While Canada is growing to become one of the most desirable destinations for higher studies and work, the cost of living in Canada is an essential and decisive factor that has to be considered when planning a career abroad. With the surge in the number of residents, the cost of living has been increasing constantly over the last few years. The cost of living also tends to differ from one city to another, and hence it is best to plan out your city of stay and study to get a good idea of how much it costs to live, study or work in Canada.
Perhaps an important factor to consider when looking into the cost of living in Canada would be the currency's exchange rate. For example, 1 CAD is approximately 62 INR (rates vary, so check current rates).
You will also have to assess the different types of expenditure to gauge and manage your finances while living in Canada. The exchange rate becomes a crucial factor in managing income and finances if your source of income exists in the currency of your home. If you are still wondering how expensive it can be to live in Canada, continue reading this article.
- International students applying to Canada must show proof of at least CAD 22,895 in living funds (raised from CAD 20,635 on September 1, 2025)
- The study permit fee remains CAD 150 plus CAD 85 for biometrics
- Off-campus work is permitted up to 24 hours per week during academic terms
- Master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter requirement from January 2026.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in Canada?
The average cost of living in Canada in 2026 ranges from CAD 1,400 to 2,200 per month excluding rent. International students must show proof of at least CAD 22,895 in living funds when applying for a study permit. Key expenses include rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal costs, which vary significantly by city.
The cost of living in Canada primarily depends upon a few essential expenses. These include the likes of monthly accommodation rent, food, groceries, transportation, tuition fees, and insurance. The following is a list of the average costs and expenditures that one may have to incur while living in Canada:
- Rent: The cost of accommodation can range from CAD 1,100 to 1,300 per month.
- Food: While food costs can vary depending on where you choose to eat, on average, it can cost around CAD 1,100 per month.
- Transportation: The cost of taking public transport to commute between places on a monthly basis is around CAD 90 to 100.
- Internet Cost: The cost for network and internet facilities can range from CAD 70 to 100 per month.
- Utility Services: Basic supply connections for electricity, water, etc., can cost around CAD 150 to 200 per month.
- Healthcare: Health insurance for an individual can cost around CAD 2,000 per annum.
How Much Does It Cost Indian Students to Live in Canada?
Canada is an attractive destination for Indian students who aspire to pursue higher studies and work there. The average annual cost including tuition, accommodation, food, and transport ranges from CAD 30,000 to 50,000 or more depending on the city and university. The study permit fee is CAD 150, and students must show proof of CAD 22,895 in living funds.
Canada is an attractive destination for Indian students who aspire to pursue higher studies and work there. The average cost of living in Canada for Indian students is around 183% costlier than living in India. It is essential to be aware of how much different things cost while living in Canada. A single person can be estimated to have a monthly expenditure of around INR 65,785 per month, excluding rent from the equation.
Here is a list of average expenses while living in Canada for Indian students:
- Average Flight Expense: INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 per flight per person
- Student Visa/Study Permit: INR 11,123 / CAD 150
- Work Visa/Work Permit: INR 11,493 / CAD 155
- IELTS Test Fees: INR 17,000
- Accommodation: INR 2.67L to INR 5.4L per annum
- Food: INR 17,508 per month
- Entertainment: INR 43,770 per month
- Health Insurance: INR 17,000 to INR 44,000 per annum
Here is a table of average tuition fees for different courses for Indian students in Canada:
| Course (2026) | Fees |
|---|---|
| MBA | INR 14,75,000 |
| Executive MBA | INR 30,31,000 |
| MS | INR 9,57,000 |
| M.Eng | INR 9,57,000 |
| M.A.Sc | INR 9,57,000 |
Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
While studying in Canada is an excellent choice to grow one's career and improve one's exposure to the outside world, it is undeniable that it comes at a price that could be considered expensive. International students must plan their finances and expenses well in advance and must also learn to spend wisely while living in the country. The cost of living in Canada is considerably more expensive for international students as they have to shell out more tuition fees in addition to their living expenses. In most cases, international students will be required to show proof of having sufficient money and funds before immigrating to Canada.
On average, an international student is expected to spend around CAD 22,895 per year on living expenses, with this amount rising further if others are living with them. These costs are usually spent in various categories such as food, transport, accommodation, books, clothing, etc. It is important to note that this amount does not cover the tuition fees that one will be required to pay their university.
Here is a list of average expenses while living in Canada for international students:
- Average Flight Expense: CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000 per flight per person
- Student Visa/Study Permit: CAD 150
- Work Visa/Work Permit: CAD 155
- IELTS Test Fees: CAD 310
- Accommodation: CAD 5,000 to CAD 22,895 per year
- Food: CAD 300 to 400 per month
- Entertainment: CAD 750 per month
- Health Insurance: CAD 300 to 800 per annum
Here is a table of average tuition fees for different courses for international students in Canada:
| Course (2026) | Fees |
|---|---|
| MBA | CAD 30,000 |
| Executive MBA | CAD 40,000 |
| MS | CAD 20,120 |
| M.Eng | CAD 24,125 |
| M.A.Sc | CAD 21,750 |
How Much Is the Cost of Living in Canada With Rent?
Housing and rent costs are the greatest expense for students living in Canada. Bachelor-style apartments average around CAD 1,000 per month, two-bedroom apartments around CAD 1,517 per month, and three-bedroom apartments around CAD 1,850 per month. On-campus university accommodations are also available and may include utilities and meals in the cost.
Housing and rent costs are by far the greatest expense that one has to bear as a student while living in Canada. These include not only the rent but also the cost of utility and basic amenities services. These, on top of other living expenses and tuition fees, can stack up to be quite a large amount that requires proper planning of funds ahead of time. In comparison, the rent costs are about 533% higher in Canada as compared to India. These costs tend to vary depending on what kind of accommodation one chooses.
There are primarily 4 kinds of accommodations possible while staying in Canada:
- On-campus hostel dorm accommodation
- Bachelor style designed apartments for 1 person
- 2 or 3 bedroom apartments designed for 2 to 4 people
- Single family detached houses for a group of 4 or more people
The cost of accommodation scales up with the size of the house or room one chooses. For example, bachelor style apartments have an average monthly rent of around CAD 1,000, two bedroom apartments around CAD 1,517, and three bedroom apartments around CAD 1,850.
While these are all the off-campus accommodation facilities available, on-campus university accommodations are also available at considerably cheaper rates. The average cost to have one's residence within the university's campus or dormitory is about CAD 250 to 650 per month.
How to Get PR in Canada After StudyingRead →What Is the Cost of Living in Toronto?
The average total cost of living in Toronto is about CAD 37,000 per year. The largest expense is housing, with rent costs significantly higher than the national average. Transportation, groceries, and utilities add substantially to monthly budgets. Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, making careful budget planning essential for students.
The average cost of living in Toronto is about CAD 37,000 per year.
The largest expense one will have to incur while staying in Toronto will be the housing and rent costs, which will be around CAD 2,070 per month.
Here is a table of costs for living in Toronto:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 156 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 30 if waiting charges apply) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.33 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 166.92 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.36 |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 75 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 15 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 80 to 100 per month |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 20 to 80 per meal |
What Is the Cost of Living in Ottawa?
The average cost of living in Ottawa is about CAD 1,200 per month without rent, making it more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. Housing costs are lower, and public transport is generally less expensive. Ottawa is Canada's capital city and offers excellent opportunities for students in government, technology, and research sectors.
The average cost of living in Ottawa is about CAD 1,200 per month without rent.
The largest expense one will have to incur while staying in Ottawa will be the housing and rent costs, which will be around CAD 1,000 to 1,500 per month.
Here is a table of costs for living in Ottawa:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 123 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 24 if waiting charges apply) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.27 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 151.07 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.28 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 75 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 15 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 to 100 per month |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 20 to 80 per meal |
What Is the Cost of Living in Vancouver?
The average cost of living in Vancouver is about CAD 1,170 per month without rent. Vancouver is one of Canada's most beautiful cities but also one of the most expensive for housing. Students must budget carefully for accommodation, as rental costs near the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University are particularly high.
The average cost of living in Vancouver is about CAD 1,170 per month without rent.
The largest expense one will have to incur while staying in Vancouver will be the housing and rent costs, which will be around CAD 1,200 to 1,800 per month.
Here is a table of costs for living in Vancouver:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 107 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 34 if waiting charges apply) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.59 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 88 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.35 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 88 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 15 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 105 to 120 per month |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 20 to 80 per meal |
What Is the Cost of Living in Quebec City?
The average cost of living in Quebec City is about CAD 1,035 per month without rent, making it one of the more affordable major cities in Canada. Quebec City offers a unique French-speaking environment and lower tuition fees for students enrolled at provincial universities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious international students.
The average cost of living in Quebec City is about CAD 1,035 per month without rent.
The largest expense one will have to incur while staying in Quebec City will be the housing and rent costs, which will be around CAD 660 to 1,500 per month.
Here is a table of costs for living in Quebec City:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 90 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 1.75 (+ CAD 39 if waiting charges apply) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.26 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 87 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.40 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 66.95 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 13 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 80 to 100 per month |
What Is the Cost of Living in Montreal?
The average cost of living in Montreal is about CAD 1,095 per month without rent. Montreal is widely regarded as one of the most affordable major cities in Canada for students, with lower rental costs and a vibrant cultural scene. It is home to several top universities including McGill University and the Université de Montréal.
The average cost of living in Montreal is about CAD 1,095 per month without rent.
The largest expense one will have to incur while staying in Montreal will be the housing and rent costs, which will be around CAD 700 to 1,000 per month.
Here is a table of costs for living in Montreal:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 88.50 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 1.75 (+ CAD 39 if waiting charges apply) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.40 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 98.50 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.36 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 63.81 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 13.50 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 to 110 per month |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 15 to 80 per meal |
Which City Has the Cheapest Cost of Living in Canada?
Quebec City and smaller cities in Atlantic Canada offer the cheapest cost of living in Canada, with average monthly costs around CAD 1,035 to 1,075 without rent. Average rent in affordable cities ranges from CAD 600 to 800 per month. Provinces such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba also offer significantly lower costs than Ontario and British Columbia.
If we were to compare the cost of living in different cities and provinces of Canada, we would find that Quebec province would be one of the cheapest places to live in overall. Cities like Quebec City and Montreal are, in fact, considered to be some of the most affordable places to live in the world. They are considered to have the cheapest cost of living in Canada based on the cost of housing, basic facilities, amenities, food, transport, etc.
Average cost is around CAD 1,075 per month without rent, with average rent of CAD 600 to 800 per month in the most affordable cities.
How Does the Cost of Living in Canada Compare to Other Countries?
Comparing the cost of living in Canada against countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, and India shows that Canada is generally competitive. Canada is often 15 to 25 percent less expensive than the USA for students. Rent and daily expenses tend to be lower than in London or Sydney, though higher than in most Indian cities.
It is also helpful to understand the differences between Canada and other countries regarding the cost of living to get a reasonable estimate of which country is best suited for one's budget and financial constraints. The following sections will discuss at length the difference in cost of living between Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and India.
Cost of Living in Canada vs USA
The following table lists the comparative differences in costs and expenses between the USA and Canada:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost in Canada | Cost in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,800 | CAD 1,700 to CAD 2,200 |
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 90 | CAD 82 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 34 per hour of waiting) | CAD 2 (+ CAD 38 per hour of waiting) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.2 per litre | CAD 0.8 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 166.5 per month | CAD 212.5 |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.33 per minute | CAD 0.18 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 79.6 per month | CAD 84.13 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 14 per person | CAD 15 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 | CAD 100 |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 18 to 75 | CAD 19 to 76 |
Cost of Living in Canada vs UK
The following table lists the comparative differences in costs and expenses between the UK and Canada:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost in Canada | Cost in UK |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,800 | CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 |
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 90 | CAD 110 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 34 per hour of waiting) | CAD 2 (+ CAD 29 per hour of waiting) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.2 per litre | CAD 2.15 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 166.5 per month | CAD 261.17 |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.33 per minute | CAD 0.17 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 79.6 per month | CAD 52.38 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 14 per person | CAD 17 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 | CAD 60 to 80 |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 18 to 75 | CAD 21 to 85 |
Cost of Living in Canada vs. Australia
The following table lists the comparative differences in costs and expenses between Australia and Canada:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost in Canada | Cost in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,800 | CAD 1,100 to CAD 2,500 |
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 90 | CAD 137 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 34 per hour of waiting) | CAD 2 (+ CAD 47 per hour of waiting) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.2 per litre | CAD 1.34 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 166.5 per month | CAD 196.58 |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.33 per minute | CAD 0.36 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 79.6 per month | CAD 70.63 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 14 per person | CAD 16.5 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 | CAD 70 to 80 |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 18 to 75 | CAD 18 to 86 |
Cost of Living in Canada vs. India
The following table lists the comparative differences in costs and expenses between India and Canada:
| Type of Expense (2026) | Cost in Canada | Cost in India |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,800 | CAD 200 to CAD 500 |
| Transportation Monthly Pass | CAD 90 | CAD 10 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer | CAD 2 (+ CAD 34 per hour of waiting) | CAD 0.27 (+ CAD 1.7 per hour of waiting) |
| Gasoline | CAD 1.2 per litre | CAD 1.54 per litre |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | CAD 166.5 per month | CAD 49.56 per month |
| Mobile Call Tariffs per minute | CAD 0.33 per minute | CAD 0.02 per minute |
| Internet and Data Charges | CAD 79.6 per month | CAD 13.1 per month |
| Movie Ticket | CAD 14 per person | CAD 4.26 per person |
| Groceries | CAD 90 | CAD 40 to 70 |
| Food (Meal) | CAD 18 to 75 | CAD 2 to 20 |