How much will I need each month to live in Canada as an Indian student?
Indian students can expect an estimated monthly cost of INR 85,000 to INR 1,10,000 in Canada. This covers rent, food, transport and health insurance. Plan separately for one-time costs such as flights, visa and biometrics, medical tests and a security deposit or initial rent.
Living in Canada is estimated at INR 85,000 to INR 1,10,000 per month for Indian students. This range covers rent, food, transport and health insurance and is an estimate of spending. For a study permit, IRCC requires proof of CAD 23,448 per year for living expenses (single student, applications from 1 September 2026), on top of tuition and transport.
Estimated monthly cost by country
| Country | Estimated monthly cost (INR) | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 85,000 to 1,10,000 | Rent, food, transport, health insurance |
| UK | 90,000 to 1,20,000 | Rent, groceries, public travel, mobile plan |
| Germany | 70,000 to 95,000 | Housing, food, student union fees, insurance |
| Australia | 95,000 to 1,30,000 | Housing, transport, OSHC insurance |
One-time costs on top of monthly spending
| Expense | Typical range (INR) | When required |
|---|---|---|
| Flight tickets | 60,000 to 1,20,000 | Before departure |
| Visa application and biometrics | 10,000 to 30,000 | During the visa process |
| Medical tests or X-rays | 5,000 to 10,000 | If the embassy requires them |
| Security deposit or initial rent | 40,000 to 1,00,000 | After arrival |
My Advice
Prepare a 12 to 18 month cost plan instead of budgeting only for tuition. Keep extra funds ready for emergencies or delays, and check part-time work rules and options such as GICs and education loans early.
This information is available on: canada.ca
How much will a month in Canada cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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