If you are planning to study in Canada temporarily, but you can’t decide in which city to live, this article may help you. Learn which are the most affordable and the most expensive cities in Canada.
When we move to a new city, rent is one of the first things to consider, as a large part of our budget will be spent on it. However, other factors are also important; whether the city is more or less affordable, the price of transportation, food, how much it costs to eat out or go shopping.
Read on to learn about the cost of living in Canada’s major cities – your next destination is waiting for you!
Canada’s most affordable cities
Beyond the most popular cities, there are smaller but charming cities that offer the perfect place to live and study for a period of time. In general, these smaller places tend to be much more affordable than larger cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver.
Would you like to find out which are some of the most affordable destinations in Canada? We have prepared a list for you. These are some of our favorite cities to study and live both because they have a lot to offer, and because the cost of living is lower. Are you ready?
1. Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba province and is located in southern Canada, right in the middle of the country. Among the big Canadian cities, Winnipeg is one of the most affordable and offers one of the highest quality of life. It is a highly multicultural city, and many compare it to Toronto, although on a smaller scale.
Prices in Winnipeg are generally lower, and this is not limited to rent. Utilities, monthly groceries, entertainment and transportation costs are also lower, which means you won’t be spending too much.
- Rent: a room, in a normal area, is about $800 CAD (Canadian dollars).
- Monthly cost of living: between $1,700 and $2,000.
All in all, the cost of living in Winnipeg is one of the cheapest in Canada, which makes it a great place to live and save a little. In addition, it is a lush, green and welcoming city and boasts numerous music festivals.
2. Montreal
Montreal is one of the largest and most important cities in Canada. It is located in Quebec province and was the economic capital of the country until 1970, when Toronto succeeded in seizing this place. Now, it is regarded as the cultural capital of Canada.
Despite being one of the most populated cities in Canada, Montreal is much more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. Both supermarkets and household supplies are cheaper. Public transportation is also less expensive and the city is conveniently connected. You may use the subway, ride the bus or take the bicycle service. The monthly transit pass is $85 and the weekly bicycle fare is $10 CAD.
- Rent: in a normal area of the city, a room costs about $875.
- Monthly cost of living: approximately $1,800 to $2,300.
As such, Montreal is a perfect destination due to its cultural richness and also because of its gastronomic variety. You will find restaurants of all kinds, amazing food trucks and colorful markets. If you enjoy good food and you consider yourself a real foodie, in Montreal you will be able to taste delicious meals at a very good price. The best thing about Montreal is the fact that it is a university city, with a young and multicultural ambience, where you will be able to communicate in English and French.
3. Kelowna
Kelowna is located in eastern Canada, in British Columbia province (BC). It is a quiet city located in a privileged area overlooking Okanagan Lake. Its climate is slightly warmer than in other areas of BC, hence there is an abundance of fruit and vegetable crops. Moreover, among the cheapest cities in Canada, it also made it into our top choice of destinations.
The cost of living is similar to Winnipeg and public transportation is one of the cheapest things in the city. Since it is a somewhat agricultural area, the cost of fruits and vegetables is much lower. Plus, you can find local and organic produce at very good prices.
- Rent: for a room, located in downtown, the price is about $850.
- Monthly cost of living: approximately $1,800 to $2,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Kelowna might be your best choice because it is affordable, and it boasts a unique nature and gastronomic diversity. Also, if you are into wine, this is the ideal place, as the wine industry in Kelowna ranks among the most important in the country. And even though winters are a bit cold, we assure you that summers are wonderful.
4. Calgary
Calgary is located in Alberta province, just over an hour’s drive from the famous Rocky Mountains. It is a cosmopolitan city that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, mainly driven by the oil industry. It is also known by the nickname of Cowtown, due to its western heritage, which is still alive and well through events such as the Calgary Stampede, a rodeo and cattle culture festival.
Calgary is the third largest city in Canada, and it is actually more affordable than Toronto and Vancouver. Furthermore, the education and health care systems are among the best in the country, and the public transportation is excellent. The monthly transit pass is cheaper than in major cities, costing $109.
- Rent: in a normal part of town, about $950 CAD (Canadian dollars).
- Monthly cost of living: between $1,900 and $2,500.
Restaurants and outdoor parks are plentiful in Calgary, and you may go shopping at any time of the year, even during the snowy season. The city features a system of bridges connecting buildings that enable citizens to go shopping without having to set foot on the street during winter. And the best part? You may visit Banff or Jasper whenever you want, as the stunning Rocky Mountains are just a short drive away.
5. Mississauga
On the shores of Lake Ontario, right next to Toronto, is the sixth most populous city in Canada. There are many activities and job opportunities, as well as a wide range of schools to study. However, its main advantage over its neighboring city is that its cost of living is much cheaper.
Mississauga offers everything you might need and a great quality of life, and certainly your budget will definitely go further than in neighboring Toronto, a city that is just a short hop away. You may practice all kinds of sports during the year, but if you like to go to the gym, you can find gyms for $35 per month. The monthly pass for public transportation is about $98. These prices give you an idea of how affordable this city is for your budget.
- Rent: a room in downtown is about $1,150 CAD per month, outside downtown it can drop to $900 CAD per month.
- Monthly cost of living: between 2,300 and 2,800$CAD, depending upon your lifestyle.
If Toronto appealed to you, but seems too expensive, Mississauga is the perfect destination! You will have the same amenities, city lifestyle and you will be able to practice all kinds of sports.
The most expensive cities in Canada
Although these are the most expensive cities, the truth is that they are also the most popular cities among international students to study in Canada. Why? Quite simply, because they offer some of the best courses in the country, internationally recognized, and because cities like Vancouver or Toronto deliver an unforgettable experience.
The fact that these cities may not seem affordable at first glance does not prevent thousands of students from Spain, Chile, Colombia or Mexico from studying there every year. We guarantee you that these cities deserve a chance, as they are perfect to live in for a season. But you never know, there are people who come for 6 months and decide to stay much longer. Do you want to learn more about these cities? Well, here we go!
1. Ottawa
The capital of Canada located in southern Ontario, nearby Montreal and close to the U.S. border. The Ontario River runs along the entire city, gifting its inhabitants with beautiful views and fantastic recreational areas. The river also serves as a natural border with the province of Quebec.
Ottawa is a welcoming city and, among the most expensive cities in Canada, it is arguably the most affordable. Rent ranges from $750 to $1,400. Eating out or having a few beers is more expensive than in other cities, which often leads to a more laid-back lifestyle.
- Rent: approximately $970 CAD per room, in a normal area of the city.
- Monthly cost of living: between $2,000 and $2,800 CAD.
If you dream of living in a quiet, multicultural city full of green spaces, this city is for you! It’s perfect for focusing on your studies, meeting people and, if you go in winter, learning to ice skate on a frozen lake.
2. Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia (BC). It is located in the westernmost part of the country, south of Vancouver Island. It is a vigorous city with a typical west coast climate, warm in summer and rainy in winter. It is home to a vibrant artist community and boasts a unique architectural mix of Victorian style buildings, modern buildings, and houseboats.
The cost of living in Victoria ranks among the highest in the country, although for many people it is worth it. Housing prices are among the highest, in part because it is the capital of BC, one of Canada’s highest-taxed provinces. Prices are also impacted by the fact that some of the most important government agencies, both federal and provincial, are based in the city.
- Rent: between $800 and $1,200 CAD per room.
- Monthly cost of living: between $2,000 and $2,800 CAD.
If you are looking for a city to stay for a while, Victoria is the ideal one. It’s always best to visit during the summer, to enjoy the outdoor activities and lively life near the harbor. And if you’re a fan of nature and marine life, you’ll love living here. You can take trips to spot seals, whales and orcas in their natural habitat, as well as visit Tofino and do a little surfing.
3. Whistler
Whistler is a mountain town located in British Columbia, about 2 hours north of Vancouver, which became famous after the 2010 Winter Olympics. Its location is ideal for nature lovers, as it is literally surrounded by nature, majestic mountains with incredible ski slopes, forests, lakes and glaciers.
This small town is one of the most expensive in all of Canada. Besides rent, shopping is also costlier. This is why many people who work in Whistler actually live in the suburbs or in neighboring towns, such as Squamish or Pemberton, where rent is more affordable. However, thousands of students and Working Holiday Visa holders from all over the world move to Whistler each year.
- Rent: between $1,000 and $1,800 CAD.
- Monthly cost of living: between $2,000 and $3,000 CAD.
Therefore, if you want to experience nature, ski in winter and mountain bike or hike in summer, this is your destination! Even though everything is quite expensive, you can find alternatives. For example, some schools offer cheaper accommodation to their students. All in all, you will realize that it’s worth it!
4. Toronto
Toronto is located in Ontario province and is the largest city in Canada. It is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. It is known for being the financial capital of Canada and for being one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
This city offers a little bit of everything. It features fantastic restaurants, plenty of bars to go out at night, a great cultural offer and sports all year round. Your lifestyl will determine how much you spend. But if you enjoy going out, eating out, or drinking, you will spend quite a lot. Certainly, most of your budget will be spent on rent, food and transportation. As it is a huge city, it is important to get a bus and subway pass which costs $156 CAD.
- Rent: between $700 and $1,400 CAD a room, depending on whether you are in downtown or further out of town.
- Monthly cost of living: $2,000 and $3,000 CAD. Much depends on your lifestyle.
If you want to live in a cosmopolitan city, practice sports on the beach of Lake Ontario and meet people from all over the world, Toronto is for you! Although living here involves an economic commitment, this is not a deterrent for students coming from different corners of the planet, who alternate their studies with part-time jobs. There is plenty of work in all fields. This is great for practicing language and getting an immersive experience.
5. Vancouver
Vancouver is located in British Columbia (BC), in eastern Canada. Like Victoria, it enjoys a more pleasant climate than other areas of Canada, characterized by warm summers and not very cold but rainy winters. It is located by the Pacific Ocean, in a mountainous terrain. With such beautiful scenery, it is not surprising that locals in Vancouver love the outdoors.
Statistics show that Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada, and one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yet, it is one of the cities with the best quality of life. It offers good education, great job opportunities and allows for a healthy lifestyle, which are some of the basics for a good life. Clearly, rent is the most expensive, but there are also high taxes, which are reflected in the price of food and restaurants. However, public transportation is excellent and is cheaper than in Toronto; the monthly pass is $100.25 CAD.
- Rent: between $800 and $1,400 CAD a room, depending on whether you are in a condo in Dowtown or away from downtown.
- Monthly cost of living: between $2,000 and $3,000 CAD. Depending upon your lifestyle.
In short, Vancouver is definitely your place if you want a healthier life and live surrounded by nature, the sea and breathtaking forests. A destination that millions of students fall in love with, finding a way to pay rent, eating in restaurants (especially Asian food), enjoying the scenery, while studying in some of the best schools in the country.
And now that you know which are the most affordable and most expensive cities in Canada, have you decided which one will be your next destination? We know it’s a tough decision, choosing between Toronto or Vancouver, Montreal or Kelowna, it’s not easy!
To make it easier for you, you may contact us. Just send us a message through our contact page by clicking on the button below. Our Canada Student Advisors are ready to provide you with prices on English courses, or whatever you want, in the various cities of Canada.
