How much budget should I plan for accommodation while studying in Canada for a Bachelor's?

Plan on CAD 500 to CAD 2,500 or more a month for accommodation in Canada, with the exact figure driven almost entirely by your city and whether you live on campus, share a place, or rent solo. On-campus dorms run CAD 600 to CAD 1,200 a month plus a mandatory meal plan, while sharing an off-campus apartment is usually the cheapest option at CAD 500 to CAD 1,400 a month.

Monthly Rent by City (Shared vs Solo)

Accommodation Types and Hidden Costs

• On-campus residence: CAD 600 to CAD 1,200 a month, often requiring a mandatory meal plan of CAD 3,500 to CAD 5,500 a year on top
• Off-campus shared housing: CAD 500 to CAD 1,400 a month, the most popular choice from second year onward
• Off-campus solo living: CAD 1,100 to CAD 2,500+ a month, plus your own utilities
• Utilities and internet if separate: an extra CAD 80 to CAD 150 a month, usually split among roommates
• Tenant insurance: around CAD 15 to CAD 30 a month; most landlords require it
• Move-in costs: a security deposit often equal to half a month's rent, plus furniture and kitchen supplies for unfurnished units

My Advice

Book on-campus housing for your first year if it is available, since it removes the guesswork around leases and lets you find roommates before committing to an off-campus share in year two. Tell us which Canadian city and university you have shortlisted and we will benchmark your rent expectations against the city table above so your loan or savings plan is realistic from day one.