Canada is one of the top destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, immigrant-friendly society, and booming job market. However, the cost of living varies depending on the city, making it crucial for students to choose affordable locations that balance low expenses with quality education and job opportunities.
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Top 10 Affordable Cities in Canada
The table below has a list of some of the most affordable cities in Canada for international students based on factors like housing, transportation, and food costs:
|
Canadian cities |
Average monthly housing cost (in CAD) |
Average monthly transportation cost (In CAD) |
Average monthly food cost (In CAD) |
|
Sherbrooke, Quebec |
CAD 1,430 |
CAD 226 |
CAD 460 |
|
Moncton, New Brunswick |
CAD 1,200 |
CAD 230 |
CAD 290 – 400 |
|
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan |
CAD 1,200 |
CAD 230 |
CAD 250 – 300 |
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
CAD 1,370 |
CAD 105 – 120 |
CAD 500 – 750 |
|
Montreal, Quebec |
CAD 1,200 – 1,600 |
CAD 100 |
CAD 350 – 550 |
|
Laval, Quebec |
CAD 1,500 |
CAD 280 |
CAD 350 – 550 |
|
Halifax, Nova Scotia |
CAD 1,672 |
CAD 120 |
CAD 300 – 500 |
|
Ottawa, Ontario |
CAD 1,800 |
CAD 130 |
CAD 250 – 500 |
|
Calgary, Alberta |
CAD 1,000 – 1,800 |
CAD 150 |
CAD 350 – 550 |
|
Abbotsford, British Columbia |
CAD 1,870 |
CAD 250 |
CAD 350 – 550 |
Note: Sherbrooke is the most affordable city overall for international students, with the lowest cost of living and tuition fee. Moncton and Laval are for those who wish to live in small, welcoming communities along with good opportunities for study and job. Saskatoon and Winnipeg balance affordability and access to quality education in prairie cities. Montreal is the ideal choice for students who want a vibrant urban experience without the high costs of Toronto and Vancouver.
Tips for International Students Migrating to Canada
Below are a few tips for international students who wish to pursue higher studies in Canada regarding stay, food, and transportation upon reaching Canada:
- Shared housing can save you a lot of money. Renting with roommates or opting for student residences can cut your housing expenses by 30- 50 %
- Purchase monthly passes for transportation, or rent a bike in smaller cities like Sherbrooke or Charlottetown (PEI)
- International students in Canada can work part-time for 20 hours per week during their studies. Many job opportunities exist in fields such as retail, hospitality, etc., which can cover 70-80% of your living costs.
- Food expenses can be cut short by purchasing groceries from budget stores like No Frills or Walmart and cooking at home to save big on food.
- International students can also apply for scholarships, which can fully or partially cover the tuition fee and other expenses. Universities, private organizations, and governmental organizations offer scholarships.
- Opt for a city that matches your career goals. For example, Montreal is the ideal choice if you are interested in tech and arts. In the case of tourism or veterinary studies, Charlottetown is a good choice.
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