Which is cheaper for me as a single student, Montreal or Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, excluding rent?
Among the five cities listed, Montreal has the lowest indicative monthly cost for a single person excluding rent, followed by Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary. Actual spending depends on your lifestyle, so treat the figures as a guide and compare rent separately.
Among the five cities compared, Montreal has the lowest indicative monthly cost for a single person excluding rent. Toronto and Vancouver come next, while Ottawa and Calgary are higher. Rent is left out, so compare housing separately before choosing a city.
Indicative Monthly Cost Excluding Rent
| City | Single person, monthly cost excluding rent |
|---|---|
| Montreal | CAD 1,313.90 (approx INR 88,044) |
| Toronto | CAD 1,426 (approx INR 95,556) |
| Vancouver | CAD 1,427 (approx INR 95,623) |
| Ottawa | CAD 1,494 (approx INR 1.00 L) |
| Calgary | CAD 1,516 (approx INR 1.02 L) |
These indicative figures come from Numbeo and are only a guide, since actual expenses depend on lifestyle.
How to Read the Comparison
- Montreal tends to suit students and professionals who want city amenities and plenty of housing choice.
- Toronto and Vancouver can involve higher housing expenses.
- Calgary and Ottawa offer different combinations of rent, commuting costs and employment opportunities.
My Advice
Strip out rent first, as the comparison does, and then add your own housing quote for each city. Weigh transport, job options and your course location along with cost, and check current prices before your 2027 or 2028 intake.
How much will a month in Canada cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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