Cost of Living in Canada for Indians

Before we dive deep, let's look at the estimated average monthly expenses. Remember, these are averages and can vary significantly based on your lifestyle and the city you choose.

Note: Conversion rates are approximate. Please check the latest rates for exact figures.

Your monthly budget will be a sum of several key components. Let's break them down one by one.

Accommodation & Rent: The Biggest Factor in Canada's Living Costs

Just like in India, rent will consume the largest portion of your budget. Your choice between living on campus or off campus will have a major financial impact.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing 

On-campus university residences are convenient but can sometimes be more expensive. They typically cost between CAD 800 and CAD 1,500 (~₹50,160 and ~₹94,050) per month.

Off-campus housing, especially when shared with roommates, is the preferred option for most Indian students. A room in a shared apartment can range from CAD 700 - CAD 1,200 (₹43,890 - ₹75,235), depending heavily on the city and its location.

Here’s a look at average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in popular cities as of 2025:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Food & Grocery Costs in Canada for Students

Your monthly food expenses can be managed effectively if you cook at home. For a single person, a monthly grocery bill will be between CAD 300 - CAD 450 (₹18,810 - ₹28,215). This includes essentials like milk, bread, rice, lentils (dal), vegetables, and chicken. Eating out is significantly more expensive; a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost CAD 20 - CAD 25 (₹1,255 - ₹1,568). Learning a few simple recipes before you leave India is a fantastic way to save money.

Transportation Costs: Getting Around Canada Affordably

Canada has an excellent and reliable public transportation system. Most students and newcomers rely on it. A monthly pass for buses and the metro/subway costs between CAD 90 - CAD 150 (₹5,642 - ₹9,405), with most cities offering student discounts. This is far more economical than owning a car, which comes with high insurance and maintenance costs.

Utility Costs in Canada (Water, Internet & More)

If you live off-campus, you will need to budget for utilities. This includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage disposal. In the cold Canadian winters, heating costs can rise. On average, budget around CAD 150 - CAD 230 (₹9,405 - ₹14,420) per month for these. A basic internet plan will add another CAD 70 - CAD 90 (₹4,390 - ₹5,642) to your monthly bill.

Healthcare & Health Insurance Costs for International Students

Health insurance is compulsory for all international students in Canada. The cost and system vary by province. Some provinces, like Alberta and British Columbia, enroll eligible students in their provincial healthcare plans for free or a small fee after a waiting period. In others, like Ontario, you must purchase a private plan, which costs approximately CAD 600 - CAD 900 (₹37,620 - ₹56,426) per year.

Estimating Personal & Entertainment Expenses in Canada

This category includes everything else: your mobile phone plan, toiletries, clothing, and social activities. A reasonable budget for these items is CAD 200 - CAD 400 (₹12,540 - ₹25,078) per month. This allows for a few movie outings, coffee with friends, and other recreational activities that are essential for a balanced life.

Choosing a city is a big decision that directly impacts your finances and lifestyle. Think of it like choosing between Mumbai and Pune—both offer opportunities, but at very different costs.

High Cost of Living Cities: Toronto and Vancouver

Toronto and Vancouver are Canada's largest, most dynamic, and most expensive cities. They offer the most job opportunities and are incredibly diverse, but the cost of rent is the highest in the country. Choose these cities if you have a robust budget and a career path that benefits from a large metropolitan area.

Balanced Living Costs: Calgary and Ottawa

Calgary, an energy hub, and Ottawa, the nation's capital, offer a fantastic balance of a high quality of life and more manageable costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver. They have strong job markets and a vibrant culture without the extreme housing prices.

Most Affordable Cities for the Lowest Cost of Living in Canada

For students and families on a tighter budget, cities like Montréal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Halifax are excellent choices. Montréal offers a unique European culture with very affordable rent. Cities in the prairie provinces, like Winnipeg and Edmonton, provide a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost of the larger metros.

Your living expenses are separate from your tuition fees. Canadian education is more affordable than in the US or UK, but it is still a significant investment.

• Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Degree: CAD 20,000 - CAD 40,000 per year (~₹12.5 Lakhs - ~₹25 Lakhs)
• Postgraduate (Master's) Degree: CAD 18,000 - CAD 30,000 per year (~₹11.2 Lakhs - ~₹18.8 Lakhs)
• Diploma and Certificate Programs: CAD 15,000 - CAD 25,000 per year (~₹9.4 Lakhs - ~₹15.6 Lakhs)

As of January 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants. An applicant must now show they have CAD 20,635 (CAD 22,895 this amount will be active from 1st September, 2025) in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This amount is expected to be adjusted for 2025 and 2026 based on inflation statistics, so always check the official IRCC website for the latest figures.

• Cook at Home: This is the single biggest way to save money.
• Use Student Discounts: Your student ID is a key to savings on transit, food, and entertainment.
• Find a Part-Time Job: Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. The minimum wage varies by province but is generally between CAD 15-17 per hour.
• Choose Your City Wisely: Opting for a more affordable city can save you thousands of dollars annually.
• Buy Used Textbooks: University textbooks are expensive. Look for second-hand options online or from senior students.

Understanding the cost of living is the foundation of your journey to Canada. By creating a realistic budget and making smart choices about your city and lifestyle, you can ensure your experience is not just educational, but also financially sound. Welcome to your new beginning!