Thinking about making Toronto your study destination? You’re in for a treat. This city buzzes with energy; it’s diverse, full of culture, and home to some top-tier universities. But here’s the catch: Toronto is also one of Canada’s priciest places to live. If you’re heading here as an international student, understanding the cost of living for international students in Toronto isn’t just helpful; it’s survival. In this guide, we’ve pulled numbers only from trusted official sources, along with a few insider tips, so you can keep your budget in check and enjoy the best of the city.
Quick Snapshot: Monthly Living Costs in Toronto
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
| Rent – shared apartment | 1,500 – 1,650 |
| Rent – one-bedroom apartment | 2,300 – 2,400 |
| Utilities & Internet | 90 – 150 |
| Groceries & Toiletries | 350 – 500 |
| TTC Post-Secondary Pass | 128.15 |
| UHIP (monthly equivalent) | 63 |
| Phone & Streaming | 60 – 100 |
| Study Supplies | 100 – 150 |
Note: Figures are based on Toronto Regional Real Estate Board rental data, TTC official fares, UHIP premiums, and university budgeting guidelines.
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Proof of Funds for Study Permits
When you’re applying for a study permit for Canada, you’ve got to show Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your bank account isn’t just ready for tuition but for daily life, too. IRCC updates the amount you need for living expenses every year (it’s based on something called the Low Income Cut-Off). For example: starting September 1, 2025, you’ll need proof you have at least CAN$22,895 ready just for your own living costs and if you’re bringing family, that number goes way up. So before you hit “submit” on your application, always check the official IRCC site. Staying up-to-date is key, since this requirement can have a major impact on your budget as an international student in Toronto.
Housing: The Biggest Cost Factor
Housing will take up the largest portion of your budget.
- Downtown core: Expect higher rents of about $2,300+ for a one-bedroom.
- Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke: Often 10–20% cheaper while still accessible via TTC.
- Shared housing: Splitting a two-bedroom (about $3,000 total) with a roommate can bring your personal rent down to around $1,500–$1,650.
Because housing costs dominate the cost of living for international students in Toronto, securing an affordable lease should be your first priority.
Transportation: Affordable with a Student Pass
Toronto’s transit network has buses, streetcars, and the subway. The TTC Post-Secondary Monthly Pass costs $128.15 and covers unlimited rides. You’ll need a post-secondary photo ID for it. If you end up living close to a busy transit stop, chances are you’ll cut travel time and keep your costs more predictable.
Also read: How to Send Gift Money to Canada from India?
Food and Groceries: Where You Can Save
If you’re studying in Ontario as an international student, you’ll be under the University Health Insurance Plan most people just call it UHIP. For the 2024–2025 year, it works out to $756 total, which is roughly $63 a month. It’ll cover you for the basics if you ever need medical help, but not everything’s included. So it’s worth checking the gaps and maybe getting extra coverage, just to be safe.
Health Insurance: A Mandatory Expense
When you come to study in Ontario, they’ll sign you up for something called the University Health Insurance Plan or UHIP, because no one actually says the full name. This year it’s about seven hundred fifty‑six bucks, so roughly sixty‑three a month. It covers the main medical stuff, like if you have to see a doctor, but not everything. I remember finding out dental wasn’t included the hard way. So yeah, check what’s missing and, if you can, get extra coverage before you need it.
Study Materials and Academic Costs
Textbooks, software, and those random course supplies they can easily run you about a hundred to a hundred and fifty bucks a month. Sounds small at first, but it really stacks up over the year. Best trick? Grab used copies when you can, rent instead of buying new, or just camp out in the library. You’ll save money and still get through your coursework just fine.
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Seasonal Cost Variations
The winters in Toronto? They’re no joke — really cold, especially if you’re not used to it. You’ll want a good coat, boots, gloves, the whole deal. The trick is to buy them before winter even starts, maybe during those end-of-season clearance sales, or check out thrift shops. If you wait until the snow falls, prices jump fast. I learned that the hard way my first year, so now I always budget for it ahead of time.
Sample Monthly Budgets
| Expense | Shared Apartment ($) | Solo Apartment ($) |
| Rent | $1,500 – $1,650 | ~$2,326 |
| Utilities & Internet | $90 – $120 | $120 – $150 |
| Groceries | $350 – $450 | $400 – $500 |
| TTC Pass | $128.15 | $128.15 |
| UHIP | $63 | $63 |
| Phone & Streaming | $60 – $90 | $70 – $100 |
| Study Supplies | $100 – $150 | $100 – $150 |
| Total | $2,300 – $2,650 | $3,200 – $3,450 |
Not every student spends the same way. Here are three lifestyle paths you might follow in Toronto.
Smart Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living for International Students in Toronto
- Choose housing first — your rent choice impacts everything else.
- Optimize transit — only get the TTC pass when you need unlimited travel.
- Batch cook with friends — cheaper and social.
- Plan for winter early — avoid peak-season clothing prices.
- Track your spending — set monthly caps to prevent overspending.
Must read: All You Need To Know About Opening A GIC Account In Canada
Comparison: Toronto vs Other Canadian Cities
Toronto is one of the most expensive Canadian cities for students, but it offers unmatched networking, cultural, and academic advantages.
- Toronto: ~$2,300–$3,450 per month
- Vancouver: ~$2,200–$3,300 per month
- Montreal: ~$1,600–$2,500 per month
While Toronto’s rent is higher, students benefit from a larger job market and more diverse campus opportunities.
Part-Time Work to Offset Costs
International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- Minimum wage in Ontario (2025): $16.55/hour
- Working 20 hours/week could earn about $1,324/month before taxes, which can significantly reduce the cost of living for international students in Toronto.
Student Discounts in Toronto
Many businesses offer student discounts with valid ID:
- Transit: TTC Post-Secondary Pass savings vs adult fares
- Retail: Up to 10–20% off at select clothing stores
- Food: Special deals at fast-casual restaurants
Taking advantage of these offers can save hundreds annually.
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Final Word
Honestly, the cost of living for international students in Toronto can seem scary at first, but once you’ve figured out the big stuff rent, food, getting around, and insurance it’s not so bad. I found that having real numbers in front of me made all the difference. Add in whatever income you can manage and make the most of student discounts, and you can actually enjoy life here without constantly stressing about money.
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