Top 10 Cities To Live in Canada for Students

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Canada is the world’s third-leading study destination for international students who want to pursue higher studies abroad. According to Erudera (2022), Canada provided 807 750 study permit holders in higher education. This is because Canada is proven to provide the highest quality in the education system.

This year, IDP education conducted a survey showing 21,000 students from more than 100 countries.Canada hosts many international students because of its low tuition, affordable cost of living, and post-study work permit (3 years after graduation). The education system in Canada has value in degrees and global recognition, leading to the best career opportunities.

There are many universities in Canada, out of which 31 Canadian universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The requirements to study in Canada are achievable, such as finance, an offer letter, and obtaining a study Canada visa.

Besides the education side of the story, Canada is the 4th friendliest place to live globally. As students, you can enjoy their unerring politeness! The country is diverse in many forms: culture, arts, entertainment, people, and provides an inclusive environment for students. Then, there is nature’s beauty, food, weather and many adventurous things to explore in Canada

List of The Best Cities to Live in Canada for students

Kingston

Kingston is a Canadian city located on Lake Ontario. According to HelloSAFE 2023, Kingston is the number one best city in Canada for students. It is a friendly city- best academic excellence, quality student life and low cost of studying. It is home to Queen’s University (Kingston)- ranking # 209 in QS World University Rankings. It is attractive, accessible, dynamic and known as the capital nation. The city is lined up with historic galleries, museums, bars, shops, markets, etc.

Kingston is considered to be cheaper than most cities in Canada. The average cost of living in Kingston (Canada) is CA$1,276 – CA$1,937 /month (rent, food, travel and misc expenses). The monthly cost in Kingston will depend on your lifestyle.

The best tourist sites in Kingston are Fort Henry National Historic Site, Lake Ontario Park,Rideau Canal, Locks 46 – 49 – Kingston Mills, Bellevue House National Historic Site, Kingston City Hall, etc.

Toronto

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the largest and best city in Canada to live in. According to QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Toronto ranks 11th globally. It is diverse and has the highest score in terms of desirability.

The rent in downtown Toronto can be expensive.The average monthly cost in Toronto is CA$2400/ month, including rent, food, travel, and other expenses. This will not include the tuition fees in Toronto; bear in mind the payments will depend on your lifestyle. You can find a wide range of student housing in Toronto near the University of Toronto, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.

Toronto is packed with life and culture..from its people, food, and languages to customs. Studying in Toronto will offer you the best student life experience. It is also a financial center, providing many career and job opportunities after your studies.

The best places to visit in Toronto are CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Islands, etc.

Montreal

Montreal is ranked the best place to live globally and the second-best city in Canada. It is also the most livable city in Quebec State and 2nd largest city in Canada. As per QS Best Student Cities 2024, Montreal ranks number 13th globally. It is home to three international and home universities, namely McGill University, Universite de Montreal, and Concordia University.

It is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The average cost of living in Montreal is CA$2100/ month. This will include student housing rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Please remember that the cost of living will depend on your lifestyle. Living on a budget is advisable, and taking a shared student housing in Montreal will reduce costs.

Montreal not only offers top-class universities, but it also provides a friendly environment, a mix of old and new cities. It is a vibrant city perfect for student life to enrich your experience in studying abroad. The town is lined up with bars, restaurants, and entertainment places.

The best places to see in Montreal are The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Jean Talon Market, Notre-dame Basilica of Montreal, Montreal Botanical Garden, Montreal Biodome, Barbie expo, etc.

Vancouver

Vancouver is located on the west coast seaport in British Columbia. The city is ethnically diverse in Canada as it is one of the most sought-after study destinations. Vancouver ranks 4th in terms of offering pleasurable student life for cultural and leisure opportunities. It gained its name for being the best city to live in Canada as it is the 3rd best city in Canada. The student city is among the top 5 cities around the globe for offering high quality of life and education opportunities.

Vancouver is the most expensive city, with the cost of living at CA$2600/ month (excluding tuition fees). These monthly expenses include rent, food, travel, and others. But you can find cheap off-campus student housing in Vancouver. Please remember that the cost of living in Vancouver will depend on your lifestyle.

Vancouver is surrounded by natural beauty, like the mountains, forests, and oceans. As a student, studying in Vancouver will give you a study opportunity and a fun and enjoyable life. Whether outdoor activities or partying with your friends, you will always have fun things to do in Vancouver.

Some of the best places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island Public Market, etc.

Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city, ranks 11th as one of the best cities in Canada. The city is safe and welcoming, with good neighborhoods and brimming characters. Ottawa is a cosmopolitan city that hosts students from different countries, ethnicities, and cultures. It is home to the University of Ottawa, ranking # =203 in World University Rankings. Being a business city, students can find job opportunities in various industries.

Ottawa is not cheap, but it’s less expensive than most cities in Canada. Ottawa’s living cost is 18% lower than the national average. It will cost you CA$2550/ month to stay in Ottawa, which will cover your rent, food, travel, and other expenses. This monthly cost will differ depending on your lifestyle.

Ottawa is clean, providing residents with the best quality of life. Many beautiful parks, cultural places, food, and nature scenes are fantastic to experience as a student. You also have many entertainment spaces to have fun in this vibrant place.

Some top sights to visit in Ottawa are Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, The Rideau Canal, etc.

Oshawa

Oshawa is a city in Ontario, Canada. It is the fastest-growing and best place to live in Canada. Oshawa is a quiet place known to be one of the safest places to stay, with a low crime rate. The city attracts over 30,000 students studying at Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University Durham GTA.

Oshawa is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. Therefore, be careful with your budget. The cost of student accommodation in Ottawa is affordable, though. On average, Oshawa’s living cost is CA$2260/ month (including rent, food, travel, and other expenses). The monthly fee will depend on your spending and lifestyle altogether.

The best places to visit in Oshawa are the Oshawa Centre, the Canadian Automotive Museum, the Tribute Communities Centre, The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, etc.

Calgary

Calgary is the 4th largest city in the province of Alberta. It is culturally diverse, having 200 plus ethnic groups, making it the best city to live in Canada. The city is clean, has a low crime rate and cultural and recreation spaces offer residents the best quality of life. The low cost of living attracts most international students to this city. It is one of the most affordable cities in North America. It is home to many reputable colleges, institutions, and universities, and you can find a wide range of off-campus housing.

Calgary is more affordable than Toronto and Vancouver. On average, the cost of living in Calgary is CA$2620/ month. This will include your rent, food, travel, and other expenses (except tuition fees). Keep in mind the cost of living will depend on your lifestyle.

Some of the top tourist sights in Calgary are Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, Prince’s Island Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary Stampede, etc.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly the best places to live in Canada. It has a rich cultural heritage with a touch of European village to it. Quebec City is famous for its natural beauty and cultural scene. It is also known as the culinary capital, offering multi-cuisine and food dishes.According to QS Best Student Cities, it is ranked 19th globally.

Quebec is an ideal place to study as it offers excellent study and job opportunities with a low cost of living. Students come to study at notable universities in Quebec as top universities. They are Université Laval and Université du Québec, listed in the QS World University Rankings.

Quebec offers affordable housing rent as compared to other cities. And, with student accommodation, you can get cheaper deals. It is the least expensive city, and Saguenay is at the top. The average cost of living in Quebec is CA$2620/ month. This cost will include your rent, food, travel, and other expenses, but it will not include your tuition fees. Please remember that the monthly cost in Quebec will depend on your lifestyle.

Halifax

Halifax is the largest city in Nova Scotia, located on the seaside. It is a student city with over 25% of the population taken over by the students. This is because it is known for many university campuses. It is home to Dalhousie University, ranking # 298 in the World University Rankings. Regarding the fun part of the city, the climate is fantastic, offering many sporting events. Haliflax is also an entrepreneurship hub, making it easy for students to find job opportunities. These factors make it one of the best cities to live in Canada.

Halifax ranks number 7 when it comes to affordability. On average, Halifax’s living cost is CA$2620/ month, including rent, food, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Please bear in mind the monthly fee will depend on your lifestyle.

The best tourist places in Halifax are the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax Public Gardens, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Point Pleasant Park, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, etc.

Burlington

Burlington ranks 25th as Canada’s best small city and the # 1 mid-size city. It is rated as the best community in Canada based on factors such as economy, safety, culture, and amenities. Burlington is an excellent place for students and is home to the University of Burlington. It has a natural heritage and good quality of life, aiming to go carbon neutral by 2050. The city has well-planned neighborhoods, clean parks, attractions, activities, and a picturesque landscape.

Burlington can be expensive compared to other cities in Ontario province. The housing costs are higher, but you can find affordable student accommodation in Burlington. Burlington’s average living cost is CA$2620/ month (rent, food, transportation, and other expenses). Please keep in mind that the price will depend on your lifestyle.

There are many tourist spots in Burlington, such as Royal Botanical Gardens, Spencer Smith Park, Mount Nemo Conservation Area, LaSalle Park, Lowville Park, Mapleview Shopping Centre, etc.