Cost of Living in Toronto, Canada: Rent, Food & Other Living Expenses

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Types of Living Expenses in Toronto

As an Indian student in Toronto, your total living expenses include your accommodation, food, transportation, basic utilities, groceries, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Accommodation

Housing costs are the major contributor to the average living cost in Toronto. The housing prices vary depending on the accommodation type and neighborhood. Notably, Toronto ranks as one of the top five expensive cities for housing in Canada. To avoid the higher rent prices, you can move to Brampton, where the rent is only 400-500 CAD, but the only disadvantage is that you will have to leave a lot early for your classes. If you’re considering a two-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent in Toronto increases to around 1,500 CAD (91,600 INR). The table below shows the list of the average monthly rent prices for different types of accommodation -

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Food and Dining

The cost of food and groceries in Toronto Canada is between CAD 100 to CAD 150 per month. In a majority of housing options, the meal plan is not included in the rent. The average cost of a meal in an affordable restaurant in Toronto is around CAD 25 and in a mid-range restaurant for 2 people, including three main courses, the average cost of a meal is around CAD 120. However, if you cook your meals, you can spend on groceries 175-200 CAD per month. You can shop in Walmart, Sobeys, no frills, etc. You can also order groceries online through Instacart which costs around 7.99 CAD per delivery.

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Transport

Toronto Transit Commission is the best transportation provider for the residents of Toronto. The monthly pass would cost around 156 CAD for an adult who has unlimited access to buses, and subways. However, for Indian students, if they have a registration letter from the university, then the TTC can have a student pass for 128 CAD. You can also rent a bike which needs 1 CAD to unlock and 0.12 CAD per hour. You need to have a membership that can be renewed monthly and provide unlimited rides.

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July 2024

Utilities

On average, the monthly utilities for a two-bedroom apartment, excluding cable, amount to 167 CAD (10,198 INR). For those interested in cable services, an additional fee of 59 CAD (3,603 INR) per month is applicable when opting for the basic package. As an Indian Student in Toronto, you can connect with a Canadian SIM mobile plan. This plan offers a generous 40 GB of LTE data at just 40 CAD per month.

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Personal Care

As an Indian student, your personal care expenses include your yearly or ongoing health checkup, medical expenses, and personal hygiene product expenses like tampons, shampoo, deodorant, etc. If you are an Indian student, you need to enroll in the healthcare program at the university for 700-800 CAD. After you are eligible for a postgraduate work permit (PGWP), you can enroll in the Ontario health insurance plan program. The table below shows the breakdown of expenses for personal care -

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Miscellaneous

As an Indian student in Toronto, your price of living toronto also includes the miscellaneous expenses. These expenses include gym membership, cinema, sports, clothing, etc. The table below shows the price list of the miscellaneous expenses in Toronto -

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Tuition Fees for Indian Students

University tuition fees play an important role in determining the living expenses in Toronto for Indian students. Before moving to Toronto, Indian students should be able to decide on the college based on their affordability and the nearest accommodation they can afford for their studies.

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

District-Specific Living Expenses in Toronto for Indian Students

For a one-bedroom apartment, the typical monthly expenses in Toronto are roughly 1,000 CAD (61,000 INR). In the case of a two-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent is about 1,500 CAD (91,600 INR). Following are the district-specific living expenses in Toronto:

Note: 1 CAD= 61.03 INR, as of 2nd July, 2024

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Toronto

According to recent reports, Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada. Additionally, the cost of living in Toronto is more expensive than 89% of the cities in the world! Therefore, Indian students must look forward to reducing the cost of their stay in Toronto until they complete their studies by following the given factors.

• Living in a relatively inexpensive residential complex can save a lot of money in Toronto.
• The transportation cost can be reduced by opting to travel by bus or local train/metro instead of using a taxi.
• Moreover, you can also travel by using a bicycle which saves a lot of money as well as keeps you fit.
• Avoiding eating junk food, and reducing the frequency of visiting clubs or parties is another shortcut to save your pocket money.
• There are several scholarships and fellowships offered by universities, which can reduce the burden of education costs in Toronto.
• Some institutions also offer stipends to academically meritorious students for studying which also helps in reducing the cost of living in Toronto.

Apart from the expenses mentioned previously, an Indian student encounters some other expenses such as sports activities, leisure, utilities - internet connectivity, electricity bill, water bill, etc. However, the cost of living expenses in Toronto majorly depends on the individual's standard of living and lifestyle.