Top 9 Most Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students in 2024

The average yearly salaries across major Indian cities range between Rs 18 lakh to Rs 21 lakh, per a Forbes January 2024 article. With an average study-abroad cost of nearly Rs 13 lakh per semester, it may be challenging to afford the entire tuition fee and living expenses in a foreign land for a year. 
And this is why, I bring to you the list of the top 9 cheapest cities in Canada for International students in 2024.

Top 9 Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students

1. Montreal, Quebec

As we look for the cheapest places to live in Canada, Quebec finds special mention as one of the most affordable provinces in the country. Montreal has several colleges and universities, making it a popular university town. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal is around CAD 1,300-1,700. Many international students live in Plateau, a neighborhood that is dotted with quirky shops, cafes, and affordable restaurants offering delicious food.

Average Cost of Living: International students in Montreal should budget between CAD 1,373 and CAD 2,059 per month to cover living expenses.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around USD 13, or 14-18 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. McDonald's 
2. CGI Group, Inc.
3. Desjardins 
4. Deloitte 
5. Amazon
6. Oracle
7. Ubisoft
8. EY
9. Apple
10. GSK

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. McGill University
2. Université de Montréal
3. Concordia University
4. Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
5. Polytechnic school of Montreal

2. Sherbrooke, Quebec

Located around 160 km from Montreal, there are eight educational institutions in Sherbrooke with around 40,000 students. The cost of living in this town is 15.6% below the national average and you can easily find a one-bedroom set for under CAD 800.

Average Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Sherbrooke for a single person is approximately CAD 984 per month without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: 

CAD 25 per hour.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. McDonald's 
2. CGI Group, Inc.
3. Desjardins 
4. Deloitte 
5. Amazon
6. Oracle
7. Ubisoft
8. EY
9. Apple
10. GSK

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. Université de Sherbrooke
2. Bishop's University
3. CDE College
4. Champion Regional College
5. Cégep de Sherbrooke

3. Laval, Quebec

Laval is one of the largest cities in Quebec and is located 30 km northwest of Montreal. The cost of living in this city is 9% below the national average. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Laval is CAD 1,300.

Average Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Laval for a single person is approximately CAD 1,178 per month.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: International students can earn approximately USD 16-18, or 25 CAD per hour.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. McDonald's 
2. CGI Group, Inc.
3. Desjardins 
4. Deloitte 
5. Amazon
6. Oracle
7. Ubisoft
8. EY
9. Apple
10. GSK

Top  Universities (QS 2025):

1. Université Laval (UL)
2. UQAM Laval
3. Training Korpus
4. Research Center of Chu Université Laval

4. Calgary, Alberta

The largest city in Alberta, Calgary not only has some of the best colleges to study in Canada but also is a skiing destination. It has the youngest population among Canadian cities. The minimum monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 800.

Average Cost of Living: CAD 1,550 (Numbeo) per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around 27 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. University of Calgary 
2. Tc Energy
3. Canadian Natural 
4. Husky Energy 
5. Alberta Health Services 
6. McDonald's 
7. Amazon
8. Nutrien
9. Cenovus
10. ATB Financial

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. University of Calgary
2. Mount Royal University
3. SAIT Polytechnic
4. Ambrose University
5. St. Mary's University

5. Ottawa, Ontario

The vibrant city of Ottawa, which is also the capital of Canada, is home to two renowned universities in the country, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. There are several restaurants and bars in the city, and the downtown area looks gorgeous with quirky cafes. However, you can look for apartments in Little Italy, Osgoode Street, Centretown, and Old Ottawa South. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for around CAD 1,200.

Average Cost of Living: 1,545 AD per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around 16-18 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. McDonald's 
2. Amazon
3. IBM
4. Deloitte 
5. Accenture
6. Starbucks 
7. TD
8. Cisco
9. Nokia
10. Government of Canada 

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. University of Ottawa
2. Carleton University 
3. Dominican University College 
4. Université Saint Paul
5. Algonquin College

6. Kingston, Ontario 

With colleges and universities like Queen’s University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and St. Lawrence University, Kingston has a strong student community. The cost of living in Kingston is significantly lower than in Toronto. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Kingston is CAD 1,220.

Average Cost of Living: 1,505 CAD per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around 17-19 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. IBM
2. TD
3. Roger's Communications
4. RBC
5. Bell
6. CIBC
7. Scotiabank
8. BMO Financial Group
9. Deloitte 
10. TELUS

Top  Universities (QS 2025):

1. Queen's University 
2. Royal Military College of Canada
3. St. Lawrence College

7. St. Catharines, Ontario

The largest city in the Niagara region in Canada, St.Catharines is yet another city that is known for being affordable for international students. The cost of living is 0.5% below the national average. For a one-bedroom apartment, one has to pay around CAD 1,314 every month. Niagara Falls is just a 20-minutes drive away from this city.

Average Cost of Living: 1,040 CAD per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around USD 13-15, or 18-20 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs(Glassdoor):

1. Amazon
2. Deloitte 
3. McDonald's 
4. Walmart 
5. IBM
6. Accenture
7. TD
8. Starbucks
9. EY 
10. KPMG

Top Universities(QS 2025):

1. Brock University 
2. Niagara College, Ontario Street Site

8. Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick but is one of the cheapest places in the province. The cost of living in this city is 6.3% below the national average. You can get a  one-bedroom apartment for around CAD 800 per month. Like many other cities in Canada, Moncton is a promising and welcoming place for international students. If talking about the cheapest province in Canada, New Brunswick tops the list.

Average Cost of Living: 884 CAD per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: The average hourly salary for part-time student jobs is around 20-22 CAD.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. McDonald's 
2. Deloitte 
3. Amazon
4. Cognizant Technology Solutions 
5. Infosys
6. Wipro
7. Capgemini
8. IBM
9. Cenovus
10. HCL Tech

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. University of New Brunswick 
2. University of Moncton 
3. Mount Allison University 
4. St. Thomas University 
5. Crandall University 

9. Abbotsford, British Columbia

British Columbia is considered an expensive place by many. However, there are some cities in this province that are quite budget-friendly for international students. One such is Abbotsford. It is also the largest city in the province by area. The cost of living in Abbotsford is 3.6% below the national average. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this city is approx CAD 1,432  per month.

Average Cost of Living: 1,062 CAD per month for a single person without rent.

Average Part-time Salary for International Students: 14- 15 CAD per hour.

Top 10 Companies Offering Jobs (Glassdoor):

1. Amazon
2. McDonald's 
3. Starbucks
4. Walmart
5. Deloitte 
6. Microsoft 
7. KPMG
8. Best Buy 
9. SAP
10. TD

Top 5 Universities (QS 2025):

1. University of the Fraser Valley 
2. Summit Pacific College
3. Columbia Bible College 
4. CDI College Abbotsford
5. Ashton College 

Average Tuition fees in Canada

Depending upon various factors, there are different fees across all Canadian provinces of Canada.

The below table illustrates the fees figures- 

Source* from university websites

What Makes a City Affordable for Students: Top 3 Reasons 

Apart from the tuition fees of the educational institution, there are several other expenses that the students need to bear and a lot depends on the city they are living in. Many factors contribute to making a city affordable but the below factors top that list:

Affordable accommodation –

One of the prime requirements for an affordable student city is the availability of pocket-friendly accommodation. Staying at the college/university campus is an option but you should be able to rent a place within a reasonable budget.

Effective transport system –

You need to be aware of the transportation charges and options available in a city. Since most students rely on public transport, it is an essential part of what makes a city affordable for the students.

Pocket-friendly activities –

You cannot spend all of your days immersed in books and roaming your campus. Students also like to experience new cultures, visit local attractions, and taste local delicacies, all without breaking the bank. Hence, every city needs some activities and local sights that students can explore without worrying about money.

Cost of Living in Canada:

Studying in Canada is one of the best decisions for students who are looking for affordable options. Canadian universities and colleges are well-known and respected for being some of the finest globally and providing an excellent academic experience. Another factor that makes studying in Canada a worthwhile decision is the easy visa application process clubbed with great employment opportunities. 
You can also explore various pathway programs offered by upGrad Abroad in partnership with some of the most prestigious universities in Canada.

Conclusion

Cities like Quebec City, Winnipeg, and Halifax stand out as cost-effective options, offering lower living expenses and tuition fees compared to larger metropolitan areas. These cities not only provide economic advantages but also rich cultural experiences, diverse communities, and quality education, making them attractive destinations for students from around the globe. For international students, choosing a city that aligns with both their financial constraints and academic aspirations is key to a rewarding study abroad experience. By considering cities known for their affordability, students can maximize their educational investment, enjoying all the benefits of studying in Canada while managing their expenses wisely.

Disclaimer! All the facts and figures are indicative sourced from various portals.

Seeking to study in Canada – Apply Now