Cost of Living in Canada: Accommodation, Transportation, Food

| Updated On - Oct 24, 2024

As an international student in Canada, it is absolutely key to have a good understanding of the cost of living. With cities like Toronto and Vancouver boasting high living costs, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for prospective Indian students. In Canada, monthly rent varies significantly across cities, with Toronto averaging CAD 2,522 (INR 1,53,427) and Vancouver at CAD 2,829 (INR 172,010). Students can also find affordable housing in Quebec City at 1,266 CAD (76,944 INR) per month.

Additionally, food and transportation costs can add up quickly, with meal expenses ranging from CAD 300 to CAD 600 (INR 18,240 to INR 36,481) monthly. Students can make smart savings by using public transport, checking for student discounts and many more. In this article, explore the main expenses of living in Canada with tips and smart ways to budget as much as possible.

Table of Contents

Cost of Living in Top Cities in Canada
Cost of Meals in Canada
Cost of Groceries in Canada
Transportation Costs in Canada
Tips to Save Money in Canada
FAQs

Cost of Living in Top Cities in Canada

The standard of living in Canada is high, but costs differ between the various cities. Whether in large cities such as Toronto or Vancouver or small cities like Quebec City, knowing the costs, including rent, groceries, and purchasing power, makes it easier. Check out the table given below to get ideas for the monthly rent.

City	Monthly Rent (CAD)	Equivalent Rent for Indians (INR)
Toronto	2,522	1,53,427
Ottawa	1,977	1,20,206
Quebec City	1,266	76,944
Calgary	2,007	1,22,030
Vancouver	2,829	1,72,010
Victoria	2,157	1,31,151

Cost of Meals in Canada

Many international students struggle with the expenses of meals in Canada, and it's important to understand the cost accurately. Food costs depend on the place where you live, as well as the difference between homemade and restaurant food. The monthly meals expenses can be expected per person around 300 - 600 CAD (18,240 - 36,481 INR). Cooking food at home is cheaper compared to eating out in restaurants. Here is the idea of the cost of food in Canada:

Meal	Homemade Cost (CAD)	Restaurant Cost (CAD)
Breakfast	1.50 to 2.50	10 to 20
Lunch	2 to 5	10 to 25
Dinner	5 to 10	20 to 50

Cost of Groceries in Canada

Grocery prices in Canada also depend on the location, but in recent years, there has been an increase in food prices. Students can make their budget more effective and keep their kitchen full of groceries despite situations when average prices are a bit higher. Check out the price list of some essentials below:

Product	Amount (CAD)	Amount (INR)
Beef stewing cuts	21 per kg	1276
Ground beef	13 per kg	790
Whole chicken	6 per kg	364
Milk (1 liter)	3	182
Eggs (1 dozen)	4	243
Apples (per kilogram)	5	304
Potatoes (per kilogram)	4	243
Tomatoes (per kilogram)	4	243
Bacon (500 grams)	6	364
Canned tuna (170 grams)	1	60

Transportation Costs in Canada

Transportation expenses in Canada vary widely based on city and mode of transport, making it essential for international students to budget effectively. For example, a monthly public transport pass can range from CAD 85 in Victoria to CAD 156 in Toronto. Understanding these options can help students make informed choices and manage their finances while studying abroad. Checkout table given below for the transportation cost in detail:

City	Monthly Pass (CAD)	Monthly Pass (INR)
Toronto	156	9,481
Vancouver	140	8,508
Mississauga	131	7,961
Ottawa	128	7,779
Calgary	115	6,989
London	112	6,807
Winnipeg	108	6,563
Montreal	100	6,077
Edmonton	100	100
Quebec City	94	5,743
Victoria	85	5,166

Tips to Save Money in Canada

Here are some useful tips for saving money in Canada:

Make a budget in order to be able to monitor your income and spending.
Take your packed lunch instead of patronizing a restaurant.
Avoid using the car and take public transport or share with other individuals to reduce fuel costs.
Always watch out for promotions and discounts when purchasing through coupons.
Buy fresh produce when they are in season, which will reduce the cost of your meals.
Get rid of all the subscriptions and memberships one will not be using for some time.
Buy used clothing and household items from thrift stores.
Minimize electricity expenses through the use of energy-saving gadgets.
Pay close attention to prices before buying things online.

The cost of living in Canada as an international student might seem a bit high, but planning and budgeting can help handle the situation. When you identify the several costs involved and look for ways of cutting such costs, you can concentrate on your exams and enjoy the trip to Canada. Remember to search for students' special offers and other social services that can make you use your money even more effectively.

FAQs

Ques. What is the average rent for international students in major Canadian cities?

Ans. The average rent for international students varies significantly across major Canadian cities. In Toronto, the average rent is approximately 2,522 CAD (1,53,369 INR) per month. Meanwhile, in Vancouver, rent can reach around 2,829 CAD monthly. In Calgary, students can expect to pay about 2,007 CAD for accommodation.

Ques. What are the transportation costs for international students in Canada?

Ans. Transportation costs for international students also depend on the city they reside in. A monthly transit pass in Toronto costs about 156 CAD, while in Vancouver, it is approximately 140 CAD. In Calgary, students can purchase a monthly pass for around 115 CAD.

Ques. How can international students optimize their budgets while living in Canada?

Ans. International students should compare prices for groceries and essential items across different stores. Additionally, planning meals can help minimize food waste, and students can seek out community centres that offer free or discounted services. These tips can assist in managing their living expenses effectively.