A Complete Guide to Living in Canada for Students & Expats

In 2025, Canada remains among the globe's most attractive places to live. Famous for natural splendor beyond imagination, vibrant multicultural societies, and a higher quality of life compared to any other nation, Canada has emerged a destination preferred by students, working professionals, and families in search of new horizons. Boasting a history of safety, acceptance, and forward-thinking policy initiatives, this northernmost country has long ranked among the greatest for education, medicine, and overall wellness.

What makes Canada special is an effortless mix of contemporary urban living and unrivaled exposure to nature. Whether strolling across bustling city streets, learning at internationally-renowned universities, or hiking among the Rockies, Canadian life has a thrilling and peaceful side. Plus, Canada's robust economy, friendly immigration process, and innovation-oriented approach make it a destination hot spot for international talent and entrepreneurs.

High quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and boundless development prospects make no surprise out of the fact that a lot of people worldwide aspire to move to Canada.

Learn about the 10 Fun Facts about Canada here

What is the Cost of Living in Canada ?

When choosing to move to Canada, know that part of your initial research will be comprehension about how expensive life will be overall. Canada's living costs in 2025 continue to be higher than in most other nations but are moderated by great quality of life and security and opportunity. A solo adult's monthly living will range between CAD 2,000 and 3,000; a four-person family will require between CAD 4,500 and 6,000 or more, depending on where living.

Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have expensive property rates while cities such as Winnipeg, Halifax, and Quebec have reasonably priced property without compromising quality of life. For overseas students, budgeting is critical since tuition, lodging, and daily expenses will often escalate fast but scholarships and student rates can help relieve some pressure off finances.

Housing Costs in Canada

Housing will typically be expats' and students' biggest outgoing. A one-bedroom inner-city apartment in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver will be around CAD 2,500 a month or higher for luxury apartments above CAD 3,500. Smaller cities like Ottawa, Edmonton, or Halifax will provide such accommodations at around CAD 1,500–2,000 a month. Internationals will typically be in shared accommodations or student residences, where prices will be around CAD 600 and CAD 1,000 a month, a convenient and affordable solution.

Canada's rental landscape has been continuously growing, and nationwide average rent was up 9% year-on-year in 2024. Individuals planning a long stay should think about entering into a 12-month lease to secure cheaper rates. Suburban houses work better for expats moving with families due to added space available at about CAD 2,800–3,500 monthly.

Education Costs in Canada

Canada is home to some of the finest universities around the globe and is an option highly preferred among overseas students. A number of these most reputable universities like McGill University, University of Toronto, and University of British Columbia rank among the world's best universities within the first 50.

• Tuition rates for overseas undergraduates are between CAD 15,000 and CAD 35,000 annually, subject to the selected program, while graduate programs lie anywhere between CAD 20,000 and CAD 45,000 annually.
• Specialized programs such as medicine or MBA generally exceed CAD 50,000 annually.
• Living costs in Canada for overseas students usually fall between CAD 15,000–20,000 annually, excluding any fees, hence prudent planning is recommended.

Eligibility requirements involve evidence of academic ability, English or French competence via IELTS or TOEFL exams, and in some cases, GRE or GMAT results for postgrad studies.

Whereas studies in Canada can be expensive, several scholarships help lighten the load. High-standing awards such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship grant CAD 50,000 per year for a period of three years, while scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship grant a full scholarship to exemplary students.

Healthcare Facilities for Expats & Students

Canada's healthcare system is among the most sophisticated in the world, and it has universal coverage for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is mandatory that international students and temporary residents take out private medical insurance. A few Canadian provinces provide coverage to this category of people after a wait of three months and bring down costs considerably.

All but a handful require registering students in a university student health plan that can cost between CAD 600 and CAD 900 annually.

• The expats' own insurance can be anywhere between CAD 1,000 and CAD 2,000 a year, depending on coverage.
• Reputable insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, and Blue Cross provide inclusive plans consisting of doctor visits, medicine, and hospitalization.

• There are also walk-in clinics and telemedicine services available in most Canadian cities to allow newcomers to easily reach out for quick attention.

   

Food & Transport Costs in Canada

Food prices within Canada have continued on an upward slope, and prices within grocery stores increased 6.7% in 2024, a report filed by Statistics Canada stated. It is extremely inexpensive to frequent local markets, purchase in large quantities, and prepare in a home kitchen.

• It will be around CAD 300–600 monthly for a solo traveller's food expenses, while a mid-range restaurant meal will range between CAD 20–35 per meal.
• Transit in Canada is frequent, and monthly passes will range anywhere between CAD 80–160, subject to location.
• Toronto's TTC pass is around CAD 156 per month, while Montreal brings this down to CAD 97. Students normally get further discount and thus commuting is affordable.

• For drivers who own cars, gasoline costs between CAD 1.70–2.00 per litre and annual car insurance premiums between an average of CAD 1,200–2,000.

   

Internet Pricing in Canada

Canada has some of the world's quickest internet speeds but it does not come without a cost.

• Internet plans at home range between CAD 60–120 per month depending on download speeds and data limits.
• Mobile SIM cards range between CAD 30–60 per month for 10–20GB data. For international travellers who often travel or students who travel often,
• Portable pocket Wi-Fi devices and eSIM plans continue to be in demand and can be rented between CAD 150 and CAD 80 monthly.

Big incumbent players like Bell, Rogers, and Telus dominate the majority of the market while smaller players like Freedom Mobile and Fido offer a cheaper alternative. 

It is common among students and work-from-home people to bundle mobile and internet services in order to enjoy overall connectivity costs savings of about 10–15% annually.

 

Cost of living in Toronto Canada

It is important to understand the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, for professionals, students, and families considering relocation or long-term residency in Toronto. While Toronto is Canada's largest metropolitan economy and offers strong job prospects with lifestyle amenities, these benefits are enjoyed at a relatively high cost of living compared to other Canadian cities.

Overview of the Cost of Living in Toronto, Canada

Housing, transportation, and food are the dominant factors that drive the cost of living in Toronto, Canada. Although salaries are generally competitive, monthly costs can add up rather quickly if one is not conscious of their expenses. Below is a tabulated breakdown of how the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, commonly projects into everyday expenses

Monthly Housing Costs (CAD)

Housing represents the single largest component of the cost of living in Toronto Canada, with downtown rents commanding a significant premium.

Transportation Costs (CAD)

Public transit is often the most economical option, helping moderate the overall cost of living in Toronto Canada for commuters.

 

Food and Daily Expenses (CAD)

Food and utilities are stable but meaningful contributors to the cost of living in Toronto Canada, particularly for households.

Unlimit Mobile - Top Canada SIM Card for Students

Unlimit Mobile has been developed considering long term international travellers, students and newcomers in Canada who require a flexible and affordable mobile service. Offer pre activated physical SIM cards and Canada eSIM to Indian students going to Canada which can be activated prior to or after travel. They have plans in different tenure between 1 month and 12 months stays.

Whether coming from India, Europe, or Asia or even UK, it is easy, fast, and affordable to remain in contact with Unlimit Mobile

Unlimit Mobile Data plans

Benefits of Unlimit Mobile

• Unlimited Data plan lasts between 1 to 12 months
• Live chat, email, and WhatsApp support
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• A wonderful option for long term travellers, students, expats, and nomads
• Scholarship and Internship Opportunities for Students

Save up to 70% by purchasing your SIM in India before traveling to Canada.

Best States to Live in Canada in 2025

Canada is a highly sought-after destination among students, expats, and families due to its high quality of life, first-world healthcare, and multicultural diversity. However, it's highly divergent to find a place to reside across different provinces since living expenses differ greatly across every location. If you seek affordability, work opportunities, or a mix between urban living and nature's wonders, these remain the best locations to reside in Canada in 2025 according to average living costs.

How to Get a Job in Canada?

It's easy to find a job in Canada if only you know about available visas, highest-paying jobs, and where to look—the places to look physically and virtually.

How to Get a Work Permit in Canada

As part of entering Canada legally, you will require a work permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - Students who graduate from designated learning institutions can apply within 180 days upon receipt of final grades. Open work permit will be available for a maximum three-year period no job offer required. University graduates will require Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 7, while college grads will need a CLB level 5.
• Employer-Specific Work Permits - These need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which guarantees that no resident Canadian employee can work within this position
• In-Country Applications - Eligible applicants in Canada can apply within Canada for a work permit in designated eligible cases without needing to depart Canada.

As of May 2025, temporary foreign works will be allowed to commence new jobs even before final work permit processing—a lift to flexibility in employment

Highest Paying Jobs in Canada

Canada's employment market still favors experts in a number of high-demand fields:

• High-level technology and executive positions - Chief Technology Officers and other senior technology leaders receive between CAD 250,000–400,000, and other executive positions in finance and compliance up to CAD 300,000
• Medical experts - Psychiatrists (~CAD 282K), anesthetists (~CAD 240K), surgeons (~CAD 217K), and cardiologists (~CAD 144K) rank among.
• Technology professionals like Cloud Architects earn approximately CAD 140K (CAD 115K–175K depending on experience) while Data Scientists earn approximately CAD 135K, up to approximately CAD 160K or above depending on seniority
• Trade professions such as petroleum engineering or operations or financial planning positions in a management capacity receive decent salaries above CAD 150K

Best Canada Job Sites in 2025

Jobs.ca - A multi-industry portal with specialty job boards.

Indeed, LinkedIn, Adzuna - Great for networking, job postings, and company insights.

FlexJobs & FindJobsCanada - Dedicated to Canada work at home employment and freelance work.

We Work Remotely, AngelList - BEST for technology, startup, and international Work-from-Home jobs.

FAQ's

What documents are needed to work in Canada?

You will require a recent permit to work, passport, employment letter (in the case of employer-specific permits), credentials, and in some instances a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Which are the Best Places to Live in Canada?

Most favourite cities include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Quebec City that possess great jobs, lifestyle, and amenities but varying living expenses. 

How many Indians live in Canada?

There are more than 1.8 million Indians living in Canada who account for about 5% of Canada's population and who are Canada's largest immigrant community. 

How to Stay Connected in Canada?

Unlimit Mobile is the best way to stay connected in Canada with 5G coverage. Perfect for students, travellers, nomads, and expats. Get pre activated physical SIM and eSIM before travel and get connected from the moment you land.

Conclusion

Canada is a land of opportunity, providing quality education, career development, and a high standard of living. With careful planning, students and expats can acclimatize easily and flourish in its friendly climate. Its multicultural societies have a helping hand and a feeling of belonging to extend to newcomers. For studies, employment, or travel, Canada is a destination to create a better and secure tomorrow.