Canada, being the second largest country in the world, is also categorized as the best nation to study abroad. Despite higher living costs in some cities, if researched carefully several cities in Canada offer lower accommodation costs. Therefore, for those continuously searching for the cheapest city in Canada for international students, stop checking further articles now! Since, in this blog, we compare the cheapest cities to study in Canada for foreign students, including top universities, average tuition fees, and living costs. Keep reading for more details on these Canadian cities!
Table of Contents
Which City of Canada has the Most Indian Students?
Which Province in Canada is Best for Indian Students?
Is Canada Safe for Indian Students?
Which is the Safest City in Canada for Students?
Which City has Canada's Best Universities?
Which City in Canada has More Job Opportunities?
Which City in Canada has the Best Education System?
So, if you’re already here, let us start by explaining the most affordable cities in Canada with their average monthly rental. These cities are affordable not because they offer lower living costs, even though they charge more, but because the average wage rates in these cities are generally high. Therefore, they are more affordable yet the best places to live in Canada for international students.
Let’s start learning each one of them in detail!
The city was founded in 1826 by Bytown and renamed Ottawa in 1855. It was initially home to the Irish and Christian community; hence, Ottawa is now considered a multicultural city with a diverse population.
Living in Ottawa means enjoying the distinction of being located in the second cleanest city in Canada and the third cleanest in the world. The city has four distinct seasons, namely winter, spring, summer and fall.
First, let’s talk about the Winter season, which lasts longer than in India. You’ll notice cold snaps start from November onward, with exciting snow falling from December until March. Also, if you’re extra lucky to enjoy making snowballs, then have more fun until April.
Spring , the most delightful yet fleeting season in Canada, brings light rain showers and mild weather , creating a perfect ambiance for an afternoon picnic with friends in a nearby park. Spring, a time of renewal and joy, usually graces Ottawa from April to May.
Summer in Ottawa is a scorcher with extreme humidity that lasts from June to September. However, there is no need to worry since the next season will calm this humid temperature.
Finally, it will be officially the Fall season, which typically lasts from September to November. Hence, it is classified among the best student cities in Canada not just because of its pleasant climate but for many other reasons as well. You can explore these reasons in the table below.
| Best Study City QS Ranking 2024 |
57 |
| Best Universities With Courses Offered In Ottawa |
|
| Things to do in Ottawa |
|
| Average Monthly Salary |
$ 5,416 |
Also Read: How to Find Best Part Time Jobs in Canada for Students?
Further, let’s check out the overall expenses while living in Ottawa as an international student!
Here’s a list of complete expenses you will face while living in Ottawa city of Ontario:
| TYPE OF EXPENSE | AVERAGE COST (IN CAD) Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
|
| Food |
|
| Transportation |
|
| Sports and Leisure |
|
| Household Utilities |
|
After going through the complete expenses of residing in Ottawa, here are the top universities in the city. Hence, for a better understanding of their offered courses and tuition costs, refer to the table below:
| UNIVERSITIES IN OTTAWA | COURSES OFFERED WITH AVERAGE TUITION FEES |
|---|---|
| University of Ottawa #203 |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Carleton University #651 - 700 |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Dominican University College |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Saint Paul University |
Average Tuition Fees:
|
Further, let’s move to another cheapest city in Canada for international students!
Also Read: What Is SDS? How to Apply for SDS in 4 Easy Steps?
Calgary is situated in Alberta, Canada's largest province. Known for its focus on the oil industry and proud 'Cowboy' traditions, the city is often called 'the Texas of Canada' by its natives. It's also known as the "Heart of the New West" due to the abundant festivities and activities held throughout the year.
Further, living in Calgary might become extremely hectic during summers since the city gets the most sun rays than any other city in Canada. Therefore, summers can be warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 30℃.
Both domestic and international students embrace the winter season, as the temperature drops to -10℃ or less for a few weeks of the year. Hence, it makes the season more pleasant, especially during snowfall.
May is windy, and June usually has above-average rainfall, while July and August are considered the warmest months.
Students can expect pleasant weather throughout the year in Calgary, making it an ideal place to study and live. Check out the table below to see why Calgary is among the best student cities in Canada!
| Best Study City QS Ranking 2024 | Not available |
| Best Universities With Courses Offered In Calgary |
|
| Things to do in Calgary, Alberta |
|
| Average Monthly Salary in Calgary |
|
Here’s a list of complete expenses you will face while living in Calgary city of Alberta:
| TYPE OF EXPENSE | AVERAGE COST (IN CAD) Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
|
| Food |
|
| Transportation |
|
| Sports and Leisure |
|
| Household Utilities |
|
Some well-known universities in Canada are also based in Calgary, Alberta, including the University of Calgary. For more details on the universities, courses, and average fees, refer to the table below:
| UNIVERSITIES IN CALGARY | COURSES OFFERED WITH AVERAGE TUITION FEES |
|---|---|
| University of Calgary #182 |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Mount Royal University |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Alberta University of the Arts |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Saint Mary’s University |
Average Tuition Fees:
|
| Ambrose University |
Average Tuition Fees:
|
Moving further, let’s find out another cheapest city in Canada for international students!
Montreal is a city in the southwest of the province of Quebec, just 43 miles from the US border. It is renowned as the second largest city in Canada and the second most populated city with French-speaking people in the Western world, right after Paris.
Talking about the weather conditions of Montreal, the city experiences four distinct seasons. For Indian natives, it’d be a wholesome experience to enjoy snow cover from early December until March.
Meanwhile, January and February are considered the coldest months, with temperatures often dropping below -20℃. The spring season is comparatively shorter, and May is considered the warmest month, where temperatures can reach above 20℃ and sometimes even above 30℃
Lastly, the cost of living in Montreal is quite affordable, but the wages and higher taxes may become a bit burdensome. However, after completing studies at a reputed university in Montreal, plenty of good opportunities can be found in your profession.
Still wondering, why Montreal to live, study, and work? Check out the table below and find your answers:
| Best Study City QS Ranking 2024 | 13 |
| Best Universities With Courses Offered In Montreal |
|
| Things to do in Montreal, Quebec |
|
| Average Monthly Salary in Montreal |
|
Here’s a list of complete expenses you will face while studying in Montreal city of Quebec as an international student:
| TYPE OF EXPENSE | AVERAGE COST (IN CAD) Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
|
| Food |
|
| Transportation |
|
| Sports and Leisure |
|
| Household Utilities |
|
Let us further explore universities based in Montreal city of Quebec. Hence, for more details on these institutions, their study programs, and average tuition fees, refer to the table below:
| UNIVERSITIES IN MONTREAL | COURSES OFFERED WITH AVERAGE TUITION FEES |
|---|---|
| University of Montreal |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| McGill University #30 |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Concordia University |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| University of Quebec at Montreal |
Average Tuition Fees:
|
St. Catharines is known as the largest city in the Niagara Region and has been given the nickname “Garden City” due to the abundance of gardens, parks, and trails. The city is surrounded by about 4 square kilometres of greenery.
Like other cities, St. Catharines experiences 4 seasons. Since the Niagara Region is located between 2 Great Lakes, namely Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the immigrants experience significant changes in weather throughout the year.
Firstly, experience plants and trees blossoming from March to June, and that’s what the Spring season in St. Catharines looks like. Enjoy a mild temperature range from5°C to 20°C.
During the summer season, which lasts from June to September, temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with friends. As fall approaches, the temperature starts to cool down, ranging from zero to 15°C between September and December.
Finally, from December to March, St. Catharines experiences heavy snowfall, and the temperature ranges from -20°C to 0°C.
Lastly, St. Catharines is counted amongst the cheapest places to live in Canada, especially in Ontario. The cost of living in this city is 0.5% lower than the national average. To learn more about the city and its popular activities, check out the following table.
| Best Study City QS Ranking 2024 | Not available |
| Best Universities With Courses Offered In St. Catharines |
|
| Things to do in St. Catharines, Ontario |
|
| Average Monthly Salary in St. Catharines |
|
Further, explore the expenses students will face while residing in St. Catharines.
| TYPE OF EXPENSE | AVERAGE COST (IN CAD) Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
|
| Food |
|
| Transportation |
|
| Sports and Leisure |
|
| Household Utilities |
|
Let us further explore universities based in St. Catharines. For more details on these institutions, their study programs, and average tuition fees, refer to the table below:
| UNIVERSITIES IN ST. CATHARINES | COURSES OFFERED WITH AVERAGE TUITION FEES |
|---|---|
| Brock University |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Niagara University |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
Further, let’s learn about another cheapest city in Canada for international students.
Located just an hour away from Vancouver, Abbotsford is a spectacular city with a population of around 150,000 people. The city is known for its strong local economy, different area industries, and an abundance of lush green spaces. Residents and immigrants enjoy a high quality of life in this Fraser Valley city.
Further, Abbotsford is an ideal destination for living urban or rural life in a single city. Living in Abbotsford is quite affordable compared to many large cities across Canada in terms of lower housing costs. This city offers many career opportunities for residents and students from different countries.
Also, check why international students consider this to be the most lively and cheapest city in Canada! Refer to the table below:
| Best Study City QS Ranking 2024 | Not available |
| Best Universities With Courses Offered In Abbotsford |
|
| Things to do in St. Abbotsford |
|
| Average Monthly Salary in Abbotsford |
|
Further, explore the expenses students will face while residing in Abbotsford.
| TYPE OF EXPENSE | AVERAGE COST (IN CAD) Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
|
| Food |
|
| Transportation |
|
| Sports and Leisure |
|
| Household Utilities |
|
Let us explore universities based in Abbotsford. For more details on these institutions, their study programs, and average tuition fees, refer to the table below:
| UNIVERSITIES IN ABBOTSFORD | COURSES OFFERED WITH AVERAGE TUITION FEES |
|---|---|
| Sprott Shaw College |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| University of the Fraser Valley |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
| Northern Lakes College |
Average Tuition Fee:
|
Do you want to study in Canada but wondering how to decide among the best student cities in the country? Well, to solve this dilemma we’ve covered everything in these tables. From why live in these cities, to their universities, to the overall expenses while staying there!
Further, let’s go through the average salary provided in these most affordable cities in Canada with job profiles.
Planning to pack your bags and leave for Canada? Then, you must learn the city-wise pay scale difference. However, every Indian student looks for a city with low accommodation costs, average university tuition fees, and a good amount of job opportunities.
For example, Toronto is counted as the most expensive city in Canada to study and live in. However, it offers a good pay scale and a desired job role, and that’s why every Indian student wants to study in Toronto. But do you know you can get good jobs with a decent salary package within these affordable and best student cities in Canada? Well, if not, check out the table below! Here, we’ve mentioned a list of job profiles with their average annual pay along with city names.
| CANADIAN CITIES | JOBS WITH AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|
| Ottawa, Ontario |
|
| Calgary, Alberta |
|
| Montreal, Quebec |
|
| St. Catharines, Ontario |
|
| Abbotsford, British Columbia |
|
So, from this table, you can conclude which subject you should study and what job profiles you must go for in these cheapest cities in Canada!
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Average Salary in Canada
Apart from the tuition fees, pay scale, and other factors, there are several other benefits of studying in these Canadian cities. Have a look at some of them:
1. Availability of pocket-friendly accommodation
2. Students can rely on the public transportation system
3. Find easy part-time job opportunities
4. In-budget activities like visiting local destinations and more.
Hopefully, after reading this blog, many study abroad aspirants will know the cheapest places to live in Canada, including Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, and more. Students pay less for their living expenses than in other metropolitan cities. So, if anyone is looking for affordable housing and tuition to study in Canada, choose between them. However, for expert advice, do have a one-on-one session with Gradding’s study abroad consultants and reach out to us!
Toronto and Alberta are the home for many Indian students because of several factors. They include top-ranked universities, low crime rates, high living standards, world-class health services, and vast student communities.
When it comes to affordability in housing, high standard of living, low crime rates, and excellent health services, Indian students can opt for Alberta to study and live.
Undoubtedly Yes! Canada is the home of many Indian students and the country is known for its nationalities and cultures. Also, Canada ranked 10th on the Global Peace Index, 2021.
Some of the safest cities for Indian students in Canada include Ottawa, Quebec, and Montreal.
Montreal is counted as the best city for the quality of its universities, based on the QS World University Rankings. The city is home to 3 universities in the list of QS University Rankings, including McGill University, University of Montreal, and Concordia University.
When it comes to job prospects in Canada, other than the big city of Toronto, off-beat cities in the nation might be worthy of your attention. Some include Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Calgary, etc.
In terms of a high-quality education system, every Canadian city has reputed institutions that offer several study programs that fit the requirements of students. However, for innovation-related courses, such as Science & Technology, students often opt for Montreal to study and live in.
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