Cost Of Living In Canada For Indian Students [2024 Updated]

Canada is a popular destination for international students, including those from India. While the quality of life in Canada is widely known and appreciated, the cost of living can vary depending on several factors. 

According to recent reports, the average cost of living in Canada for Indian students is around INR 85,000 per year. However, the cost of living can be higher or lower depending on the city you choose to live in and your lifestyle choices. 

Let’s dive deeper into the factors that influence the cost of living in Canada for Indian students.

Get a quick overview of the blog’s key highlights and unlock valuable information about the cost of living in Canada for Indian students

Blog Highlights:-

Avg Cost Of Living	INR 85,000
Avg Tuition Fee	INR 9L – INR 50L
Avg Rent In City Centre	INR 1L
Avg Transportation Cost Monthly Pass	INR 6,000
Avg Utilities Cost	INR 13,000
Avg Salary	INR 34L to INR 37L

Factors Influencing The Living Expenses In Canada

Several factors can influence the living expenses in Canada for Indian students. Major expenses include transportation, groceries, utilities, and rent. These costs can vary depending on the city you choose to live in, with major cities like Toronto and Vancouver generally being more expensive than smaller cities. 

Additionally, your lifestyle choices can also play a role in your overall cost of living. By being mindful of your expenses and budgeting wisely, you can make the most of your time in Canada without breaking the bank.

Here are some key factors influencing the cost of living in Canada for Indian students:

Parametres	Costs
Avg Transportation Cost (Monthly Pass)	INR 6,000
Avg Utilities Cost	INR 13,000
Avg Groceries Cost	INR 21,000
Avg Rent In Canada In City Centre	INR 1L

Average Cost Of Living In Canada Across Regions

Did you know that the average cost of living in Canada can vary greatly depending on the city you choose to live in? For example, the average cost of rent in Toronto is much higher than in cities like Halifax or Winnipeg. 

Similarly, the cost of groceries and transportation can also be higher in major cities compared to smaller ones.

To give you a better idea of the differences in the cost of living in Canada per month across different cities, here is a table highlighting the average monthly expenses for a student in some major cities:

City	Avg Rent In City (1) Bedroom	Transportation Cost (Monthly Pass)	Utilities Cost (Monthly)
Toronto	INR 1.6L	INR 9,600	INR 13,000
Quebec	INR 74,500	INR 5,656	INR 13,000
Montreal	INR 1L	INR 6,000	INR 6,700
Brampton	INR 1.2L	INR 8000	INR 16,000
Calgary	INR 1L	INR 7000	INR 22,500
Winnipeg	INR 77,000	INR 6,631	INR 13,700
Belleville	INR 1L	INR 5,000	INR 10,775
Vancouver	INR 1.7L	INR 8,612	INR 10,700
Surrey	INR 1.2L	INR 9,400	INR 14,000
Mississauga	INR 1.5L	INR 8,550	INR 14,000

Education Expenses In Canada For Indian Students

Education in Canada is highly regarded worldwide, with top-rated universities offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in Canada often face the challenge of finding the right course and university within their budget. 

To help you with that, here is a table of top Canadian universities and their average tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Top Universities	Avg UG Tuition Fees	Avg PG Tuition Fees
University Of Calgary	INR 12L – INR 18L	INR 11L- INR 18L
University Of Montreal	INR 15L – INR 20L	INR 13L – INR 20L
University of British Columbia	INR 24L – INR 35L	INR 16L – INR 38L
Simon Fraser University	INR 9L – INR 19L	INR 17L – INR 37L
University Of Alberta	INR 16L – INR 24L	INR 18L – INR 25L
York University	INR 18L – INR 27L	INR 18L – INR 30L
McGill University	INR 20L – INR 25L	INR 24L – INR 30L
University of Toronto	INR 25 – INR 28L	INR 30L – INR 36L
University Of Waterloo	INR 25L – INR 30L	INR 37L – INR 40L
University Of Ottawa	INR 20L – INR 50L	INR 10L – INR 20L

Top Courses For Indian Students In Canada

Canada offers a wide range of courses for Indian students. With world-renowned universities and expert faculty, Canada is an excellent option for those looking to pursue higher education. 

Here are the top 10 courses for Indian students in Canada:

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Business Management and Administration
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Media and Journalism
• Environmental Science
• Art and Design
• Education and Teaching 
• Social Sciences and Humanities
• Information Technology.

Employment And Income In Canada For Indian Students

Employment and income opportunities in Canada for Indian students are abundant. According to recent reports, the unemployment rate in Canada is at an all-time low of 5.8% in 2023. This means plenty of job opportunities are available for students after graduation.

Additionally, many of these jobs pay well, with the average annual salary for professionals in Canada being around INR 34L to INR 37L.

Some of the top professions in Canada for Indian students include software engineers, 

financial analysts, marketing managers, and registered nurses. 

Here is a table of the top 10 professions in Canada, along with their average salary:

Profession	Avg Annual Salary
Marketing Manager	INR 42.6L
Financial Analyst	INR 42.8L
Data Analyst	INR 45L
Chartered Accountant	INR 47L
Human Resources	INR 47L
Civil Engineer	INR 50.5L
Mechanical Engineer	INR 53L
Registered Nurse	INR 60L
Sales Manager	INR 62L
Software Engineer	INR 66L

Health Care System In Canada

The healthcare system in Canada is highly regarded worldwide, with a publicly funded system that provides basic medical services to all residents. Indian students studying in Canada can benefit from this system, which includes doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services. 

However, it is important to note that additional healthcare costs may arise, such as prescription medications, dental care, and vision care. It is recommended that Indian students consider purchasing private health insurance to cover these additional costs.

Health Insurance For Indian Students In Canada

Health insurance is essential to living in Canada, and Indian students must have health insurance coverage during their stay. Indian students in Canada can choose from various health insurance options, including private and provincial health insurance plans. 

Some popular private insurance providers for international students include Guard.me, Manulife, and Sun Life Financial. The provincial health insurance plan, or OHIP, is available to students who have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months. It is recommended that Indian students research and compare different health insurance options to find the best plan that suits their needs and budget.

Healthcare benefits in Canada for Indian students

Canada’s healthcare system is known for being one of the best in the world, providing comprehensive coverage to all its citizens and permanent residents. As an international student from India, you may also be eligible for certain healthcare benefits during your stay in Canada. 

Here are some of the healthcare benefits that you can avail of as an Indian student in Canada:

Basic Healthcare Coverage

As an international student, you are required to have health insurance coverage during your stay in Canada. This coverage typically includes basic healthcare services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Many health insurance plans in Canada also cover the cost of prescription drugs, which can be quite expensive without insurance. This coverage can help you save money on essential medications.

Mental Health Services

Canada’s healthcare system also provides coverage for mental health services, including counselling and therapy. This can be especially helpful for students who may be dealing with stress or other mental health issues.

Dental Care

While dental care is not covered under Canada’s public healthcare system, many private health insurance plans offer coverage for dental services. This can help you save money on routine check-ups, cleanings, and other dental procedures.

Vision Care

Similar to dental care, vision care is not covered under Canada’s public healthcare system. However, many private health insurance plans offer coverage for vision care services such as eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.

Alternative Therapies

Some health insurance plans in Canada also cover the cost of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. These therapies can help manage pain and promote overall wellness.

It’s important to note that the healthcare benefits available to you may vary depending on the province or territory you are studying in and the specific health insurance plan you choose. Be sure to carefully research your options and select a plan that meets your healthcare needs.

Tips For Indian Students To Reduce Cost Of Living In Canada

Studying abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. Every year, around 2.26L students from India choose Canada for their education, and the increasing cost of living can be a significant concern. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of living and make the most of your time in Canada without breaking the bank. 

Here are some tips to help you save money and live comfortably while studying in Canada. 

Accommodation:

• Consider shared accommodation or homestays to split rent costs.
• Explore off-campus housing options, which may be more affordable than on-campus residences.

Cooking at Home:

• Cook meals at home instead of dining out regularly.
• Plan and prepare meals in batches to save time and money.

Transportation:

• Use public transportation options like buses and trains to cut commuting costs.
• Consider walking or cycling for short distances to save on transportation expenses.

Budgeting:

• Create a monthly budget to track expenses and identify areas to cut costs.
• Prioritise essential expenses and allocate funds accordingly.

Health Insurance:

• Compare and choose a cost-effective health insurance plan that meets your needs.
• Understand the coverage details to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Networking for Shared Expenses:

• Connect with fellow students for shared groceries, transportation, and group activities expenses.
• Collaborate on purchasing items in bulk to save collectively.

Implementing these tips can significantly contribute to reducing the overall cost of living for Indian students in Canada.

Tax System In Canada

The tax system in Canada can be quite different from what Indian students are used to. In Canada, taxes are deducted from your income automatically, and you may be eligible for certain tax credits and deductions.

Understanding your tax obligations as an international student in Canada is important, as failing to file your taxes correctly can result in penalties and fines. 

Indian students studying in Canada may be required to pay Canadian income tax on their earnings. It is also necessary to report any income earned outside Canada for tax purposes. You must have to pay income tax if your income is INR 30L or more. The initial tax rate for the first income of INR 30L is 15%.

To file your income taxes in Canada, you will need the following documents:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN)
• Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Individual Tax Number (ITN) for Non-Residents
• T2202 showing your tuition fees paid for the tax year
• T4 form from your employer, which includes your employment earnings and deductions.
• T4A slip if you received a scholarship or bursary.
• Interest tax slips from financial institutions (if applicable)
• Receipts for donations made to Canadian charities
• Medical receipts

The Canadian government provides support to help you navigate the tax system, so take advantage of these resources to ensure you stay compliant with Canadian tax laws.

Final Thoughts:

While the cost of living in Canada for Indian students can vary depending on several factors, it remains an excellent place to pursue higher education. With world-class universities, abundant employment opportunities, and a high standard of living, Canada has much to offer Indian students. 

By being mindful of their expenses and budgeting wisely, Indian students can make the most of their time in Canada and have a rewarding educational experience.

And if you’re considering other options like the UK, USA and Australia, we’ve got you covered, too. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today for personalised guidance and advice.

Leap Scholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. Talk to us and find out which country is ideal for you!

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