Planning to study in Canada? You’ve probably already researched tuition fees—but what about the cost of living? Budgeting for life outside the classroom is just as important as paying for your education.
In this post, we’ll break down the typical expenses international students face while living in Canada in 2025, so you can plan smart and avoid surprises.
1. Housing
Your biggest monthly expense will likely be rent. Costs can vary a lot depending on the city and whether you live on- or off-campus.
| City | Shared Apartment | On-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CAD $800–$1,200 | CAD $1,000–$1,500 |
| Vancouver | CAD $900–$1,300 | CAD $900–$1,400 |
| Montreal | CAD $600–$900 | CAD $800–$1,200 |
| Halifax/Ottawa | CAD $500–$800 | CAD $700–$1,000 |
2. Food and Groceries
Expect to spend about CAD $300–$500 per month on groceries. Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out, where a simple meal can cost CAD $15–$25.
Pro tip: Look for student discount days at grocery stores and local restaurants!
3. Transportation
Public transit is widely available in most cities. A monthly student transit pass usually costs:
- Toronto: ~CAD $128
- Vancouver: ~CAD $105
- Montreal: ~CAD $57
- Halifax: ~CAD $82
Many schools offer discounted passes—check with your student union!
4. Health Insurance
International students must have health coverage while studying in Canada. Some provinces include it in public healthcare (like British Columbia), while others require private plans.
Average cost: CAD $600–$900 per year
5. Cell Phone and Internet
- Mobile phone plans: CAD $30–$60 per month
- Internet (shared): CAD $20–$40 per month
6. Entertainment & Miscellaneous
Make room in your budget for fun and essentials:
- Movie ticket: ~CAD $15
- Gym membership: CAD $30–$50/month
- Clothing, supplies, toiletries: varies, but CAD $50–$100/month is a good estimate
Sample Monthly Budget (Toronto Example)
| Category | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | $1,000 |
| Food | $400 |
| Transit | $128 |
| Phone + Internet | $70 |
| Health Insurance | $75 (monthly avg) |
| Entertainment | $100 |
| Total | ~$1,773/month |
Final Thoughts
Living in Canada as a student isn’t cheap, but with smart budgeting, it’s definitely manageable. The key is to plan ahead, take advantage of student discounts, and explore part-time job options where allowed.
Need help choosing a city or figuring out how to afford it all? Contact 1-A Education—our advisors can guide you step by step and even help you find budget-friendly programs.