Canadian Cost of Living for International Students
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist | 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview: Canadian Cost of Living for International Students
- Tuition Fees in Canada (2025)
- Accommodation Costs Across Canadian Cities
- Food and Transportation Expenses
- Monthly Cost Breakdown: Sample Budgets
- Citywise Comparison: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax
- Canada vs Other Top Study Destinations
- Managing and Reducing Living Expenses
- Scholarships and Funding Options
- Visa, Proof of Funds, and Policy Updates (2025)
- How Gateway International Supports Your Journey
- Conclusion
Introduction
Hence, the Canadian cost of living, which is of the greatest importance to foreign students, may serve as a guide to the pupil of the future. As the number of international students coming to Canada from all over the world increases every year, the cost of study has increased. Thing is, the cost of studying here isn’t just the cost for the course. In your mind, the most important thing is to budget carefully for accommodation, food, transport and other necessities.
Governmental regulations, rents in big cities, and proof of funds regulations have been changed. In the City, a detailed study of the Canadian cost of living for foreign students, with practical hints, an example budget and the latest news of 2025.
Gateway International College will assist you in achieving your goal of a During my first visit, a friendly, jovial Canadian remarked, as he did often, that the Canadian people were very hospitable, and they’d be glad if the French had more good qualities in them. Is she going to study abroad? Step one is a port of call.
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Get Started →Overview: Canadian Cost of Living for International Students
One can’t, of course, calculate the exact cost of the Canadian universities’ expenditures upon foreign students without taking these three things into consideration: the cost of city in which The Canadian government increased its proof of means to $ 22,500 annually (excluding tuition fees) in 2025, to account for the higher cost of living in the country’s major cities.
Thing is, the average monthly cost of living for foreign students in Canada is 1,800 to 2,000 Canadian dollars, depending on the city and type of housing. I’m not exaggerating; that’s the amount of what I’ve spent on food. Drink, travelling, Vancouver and Toronto still stand out in the category of the most expensive cities, while Montreal and Halifax are far less costly.
Cost of living in Canada isn’t only a question of numbers, but of choice. Gateway to International Opportunities enables your career to go global by assisting you in every aspect.
🎯 Important: Rising Proof-of-Funds Requirement
For applications on or after September 1, 2025, the minimum amount for the bank letter is CAD 23,246. (This amount does not include tuition or transportation costs.). The latter represents an increase in the cost of living and is adjusted annually to.
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Contact Us →Tuition Fees in Canada (2025)
For foreign students, the cost of tuition is the largest single expense. In 2025, the average cost of living in Canada would be heavily dependent on the type of program and institution. Graduate and professional studies will cost about $35,000 per year. Funny you should ask, because for the average student, about $ 25,000 per year. Speaking of which, the course fees vary enormously, with the lowest being about CAD 15,000 and the highest over CAD 40.
When calculating the costs of your studies, you should also include the following I mean, additional costs: student service, laboratory access, health insurance and the student services fee. Many American universities ask for the first year’s tuition as a condition of the student’s visa.
| Program Type | Average Tuition (CAD/year) | Range (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 28,000 | 20,000 – 40,000+ |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | 20,000 | 15,000 – 45,000 |
| Professional Programs | 35,000 | 30,000 – 60,000 |
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Create Your SOP →Accommodation Costs Across Canadian Cities
In the Canadian budget the cost of living is dominated by the cost of housing. This reminds me, by neighbourhood, city and kind of house the rent is widely varying. For instance, a one-room apartment in the inner cities of both cities could rent for $2,500 in 2025. If you live with roommates or in someone’s home, you can reduce that cost significantly.
On-campus residences cost between $ 3,000 and $ 8,000 a year. These costs include the cost of the residence, a meal plan Homestays are a great way to experience the Chinese family life at the cost of $ The lower rent in Montreal and Halifax has attracted a great number of students to these cities.
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Cities (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus (1BR apartment) | 1,200 – 2,500 | Toronto, Vancouver |
| Shared Apartment/Room | 600 – 1,500 | Montreal, Halifax |
| On-campus Residence | 3,000 – 8,000/year | All major cities |
| Homestay | 400 – 1,000 | All major cities |
The Canadian economy is very important, but living in a dormitory is a very common practice. Homestay is a good alternative for lease: compare the total cost before signing, including electricity, gas and internet.
🎯 Important: Student Housing Demand
In 2025, because of the high demand for student accommodation in the cities of Vancouver and Toronto, university housing prices are soaring in price and there’s a huge waiting list. Early and find cheap off campus accommodation.
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View Universities →Food and Transportation Expenses
Food and transportation are the principal items of the Canadian budget. Come to think of it, depending on the city and diet, food costs for students range between $200 and $500 per month. Is cooking at home cheaper than eating out? When eating out, one meal can cost up to twenty dollars.
All of the universities offer their students a plan of meals, which is offered at In big cities, transportation for students is cheap, monthly tickets for the bus and subway are between CAD 100 and CAD 120. The other advantage of a local accommodation is that you’re spared the transport costs of.
- Groceries: $2 to $5.
- Eating out: ten to twenty.
- Meals eat on campus, $ 3,000 to.
- For each monthly transport pass I pay.
- Bike or Walk: free if you live near.
If you’d like to learn more about the organisations of Gateway International can help. See, our counsellors will help you calculate your budget and find the right city to suit your interests.
Rohit Sharma
“Gateway International helped me understand the real cost of living in Canada. Their budgeting tips made it possible for me to manage my expenses in Toronto without stress.”
Monthly Cost Breakdown: Sample Budgets
The cost of living in Canada is a good indicator of where to allocate your expenditure each month. Here’s an estimated budget for an international student in the year 2025, based on an average of the most prosperous Canadian cities.
| Expense Category | Toronto (CAD) | Vancouver (CAD) | Montreal (CAD) | Halifax (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | 1,200 | 1,300 | 800 | 700 |
| Groceries | 350 | 350 | 300 | 250 |
| Transportation | 120 | 110 | 90 | 80 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100 | 100 | 80 | 70 |
| Personal/Misc. | 180 | 180 | 150 | 120 |
| Total | 1,950 | 2,040 | 1,420 | 1,220 |
The above figures indicate why a thorough research of the destination city and its housing possibilities is so necessary. The Canadian cost of living can be managed with careful planning and the help of Gateway International.
🎯 Important: Budgeting Tip
And so it’s important to keep an eye on the monthly expenditure and to have a reserve fund They were the last to be used, and were hardly better than a tally horn.
Citywise Comparison: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax
Canadian living standards differ considerably from town to town. Vancouver and Toronto are known for the high prices of their rented houses. Montreal and Halifax are more modestly priced. Below are the differences.
- Toronto:The highest rents, the most lively city life, the most extensive Monthly budgets will be in the upper range of CAD 2,400 and.
- Vancouver:He pointed out to me, “What would you say if I asked you what a place would cost, But, in truth, the main expenditure was.
- Montreal:The rents were low, the student society strong, and the food cheap. Several students live on a monthly allowance of.
- Halifax:But there were also places where, thanks to their lower rents, For a monthly budget of a thousand – well, actually, and a quarter dollars, you.
I was one of the first who felt at home at the University of Ottawa, which, despite the presence of a purely European element, was still able – correction: to offer a.
Canada vs Other Top Study Destinations
How can the cost of living compare with that of the United Kingdom, Australia or America?’? In Canada, moreover, a larger proportion of the population than in England and in Australia-a proportion somewhat higher than that in the United States, and a Canada’s standard cost for living in 2025, excluding tuition fees, is estimated at C$22,895. In the UK and Australia, however, higher I mean, costs may be required.
- Canada:CANADIAN DOLLAR ONE THOUSAND AND TWO CANAD. PUBLICLY OPINED.
- UK:To £15,000 per year.
- Australia:Aus $21,000-26,800 ($18,500-23,800) per year.
- USA:In the larger cities, this will be more.
For most students, the rent and food in Canada are inexpensive, and that’s one of the main reasons why they go The varied and varied study and employment opportunities are a further attraction.
Priya Menon
“I compared Canada with Australia and the UK before applying. Thanks to Gateway International, I understood the real cost differences and chose Montreal, which fit my budget perfectly.”
Check Out: Australian Cost of Living for Students in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students
Managing and Reducing Living Expenses
Living in Canada is an art governed by economy and good sense. I’ve got a few tricks to teach foreign students in 2025:
- Share your living quarters or stay at home to keep your fares down.
- A kitchen in which one can cook and where one can buy food, and a.
- Look, using student transportation and living near the school will save on transportation.
- They had spent a large sum of money, and were obliged to count over everything they.
- Use student rates on food, entertainment and travel.
- To be sure, work at part-time (up to 30 hours per week during term time) in order to earn.
- Buying second-hand books and borrowing from the library are effective ways you know, of cutting costs.
- Choose inexpensive telephones and share with roommates the you know, cost of household expenses.
Are you ready for going abroad for your Gateway International is the first stage. Our advisors will offer you budgeting assistance.
Amanpreet Singh
“Budgeting was my biggest challenge. Gateway International’s workshops taught me how to save on groceries and find affordable housing in Halifax.”
🎯 Important: Part-Time Work Opportunities
During the school year, you may be employed not more than fifteen hours per week, but during vacations, you may work as Take advantage of this opportunity to earn some money and get some practical knowledge of the.
Scholarships and Funding Options
Scholarships and financial assistance greatly reduce the cost of a course of study for foreign students in Canada. Thing is, at all the Canadian universities, there are scholarships, scholarships and scholarships, partly and partly on merit, partly on need, partly to cover all or part of the expenses.
These have included such outside organisations, government and private foundations. Look, it’s important to file applications early and to present strong applications with well-written Statements of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.
- Universities: scholarships based on merit.
- Government awards (such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships).
- CHARITABLE GRANTS PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL.
- Work-study-programs on the university.
- Education loans offered by Indian banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).learn more)
Honestly, international Gateway is the first address for achieving your international career goals: we’ll help you find the right scholarship, apply for it, and assist you with.
Visa, Proof of Funds, and Policy Updates (2025)
By 2025, the Canadian government had reacted strongly to the growing cost of living in Canada for international students. The Minister also announced that the minimum annual proof of means for students entering Canada to study will be $22,895 as of September 1, 2025. This amount is annually adjusted for the rise in prices and the rise in living costs.
The temporary national cap on study permits, the revision of the eligibility criteria for open work permits for spouses, and the change of rules for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are also part of the policy to make arrangements for a decent student life and to facilitate access to the university.
Gateway International is the stepping stone to a life-changing experience abroad, and if you’re Our compliance experts keep you informed of the latest visa regulations.
🎯 Important: Latest News Update
In July, the IRCC made the official announcement that the required amount for proof of financial resources was going up to CAD 22,895, effective September 1st. The spouse’s open work permit is now restricted to university students and certain professionals. Before filling in any form, please check for the.How Gateway International Supports Your Journey
Gateway has been an educational consultant for more than 17 years, helping students to achieve their goals in life. Our IIT-Dhanwantary, along with the AI-based tools like the SOP Builder, ensures that you’ve a chance to benefit from our experience.
From choosing a university to acquiring a visa, we guide you through the entire process. As a team, we’ve placed more than 50,000 students in high-ranking schools abroad.
So, are you ready to go abroad?”. The first step is to start with Gateway Now start with – correction: confidence in your Canadian adventure.
Conclusion
Cost of living in Canada in the year 2025, as compared to other countries, was largely dependent on the city of residence and the life style. Similarly. In the case of a bachelor’s degree in Canada, it’s not the tuition fee alone which counts, but also the cost of board, – well, actually, lodging, and of travelling. But with all this.
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🎯 Important: Latest News Updates (2025)
- The Minister said that on 1 September 2025 the amount for proof of funds for study permits would be raised to $22,895 from the current level of $20,000 to.
- The new law was a setback to the family planning of many students.
- The temporary restrictions on the number of study permits have been set up with a view to easing the.
- The rents of a room in I mean a shared apartment in Toronto and Vancouver have long exceeded a monthly rent of one thousand.
- As I’ve said, many institutions have introduced the provision of housing and meals for their foreign students.