Cost of Living in Waterloo for Students

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Waterloo is a city in the Canadian region of Ontario. Waterloo has some of the best universities. According to the Research Info source, it is ranked as Canada’s Top Comprehensive Research University.

Is Waterloo good for student life?

Waterloo is one of the best cities to live and study for students. It has been rated as one of the best cities for students by HelloSafe. Waterloo offers students an experience of feeling welcomed and safe. The best part about Waterloo is the quality of life its offers in terms of climate, greenery, air quality and affordable living.

What is the cost of living in Waterloo, Ontario?

The cost of living in Waterloo is CA$1,470 per month excluding tuition fees. It is lower than Toronto and its neighbouring areas. The cost of food will be around CA$156 housing will cost CA$951, etc. These are based on average cost. For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Please bear in mind that the cost of expenses in Waterloo will depend on your lifestyle.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Waterloo, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	CA$15,000 – CA$50,000 / Year
Accommodation	CA$827 – CA$1,833 / Month
Transportation	CA$124 / Month

How much does it cost to study in Waterloo, Ontario?

Waterloo is home to two universities and two leading research centres. They offer a wide range of programs through various disciplines. The cost of studying in this city will depend on what you choose to study and in which university. Below is the average cost for UG and PG laid down to give you a rough estimation of the tuition fee. Please check in with your university for the fee before you apply to any university.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
CA$26,000 – CA$40,000 / Year	CA$15,000 – CA$50,000 / Year

What’s the cost of student accommodation in Waterloo?

The housing prices in Waterloo are affordable and lower than in Toronto and its neighboring areas. Waterloo has three types of student accommodation, ranging from rooms and apartments to uni halls. Some of the best places to stay in Waterloo are East-bridge, Beechwood, Westmount, Rural Waterloo, etc.

1. Student Housing

Student Housing is a very popular type of student accommodation in Waterloo. It is an ideal type of accommodation for students because it offers the best rooms at an affordable rate. You can choose to stay as a student in a studio and en-suite room. The rooms are fully furnished and provided with amenities.

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	CA$827 – CA$951 / Month

2. Private Apartment

Private apartments are another type of student accommodation. They are owned by landlords and located close to campus buildings. They come as 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments, etc. They can be shared with friends too and provide the best amenities.

Apartment	Price
Private	CA$1,655 – CA$1,833 / Month

3. University Halls

The university hall is a residence hall provided by the university. It is in the campus building. First-year university students mostly prefer it as it is convenient. The rooms are provided for students who apply to stay at the university. But, it usually comes as a shared kitchen and bathroom. Some universities include utility bills, while some do not include the bill in rent.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	CA$700 – CA$1,400 / Month

Food

The cost of food in Waterloo will depend upon your eating and spending habits. If you are the type who likes to eat out, then it may cost you more than cooking at home. For instance, if you go out to a mid-range dinner, it may cost you CA$45 a burger for CA$13 a drink for CA$7 while groceries will cost you CA$302 monthly.

Utility Bills

The utility bills will depend upon your usage including electricity, heating, cooling, wi-fi, etc. If you choose to stay in student housing, most of them include the bills with rent. As for university halls, you will have to check in with their policies on the same.

How to travel cheaply in Waterloo?

One of the best ways to get around the city is the bus. The bus network is extensive and it covers all the parts of the city. Along with buses, the Metro is also the best way to get around the city. It is cheap and efficient and you can get anywhere you want.