Canada is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and friendly people. As an international student or a newcomer, it’s important to understand the cost of living in different cities before deciding where to live in Canada. In this article, we will compare the cost of living in five major cities of Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa.
1. Toronto
Toronto is the largest and most populous city in Canada, and it’s known for its multiculturalism, bustling downtown core, and thriving arts and culture scene. However, it’s also the most expensive city to live in Canada, with an average cost of living index of 91.32.
Housing costs in Toronto are one of the major contributors to the high cost of living in the city. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is around CAD 2,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around CAD 2,800 per month. The cost of utilities, such as heating, electricity, and water, can add up to around CAD 200 per month.
Transportation costs in Toronto are also high, with a monthly pass for public transit costing around CAD 156. However, the city has a well-developed transit system, including buses, streetcars, and subways, which can be an affordable option for students and those looking to save money on transportation.
Food costs in Toronto can vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. A weekly grocery shop for one person can cost around CAD 60-80, while eating out at a mid-range restaurant can cost around CAD 20-30 per meal.
When it comes to mobile and internet costs, Canada is known for having some of the highest rates in the world. In Toronto, a basic mobile plan with a limited amount of data can cost around CAD 50-60 per month, while an unlimited data plan can cost around CAD 100 per month. High-speed internet plans can cost around CAD 80-100 per month.
Overall, while living in Toronto can be expensive, there are ways to save money, such as sharing housing with roommates, taking advantage of public transportation, and shopping for groceries at discount stores. It’s important to budget carefully and plan ahead to make the most of your money while living in this vibrant and bustling city.
2. Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city located in the west of Canada, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada, with an average cost of living index of 89.07.
Vancouver, located on the west coast of Canada, is known for its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and thriving arts and culture scene. However, as one of the most expensive cities in Canada, it’s important for international students to be aware of the cost of living when considering studying or living in Vancouver.
The cost of housing in Vancouver can be quite high, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around CAD 2,000 per month. Students may want to consider living further from the city center to save money on housing costs. Shared accommodation can also be a more affordable option.
The cost of food and groceries in Vancouver is also relatively high. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around CAD 15, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant costs around CAD 10. A liter of milk costs around CAD 2, a loaf of bread costs around CAD 3, and a dozen eggs cost around CAD 4.
Vancouver has a good public transportation system, with a monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses, trains, and ferries costing around CAD 98. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in Vancouver.
The cost of mobile and internet services in Vancouver is relatively affordable compared to some other cities in Canada. Prepaid mobile plans start at around CAD 10 per month, while unlimited data plans cost around CAD 70 per month. Internet plans start at around CAD 40 per month for basic service.
Utilities, such as electricity, heating, and water, can add up to a significant cost in Vancouver. The average monthly cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment is around CAD 100-150 per month.
In summary, Vancouver can be an expensive city to live in, especially in terms of housing and food costs. However, by carefully budgeting and taking advantage of public transportation and more affordable options, international students can make the most of their time in this beautiful city.
3. Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant and cultural city located in the province of Quebec, known for its rich history, architecture, and world-renowned cuisine.
Montreal is one of the most popular and affordable cities in Canada for international students. The city is known for its rich culture, history, and bilingualism, as both French and English are spoken widely. Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Montreal has a lower cost of living, with an average cost of living index of 76.78.
Housing costs in Montreal can vary depending on the area and type of accommodation. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $1,100 CAD per month, while a similar apartment outside the city center can cost around $850 CAD per month. Shared accommodations, such as dormitories or shared apartments, are also popular options for students and can cost anywhere from $350 to $700 CAD per month.
Food and grocery costs in Montreal are also relatively affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $15 CAD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $65 CAD. A basic grocery list for a week can cost around $60 to $80 CAD, depending on where you shop.
Transportation in Montreal is also affordable and efficient, with a monthly pass for public transit costing around $86 CAD. Biking is also a popular transportation option in the city, with many bike lanes and bike-sharing services available.
Mobile and internet costs in Montreal are comparable to other major Canadian cities. A basic mobile plan with unlimited talk and text and a limited data package can cost around $35 to $50 CAD per month. A basic internet plan with unlimited data can cost around $50 to $80 CAD per month.
Overall, Montreal offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities, making it a great option for international students on a budget.
4. Calgary
Calgary is a city located in the province of Alberta, known for its beautiful natural surroundings, bustling business center, and diverse communities. The cost of living in Calgary is lower than in Toronto and Vancouver, but still relatively high, with an average cost of living index of 77.97.
The cost of living in Calgary is generally lower than in Vancouver and Toronto, but it can still be expensive compared to some other cities in Canada.
The cost of housing in Calgary varies depending on the area. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,800 per month, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 per month.
The cost of food and groceries in Calgary is similar to that of Vancouver and Toronto. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around CAD 15, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around CAD 60. The cost of groceries for a single person can range from CAD 250 to CAD 350 per month.
Calgary has a good public transportation system, which includes buses and light rail transit (LRT). The cost of a one-way ticket on the public transit system is CAD 3.50, while a monthly pass costs around CAD 109. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available.
The cost of mobile and internet services in Calgary is similar to that of other major Canadian cities. A basic mobile phone plan with unlimited calling and texting can cost around CAD 50 per month, while a high-speed internet plan can cost around CAD 70 per month.
The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and heating can vary depending on the size of the apartment and the time of year. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average cost of utilities can range from CAD 150 to CAD 250 per month.
Overall, while Calgary may be more affordable than some other major Canadian cities, it is still important for international students to budget carefully and look for part-time job opportunities to help cover their expenses.
5. Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the fourth-largest city in the country. The cost of living in Ottawa is generally considered to be affordable compared to other major Canadian cities. The cost of living in Ottawa is lower than in Toronto and Vancouver, with an average cost of living index of 77.44.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around CAD 1,300 to CAD 1,600, while outside the city center, it is around CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,300. For a family-sized apartment, the cost can range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 3,000.
Food and grocery costs in Ottawa are similar to other Canadian cities, with an average monthly cost of CAD 300 to CAD 400 per person. However, the cost can vary depending on where you shop and your dietary preferences.
Transportation in Ottawa is well-connected with the city’s efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. The monthly cost of a public transit pass is CAD 119.50. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available.
As for utilities, the cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection is typically included in the rent. However, if you are renting a house, you may have to pay for these separately, which can cost around CAD 200 to CAD 250 per month.
Mobile and internet costs in Ottawa are similar to other Canadian cities, with an average monthly cost of CAD 80 to CAD 100. There are several service providers to choose from, including Bell, Rogers, and Telus.
Overall, Ottawa offers a reasonable cost of living for students and young professionals, with affordable housing, accessible transportation, and a diverse range of food and entertainment options.
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