The cost of living while studying in Toronto is one of the biggest concerns for many international students and their families. Known for its friendly living atmosphere and high-quality education, Toronto Canada is a popular destination for students from all over the world. So, how many expenses should you prepare to study and live in this fascinating city? This guide will provide you with comprehensive information and we hope to solve some of your confusion.
Cost of Living in Toronto: General Overview
You may ask: Is it expensive to study and live in Toronto? Well, we have to say, the cost of living in Toronto may be a little higher than in other cities in Canada. Toronto offers a modern urban lifestyle and abundant opportunities for people, but also comes with its own set of financial considerations to navigate.
Toronto is an attractive but costly student city. In 2025, most international students in Toronto budget C$2,200–C$2,800 per month, depending on accommodation type and lifestyle. This guide breaks down housing, tuition, transport, and monthly budgets so you can plan realistically. Housing is the biggest cost for students — the average asking rent across Toronto in 2025 is roughly C$1,800–C$2,200 per month, depending on unit size and neighbourhood. Expect on-campus dorms to be cheaper per person (shared rooms) but scarce near major universities.
And don’t forget: As a student, it’s important to budget wisely and take advantage of discounts and student deals.
| Category | Typical Monthly Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | C$600–C$900 | Per student in a 2–3 BR shared unit |
| Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment) | C$1,600–C$1,900 | For students living alone |
| Utilities & Internet | C$60–C$180 | Lower when shared, higher when living alone |
| Groceries | C$200–C$350 | Cooking at home most of the time |
| Transportation (TTC) | C$128–C$156 | PRESTO monthly budget |
| Miscellaneous | C$50–C$200 | Personal expenses, entertainment |
| Total (Shared Living) | C$1,100–C$1,700 | Average student monthly budget |
| Total (Living Alone) | C$2,200–C$2,800 | Typical single-student budget |
Cost of Living in Toronto: Student Housing
Housing is almost certainly the biggest expense. When living alone in a foreign country, it is vital to ensure the safety and convenience of your accommodation. There are two primary types of student housing to consider: on-campus and off-campus.
On-campus Student Housing in Toronto
Let’s take the University of Toronto as an example. If you are lucky enough to have successfully applied for a residence before college starts, then this is surely the ideal situation. There are different price ranges according to different room types. The facilities and public areas in the room are tailored for students. You can discuss study problems with your companions at any location. And nutritious meals can delight your taste buds.
The University of Toronto has more than 10 residence halls, which can provide a lot of beds (but the demand is still far from enough). Typical on-campus prices vary by university and room type. Shared dorms/doubles commonly range C$700–C$1,200/month per student (academic-year contracts), while single rooms or suite-style residences can run C$1,200–C$2,400/month depending on meal plans and facilities. Availability is limited—apply early and confirm contract terms (meals included vs. not).
| Residence | Room Type | Month (Meals are extra) | Year (Meals are extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CampusOne | Studio, 2/3/4/5 Bedroom | $1,765 – $2,400 | $21,180 – $28,800 |
| Knox Recidence | Single / Double Room | / | $10,551 – $11,500 |
| Woodsworth College | Each Suit 4 to 6 Beds | / | $13,258 |
| Trinity College | Single Room | / | $13,372 |
| Double Room | / | $12,640 | |
| Triple Room | / | $12,306 | |
| Victoria College | 5 Halls with Different types | / | $9,480 – $15,678 |
Off-campus Student Housing in Toronto
As already mentioned above, college residences are very hard to come by. Most students who don’t get a residence will have to rent off-campus housing in Toronto. There are three common types of houses for Rent in Canada: condominium, apartment and Townhouse. Condos and apartments are very similar.
Prices and room facilities vary by landlord and location. Typical market asking rents (citywide averages): Studio ~ C$1,600; 1-bed ~ C$1,800–C$1,900; 2-bed ~ C$2,000–C$2,300. Students who split a 2–3 bedroom typically pay C$600–C$900 per person depending on neighbourhood and utilities. Use neighbourhood filters and check lease terms (furnished, utilities included, length of lease).
Here is a comparison of the three housing types:
| Off-campus Student Housing | Social Housing | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Types | Condos | Apartment | House/Townhouse |
| Average Price | $2,692 | $2,569 | $3,500 |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown | Depends on area |
| Personnel | Most Students | Mixed personnel | |
| Safety | 24-hour security, video surveillance systems, ect. | Not guaranteed | |
| Utility Bills | Included | Not Included | |
| Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included | Depends on the landlord and area | |
Other accommodation expenses
OK, now you have successfully moved into your dream house. But don’t forget these expenses as well:
| Item | Price | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | C$60–C$120/month | The cost of electricity; A dishwasher/washing machine/air conditioner/electric heating can increase the cost; No upper limit, so save electricity! Or you can’t save your money. |
| Internet | C$50–C$100/month | Telecommunications providers often have discounts for students. Don’t be shy. Just ask them! |
| Phone Bill | C$30–C$70/month | You can compare more different plans and choose the most affordable one in the GTA. |
| Tenant’s insurance | C$15–C$30/month | Students have discounts and we encourage you to do your own research. |
Cost of Living in Toronto: Tuition Fees
Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the nation’s industrial and commercial center. There are also several colleges and universities located here, making Toronto famous for its high education level, such as University Of Toronto, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario College of Art and Design, etc. Below is a list of tuition fees for 3 of these universities.
Tips: The fees will vary depending on the campus, major and grade. In addition, this only includes the class fees. You must also budget for expenses such as books, living expenses and course-specific additional fees.
University of Toronto
Tuition varies by program and campus; many international undergraduate program fees are around C$63,000–C$74,000 per year for high-cost programs (e.g., Commerce, CS). Check U of T’s fee schedule for program-specific numbers.
York University
International undergraduate program tuition typically ranges C$34,000–C$41,000 per year depending on program (Business/Engineering higher). Confirm on York’s official tuition page.
Toronto Metropolitan University
International undergraduate tuition typically ranges C$36,800–C$42,500 per year depending on program.
Cost of Living in Toronto: Transportation
Toronto is over 600 square miles, so transportation is a very important part of your study abroad experience. Luckily, Toronto has a convenient transportation system. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates three modes of transportation: bus, subway and streetcar. The special student fares can save you some money.
| Item | 2025 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PRESTO Adult Fare | C$3.30 per ride | Standard PRESTO tap fare |
| One-ride Ticket | C$3.35 | Paper PRESTO ticket |
| Monthly Adult Pass | C$156 | Unlimited monthly rides |
| Post-Secondary Student Discount | Available | Discounted PRESTO fares depending on program |
| Average Monthly Transport Budget (Student) | C$128–C$156 | Depends on commuting frequency |
Cost of Living in Toronto: Food
Food prices in Toronto are relatively expensive. You can occasionally dine out with friends at restaurants. However, many international students choose to buy and cook their own meals, which saves money and is more in line with their tastes. The following are the prices for reference:
Eating Out
Whether it’s a meal, a quick snack or a coffee break, Toronto has plenty of dining options for you.
- Basic Lunch Menu: $25.5
- Dinner for Two Persons: $100
- Fast Food Meal: $15
- Beer in A Pub: $6.53
- Cappuccino: $4.13
- Pepsi / Coke: $2.09
Cooking by Yourself
It is more cost-effective to cook your own food (but you also need to check whether your landlord allows you to cook)
| Item | Typical Price (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | C$3.50–C$4.00 | Grocery store price |
| Bread (500g loaf) | C$2.50–C$3.50 | Brand/store dependent |
| Eggs (12 pack) | C$4–C$8 | Regular vs. organic |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | C$12–C$17 | Fresh, not frozen |
| Rice (1kg) | C$3–C$5 | Varies by brand |
| Average Monthly Groceries (Student) | C$200–C$350 | Cooking most meals at home |
Cost of Living in Toronto: Daily Life
In addition to the necessary expenses, you may also engage in other activities, such as entertainment, fitness, shopping, etc. So you also need to make some budget for this part of the expenses.
- Gym: C$40–C$80/month (budget to mid-range)
- Cinema: C$14–C$18
- Occasional outings/entertainment C$50–C$150/month depending on lifestyle
(Source: expatistan.com)
Monthly Budget Breakdown for Students
Shared Student Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Monthly Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared 2–3 BR) | C$600–C$900 | Depending on area & room size |
| Utilities & Internet | C$60–C$120 | Split between roommates |
| Groceries | C$200–C$300 | Cooking most meals |
| Transportation | C$128–C$156 | TTC monthly budget |
| Miscellaneous | C$50–C$150 | Personal spending |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | C$1,100–C$1,700 | Typical shared student budget |
Single-Student Budget (1-Bedroom Apartment)
| Category | Monthly Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom) | C$1,600–C$1,900 | Outside downtown averages |
| Utilities & Internet | C$120–C$180 | Higher if electric heating |
| Groceries | C$250–C$350 | Cooking at home |
| Transportation | C$128–C$156 | TTC monthly budget |
| Miscellaneous | C$100–C$200 | Entertainment, personal items |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | C$2,200–C$2,800 | Typical solo-living range |
Manage Your Costs: Do's and Don'ts
Do’s
- Make a Monthly Budget Plan: Know how much you have spent and how much you plan to spend. Don’t let your wallet be empty without realizing it.
- Take Public Transportation: This can save you money on gas or taxi fares.
- Choose Cheaper Entertainment Options: In your spare time, you can choose to go walking in the park, camping, hiking, etc. instead of going shopping in the mall or going to the bar.
- Consider Second-hand Options: Toronto has a very developed second-hand market. By purchasing second-hand products, you can save a lot of unnecessary expenses.
Don’ts
- Ignore The Exchange Rate When Spending: Especially if you are an international student from a developing country, remember to convert your money into your own country’s currency and make a comparison before deciding whether to buy.
- Rely on Take-out or Restaurants: Cooking for yourself is healthy and saves money.
- No Savings: It is very important to keep an emergency fund because there is no telling when something unexpected might happen. Don’t touch this money until it is absolutely necessary
Final Thoughts
We sincerely hope that you will have a wonderful and memorable stay in Toronto! And at the end of this blog, we’ve also summarized some of the things worth noting:
- Canada has two official languages: English and French.
- Get ready for heavy snowfall. It will be extremely cold from December to March of the following year, so please prepare thick clothes and waterproof shoes. Students from warm areas must pay attention.
- Don’t forget to tip your waiter when you’re at a cafe, bar, restaurant, etc.
- Toronto has an excellent healthcare and emergency system. The emergency number is 9-1-1.
If you’re thinking about studying in Canada, it’s crucial to find the right student housing. That’s where uhomes.com comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Hamilton and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
FAQs About Living in Toronto
Is it expensive for students to study and live in Toronto?
Yes, we have to say, Toronto is an expensive city to live in, especially when you live downtown near a university. To save as much money as possible, you can try the money-saving tips mentioned above, such as cooking by yourself and taking public transportation.
How much does it cost in Toronto as an international student?
As an international student in Toronto, you should prepare at least $2000-$2500 per month. You can do part-time jobs to increase your living expenses during your spare time.
How to find a cost-effective student housing in Toronto?
If you know little about Toronto and the various terms involved in renting a house, you can seek help from professionals. Uhomes would be a good choice with its comprehensive information on available student housing in Toronto and great prices.
What are the cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Toronto?
Information gap is the key to success. Here are eight of the cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Toronto:
| Neighbourhood | Rent |
|---|---|
| West Hill | $1,878 |
| Rexdale-Kipling | $1,899 |
| Saint James Town | $2,050 |
| Parkdale | $2,254 |
| Forest Hill | $2,303 |
| The Annex | $2,399 |
| Davisville Village | $2,425 |
| Rosedale | $2,750 |
(Source: liv.rent)
Is Toronto cheaper than New York for students?
Generally yes. Toronto’s overall living costs are lower than major US metros like NYC; one-bedroom rent averages are typically lower in Toronto than Manhattan/Brooklyn comparables. For example, Toronto one-bedroom averages in 2025 sit roughly in the C$1,600–C$1,900 range versus substantially higher NYC averages.
What is a livable student budget in Toronto?
For a student sharing accommodation, a livable budget is C$1,100–C$1,700/month; living alone in a 1-bed can push monthly costs to C$2,200–C$2,800. These reflect 2025 rent and typical living costs.
