Canada Student Living Cost in 2026
- Ajay Choudhary
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
🇨🇦 Canada Student Living Cost in 2026
One of the biggest concerns for students planning to study in Canada is how much it actually costs to live there. With rising rent, food prices, and transportation costs, student living expenses in 2026 will be higher than previous years.
This article gives a realistic, city-wise breakdown of Canada student living costs in 2026, helping students plan finances properly and avoid visa or survival issues.
💸 Average Monthly Living Cost for Students in Canada (2026)
For 2026, an international student should expect to spend:
CAD 1,400 – CAD 2,500 per month
This depends heavily on the city, accommodation type, and lifestyle.
🏙️ City-Wise Living Cost in Canada (2026)
📍 Toronto
Rent (shared): CAD 800 – 1,200
Food: CAD 300 – 400
Transport: CAD 150
Miscellaneous: CAD 200
Total: CAD 1,600 – 2,200
📍 Vancouver
Rent: CAD 900 – 1,300
Food: CAD 300 – 450
Transport: CAD 150
Miscellaneous: CAD 200
Total: CAD 1,700 – 2,400
📍 Calgary
Rent: CAD 700 – 1,000
Food: CAD 280 – 380
Transport: CAD 120
Miscellaneous: CAD 180
Total: CAD 1,300 – 1,800
📍 Montreal
Rent: CAD 600 – 900
Food: CAD 250 – 350
Transport: CAD 100
Miscellaneous: CAD 180
Total: CAD 1,200 – 1,600
📍 Brampton / Mississauga
Rent: CAD 700 – 1,100
Food: CAD 300 – 400
Transport: CAD 130
Miscellaneous: CAD 200
Total: CAD 1,400 – 1,900
🏠 Major Expense Categories Explained
1. Accommodation (Highest Cost)
Options include:
Shared room (cheapest)
Private room
On-campus residence (limited availability)
Rent is expected to increase further in 2026 due to housing shortages.
2. Food & Groceries
Students cooking at home spend less than those relying on:
Restaurants
Food delivery apps
Smart grocery planning can save CAD 150–300 monthly.
3. Transportation
Most cities offer student transit passes, reducing costs.
Owning a car increases expenses significantly.
4. Utilities & Internet
Often included in rent, but sometimes extra:
Electricity
Heating
Internet
Mobile bills
⚠️ Common Living Cost Mistakes
❌ Underestimating rent
❌ Depending only on part-time income
❌ Choosing expensive cities without planning
❌ Ignoring winter clothing costs
💼 Can Part-Time Work Cover Living Costs in 2026?
Part-time work may help, but:
Work hours are limited
Jobs are competitive
Income is not guaranteed
Students should never rely fully on part-time work.
✅ Tips to Manage Living Cost in Canada
✔ Choose affordable cities
✔ Share accommodation
✔ Cook at home
✔ Use student discounts✔ Plan monthly budget strictly
🔍 FAQs
Q1. What is the cheapest city for students in Canada?
Montreal and some Prairie cities are more affordable.
Q2. Is Toronto too expensive for students?
It is expensive but manageable with shared housing.
Q3. Can students survive on part-time income?
No, part-time work is only supplementary.
Q4. Will living costs increase in 2026?
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