Top 10 Cheapest Cities In Canada For International Students (2023)

Studying in Canada can be expensive, especially for students who are coming from other countries. The cost of living, tuition fees, and other expenses can add up quickly, making it challenging for students to manage their finances. But, some cities in Canada are more affordable for international students.

The top 10 cheapest cities in Canada for international students include Montreal, Quebec, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Vancouver, Moncton, New Brunswick, Laval, Quebec, Edmonton, Alberta, Calgary, Alberta, Toronto, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities In Canada For International Students

1. Montreal, Quebec

Montréal has been ranked among Canada’s top cities for quite some time now and has moved up in the global ranking, from 8th in 2015 to 7th in the QS Best Student Cities. This is due to the city’s stability and solid ground, as well as a slew of highly-ranked educational institutions, including McGill University.

Montréal also offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with immigration from all over the world and a rich cultural landscape, including the largest comedy festival in the world.

The city also boasts an efficient public transit system, powered by a bus system operating in over 200 bus routes, the metro, and a regional train service. It is the cheapest city in Canada for international students.

2. Abbotsford, British Columbia

Abbotsford, British Columbia, is a city that is not only student-friendly but also budget-friendly. Despite the high cost of living in British Columbia, Abbotsford offers an affordable alternative for international students.

With a cost of living that sits 3.6% below the national average, Abbotsford is the cheapest large city in BC. Furthermore, the city boasts a diverse population, with the third highest proportion of visible minorities in the country.

This makes Abbotsford an ideal location for international students who are looking to immerse themselves in a culturally rich environment while keeping their expenses in check.

3. Vancouver

Vancouver offers stunning backdrops with the Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress mountains nearby and a range of outdoor activities, such as skiing.

The city also boasts a vibrant cultural life with theatres and music at every turn, making it an ideal location for students with an artistic inclination. The city has two universities ranked by QS, with the University of British Columbia being the highest-ranked.

Both universities are set in beautiful, natural settings, adding to the appeal of studying in Vancouver.

4. Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick, is known for its affordability, making it a popular destination for international students. The cost of living in Moncton is 6.3% below the national average, making it an economical choice for students who want to save on their expenses.

Students can rent a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $835 per month, which is much more affordable compared to other cities in Canada. The city has a welcoming atmosphere and has seen a significant increase in the number of international students in recent years.

With its rich cultural heritage, warm community, and affordable living costs, Moncton is a great choice for students looking for a unique study experience in Canada.

5. Laval, Quebec

Laval is another affordable city in Quebec that offers international students an opportunity to save on their expenses while studying. The cost of living in Laval is over 9% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Canada for International students.

Quebec is known for its low tuition costs, which is a major draw for students, and Laval adds to the savings by offering low living costs. The city is located just 30 km northwest of Montreal, providing students with easy access to the cultural and entertainment opportunities in the city.

With its affordable living costs, diverse cultural community, and proximity to Montreal, Laval is a great option for students who want to study in Quebec while saving on expenses.

6. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is a major city in Canada, popular among students for its affordable cost of living.

Renting is affordable with a vacancy rate of 5.3% and average bachelor rent at $862. Public transit costs around $97 per month, dining out costs around $134, and gym membership costs around $44.

Edmonton is home to the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Popular student neighbourhoods include Strathcona and Parkallen.

7. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta is known for its open spaces, rivers, mountains, and sunshine. The cost of living in Calgary becomes even more manageable due to Alberta’s low provincial taxes.

While tuition costs are similar to Edmonton, the higher cost of living makes it a bit pricier. Renting is competitive with a vacancy rate of 3.9% and average bachelor rent at $879. Public transit costs around $106, dining out costs around $134, and gym membership costs around $55.

Calgary is home to the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Popular student neighbourhoods include Sunnyside, Kensington, and Connaught.

8. Toronto, Ontario

Recognized as the most livable city in the world, Toronto is also known for its cultural and creative scene. The city has a large international business sector, making it an attractive destination for international students looking for work opportunities.

Toronto is home to the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, York University, and other post-secondary institutions. Popular student neighbourhoods include the Annex, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Liberty Village and City Place for students willing to share a unit with roommates.

9. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa’s stable job market has made it an attractive destination for new migrants, which has pushed the vacancy rate lower to 1.6% and the average bachelor’s rent up to $881.

Public transit costs around $118, dining out costs around $175, and gym membership costs around $51.

Ottawa is home to renowned schools for political science, business, and journalism programs including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Saint Paul University, and La Cité Collégiale. Popular student neighbourhoods include Old Ottawa South and Centretown, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

10. Quebec, Quebec

Quebec is famous for its grand Chateau Frontenac and its rich history with 37 historic sites of national significance. The cultural scene is diverse with a mixture of European and North American influences.

Renting is affordable with an average bachelor’s rent at $497. Public transit costs around $63, dining out costs around $157, and gym membership costs around $48.

Quebec is home to universities such as Laval University and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. The City is also one of the cheapest cities in Canada for International students. Popular student neighbourhoods include Sainte-Foy and Sillery.

Related:

• Requirements To Study Nursing In Germany For International Students
• Requirements To Study Nursing In Canada For International Students
• Requirements To Study Medicine In Canada For International Students

Conclusion

Studying in Canada can be a wonderful experience for international students, but it can also be expensive. However, there are cities in Canada that are more affordable and provide a good quality of life.

The 10 cheapest cities in Canada for international students mentioned in this article have lower living costs, affordable tuition fees, and offer plenty of opportunities for students to explore and enjoy their time in Canada.

International students who are looking to study in Canada should consider these cities as a potential option for their studies.