Canada has no shortage of world-class study destinations. However, many international students may not know how expensive living costs can get in the country鈥檚 major cities. From tuition and rent to your morning cup of coffee, there are some cities where you can expect to pay a lot more for pretty much everything than in other parts of Canada. 聽If you鈥檙e looking to聽study in Canada and want to cut costs, you may want to avoid the following five cities, which rank as some of the most expensive cities in Canada.
Building your study abroad budget? Check out our Canadian cost of living guide.
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Ottawa
Canada鈥檚 capital ranks just behind Calgary as Canada鈥檚 cleanest city. Ottawa boasts beautiful views of the Ottawa River, stimulating galleries and museums, and renowned universities such as Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. With everything it offers, it鈥檚 no surprise Ottawa is one of Canada鈥檚 top education destinations. Its reputation comes at a cost, however, as Ottawa may put a strain on your wallet. According to information gathered by , the cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment in 2019 is C$1,250 and C$1,550 for two bedrooms. That being said, living and studying in Canada鈥檚 capital is practically a bargain compared to the country鈥檚 most expensive cities.
For more detailed information on Ottawa’s living costs, click .
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Victoria
In comparison to Vancouver, British Columbia鈥檚 capital city looks positively affordable. Home to the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University, among others, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. It also consistently ranks as one of the world鈥檚 best cities for quality of life. While it鈥檚 true you will pay by studying in 鈥淭he Garden City鈥� compared to living in Vancouver or Toronto, Victoria is still one of Canada鈥檚 most expensive cities. The average monthly rent in 2019 for a one bedroom apartment is C$1,390 and C$1,590 for a two bedroom apartment, both of which are higher than the national average.
For more detailed information on Victoria’s living costs, click .
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Montreal
There was once a time when Montreal enjoyed a reputation for being the cheapest major city in Canada. While Canada鈥檚 second-largest city is cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, it鈥檚 still one of the country鈥檚 most expensive study destinations for international students. Located in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is one of Canada鈥檚 most bilingual cities (over 59% of the population are fluent in both English and French). It鈥檚 also the second-largest primarily French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, France.
Montreal is home to many excellent schools including McGill University, one of Canada鈥檚 very best post-secondary schools. Overall, Montreal is a great destination for students looking to study in a vibrant, architecturally-diverse city centre. However, the city鈥檚 high living costs (C$1,500 average for a one bedroom apartment; C$1,780 for two bedroom) could be a deterrent for those seeking a more affordable alternative to the University of Toronto or the University of British Columbia.
For more detailed information on Montreal’s living costs, click .
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Vancouver
No list of Canada’s most expensive cities would be complete without Vancouver. With its breathtaking scenery, mild climate, and booming film industry, Vancouver is one of North America鈥檚 most idyllic cities鈥攊f you can afford it. So much so that locals joke that British Columbia’s acronym, BC, is also short for “Bring Cash.” Renters pay an average of C$2,130 per month for a one bedroom apartment, and C$3,230 for two bedrooms.
Although the cost of living is high, Vancouver continues to be one of Canada鈥檚 top destinations for international students. 聽The high standards of education offered by schools like the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University (located in nearby Burnaby) are hard to pass up! Vancouver鈥檚 diverse population and ample work opportunities have also helped solidify the city鈥檚 reputation on the world stage. If you can swing it, Vancouver is one of Canada鈥檚 best study cities. However, it comes at a price that may be too high for many students.
For more detailed information on Vancouver’s living costs, click .
Toronto
Topping the list of the most expensive cities in Canada is Toronto, Ontario. Toronto is known for its diversity, ample job opportunities, and world class universities. Unfortunately, Toronto鈥檚 status as one of North America鈥檚 best cities comes at a price. The city鈥檚 competitive housing market has made it difficult and expensive for many to find affordable rent. According to PadMapper, the average monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment is C$2,260, while two bedrooms go for C$2,850. Despite these high costs, Toronto remains a top destination for international students who feel the benefits of attending schools such as York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Toronto outweigh the financial strain.
For more detailed information on Toronto’s living costs, click .
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