Dhiraj Kandel
Managing DirectorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
The cost of living in Canada for international students from Nepal typically ranges from CAD 1,200 to CAD 2,800 per month (approximately NPR 115,000 to NPR 270,000), excluding tuition fees. However, your actual expenses will depend on where you study, the type of accommodation you choose, your lifestyle, and your spending habits.
While tuition fees are a significant part of your study budget, they are only one piece of the overall cost. Accommodation, food, and transportation form only one part of the overall cost to study in Canada from Nepal. Tuition fees, travel, application charges, and other pre-departure expenses must also be included in your budget. Understanding these costs before leaving Nepal can help you plan your finances realistically and avoid unnecessary financial stress after arriving in Canada. Students preparing for arrival should also read our Health Insurance in Canada for International Students from Nepal guide.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of monthly and annual living expenses, city-wise cost comparisons, budgeting tips, and practical advice to help students estimate their expenses and prepare a realistic budget before starting their studies in Canada.
The average cost of living in Canada for international students typically ranges from CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500 per month when using shared accommodation. Students living in private accommodation or studying in expensive cities such as Toronto or Vancouver may spend between CAD 2,500 and CAD 3,800 or more per month.
The estimates below provide a realistic overview of common monthly living expenses to help Nepali students plan their study budget more effectively.
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Range | Why It Varies |
| Accommodation | CAD 700–2,700+ | City, location, room type and number of roommates |
| Food and groceries | CAD 300–650 | Cooking habits, diet and frequency of eating out |
| Transportation | CAD 45–160 | City, student pass and distance from campus |
| Utilities and internet | CAD 80–250 | Whether bills are included in rent |
| Mobile phone | CAD 35–100 | Data allowance, device financing and provider |
| Health insurance | CAD 65–100* | Province, institution and type of plan |
| Personal expenses | CAD 100–300 | Clothing, toiletries, laundry and activities |
| Entertainment | CAD 50–250 | Lifestyle and frequency of social activities |
| Emergency savings | CAD 100–300 | Personal financial plan |
| Estimated total | CAD 1,500–3,800+ | Mainly affected by housing and lifestyle |
Accommodation is the largest monthly expense for most international students in Canada. Depending on the city and type of housing, students typically spend between CAD 600 and CAD 2,000+ per month on rent. Students comparing the top cities to study in Canada should examine rental costs before accepting an offer.
The comparison below outlines the most common accommodation options and their estimated costs.
| Accommodation | Estimated Monthly Cost | Advantages | Possible Disadvantages |
| On-campus residence | CAD 900–2,100+ | Close to classes, furnished and easier for new arrivals | Limited spaces, fixed rules and a possible compulsory meal plan |
| Shared apartment or house | CAD 700–1,500 | Lower rent and shared utility bills | Less privacy and possible roommate problems |
| Private studio or apartment | CAD 1,300–2,700+ | Privacy and control over the living space | Higher rent, utilities and furnishing costs |
| Homestay | CAD 1,000–1,800 | Supportive environment and meals may be included | Less independence and household rules |
| Shared room | CAD 600–1,100 | The cheapest option | Very limited privacy and storage |
On-campus housing or a verified homestay can be useful for first-year students who are unfamiliar with the city. These options may be furnished and provide easier access to campus services, public transport, and other students.
Students preparing for life as a Nepali student in Canada should budget approximately CAD 300 to CAD 650 per month for groceries and basic food expenses. The amount may be lower for students who cook regularly and higher for those who buy imported products or frequently order meals.
Food prices can change quickly. Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices were 4.3% higher year over year in May 2026, with fresh fruit and vegetable prices contributing to the increase. Students can reduce food expenses by:
Transportation costs vary by city, distance from campus, and whether your institution includes a student transit pass. A practical budget is around CAD 45 to CAD 160 per month. When comparing the top cities to study in Canada, consider nearby transit routes and the distance between your accommodation and campus. Walking, cycling, student passes, and university shuttles can help reduce costs.
Toronto and Vancouver have extensive public transportation networks, but longer journeys or travel across several fare zones can cost more. Smaller cities may have cheaper passes but fewer routes, which can make the location of your accommodation more important.
International students in Canada typically spend around CAD 150 to CAD 300 per month on utilities, home internet, and mobile phone services if these costs are not included in their rent. The exact amount depends on the city, accommodation type, the number of roommates, and the service providers chosen.
Before renting accommodation, check if the expenses such as electricity, heating, water, internet, tenant insurance, and mobile phone bills are included in the monthly rent. A lower advertised rent may end up costing more once these additional monthly expenses are added.
Health insurance is a mandatory expense for international students in Canada and costs around CAD 65 to CAD 100 per month, although the exact amount varies by province and educational institution. Coverage may be provided through a provincial health plan, university or college insurance plan, or a private insurer.
The checklist below highlights the key questions to ask your institution.
Do not assume that a study permit acts as a health card.
Personal expenses may range from CAD 100 to CAD 400 per month, depending on lifestyle. This category is easy to underestimate because it contains several small but regular costs. Students should budget for:
Winter clothing should be treated as a separate arrival or seasonal expense. A warm jacket, waterproof boots, gloves, thermal clothing, and other winter items can require a larger one-time payment, especially for students arriving from Nepal without suitable clothing.
Students comparing colleges in Canada or universities in Canada should consider the city as carefully as the institution. A lower tuition fee may not save money if rent and everyday expenses are high.
The accommodation column shows the estimated monthly housing cost per student, while the total monthly cost includes rent, food, transport, utilities, health insurance, phone bills, and basic personal expenses. These are planning ranges, so actual costs will depend on housing type and lifestyle.
| City | Monthly Housing Cost | Total Monthly Student Budget | Affordability |
| Toronto | CAD 1,200–2,700+ | CAD 2,200–3,500+ | Very expensive |
| Vancouver | CAD 1,200–2,700+ | CAD 2,200–3,500+ | Very expensive |
| Ottawa | CAD 900–2,150 | CAD 1,800–2,900 | Expensive |
| Halifax | CAD 900–2,050 | CAD 1,800–2,800 | Moderately expensive |
| Calgary | CAD 850–1,850 | CAD 1,700–2,700 | Moderate |
| Montréal | CAD 600–1,650 | CAD 1,600–2,600 | Moderate |
| Edmonton | CAD 750–1,600 | CAD 1,550–2,400 | Relatively affordable |
| Winnipeg | CAD 700–1,500 | CAD 1,450–2,300 | Relatively affordable |
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (2025), two-bedroom turnover rents were CAD 2,547 in Toronto and CAD 2,696 in Vancouver, although asking rents began declining as rental supply increased. Students can reduce costs by living farther from the city centre, sharing accommodation, and choosing housing near direct transit routes. However, lower rent can be offset by longer journeys and higher transportation costs.
International students can expect to spend approximately CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, making these cities more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. Students who choose shared accommodation can reduce their housing costs further, although rent varies by neighbourhood, proximity to campus, and access to public transportation.
Accommodation costs in Montréal, Ottawa, and Halifax range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,600 per month for shared or student housing, with higher prices for private apartments and central locations. Montréal is one of the more affordable major cities for students, while Ottawa and Halifax typically have moderate to higher rental costs depending on the neighbourhood and accommodation type.
Managing everyday expenses carefully can make studying in Canada more affordable. Before transferring money, students should also check the CAD to NPR exchange rate. Nepal Rastra Bank’s reference selling rate on July 15, 2026, was NPR 109.50 for CAD 1, although commercial bank rates may differ and rates change daily. Alongside exploring scholarships to study in Canada, small savings on rent, food, transport, and subscriptions can make a meaningful difference over an academic year.
Useful strategies include:
Part-time work can help with daily expenses, but it should not be your main financial plan. Eligible students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, as long as they continue meeting their study permit conditions.
Students exploring job opportunities in Canada for international students should also remember that employment is not guaranteed. At CAD 15 to CAD 18 per hour, working 24 hours every week may provide around CAD 1,560 to CAD 1,870 per month before tax, but actual earnings depend on the job, available hours, province, and deductions.
Students should not rely entirely on part-time income because:
IRCC requires students to show that they can support themselves without working in Canada. Students arriving before their program begins are also not permitted to start working early.
Students can review the broader financial challenges in planning to study in Canada before preparing their budget. Most financial problems do not come from one large expense but from several costs being underestimated at the same time.
Common mistakes include:
Living expenses are only one part of your study plan. Understanding the complete process of studying in Canada from Nepal can help you compare programs, choose a suitable institution and city, estimate your total costs, and prepare the required documents with greater confidence.
Get personalized guidance and take the next step towards your Canadian education journey.
A Nepali student may need approximately CAD 1,500 to CAD 3,800 or more per month, depending on the city, accommodation, and lifestyle.
It is the current minimum living-expense requirement for one study permit applicant outside Quebec, excluding tuition and travel. It may not be enough for private living in an expensive city.
Winnipeg and Edmonton are among the more affordable major student cities, particularly for accommodation.
Shared housing may cost CAD 700 to CAD 1,500 per month, while a private apartment may cost CAD 1,300 to CAD 2,700 or more.
Students who cook at home may spend approximately CAD 300 to CAD 650 per month on groceries and basic food expenses.
Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular terms. Unlimited off-campus work may be allowed during scheduled academic breaks.
It may help with rent or groceries, but income and working hours are not guaranteed. Students should arrive with sufficient savings rather than rely entirely on employment.
Both cities are among Canada’s most expensive rental markets. The actual difference depends on the neighbourhood, housing type and access to shared accommodation.
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Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study