Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2025

The cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2025 has reached new heights. With rising rents, food inflation, and stricter visa rules, detailed financial planning is essential for every student planning to study abroad.

Average Cost of Living: 2025 Snapshot

Annual living expenses: CAD 20,000–22,000 (INR 15–17 lakhs), excluding tuition.
Monthly costs: CAD 1,000–2,500, depending on city and lifestyle.
Budget covers: rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Minimum Budget Required for 2025

From September 1, 2025, students must show proof of CAD 22,895 for living expenses (in addition to tuition).
This updated requirement ensures students have sufficient funds without depending only on part-time jobs.

Tuition vs. Living Expenses

Tuition fees: CAD 7,000–35,000 per year, based on program and university.
Living costs in major cities now rival tuition fees, especially due to rising rent, food, and health expenses.
For many, accommodation and food are becoming the biggest financial challenges.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Rent (shared): CAD 700–1,100
Food: CAD 250–400 (cooking at home); CAD 500+ (eating out)
Transport: CAD 50–150
Health insurance: CAD 50–85 (about CAD 600–1,000 annually)
Other expenses: CAD 100–300
Total monthly budget: CAD 1,100–2,000+

Rent: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

On-campus: CAD 700–1,200/month; includes utilities and sometimes meal plans.
Off-campus: CAD 400–1,500/month depending on city; utilities are usually extra.
On-campus = convenience and bundled costs. Off-campus = independence, potential savings, but more planning required.

Food & Grocery Costs

Cooking at home: CAD 200–400/month, economical if meals are shared.
Eating out: CAD 15+ per meal, leading to about CAD 500 extra per month if frequent.
Rising food prices make cooking the smarter option.

Transport Costs in Major Cities

Toronto: CAD 128 (monthly student pass).
Vancouver: CAD 45 (subsidized U-Pass).
Winnipeg: CAD 92 (student monthly pass).
Hamilton: CAD 125.40 (adult monthly pass in 2025).
Walking or biking can save money in student-heavy areas.

Health Insurance (Province-Wise)

Average cost: CAD 600–1,000 per year.
Provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba: offer public plans after a waiting period.
Ontario and Quebec: require private or university group insurance.
Always check insurance requirements with your school before departure.

Cost of Living by City (1-BR Apartment Rents)

Vancouver: CAD 2,700+ (very expensive).
Toronto: CAD 2,500+ (very expensive).
Calgary: CAD 1,900+ (moderate).
Ottawa: CAD 1,950+ (moderate).
Montreal: CAD 1,600+ (affordable thanbig cities).
Winnipeg: CAD 1,300+ (affordable).
Halifax: CAD 1,500+ (affordable).

Part-Time Jobs and Income Potential

Minimum wage: CAD 13–17/hour, depending on province.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes.
Average monthly income: CAD 800–1,600 before taxes.
Common jobs: retail, hospitality, food delivery, and on-campus roles.
Skilled jobs like tutoring or IT support: up to CAD 30/hour.

CONCLUSION

In 2025, the cost of living in Canada for Indian students ranges between CAD 20,000 and 22,000 annually, excluding tuition. Rent and food take up the largest share of expenses, while stricter proof-of-funds requirements mean students must be financially prepared before arriving. Choosing affordable cities, budgeting carefully, and balancing part-time work with academics are key to managing the Canadian study experience successfully.

Hyderabad

info@munuedu.com

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