Total Estimated Miscellaneous | USD 190 – USD 520+ per month | |
Cost of Entertainment in Winnipeg
As an international student, setting aside a budget for entertainment is essential for a balanced student life. Winnipeg offers a variety of affordable activities, often with student discounts, that can help you relax and explore the city without overspending. Here is a breakdown of common entertainment costs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Expense Category | Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Activities & Socializing | Cinema Ticket | USD 13 – USD 20 |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 15 – USD 25 | |
| Coffee/Tea at a Cafe | USD 5 – USD 7 | |
| Fitness & Recreation | Gym Membership | USD 20 – USD 80 per month |
| Recreational Activities | Varies | |
| Culture & Arts | Museum/Gallery Admission | USD 10 – USD 20 |
| Concert/Theatre Tickets | Varies (USD 20+) | |
| Total Estimated Monthly | USD 50 – USD 150+ | This is a general estimate. Your total will depend entirely on how often you participate in these activities. |
Cost of Living in Winnipeg Compared to Other Cities
Winnipeg, Manitoba stands out for its affordability, especially compared to many other Canadian cities. Understanding the cost of living in Winnipeg helps you make informed decisions about your budget and housing. The city provides a balanced lifestyle by combining cost-effectiveness with a high quality of life.
To give you a clearer picture, we compare the cost of living in Winnipeg with cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Halifax, Kelowna, Montreal, Victoria, Alberta, Manitoba, and Canada. This comparison will help you see how Winnipeg measures up against these cities and assist you in finding the best financial fit for your needs.
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Toronto | CAD 3510 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Calgary | CAD 2879 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Vancouver | CAD 3494 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Edmonton | CAD 2360 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Ottawa | CAD 2956 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Saskatoon | CAD 2532 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Halifax | CAD 2941 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Kelowna | CAD 2311 | Lower than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Montreal | CAD 2481 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Victoria | CAD 3011 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Alberta | CAD 2592 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Manitoba | CAD 2306 | Higher than Winnipeg |
| Cost of Living in Canada | CAD 2782 | Higher than Winnipeg |
Why Choose to Study in Winnipeg?
Winnipeg is an excellent choice for international students seeking a high-quality education and a vibrant life at a manageable cost. Its combination of affordable living, world-class educational institutions, and a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere makes it a popular destination.
- Affordability: Winnipeg has one of the lowest costs of living in Canada, with a single student’s monthly expenses (excluding tuition) estimated at 1,500 – 2,500 CAD. This is significantly less than in Toronto or Vancouver, where costs can be over 3,500 CAD per month.
- Quality Education: The city is home to top universities like the University of Manitoba, a leading research institution, and the University of Winnipeg, known for its smaller class sizes and personalized learning.
- High Acceptance Rate: The University of Winnipeg has a high acceptance rate of 75% for international students, making it a more accessible option for many applicants.
- Diverse and Welcoming Community: With international students from over 80 countries, Winnipeg offers a multicultural environment that helps newcomers feel at home.
- Clear Immigration Pathway: Manitoba’s provincial nominee program (MPNP) provides a clear and attractive route for international graduates to apply for permanent residency in Canada, offering a strong incentive to stay and build a career after graduation.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: Updated Prices
FAQs
Ans: The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Winnipeg for the 2025-2026 period ranges from 2,100 to 2,700 CAD. This includes expenses for rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation, making it one of the most affordable major cities in Canada.
Ans. A good salary for a comfortable lifestyle in Winnipeg for a single person is generally considered to be in the range of 50,000 to 60,000 CAD per year. While the average salary is around 50,120 CAD, a salary in this range allows for a balanced budget that covers rent, utilities, groceries, and some discretionary spending.
Ans. No, Winnipeg is not considered an expensive city to live in, especially when compared to other major Canadian cities. Its cost of living is notably lower due to more affordable housing, groceries, and transportation. For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living is around 2,100 to 2,700 CAD.
Relevant Reads
We hope that this blog helped you discover the overall cost of living in Winnipeg. To discover more about student life abroad, subscribe to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!
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