Living Expenses in Canada for Students and Budget Guideline

Are you quite convinced to study in Canada? Well, then you have to think about the living expenses in Canada for students. Planning about your estimated expenditure will save you from impending troubles. 

Your yearly spending will consist of tuition fees and living costs and different administrative fees, books, costs, transportation, and recreational expenses.

Know the Living Expenses in Canada for Students while making your budget plan

1. Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary from degree to degree. You can find the tuition fee of any program on the program details page at the right bottom corner (If there's no tuition fee information, then click "Tuition Fees" as it will redirect you to the University's tuition fees section.)

2. Housing and Accommodation

The cost of living in Canada with rent varies largely from province to province and from city to city. While in some cities, such as in Toronto or Vancouver, it would be hard to live off CAD 1,400 monthly, you may be able to live off CAD 700 in other cities such as Saskatchewan. 

You can live either on-campus or off-campus, but generally. You can afford the cheapest cost of living in Canada if you choose to live off-campus with shared rooms. Living off-campus will reduce your cost up to 200 CA$ per month. 

Don't forget to explore all the options before you finalize your residence. Living a few more minutes’ walks from campus can significantly slash off your rent.

We have included estimated living costs for students on the university detail page.

3. Food and Groceries

If you want to live on a budget, then learning "The art of cooking" is a must. All groceries have all the necessary items to cook your favorite cuisine. Cooking at home can save you a few thousand dollars in a year.

4. Internet Fees, Cleaning services, Clothes, Laundry, etc.

Along with your rent, you have to pay your internet fees, cleaning, laundry, essential utilities (such as electricity, water, heating), transportation costs, etc. These costs would be around CAD 150-200/month.

5. Health Insurance

As a student studying in Canada, you need to have health insurance. Ask your school, college, or university about your health insurance coverage and what options you have. The Canadian government provides free health coverage to its citizens. So, as an international student, you don't qualify for it. 

Different kinds of insurances add a considerable chunk to the living cost in Canada for international students. In most cases, you can buy health insurance from the province or territory (health insurance doesn't generally cover dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapy, and other small services). 

In some cases, exceptions may apply. For example, your university may require you to buy a University health insurance service.

Would you not love to save some money? Saving some money while studying would help you have financial success early in life. Be good at it; you will never regret it? Need some inspiration to save money? Then, go and watch a few episodes of an extreme cheapskate! 

8 smart ways to manage Living Expenses in Canada for Students

1. Start Couponing

Couponing can feel like a hassle, but it can pay you off. Many apps can help you find special discounts and coupons. Google it a bit, and off you go. (We will be updating a few apps that can help you out).

2. Buy items in large quantities

Buying in large quantities can help you lower the cost of non-perishable items such as toiletries. Ask your neighbors or friends to do grocery store shopping. Split the bills and savings.

3. Check Expiration dates

Most stores put items with close expiration dates on the front shelves. Often, you can buy them at a lower cost.

4. Avoid Impulse Purchase

It is effortless to buy some product that you don't need. Before buying anything, ask yourself- "Do I need this item?". Remember, marketing is done in such an eye-catching way to make you feel unconscious that you need it. You save some extra bucks by always bring your reusable bags for shopping. Stores charge 30 to 40 cents for each gear.

5. Go to the bakery shop before it closes

Are you craving to eat delicious cakes, cookies, or bread? Then pay a visit to your nearby bakery shop. Bakery owners tend to sell freshly made items, and they offer discounts or throw away unsold items. Paying a visit from time to time would help you feed your appetite and save some money.

6. Avoid Credit cards

You would find a plethora of credit card options. Companies offer free credit cards with special perks and benefits. But, don't get swept out with sweet talks. The average annual interest rate for student credit cards in Canada is around 18.11%.

7. Pay taxes

It is easy to lose sight of your essential responsibilities, such as paying taxes. Your hourly wage rate is taxable. Another vital point to remember is the scholarships or grants you may receive may be taxable as well.

8. Discount for students

Love having discounts? As a student, you will have multiple ways to enjoy discounts at local shops, book stores, restaurants, airlines, buses, railways, etc. To access these discounts, you need to have the International Student Identification Card. 

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is globally recognized and makes you eligible for various discounts. It costs approximately $20, and you can order it online. At some retailers, presenting your student card is enough to get you 10 – 15% off art supplies, for example. 

Try to grab all the money-saving opportunities, and you will see a considerable difference in the cost of living in Canada for students.

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