{"id":7700,"date":"2025-08-13T16:20:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T10:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hop-api.moneyhop.co\/blog\/?p=7700"},"modified":"2026-01-12T15:14:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T09:44:23","slug":"cost-of-living-for-international-students-in-toronto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moneyhop.co\/blog\/cost-of-living-for-international-students-in-toronto\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living for International Students in Toronto (2026 Budget Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking about making Toronto your study destination? You\u2019re in for a treat. This city buzzes with energy; it\u2019s diverse, full of culture, and home to some top-tier universities<\/a>. But here\u2019s the catch: Toronto is also one of Canada\u2019s priciest places to live. If you\u2019re heading here as an international student, understanding the cost of living for international students in Toronto isn\u2019t just helpful; it\u2019s survival. In this guide, we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Quick Snapshot: Monthly Living Costs in Toronto<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Expense Category<\/strong><\/td>Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Rent \u2013 shared apartment<\/td>1,500 \u2013 1,650<\/td><\/tr>
Rent \u2013 one-bedroom apartment<\/td>2,300 \u2013 2,400<\/td><\/tr>
Utilities & Internet<\/td>90 \u2013 150<\/td><\/tr>
Groceries & Toiletries<\/td>350 \u2013 500<\/td><\/tr>
TTC Post-Secondary Pass<\/td>128.15<\/td><\/tr>
UHIP (monthly equivalent)<\/td>63<\/td><\/tr>
Phone & Streaming<\/td>60 \u2013 100<\/td><\/tr>
Study Supplies<\/td>100 \u2013 150<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> Figures are based on Toronto Regional Real Estate Board rental data, TTC official fares, UHIP premiums, and university budgeting guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Proof of Funds for Study Permits<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re applying for a study permit for Canada, you\u2019ve got to show Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your bank account isn\u2019t just ready for tuition but for daily life, too. IRCC updates the amount you need for living expenses<\/a> every year (it\u2019s based on something called the Low Income Cut-Off). For example,<\/strong> from September 1, 2025, you\u2019ll need proof that you have at least CAN$22,895 ready just for your own living costs, and if you\u2019re bringing family, that number goes way up. So before you hit \u201csubmit\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Housing: The Biggest Cost Factor<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Housing will take up the largest portion of your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n