Most students from all over the globe prefer to study in top-tier countries outside of their parent country. This is mostly a result of wanting an improved standard of living, lower tuition fees, or a conducive and enabling learning environment.
It’s a dream come true for a lot of international students to study in top-tier countries. Canada with its developed economy, diversified culture, and open arm to immigrants is a popular destination for international students.
Cost of Living in Ontario
The province of Ontario has lots of universities and colleges for international students to choose from which makes the cost of living in the province varies. The province of Ontario has various cities with each city having various universities and colleges for international students. As an applicant seeking to study in the province, you can choose from a wide range of university that best suits your budget.
Expenses for International Students in Ontario
Highlighted below are some of the expenses for international students studying in the province of Ontario.
- Accommodation Costs: We divide these into two which are; short-term stay and long-term stay
For Short Term Stay
| Accommodation Type | Price Range/Night in CAD |
| Hotels | 90 – 120 |
| Bed and Breakfast Stay | 60 – 140 |
| Hostel | 30 – 90 |
For Long Term Stay
| Accommodation Type | Price Range in CAD |
| Homestay | 700 – 1200 per month |
| Residence / Dormitory | 3,000 – 8,0000 per year |
| Rented Apartment | 600 – 2,000 per month |
- Food Expenses: We provide a rough estimate of household consumption in three famous cities in Ontario
| Estimates | Rate (CAD) |
| Food and non-alcoholic drinks | 10,000 per month |
| Alcoholic drinks | 2,000 per month |
| Grocery | 100 per kg |
| Milk | 2.5 per liter |
| Water | 0.5 per bottle |
- Transportation Expenses: We compare different modes of transportation in Ontario
| Mode of Transport | Charges (CAD) |
| Personal Vehicle | 9,000 – 13,500 per year |
| PRESTO | 4.00 |
| Tokens and Tickets | 10.00 |
| Downtown Express | 43.00 monthly or 3.25 daily |
| Monthly Metro pass | 150 |
| Weekly pass | 44 |
- Healthcare Charges in Ontario: Before you can enroll in a designated learning institution in Canada, you need to obtain medical insurance certificates. You can either do this before moving into the country or immediately after landing in the country.
- Student Expenses: Since Ontario is the home to the most expensive cities in Canada, it is one of the most expensive cities to live in for immigrants and students. This in turn makes the cost of tuition quite expensive for international students. Other expenses apart from tuition fees include textbooks, entertainment, and other miscellaneous items.
No doubt, the province of Ontario has the most expensive cities in Canada hence the reason for the higher cost of living in the province nonetheless, as expensive as it is, it is equally more affordable than most other top-tier countries of the world.