How Much Does It Cost to Live in Toronto as an International Student?
Toronto is one of the most popular student cities in Canada. Here's a realistic monthly budget for international students studying here.
Monthly Cost of Living in Toronto (2026)
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | CAD 700 | CAD 1,100 | CAD 1,800 |
| Groceries & food | CAD 200 | CAD 350 | CAD 500 |
| Eating out | CAD 50 | CAD 150 | CAD 300 |
| Local transport | CAD 60 | CAD 100 | CAD 150 |
| Phone & internet | CAD 20 | CAD 40 | CAD 70 |
| Health insurance | CAD 80 | CAD 150 | CAD 300 |
| Books & supplies | CAD 40 | CAD 70 | CAD 120 |
| Entertainment | CAD 50 | CAD 120 | CAD 250 |
| Miscellaneous | CAD 50 | CAD 100 | CAD 200 |
| Monthly Total | CAD 1,250 | CAD 2,180 | CAD 3,690 |
| Annual Total | CAD 15,000 | CAD 26,160 | CAD 44,280 |
Accommodation in Toronto
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Accommodation is the biggest expense for students in Toronto.
On-campus / university halls: Most convenient but fills up fast — apply early.
Private student halls: Managed buildings with student amenities — more expensive but bills included.
Shared private apartment: Best value if you find good housemates — budget CAD 600-900/month for a room.
Tips:
- Look for accommodation within walking distance or a short commute from campus
- Facebook groups for students at your specific university often have room listings
- Amber Student lists verified properties near major universities in Toronto
Food & Groceries in Toronto
- Budget supermarkets in Toronto: Save significantly vs premium stores
- Student meal deals: Many cafes near universities offer discounted student meals
- Cooking in bulk: Prep meals for the week — saves time and CAD 100-200/month
- Farmer's markets: Fresh produce cheaper than supermarkets on weekends
Transport in Toronto
- Student transport pass: Check if your university includes one or offers discounted rates
- Cycling: Many cities in Canada have excellent cycling infrastructure — check if Toronto is bike-friendly
- Apps: Use local transport apps for the cheapest fares
Money Management Tips for Toronto Students
- Open a local bank account the first week — avoid foreign transaction fees on every purchase
- Use Wise for sending and receiving money from home at mid-market rates
- Track spending with a budgeting app (Monzo, Revolut, or YNAB)
- Student discount apps: Check local equivalents of UNiDAYS or Student Beans
- Share subscriptions: Split Netflix, Spotify, etc. with housemates
Is Toronto Expensive for International Students?
Compared to other cities in Canada, Toronto is moderately priced — the mid-range budget should be sufficient for a comfortable student life.
Sending Money from Home to Cover Toronto Living Costs
Set up a monthly transfer from your home country to cover living costs. Use Wise for the best exchange rates — typically 3-5% cheaper than bank transfers.
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