Canada continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students seeking high-quality education, global exposure, and strong career opportunities. As thousands of students plan to study in Canada, understanding the cost of living in Canada is essential for effective budgeting.
The cost of living in Canada for international students varies based on the city, lifestyle, accommodation, and program type. With rising rent, inflation, and utility costs, student expenses in 2026 are expected to be moderately higher than previous years. This detailed guide provides a realistic and thoroughly researched breakdown of the cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2026.
Why Understanding the Cost of Living Matters in 2026
For Indian students, tuition fees are only part of the total investment. Daily living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and supplies significantly impact overall spending. Proper budgeting helps students make informed decisions about where to live, how to manage expenses, and how much to allocate for a comfortable lifestyle.
Many Indian students also rely on the best study abroad consultants in Delhi to plan finances, choose universities, and estimate total yearly expenses.
Average Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2026
In 2026, the average cost of living in Canada is projected to range between:
CAD 15,000 to CAD 22,000 per year
or
CAD 1,250 to CAD 1,850 per month
Students studying in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Ottawa will spend more, while Winnipeg, Halifax, Regina, and Calgary offer more affordable options.
1. Accommodation Costs in 2026
Accommodation remains the largest expense for international students. Rental prices vary significantly by city and housing type.
Average Monthly Rent in 2026
| Accommodation Type | Estimated Cost (CAD/month) |
| On-campus dorms | 700 – 1,200 |
| Shared apartment | 600 – 1,000 |
| Private apartment | 1,200 – 2,200 |
| Homestay | 900 – 1,400 |
Students in Vancouver often pay around CAD 1,800–2,200 for a private apartment, while students in Manitoba may secure shared housing for CAD 550–750.
2. Food and Grocery Expenses
Cooking at home is the most cost-effective option for Indian students.
Monthly Food Cost
- Home-cooked meals: CAD 200 – 350
- Eating out occasionally: CAD 50 – 150
- Frequent restaurant meals: CAD 200 – 400
3. Transportation Costs
Most students rely on public transportation. Monthly transit passes often come with student discounts.
Estimated Monthly Transportation Costs
- Toronto: 130 – 160 CAD
- Vancouver: 110 – 145 CAD
- Calgary: 105 – 125 CAD
- Winnipeg/Regina: 90 – 110 CAD
Public transit is the most affordable option, with taxis and rideshare services costing significantly more.
4. Utilities and Internet Costs
If living off-campus, utilities are separate.
Monthly Utility Costs
- Heating/Electricity: 50 – 120 CAD
- Internet: 50 – 90 CAD
- Mobile plan: 30 – 60 CAD
Winter months see higher heating bills, especially in colder provinces.
5. Health Insurance Expenses
Health insurance is mandatory for international students and may differ by province.
Estimated Cost
- Annual medical insurance: CAD 600 – 900
Some provinces include international students in public health plans, while others require private providers.
6. Academic and Study Material Costs
Textbook and supply expenses vary depending on the program.
Estimated yearly cost
- Books and supplies: CAD 500 – 1,000
Programs in fields like engineering or IT may require additional software or tools.
7. Miscellaneous and Personal Expenses
These costs depend on lifestyle and city.
Monthly Estimate
- Personal care: 30 – 60 CAD
- Entertainment: 50 – 150 CAD
- Gym: 20 – 60 CAD
- Winter clothing (one-time): 250 – 400 CAD
City-Wise Cost of Living in Canada (2026)
| City | Monthly Living Cost (CAD) | Affordability |
| Toronto | 1,700 – 2,200 | High |
| Vancouver | 1,800 – 2,300 | Very High |
| Montreal | 1,300 – 1,700 | Moderate |
| Calgary | 1,250 – 1,650 | Moderate |
| Winnipeg | 1,100 – 1,450 | Low |
| Ottawa | 1,400 – 1,850 | Moderate-High |
Annual Expense Summary (2026)
| Expense Category | Yearly Cost (CAD) |
| Accommodation | 8,000 – 18,000 |
| Food | 2,400 – 4,500 |
| Transportation | 1,000 – 1,600 |
| Utilities/Internet | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Health Insurance | 600 – 900 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total | 15,000 – 22,000 |
How Indian Students Can Reduce Living Expenses
- Choose shared housing instead of private apartments.
- Cook meals at home instead of dining out.
- Use monthly student transit passes.
- Select cities with lower rent like Regina or Winnipeg.
- Work part-time to support monthly expenses.
Role of Study Abroad Consultants in Delhi
The best study abroad consultants in Delhi help students:
- Estimate accurate cost of living
- Choose universities based on budget
- Plan GIC and accommodation
- Understand visa-related financial requirements
- Manage pre-departure planning effectively
Final Thoughts
The cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2026 ranges from moderately high to expensive depending on city and lifestyle choices. With smart budgeting, choosing cost-effective cities, and planning with expert guidance, students can comfortably manage their living expenses in Canada and enjoy a rewarding academic experience.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2026?
The average cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2026 is about CAD 15,000 to 22,000 annually, depending on city and lifestyle.
2. How much monthly budget should students plan while studying in Canada?
Students should allocate CAD 1,250 to 1,850 per month for accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses in 2026.
3. Which city in Canada is cheapest for Indian students?
Winnipeg, Regina, Halifax, and Edmonton are among the most affordable cities, offering lower rent, transportation, and daily living expenses compared to major metros.
4. What is the cost of accommodation for students in Canada in 2026?
Accommodation costs range from CAD 600 to 1,000 for shared housing, and CAD 1,200 to 2,200 for private apartments, depending on location.
5. How much do groceries cost for Indian students in Canada?
Indian students typically spend CAD 200 to 350 monthly on groceries, depending on cooking habits and city-based price variations.
6. Is Toronto expensive for international students?
Yes, Toronto is one of Canada’s most expensive cities, with monthly living costs ranging from CAD 1,700 to 2,200 for international students.
7. How much does public transportation cost in Canada?
Monthly transit passes cost between CAD 90 and 160, depending on the city, with discounts available for full-time students.
8. What are the utility costs for students living off-campus in Canada?
Students living off-campus typically spend CAD 50 to 120 on utilities and CAD 50 to 90 on internet services monthly.
9. Do international students need health insurance in Canada?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for international students, costing around CAD 600 to 900 annually depending on provincial regulations.
10. How can Indian students reduce living expenses in Canada?
Students can reduce expenses by sharing accommodation, cooking meals, using public transit, choosing affordable cities, and working part-time.
11. Are part-time jobs easily available for students in Canada?
Part-time jobs are available in retail, hospitality, and campus roles, but availability depends on city, season, and student skill set.
12. Does studying in Canada require additional winter clothing costs?
Yes, students must budget for winter clothing, costing CAD 250 to 400 depending on quality and city climate.
13. What is the average cost of off-campus housing in Canada?
Off-campus shared apartments typically cost CAD 600 to 1,000 monthly, while private apartments range from CAD 1,200 to 2,200.
14. Is Canada affordable for Indian students in 2026?
Canada is moderately affordable with proper budgeting, though major cities may be expensive. Choosing cost-effective locations significantly reduces expenses.
15. Do study abroad consultants in Delhi help with budgeting for Canada?
Yes, study abroad consultants assist with budgeting, accommodation planning, GIC preparation, and selecting universities based on financial suitability.