How much does it cost to live in Canada as an international student?

The cost of living in Canada varies significantly by city. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Toronto and Vancouver (most expensive):
- Rent (shared room): CAD 900–1,400/month
- Food: CAD 400–600/month
- Transport: CAD 130–170/month (monthly pass)
- Phone: CAD 40–70/month
- Total: CAD 1,600–2,500/month

Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton:
- Rent (shared): CAD 700–1,100/month
- Food: CAD 350–500/month
- Transport: CAD 100–130/month
- Total: CAD 1,300–2,000/month

Smaller cities (Halifax, Saskatoon, Regina):
- Rent (shared): CAD 500–800/month
- Lower costs overall
- Total: CAD 1,000–1,500/month

Study permit financial requirement: CAD 10,000/year for most provinces (plus tuition). This is the minimum you must demonstrate — actual costs are typically 20–40% higher.

How students manage costs:
- On-campus jobs (no work permit needed during studies)
- Off-campus work: 20 hours/week during regular semesters (recently changed to unlimited for some periods — verify current rules with IRCC)
- Cooperative education (co-op) programmes that alternate work and study terms

Health insurance:
- Some provinces have provincial health plans (Ontario's OHIP — after 3 months for some students)
- Most universities provide student health insurance plans (CAD 300–700/year)
- International students in provinces without coverage need private insurance

Always budget more than the minimum — unexpected costs (winter clothing, textbooks, visa renewal fees) add up significantly.