Hey, future international student! Have you chosen Ontario as the destination for your higher studies? It’s a smart choice! Ontario boasts the largest number of universities and post-secondary colleges of any province in Canada, offering globally recognized degrees. While it provides world-class education, what about the cost of living in Ontario? Understanding living expenses is crucial because it helps you plan your budget effectively and navigate the financial stress while studying in Ontario.
This guide breaks down the average cost of living in Ontario – including housing, groceries, transit, and more – and explores effective ways to manage expenses while studying.
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Cost of living in ontario for international students
When thinking of the cost of living in Ontario, Canada, housing costs and groceries are often the first expenses that come to mind. However, other costs, such as transportation and miscellaneous expenses, also contribute to the overall living expenses. Below we will explore some of the key expenses you can expect while living in Ontario:
Accommodation Costs
Living in Ontario means allocating a significant portion of your budget to rent. It is estimated that the rent in Ontario typically accounts for more than 35% of a single person’s monthly expenses, making housing a major cost. Here’s an overview of the housing costs for international students.
Category | Average Cost Per Year | Key Information |
On- Campus | Between CAD 3,000 and CAD 7,500 | Larger cities like Toronto can be expensive compared to smaller towns in Ontario. Single rooms with private bathrooms may be more expensive than shared rooms. |
Off- Campus | Around CAD 16,000 | Renting independent flats can be expensive; instead, consider sharing rooms with friends to lower housing costs. |
Groceries
After accommodation, food and groceries are the largest expenses in Ontario. This is because of the steady rise in food prices from 2017 to 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the top items and their prices:
Item | 2017 price | 2024 price | Price Increase |
Fruits and Vegetables | CAD 2.73 | CAD 3.70 | CAD 0.97 |
Eggs | CAD 2.82 | CAD 4.67 | CAD 1.85 |
Dairy | CAD 3.97 | CAD 5.31 | CAD 1.34 |
Bread | CAD 2.42 | CAD 3.10 | CAD 0.68 |
Rice | CAD 5.28 | CAD 6.72 | CAD 1.44 |
Breakfast Cereals | CAD 3.03 | CAD 4.17 | CAD 1.14 |
Eating Out
Category | Average Cost |
Fast Food and Restaurants | Around CAD 15 to CAD 30 |
**The average cost of food and groceries for a single person in Ontario can be approximately CAD 567 per month.
tips to manage grocery and food costs in ontario
- Shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like No Frills or FreshCo for groceries. They offer discounts that can help reduce prices.
- Buy fresh produce like vegetables and fruits during the season. This is the time when the items are cheap compared to the off-season.
- Use student discounts to buy groceries at cheaper prices. Register for either a Student Price Card or International Student Identity Card to enjoy discounts on food and drinks.
Also Read: Living Expenses in Canada for International Students.
Transportation Costs
Ontario has one of the largest transportation networks in Canada, with half of the country’s public transit system. The Toronto Transit Commission is the largest mass transit system in Canada. When it comes to transportation costs, the average monthly fare for a single person can be around CAD 149.
Category | Price |
Monthly Local transport ticket | CAD 94 |
Taxi ride (8 km or 5 mi) | CAD 16 |
Gas/Petrol (1 L or 0.26 gal) | CAD 1. 13 |
tips to manage transportation costs in ontario
- Make use of transport discount passes to enjoy discounts on transportation in Ontario. For example, the PRESTO card offers discounts on transportation to international students. The card offers discounted fares to students who are enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies.
- Use student-specific transit passes to travel on discounted fares in Ontario cities. For example, the TTC Student Metro pass in Toronto offers unlimited travel within a specified month.
Healthcare Costs
Free healthcare coverage for international students is available in some provinces, but Ontario does not offer free healthcare coverage. To access healthcare coverage in Ontario, you must purchase private healthcare insurance or receive coverage through your university.
Category | Average Cost Per Year | Key Information |
UHIP (Public University-Sponsored Healthcare Coverage) | CAD 600 – CAD 900 | Both private and public university-sponsored healthcare insurance plans cover hospital care, doctor visits, and more. |
Private Healthcare Insurance Plan | Around CAD 600 – CAD 1,200 |
tips to manage healthcare in ontario
- Take advantage of UHIP (University Health Plan) as it is less expensive compared to private health insurance.
- Make use of telehealth services. Ontario offers telehealth services like Telehealth Ontario, which gives students free access to registered nurses for medical advice. This is cheap compared to in-person visits.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses also contribute to the overall cost of living in Ontario. Here’s an overview of the various other expenses you should consider:
Category | Average Cost |
Utility bill for one person (electricity, heating, water, etc.) | CAD 98 per month |
Internet plan (50 Mbps) | CAD 53 per month |
Cinema ticket (one person) | CAD 12 |
Haircut (Simple) | CAD 17 |
sample monthly budget for international students in ontario
Expense | Cost (Monthly) |
Rent | CAD 800 – CAD 2000 |
Food and Groceries | CAD 567 |
Transportation | CAD 149 |
Healthcare | CAD 90 – CAD 100 |
Miscellaneous | CAD 100 – CAD 150 |
**The total cost of living per person in Ontario is around CAD 2,200 per month.
Comparison: Cost of Living in Ontario vs. other Provinces
Provinces | Average Cost of Living Per Month |
Ontario | CAD 2,200 |
Alberta | CAD 1,900 |
British Columbia | CAD 2,300 |
Quebec State | CAD 1,700 |
Nova Scotia | CAD 2,100 |
Cost of Living By City in Ontario
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in several cities across Ontario:
City | Average Cost of Living Per Month |
Toronto | CAD 2,500 |
Ottawa | CAD 2,300 |
Mississauga | CAD 2,400 |
Brampton | CAD 2,100 |
Richmond Hill | CAD 2,600 |
conclusion
The cost of living in Ontario depends on your lifestyle and the city you choose. However, planning ahead, focusing on financial aid or part-time work, and budgeting wisely can help you manage living expenses effectively.
FAQS
Less urban areas tend to be more affordable than cities in Ontario. Places like Kingston and Windsor are more affordable compared to cities like Toronto or Ottawa, which have higher living costs.
There are several ways you can reduce your cost of living in Ontario. Some of the ways include:
- Consider shared housing if you are considering living outside the campus. Otherwise, choose student dormitories. Both are affordable options.
- If you are considering living outside the campus, consider accommodation further from the cities. Accommodation further from cities is less expensive compared to cities.
- Use student discount passes for public transportation.
- Buy groceries in bulk at budget-friendly supermarkets.
There are several scholarships offered by certain universities that can help you manage half of your living expenses in Ontario. Check the university’s website for more information.
Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week on a study visa.