Cheapest Accommodation in Toronto
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It is known to all that Toronto is among the more expensive Canadian cities. Monthly rent in Toronto depends on the type of accommodation and location you choose. University residences and dedicated student housing tend to be costlier but come with convenient amenities.
Toronto is one of Canada's leading student cities where you will get several accommodation options to choose from. Yes, you will need information to choose an affordable, secure and a comfortable space. This guide will help you understand the best student accommodation in Toronto, rental costs, popular neighbourhoods, and steps to rent with confidence.
- Types of Student Accommodation in Toronto
- What Are the Rental Prices in Toronto?
- Best Student Accommodation in Toronto
- Best Areas for Students in Toronto
- How to Apply for Student Accommodation in Toronto
- Cost of Living in Toronto
Types of Student Accommodation in Toronto
If you’re an Indian student moving to Toronto, having a fixed address is important. It will not only help you with university registration but also with visa processes. In this city, you can find university residences (If applied early), purpose-built student housing (PBSA), shared apartments (to save money), and homestays too.
Here are the four main types of student housing options available in Toronto, with details about who they are best suited for:
| Housing Option |
What It’s Like |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
| University Residences |
|
Students who came to study in Canada and looking for convenience, campus life, and a social atmosphere |
| Purpose-Built Student Housing (PBSA) |
|
Students seeking comfort and community in a ready-to-move space |
| Shared Apartments |
|
Tight budget students, wanting independence and social connections |
| Homestays |
|
New students who want support and a home-like environment |
What Are the Rental Prices in Toronto?
It is known to all that Toronto is among the more expensive Canadian cities. Monthly rent in Toronto depends on the type of accommodation and location you choose. University residences and dedicated student housing tend to be costlier but come with convenient amenities. Shared apartments and homestays are some of the cheapest accommodations in Toronto. Have a look at rent comparison
| Accommodation Type |
Monthly Rent (CAD) |
Monthly Rent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University Residences |
900 to 1,600 |
INR 55,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| PBSAs |
1,100 to 1,800 |
INR 65,000 to INR 1,10,000 |
| Shared Apartments |
700 to 1,200 |
INR 43,000 to INR 75,000 |
| Homestays |
800 to 1,200 |
INR 50,000 to INR 75,000 |
| Hostels/Temporary Stays |
400 to 800 |
INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 |
Note: INR 1 CAD is approximately INR 62.
Best Student Accommodation in Toronto
Toronto offers a diverse selection of neighbourhoods and housing styles that fits the needs of students within their budget.
| Accommodation Option |
Areas Popular Among Students |
What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| University Residences |
On or near campus (UofT St. George, Ryerson) |
|
| PBSAs |
Downtown, suburbs (The Annex, North York) |
|
| Shared Apartments |
Near universities and affordable suburbs |
|
| Homestays |
Across Toronto suburbs |
|
| Hostels/Short-term housing |
Near transit hubs |
|
Best Areas for Students in Toronto
Choosing a suitable neighbourhood can save money and reduce commute times.
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- Downtown & University Districts: Highest convenience, but expensive rents. Areas like The Annexe, Harbord Village, and Kensington Market are popular near the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and George Brown College.
- Scarborough: Home to the University of Toronto Scarborough and Centennial College, this area offers relative affordability and food options for students.
- North York: This location is near York University and Seneca College. You may get the cheapest accommodation in Toronto here with good subway connectivity.
- Etobicoke & East York: Slightly suburban with lower rent accommodations but still connected by public transit.
How to Apply for Student Accommodation in Toronto
You are coming here for the first time to study in Canada, and then the rental process in Toronto can feel confusing. Here’s how to make it smooth:
- Start Early
- Prepare Documents
- Connect with University Housing Department
- No Payment Until You See the Room
- Check Rent Agreement Point-By-Point
What to Look for in Your Rental Agreement
Here is the checklist that you need to see in the rent agreement of accommodation in Toronto:
- Monthly rent and payment deadlines
- Deposit amount and refund policy
- Lease duration and renewal terms
- Included utilities and internet access
- Policies on guests, pets, and maintenance
- Monthly Living Expenses for Students in Toronto
Cost of Living in Toronto
Toronto is an expensive city in Canada. You need to keep a decent amount to cover the cost of living here. Alongside rent, here’s what else you will spend monthly as a student. Check the detailed living expenses in Toronto for students:
| Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (CAD) |
Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared or dorm) |
700 to 1,600 |
INR 44,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, heating) |
80 to 150 |
INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 |
| Internet |
30 to 50 |
INR 2,000 to INR 3,000 |
| Groceries |
250 to 400 |
INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 |
| Public Transport (TTC pass) |
128 |
INR 8,000 |
| Miscellaneous |
50 to 150 |
INR 3,000 to INR 9,000 |
As per the answers on the unofficial source, the most affordable post-secondary school in Nova Scotia is Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. The tuition fee to study UG programs at MSVU will be between INR 6 Lacs – INR 12 lakh. On the other hand, to study graduate programs, the tuition fee range will be between INR 5 Lacs – INR 12 lakh.
Check out the universities & colleges in Nova Scotia
For FDU Vancouver, the acceptance rate has not been mentioned but, this is one of the campuses of FDU New Jersey University, so, the acceptance rate can be considered as 87%. The acceptance rate signifies that the university is less selective during admission, but, there are a few of the master’s programs of the university that are highly competitive to get into such as MSc in Applied Computer Science.
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No, the applying for BCIT British Columbia admissions is not free. All the candidates are required to pay a sum of CAD 154 = INR 9,440* as the BCIT application fee. Along with this, students must submit all the essential documents required and meet the admission requirements in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in British Columbia Institute of Technology.
*1 CAD = INR 61.30