The cost of living in Canada for international students in 2026 is an important consideration when planning to study in Canada. In addition to tuition fees, students need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, communication, study materials and personal expenses.

The amount you need will depend on several factors, including the city you choose, your accommodation arrangement, your lifestyle and whether you live alone or share expenses with other students.

For Canadian study permit applications, financial planning is also important because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on employment in Canada.

For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, a single student applying to study in a province or territory other than Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.

This means that international students should understand the difference between the official financial requirement for a study permit and their actual personal cost of living, which may be higher depending on where and how they live.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live in Canada as an International Student?

There is no single amount that applies to every international student.

Your monthly expenses can vary significantly depending on:

• The city where you study
• Whether you live on or off campus
• Whether you rent alone or share accommodation
• Your food and grocery habits
• Your transportation needs
• Your health insurance arrangements
• Your entertainment and personal spending
• Whether you own a vehicle
• The type of accommodation you choose

EduCanada provides general estimates showing that accommodation can range from approximately CAD $500 to $2,000 per month, while food and groceries may range from approximately CAD $240 to $480 per month. Internet, phone, health insurance, transportation and entertainment are additional expenses.

These are general planning estimates rather than guarantees. Actual costs can be higher or lower depending on your circumstances.

What Is the 2026 Canada Study Permit Living Expense Requirement?

For study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires a single applicant outside Quebec to demonstrate CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses.

This amount does not include:

• Tuition fees
• Transportation to and from Canada
• Additional expenses associated with accompanying family members

The amount is equivalent to approximately:

CAD $23,448 ÷ 12 = CAD $1,954 per month

However, students should not automatically assume that CAD $1,954 per month will be enough for their actual lifestyle.

A student living in a high-cost city and paying private rent may spend considerably more.

The IRCC figure is primarily a financial-capacity requirement for the study permit application, not a guarantee that your actual expenses will be limited to that amount.

Canada Cost of Living for International Students: Monthly Budget

A student may need to budget for several major categories.

1. Accommodation

Housing is often one of the largest monthly expenses for international students.

Your accommodation options may include:

• University or college residence
• Shared apartment
• Private apartment
• Homestay
• Room in a shared house
• Student housing

EduCanada currently provides a broad accommodation estimate of approximately CAD $500 to $2,000 per month.

The actual amount depends heavily on the location and type of accommodation.

For example, renting a room in a shared property can cost significantly less than renting a private apartment alone.

Students should also check whether rent includes:

• Electricity
• Heating
• Water
• Internet
• Furniture
• Laundry
• Parking

A room advertised at a lower monthly price may become more expensive after utilities and other charges are added.

2. Food and Groceries

Food is another major part of an international student’s monthly budget.

EduCanada estimates food and groceries at approximately CAD $240 to $480 per month, although individual spending can vary.

Students who cook most of their meals may be able to control their food expenses more effectively.

Typical food expenses can include:

• Groceries
• Breakfast items
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Occasional restaurant meals
• School cafeteria purchases

Students living in campus accommodation may also have access to a meal plan.

Before choosing a residence, check whether meals are included or whether a separate meal plan is required.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs depend on where you live and how far you are from your school.

Possible transportation options include:

• Bus
• Subway
• Train
• Cycling
• Walking
• Ride-sharing
• Personal vehicle

EduCanada estimates that public transportation passes can cost approximately CAD $80 to $156 per month, although prices vary by city and some institutions may include transportation in student fees or provide discounted student passes.

Living close to campus can reduce transportation expenses.

A student who can walk or cycle to class may spend considerably less on transportation than someone commuting long distances every day.

4. Health Insurance

International students should also budget for health coverage.

Health insurance arrangements differ between provinces and territories, and eligibility for public health coverage can depend on the province and the student’s circumstances.

Some educational institutions provide or require student health insurance plans.

EduCanada currently gives a general estimate of approximately CAD $75 to $120 per month for health insurance, but students should confirm the exact requirements and fees with their institution and province.

Do not assume that your health insurance arrangement will be the same as another student’s.

5. Internet and Mobile Phone

Internet and phone services are additional monthly expenses.

EduCanada estimates:

Internet: approximately CAD $50–$100 per month

Phone: approximately CAD $60 or more per month

The exact amount depends on:

• Your mobile plan
• Whether you purchase a new phone
• Data usage
• Whether internet is included in your accommodation
• Whether you share internet costs with roommates

Students living in shared accommodation may be able to divide internet costs among several people.

6. Books and Study Materials

Your academic budget should include the cost of:

• Textbooks
• Course materials
• Laptop or computer
• Software
• Printing
• Stationery
• Laboratory equipment
• Other program-specific supplies

The cost can vary significantly depending on your program.

For example, a student in a program requiring specialized equipment may have higher study-related expenses than a student whose courses rely primarily on digital materials.

Before arriving in Canada, check your institution’s program information for expected textbook, equipment and technology requirements.

7. Personal Expenses

International students should also allow money for personal expenses.

These can include:

• Clothing
• Winter clothing
• Toiletries
• Haircuts
• Laundry
• Entertainment
• Gym membership
• Restaurants
• Social activities
• Emergency expenses

Winter clothing can be particularly important for students arriving from countries with warmer climates.

Your initial budget should therefore include money for appropriate clothing and other items you may need after arriving in Canada.

8. Entertainment and Recreation

Studying abroad is not only about attending classes.

Students may spend money on:

• Movies
• Restaurants
• Sports
• Gym memberships
• Social events
• Travel
• Concerts
• Hobbies
• Weekend activities

EduCanada suggests budgeting at least CAD $120 or more per month for entertainment, depending on your lifestyle.

However, students can reduce this expense by taking advantage of free or discounted activities offered by schools and local communities.

What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Living for a Student in Canada?

There is no single official average that applies to every international student.

However, the 2026 IRCC financial requirement of CAD $23,448 per year for one student outside Quebec works out to approximately CAD $1,954 per month.

This figure should be viewed as a minimum financial-planning benchmark for the study permit requirement rather than a universal monthly spending limit.

A student’s actual budget may be higher because housing costs vary considerably between cities.

For example, a student paying CAD $1,300 in monthly accommodation costs will have a very different budget from a student paying CAD $700 for a shared room.

Sample Monthly Student Budget in Canada

A simplified example could look like this:

Expense	Example Monthly Budget
Shared accommodation	CAD $800
Food and groceries	CAD $350
Transportation	CAD $100
Phone and internet	CAD $100
Health insurance	CAD $90
Personal expenses	CAD $150
Entertainment	CAD $120
Study materials and miscellaneous costs	CAD $100
Estimated total	CAD $1,810

This is an illustrative budget, not an official Canadian average.

Actual expenses may be significantly different depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle.

A student living alone in a private apartment could spend considerably more.

Cost of Living in Major Canadian Cities

The city you choose can have a major effect on your overall student budget.

Toronto

Toronto is one of Canada’s largest cities and offers numerous educational institutions and employment opportunities.

However, students should carefully research accommodation costs before choosing to study there.

Renting privately can represent a significant portion of a student’s monthly budget.

Students can reduce costs by considering:

• Shared accommodation
• Student residences
• Housing farther from the city centre
• Public transportation
• Cooking at home

Vancouver

Vancouver is another major destination for international students.

Accommodation can be a significant expense, so students should research housing options before arriving.

Shared accommodation may provide a more manageable option for students who are comfortable living with roommates.

Montreal

Montreal can offer different housing and lifestyle costs compared with other major Canadian cities.

Students should nevertheless prepare a detailed budget based on their particular institution, accommodation and transportation arrangements.

International students planning to study in Quebec should also pay attention to Quebec-specific immigration and financial requirements.

Calgary

Calgary is another major Canadian study destination.

Students may find different accommodation and transportation costs compared with Canada’s largest metropolitan areas.

The best approach is to research the specific neighbourhood surrounding your institution rather than relying only on national averages.

Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is home to several educational institutions.

Students should compare residence, shared housing and private rental options before making a final accommodation decision.

Cost of Living in Canada vs Tuition Fees

It is important to distinguish between living expenses and tuition fees.

The cost of living includes expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transportation
• Phone
• Internet
• Health insurance
• Personal expenses

Tuition is separate.

Statistics Canada reported average international undergraduate tuition of approximately CAD $42,062 for 2026/2027, while average international graduate tuition was approximately CAD $24,693.

These are national averages, and actual tuition varies substantially by institution, province, program and field of study.

Therefore, an international student’s total annual education budget can be significantly higher than the IRCC living-expense requirement.

How Much Money Do You Need to Study in Canada in 2026?

Your total budget should consider at least three major categories:

1. Tuition

The amount charged by your institution for your specific program.

2. Living expenses

For study permit purposes, a single applicant outside Quebec applying on or after September 1, 2026, must demonstrate CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses.

3. Transportation

You must also account for transportation to and from Canada.

For example, your first-year budget could be structured as:

Tuition: CAD $30,000

Living expenses: CAD $23,448

Transportation: CAD $2,000

Estimated total: CAD $55,448

This is only an example. Your actual tuition and travel costs may be very different.

How Much Should You Budget Before Coming to Canada?

Students should consider having enough funds for more than their first few weeks.

Initial expenses can include:

• First rent payment
• Security deposit where applicable
• Tuition payment
• Transportation from the airport
• Winter clothing
• Groceries
• Phone plan
• Internet
• Bedding
• Kitchen supplies
• School supplies
• Emergency expenses

It may take some time to settle into a new country.

Having an emergency reserve can therefore make the transition easier.

Can International Students Work to Pay Living Expenses?

International students may be eligible to work in Canada under the conditions attached to their study permit.

However, students should not build their study permit financial plan around the assumption that employment will pay for all their expenses.

IRCC requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial resources without relying on work in Canada to fund the required costs.

Employment income can potentially help with day-to-day expenses after arrival, but it should not replace proper financial preparation.

Can You Study in Canada With CAD $23,448?

For a single applicant outside Quebec applying on or after September 1, 2026, CAD $23,448 is the IRCC amount required for one year of living expenses.

However, this amount is not the total cost of studying in Canada.

You must also account for:

• Tuition
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Food
• Health insurance
• Personal expenses
• Study materials
• Other costs

Therefore, a student whose tuition is CAD $30,000 cannot assume that having CAD $23,448 covers the entire first year.

The living-expense requirement and tuition are separate financial considerations.

How Much Does Accommodation Cost for International Students?

Accommodation costs vary substantially across Canada.

According to EduCanada’s general budgeting information, accommodation can range from approximately CAD $500 to $2,000 per month.

Possible accommodation choices include:

Student Residence

University or college residence can be convenient because it may be close to classrooms and campus facilities.

Some residences may also offer meal plans.

Shared Apartment

Sharing an apartment with other students can reduce the cost of rent and utilities.

Homestay

A homestay allows a student to live with a Canadian host family.

Depending on the arrangement, meals and other services may be included.

Private Apartment

Renting an apartment alone generally provides greater privacy but can increase monthly expenses.

Students should carefully compare rent, utilities, transportation and other costs before choosing accommodation.

How Can International Students Save Money in Canada?

Students can reduce their expenses by planning carefully.

1. Share Accommodation

Sharing rent with roommates can reduce housing expenses.

2. Cook at Home

Preparing meals at home can reduce restaurant and takeaway spending.

3. Use Public Transportation

Public transportation is often less expensive than owning a vehicle.

4. Look for Student Discounts

Many businesses and transportation providers offer student discounts.

5. Buy Used Textbooks

Where permitted, used textbooks can reduce academic expenses.

6. Compare Grocery Prices

Compare prices at different stores and plan your shopping before making purchases.

7. Use Campus Resources

Universities and colleges may provide:

• Libraries
• Fitness facilities
• Student events
• Academic resources
• Health services
• Discounted activities

Using these resources can reduce some personal expenses.

How Does the Cost of Living Affect Your Study Permit Application?

Your financial situation is an important part of your study permit application.

IRCC requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds for:

• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Transportation

For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, the living-expense requirement for one applicant outside Quebec is CAD $23,448 for the first year.

If your program lasts longer than one year, you must also explain how you intend to finance the full duration of your studies.

Your financial explanation should therefore be consistent with your:

• Bank statements
• Scholarship documents
• Education loan
• Sponsor information
• Employment or income documents
• Tuition receipts
• Other financial evidence

Who Can Pay for an International Student’s Studies?

An international student’s education may be funded through different sources.

For example:

• Personal savings
• Parents
• Other family members
• Employer sponsorship
• Scholarship
• Education loan
• Government funding
• A combination of sources

If another person is financially supporting you, your application should clearly explain the relationship and the source of the financial support.

The supporting documents should also be consistent with the explanation provided.

Does the Cost of Living Differ by Province?

Yes.

Housing, transportation and other expenses can vary significantly between provinces and cities.

A student’s total cost can depend on:

• Local rent
• Transportation system
• Food prices
• Tuition
• Health insurance arrangements
• Lifestyle
• Distance from campus

This is why students should research the specific city where their institution is located.

Do not rely exclusively on a national estimate when preparing your personal budget.

How Should You Prepare a Canada Student Budget?

A practical approach is to create a monthly budget before travelling.

For example:

Housing

Estimate your monthly rent and determine whether utilities are included.

Food

Estimate your grocery costs and occasional restaurant spending.

Transportation

Check local public transportation prices and student discounts.

Communication

Budget for phone and internet services.

Education

Set aside money for books, technology and course materials.

Personal Expenses

Include clothing, toiletries, entertainment and other personal needs.

Emergency Fund

Keep additional funds available for unexpected expenses.

This approach gives you a more realistic picture of your financial needs than simply using the minimum immigration requirement.

Canada Student Cost of Living Checklist

Before travelling to Canada, review the following:

• Your tuition fees are confirmed
• Your accommodation cost is known
• Your food budget is realistic
• Your transportation costs are estimated
• Your health insurance arrangements are confirmed
• Your phone and internet costs are included
• Your books and study materials are budgeted
• Your personal expenses are included
• You have considered winter clothing
• You have an emergency reserve
• Your study permit financial requirement has been checked
• Your source of funds is clearly documented
• Your financial documents support your application
• Your budget covers the full period of study
• You understand that tuition and living expenses are separate
• You have checked the requirements applicable to your province or territory

Final Thoughts

The cost of living in Canada for international students in 2026 depends heavily on where you study, how you live and how carefully you manage your expenses.

For study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires a single applicant outside Quebec to demonstrate CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.

However, this amount should not be treated as a complete estimate of your actual cost of studying in Canada.

Your total budget should include tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, study materials, communication, personal expenses and emergency funds.

Before choosing a Canadian institution, research the cost of living in the specific city where you intend to study. Compare accommodation options, calculate your expected monthly expenses and make sure your financial documents support the amount and source of funds declared in your study permit application.

Good financial planning can help you prepare for the transition to Canada and avoid relying on unrealistic assumptions about the cost of student life.

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2026 figures verified: IRCC currently lists CAD $23,448 as the annual living-expense amount for one applicant outside Quebec applying on or after September 1, 2026; tuition and transportation are separate. (Canada) EduCanada’s current budgeting guidance gives accommodation at roughly CAD $500–$2,000/month, food/groceries at CAD $240–$480/month, internet at CAD $50–$100/month, phone at CAD $60+, health insurance at CAD $75–$120, and public transportation at CAD $80–$156/month. (EduCanada) Statistics Canada’s latest 2026/2027 data puts average international tuition at about CAD $42,062 for undergraduate degree programs and CAD $24,693 for graduate programs nationally. (Statistics Canada)

For the next article, we can keep this exact editorial framework while changing the topic-specific sections, examples, keywords, and 2026 figures.