Apart from the United States, Canada is another country in North America that is quite well known as a favorite destination for continuing studies abroad. Good quality education and a multicultural environment are the main reasons for this.
Not only that, the use of English as their official language will make it easier for students from all over the world to communicate with local people and have an international community.
After graduating, the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Canada is also greater than in other countries, you know.
So, for these reasons, is it not surprising that many students are interested in studying in Canada? However, if you want to study in Canada, the cost of living is another thing that must be taken into consideration. Wow, how much?
The following is a breakdown of the cost of living in Canada 2023 which can be used as a reference for prospective international students. Come on, take a look first.
1. Residence
Of course, the most important thing you have to think about when moving to Canada is where to live. Costs for accommodation are the biggest expense every month and the amount can vary for each person.
Residential rental prices vary, depending on the location, size of the residence and the facilities provided. The cities of Toronto and Vancouver also have higher rental costs than other places in Canada.
For students, living in a dormitory can be the right choice, especially for the first few months to a year. Apart from saving on transportation costs, most campus dormitories also cover daily food costs.
Dormitory rental prices can also differ for each campus, on average ranging from CAD 3,000 to 7,500 per year.
Apart from a dormitory, living in a homestay with a host family can be another alternative option. For students who live in a homestay, you can get your own room and eat 2-3 times a day.
If you want to stay in a homestay, there is a deposit of CAD 200 at the beginning. Costs per month range from CAD 400 to 800.
Another option for accommodation is to rent an apartment. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment ranges from CAD 750 to 2,200 per month. If you want to rent a three-bedroom apartment, the price reaches CAD 2,700 to 4,500.
If you want it to be cheaper, you can invite other friends to live in the same apartment.
However, if you plan to stay in Canada for a long time, buying a house could be the right choice. House prices are much cheaper in the countryside than in the city, averaging around CAD 500,000.
2. Utility Bills
With owning or renting a home, utility bills are another expense that is impossible to avoid. For those of you who rent dormitories, perhaps you no longer need to worry about this.
What’s even better is that most apartments include utility bills in their monthly rental costs. If not included, at least you need to set aside CAD 30 to 100 for utility costs.
3. Eat and Drink
Another basic need that is no less important for survival is eating and drinking. For students who choose to live in a dormitory or homestay, this is no longer the biggest expense because it is included in the rental fee.
However, for those who live in an apartment, of course you need to pay for food. The amount per person can vary, depending on lifestyle and of course the cheapest option is to cook it yourself.
Canada is a multicultural country, so you can find food from all over the world here. A portion of food in a cheap restaurant can cost anywhere from CAD 12 to 20.
Meanwhile, for fine dining for two people the price reaches CAD 50 to 85. If you want cheap food, look for a fast food restaurant where one portion of food ranges from CAD 8 to 11.
For mineral water drinks, the price for one bottle ranges from CAD 1-3, the same goes for soda. The price of alcoholic drinks also varies, depending on the type.
4. Transportation Costs
To support mobility in your daily life as an overseas child, of course you need to pay transportation costs. Students usually use public transportation and the most frequently used are buses and metro trains.
The payment system is cashless using a tap card. For one way, on average it will cost CAD 3. Meanwhile, for one month the average transportation money is CAD 80 to 110 in Vancouver.
In more expensive cities like Toronto, monthly transportation costs can reach CAD 150, you know. However, for students, you can get a discount if you use a student card.
Another option for public transportation is a taxi, which costs CAD 2-6 per kilometer. So, the total cost depends on the route.
If you want to stay in Canada for a long time, buying a car could be an option to save on transportation costs. The average car price is CAD 20,000, but there are additional expenses per month such as petrol and insurance.
5. Communication
To stay connected with family and friends in your homeland, you need to buy a cell phone card. Well, the costs that must be paid vary depending on the provider. The average monthly price is CAD 30-55.
Quota costs can be reduced by using Wi-Fi in public places. If you want to install internet in your apartment, you can, for a price ranging from CAD 70 to 80 per month.
6. Monthly Shopping
As an overseas child, of course you need to shop for various monthly needs which include cooking ingredients, snack supplies and cleaning supplies. The budget for this can vary from person to person, depending on needs and lifestyle.
However, the average college student will spend CAD 100 to 150 per month on shopping.
7. Health Insurance
Canada is one of the countries that has the best health care system in the world. Citizens and permanent residents can enjoy free health insurance, check-ups, and dental care!
Several provinces also provide free health services for international students, such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
This means that if you live in another province, health insurance is mandatory to have. Because, the cost of consulting a doctor reaches CAD 100 and medicines range from CAD 10-25, you know!
Costs for health insurance in private companies range from CAD 600-1000. However, the costs can be greater than those borne by the government.
8. Entertainment and Recreation
To relieve fatigue from everyday life as overseas children, of course most of you need entertainment and recreation. There are various kinds of recreation that can be enjoyed in this country, from indoor to outdoor.
If you want free refreshing, you can exercise in city parks while enjoying the fresh air. Gym membership prices for one month range from CAD 41 to 60. To watch a movie. You will need CAD 12-15.
9. Clothing
Canada is a country with four distinct seasons. Some of you may need to buy new clothes to face the changing seasons. Well, prices for clothes can vary depending on the type and brand.
The costs for this don’t have to be spent every month, only when you need to buy clothes.
I’m Djavan Dias, or DJ for short. I’ve swapped corporate life for endless adventures, sharing travel tips and insights on Premier Wanderlust. Dive into a world of smart travel and unforgettable experiences with me!