Cost of living in Canada for Filipino students

Canada has always been an attractive study destination for Filipino and other international students due to its high-quality education and welcoming environment. However, if you want to enjoy a balanced and less stressful experience, you’ll need to know how to budget and plan finances accordingly.

Understanding the average living cost for international students is a great starting point, but keep in mind the cost of living may be higher or lower depending on where you live. On average, it is best to budget:

• A minimum of CAD $20,520 per year

• A maximum of CAD $25,080 per year

Do note that these figures do not include the cost of tuition fees, plus any relevant student, administration, application, or permit fees. And don’t forget to include extra expenses for things like socialising with friends, travelling or attending events.

There are some handy websites you can use to help budget for your time in Canada. One option is Expatistan, which calculates the cost of living in Canada using up-to-date, crowd-sourced data. You can also use EduCanada’s Step 1-2-3 tool to see how costs may change based on where you live.

At IDP Philippines, we also have our very own Cost of Living Calculator. It's easy to use: just tick the right boxes and click submit. In just a few seconds, you'll get a rough estimate of how much it will cost you to study in Canada.

^{Note: CA$1.00 ≈ ₱42.00 (September 2025)}

Based on the prices for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses, the average annual cost of living in Canada for international students is:

• A minimum of CAD $1,710 per month

• A maximum of CAD $2,090 per month

Of course, the above is just an average. The city or regional area you choose, your chosen accommodation type, your lifestyle, and your personal spending habits will significantly impact your actual expenses.

For a helpful comparison to living costs in Philippines, it's worth noting that Canada’s living costs can be higher, particularly in major urban centres like Vancouver and Toronto. However, if you study in smaller cities or towns with large universities, like Kingston or Guelph, living expenses for international students may be relatively more affordable.

Student housing in Canada encompasses a range of choices, from university-managed residences to independent off-campus options. Here are the typical accommodation costs to consider:

On-campus housing typically costs between CAD $1,110 and $1,120 per month. This option offers the benefit of convenience, proximity to classes, and a supportive community living environment. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the university and the type of room (e.g., shared rooms vs. private rooms).

Off-campus housing

The average cost of off-campus housing ranges from CAD $870 to $900 per month. When it comes to private housing for students, there are a few options to explore, such as shared apartments or houses, where you rent a room in a shared house or rent an entire apartment by yourself for more privacy.

Renting off-campus can sometimes be more affordable, especially in smaller cities. It's also important to consider factors like the cost of transportation and distance from the university when choosing off-campus housing, as these can significantly impact your daily expenses and commute time.

Homestays

Homestay options are available where students live with a Canadian family, with an average cost of CAD $750 to $1,200 per month. This often includes meals and basic utilities.

Homestays are a good option for students seeking a family-like environment. However, like other off-campus housing options, you'll need to consider factors affecting accommodation costs like location, accommodation type, and proximity to campus.

Tips for finding affordable accommodation

If you're looking to find affordable accommodation as a student, consider:

• Using platforms like University Living and Student.com.

• Opting for shared accommodation or student housing to reduce costs.

Food and grocery expenses can vary considerably. On average, expect to spend between CAD $690 and $700 per month on food, with roughly CAD $100 and $130 on groceries, depending on your shopping habits and dietary preferences.

If you prefer eating out, a basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost between CAD $10 and $25, while fast food is relatively cheaper, at around CAD $8 to $20 per meal.

Tips to save on food costs

• To keep your food expenses down, consider these tips:

• Cook at home to reduce costs

• Shop at budget-friendly grocery stores like Walmart, Costco, and local farmers marketsLook for student discounts or meal plans offered by universities

Transportation costs are another essential part of your living expenses as an international student in Canada. The average monthly expense for students for transportation is CAD $100 to $150 per month, but here’s an overview of the typical costs:

• Cycling: Renting a bike or using public bike-sharing systems can cost CAD $20 to $50 per month.

• Driving: Average CAD $150 to $300 per week, including car hire, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Tips for saving on transport

Here are some ways to minimise your transport expenses:

• Use student travel discounts and passes.

• Walk or cycle for short trips.

• Rent a car only if it is absolutely necessary, especially if you live in a major city.

Your monthly expenses as an international student in Canada should also factor in the costs for utilities and internet, as these are essential for daily life.

Basic utilities

For basic utilities like electricity, water, heating, and cooling, you can expect to spend CAD $200 to CAD $250 per month, depending on your accommodation type and size. In shared accommodation, these costs are typically split among the residents. On-campus housing may include some or all of these utilities in the rent.

Internet and phone bills

Broadband services generally cost between CAD $80 and CAD $85 per month for a basic connection. Meanwhile, mobile phone plans can range from CAD $60 to CAD $70 per month, depending on the service provider and data plan. Many students choose pay-as-you-go or prepaid mobile plans to control their spending.

Tips for managing utility costs

To manage your utility costs, you can consider:

• Opting for room sharing to help split the utility costs.

• Choosing efficient, budget-friendly internet and phone providers.

• Adjusting heating and cooling based on the season to avoid unnecessary energy use.

As an international student, it's important to consider health insurance and other healthcare costs in your overall living cost in Canada. All international students studying in Canada must have health insurance. Some provinces offer provincial health insurance for international students (e.g., British Columbia, Manitoba), while others require private insurance.

This coverage can cost an annual average of CAD $600 to $900 while private insurance plans typically cost around CAD $600 to $1,000 per year.

For students, it's also important to factor in entertainment and personal expenses as part of your monthly budget:

Entertainment

Entertainment expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle. On average, you might spend CAD $50 to $150 per month on entertainment, including going out to the cinema, socialising, attending events, or engaging in recreational activities. For fitness and sports, a basic gym membership's average cost is CAD $30 to $80 per month.

Personal expenses

Personal expenses, such as clothing, toiletries, and personal care items, can average CAD $30 to $100 per month. To save money here, you should opt to buy in bulk, use student discounts, and shop during sales.

Study fees in Canada will vary depending on the university, province, and programme you choose. Here’s an overview of the average tuition fees:

Undergraduate programmes

According to Statistics Canada, the weighted average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in 2024 is CAD $40,115 per year. However, as with all other expenses and costs, this will vary significantly based on your chosen programme of study.

Graduate programmes

Graduate programme tuition fees also vary. Here’s an overview of typical annual fees:

• Master's Degrees: Between CAD $12,000 and CAD $18,000 per year.

• Doctoral Programmes: From CAD $10,000 to CAD $20,000 per year

Additional costs

It's important to factor in other potential costs in addition to tuition fees, such as:

• Student Services Fees: These fees vary by institution and can range from CAD $300 to CAD $1,000 per year.

• Study Materials: Books and supplies can cost between CAD $500 and CAD $1,000 per year.

Total estimated annual university costs

For undergraduate students, combining tuition and additional costs, the total estimated annual expense ranges from CAD $41,515 to CAD $45,115. Meanwhile, for graduates, the total estimated annual expense ranges from CAD $13,400 to CAD $20,000, including tuition and other fees.

Part-time work opportunities in Canada provide a great opportunity for international students to gain work experience, develop valuable skills, and offset some of their living expenses.

H3 Work permits for international students

Generally, international students with a valid study permit are allowed to work on or off-campus, provided they meet certain conditions.You may not require a separate work permit to work off-campus if you are a full-time student at a recognised institution. Similarly, you may be able to work on campus if your study permit permits it and you meet the specific conditions.

H3 On-campus jobs

These jobs can help you offset some of your living costs and are often easier to balance with academic schedules. They also provide students with a sense of connection to the university community. On-campus work options include:

• Working in the library

• Student centre

• Cafes

• Research assistant positions

• Administrative roles

H3 Off-campus jobs

These jobs are also a great way to balance your living costs and other expenses, but they may be more demanding and will require strong time management and study skills. Common off-campus jobs for students include:

• Retail (e.g., cashier, sales associate)

• Food services (e.g., waitstaff, barista)

• Administrative work in offices and clinics

• Roles in the technology sector (e.g., entry-level programming)

• Research assistant positions (if aligned with your field of study)

Thorough budgeting is essential for students planning to study in Canada. To make the most out of your experience while staying on budget, a proper understanding of the cost of living, including your monthly expenses, is crucial.

By creating a detailed budget and exploring cost-saving strategies, you can confidently pursue your academic goals and succeed in your Canadian studies.

For more information, reach out to us at IDP Philippines. Our counselors can help you determine if you have enough budget to pursue your dream of studying in Canada.