Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students 2026

If you are planning to study in Canada in 2026, understanding the cost of living is an important step before applying to universities. Canada is more expensive than India but more affordable than USA or UK for Indian students.

For Indian students studying at Canadian universities, the highest monthly costs usually include accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance. On average, students spend around CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500 per month. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to be more expensive than smaller cities.

Additionally, to secure a Canadian student visa, you must provide proof of financial sufficiency through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). According to IRCC, the GIC amount for Indian students is CAD 22,895.

Living Cost in Canada for Indian Students in 2026

According to Numbeo, an Indian student needs INR 1.11 lakh per month to cover the monthly expenses in Canada. This amount does not include house rent. It varies from place to place. Students need medical and hospital insurance, as healthcare in Canada is very expensive. Public health insurance plans in Canada are administered independently in each province. Some universities require compulsory insurance coverage. The coverage should be secured within the first week after arrival.

In short, an Indian student planning to study in Canada in 2026 should budget between INR 20 and 24 lakh per year to cover expenses, including accommodation.

*Exchange rate used: CAD 1 = INR 70.08. Actual expenses may vary by city, lifestyle, and accommodation type.

Note: Costs vary significantly by city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive, while cities like Winnipeg or Saskatoon offer more affordable living.

Monthly Grocery Expenses in Canada for Indians

Monthly grocery expenses in Canada for Indians depend on the city, food habits, and shopping style. On average, Indian students and working professionals spend around CAD 300 to CAD 500 per month on groceries.

Common grocery items include milk, rice, bread, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and chicken. Prices can be higher in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

You can reduce grocery costs by:

• Buying from local supermarkets and discount stores.
• Cooking meals at home.
• Buying items in bulk.
• Looking for weekly offers and deals.
• Choosing store-brand products.

The table below shows the average grocery prices in Canada in both CAD and INR for Indian students and residents.

*Exchange rate used: 1 = 70.08 INR.

Cost of Studying in Canada

Your actual cost of living depends entirely on where you want to study. A student renting a shared room in downtown Toronto will pay double what a student pays in a smaller city like Winnipeg.

What is the exact amount you need? The Canadian government (IRCC) currently estimates that a single student needs approximately CAD 22,895 per year. This is just the cost of living in Canada. This is why your GIC amount is set to this figure. It is the minimum safety net to cover your rent, groceries, and transport for one year.

Rent is your biggest expense. To save money, most Indian students choose "off-campus shared housing". Here is a realistic breakdown of your total first-year costs:

*Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = 67.82 INR.

How Much Money is Required to Study in Canada

Now that students are aware of the approximate living cost in Canada for international students, let us look at how much money is required to study in Canada from the perspective of the funds that you need to provide while applying for a Canada student visa. The minimum bank balance for Canadian student visa depends on whether a student studies outside of Quebec or in Quebec. The tables given below provide the details of both:

Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (outside Quebec):

City-Wise Cost of Living in Canada

As mentioned earlier, the living expenses in Canada are not the same for every city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive Canadian cities, where most top universities are located. Smaller cities like Quebec and Saskatchewan are the least expensive. Here, we have mentioned some insights related to the cost of living in Canada per month. This table will give you an idea of how much money you need to manage your living expenses in Canada. However, this amount excludes the house rent as it varies from place to place.

Source: Numbeo

Big City Life vs. Suburban Areas

Like anywhere in the world, living costs in urban centres are more than those in the suburbs. Many students prefer on-campus housing much more, which may not be the lowest-cost option, but is more convenient. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities to live in, and with the shortage of affordable housing in Toronto, costs are the highest there and still continue to rise. The cost of living in Toronto for international students is INR 95,426 (Without Rent). This depends mainly on your accommodation. The table given below provides the cost of living in Toronto for international students.

Source: Numbeo

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Indian students may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship, or grant to study in Canada. The Government of Canada, our provinces and territories, and many educational institutions offer funds for international students. Many colleges and universities in Canada offer scholarships to students to manage their studies and living expenses. For more information about scholarships in Canada, you can visit the link. Students may also apply to colleges in Canada without application fees to reduce their costs.

Now that students are aware of the living costs in Canada for international students, they must apply for scholarships and look for part-time work to reduce their costs. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.