Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, located in cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa. For many international students, moving to Canada is a dream. It offers a chance to build a bright future, enjoy beautiful landscapes, pleasant weather, and meet friendly people.
If you’re planning to move there, we’re excited for the amazing journey you’re about to start. In this blog, we’ll share the best cities to live in Canada for students. Whether you prefer a big city or a small one, living in the right place can make your student life fun and comfortable.
Table of contents
List of Best Cities to Live in Canada
Canada is a great place for students, with cities that offer a mix of education, culture, and fun. Whether you’re studying in a big city or a quieter one, Canada has everything you need to enjoy your student life. Here’s a list of the best cities to live in Canada:
1. Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and serves as the capital of Ontario. It offers students a dynamic and culturally rich environment with plenty of opportunities. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and a robust job market, making it one of the best cities to live in Canada.
When you move to Toronto, you can look forward to experiencing world-class theatres, shopping centres, art galleries, museums, natural beauty, and cafes. Students can also discover a variety of excellent student accommodations in Toronto.
- Average Salary: The average monthly salary in Toronto is approximately CAD 4,564.
- Single Room Rent: Renting a single room typically costs around CAD 2,020 per month.
- 3-Course Meal: A three-course meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant will cost between CAD 75 and CAD 80.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation expenses, including public transit, generally amount to CAD 103.
2. Vancouver
Vancouver stands out as one of the top places to live in Canada. Situated between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it provides an exceptional lifestyle for outdoor enthusiasts and city explorers. Students can enjoy winter skiing, summer hiking, and relaxing strolls in beautiful parks.
The city offers numerous theatres, art galleries, museums, historical sites, forests, parks, and beaches for exploration. Students relocating to Vancouver will discover a range of student accommodations, surrounded by welcoming cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, gardens, clubs, and social hangout spots.
- Average Salary: The average monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately CAD 4,674.
- Room Rent: Renting a room in Vancouver typically costs between CAD 1,900 and CAD 3,000 per month, depending on the area and accommodation type.
- 3-Course Meal: A three-course meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant in Vancouver will cost between CAD 60 and CAD 80.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation expenses, including public transit, generally amount to CAD 109 in Vancouver.
3. Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is one of the best cities to live in. It offers excellent education and has a strong economy with businesses in fields like life sciences, aerospace, clean technology, and digital media. The city has a high GDP per capita and ranks 80th in the world. Ottawa also creates many job opportunities for talented immigrants each year and is known for being one of the safest cities in Canada.
- Average Salary: The average monthly salary in Ottawa is approximately CAD 4,798.40.
- Room Rent: Renting a room in Ottawa typically costs around CAD 1,120 per month.
- 3-Course Meal: A three-course meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant in Ottawa will cost between CAD 75 and CAD 80.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation expenses, including public transit, generally amount to CAD 105 in Ottawa.
4. Calgary
Calgary, in Alberta, is a great place to live with beautiful views, fun outdoor activities, and a modern city feel. It’s one of the best cities to live in Canada because it’s a mix of many cultures, with large Indian, Filipino, and Chinese communities. The city is also famous for its country music, and there are many music venues to enjoy.
In addition to the music scene, you can explore numerous theatres, art galleries, and recreational sports centres in the city. Moreover, students won’t have any trouble finding top-notch accommodations, as Calgary offers a plethora of modern and convenient housing options.
- Average Salary: The average monthly salary in Calgary is approximately CAD 4,853.
- Room Rent: Renting a room in Calgary typically costs around CAD 1,345 per month.
- 3-Course Meal: A three-course meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant in Calgary will cost around CAD 60.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation expenses, including public transit, generally amount to CAD 115 in Calgary.
Also Read:
5. Montreal
Montreal is an affordable city for students, with lower costs for food, housing, and healthcare. Around 188,000 students, including 40,000 international students, live in the city. The four major universities—McGill, Concordia, Université du Québec à Montréal, and Université de Montréal—are all centrally located, making it convenient for students. Montreal is known for its high-quality education.
- Average Annual Salary: The average annual salary in Montreal ranges from CAD 55,000 to CAD 65,000.
- Single Bedroom Apartment (City Center): Renting a single bedroom apartment in the city center costs between CAD 1,200 and CAD 1,600 per month.
- Single Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center): Rent for a single bedroom apartment outside the city center is typically between CAD 800 and CAD 1,200 per month.
- 3-Course Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant): A three-course meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant will cost between CAD 25 and CAD 35.
- Monthly Public Transportation Pass: A monthly public transportation pass generally costs between CAD 90 and CAD 100.
- Single Public Transit Ticket: The cost of a single public transit ticket is around CAD 3.75.
QS Best Student Cities 2025 for Students
The QS Best Student Cities 2025 rankings provide a comprehensive guide for international students looking to study abroad. These rankings are based on key factors such as affordability, quality of life, university reputation, job prospects, and the overall student experience. Here, you can check out the table below to see the QS rankings of Canada’s best student cities for international students in 2025.
| Best Cities to Live in Canada | QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 |
| Montreal | #10 |
| Toronto | #11 |
| Vancouver | #19 |
| Ottawa | #57 |
| Quebec | #128 |
Popular places to live in Canada
Canada has many popular places to live, offering something for everyone. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are popular for their top universities, job opportunities, and exciting culture. Below is a table highlighting the Best Cities to Live in Canada, perfect for international students and professionals looking to make the most of their time in this beautiful country.
| City | Province |
| Toronto | Ontario |
| Montreal | Quebec |
| Vancouver | British Columbia |
| Calgary | Alberta |
| Quebec | Quebec |
| Edmonton | Alberta |
| Ottawa | Ontario |
| Halifax | Nova Scotia |
| Oakville | Ontario |
| Burlington | Ontario |
| Victoria | British Columbia |
| Hamilton | Ontario |
| Manitoba | Manitoba |
| Regina | Saskatchewan |
| Saskatoon | Saskatchewan |
| Kelowna | British Columbia |
| Saint John | New Brunswick |
| St. Albert | Alberta |
| Guelph | Ontario |
| Moncton | New Brunswick |
| Waterloo | Ontario |
Best Cities to Live in Canada: Key Factors to Consider
Finding the best cities to live in Canada can be challenging. The price is the most important factor to think about. The average cost of living in Canada for an individual is approximately CAD 2,989 per month, according to LivingCost data. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other daily expenses, making it crucial to choose a city that fits your budget. So, here are some factors to consider while choosing the best place to live in Canada:
- Cost of Living – Make sure the city fits your budget, including rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.
- Job Opportunities – Look for cities with part-time job options that can help support your studies.
- Quality of Life – Choose a city with a good balance of study, leisure, and overall comfort.
- Education and Universities – Consider cities with top-ranked universities or programs that match your field of study.
- Public Transportation – Make sure the city has affordable and easy-to-use public transportation to get around.
- Safety and Crime Rates – Choose a city with low crime rates to ensure a safe living and study environment.
- Climate and Weather – Consider whether you can handle the city’s weather, especially if you’re not used to harsh winters.
- Cultural Diversity and Social Life – Look for cities with a mix of cultures and plenty of social activities for students.
- Accessibility and Commuting – Check if the campus is easily accessible and if you can reach your classes without long commutes.
- Housing Availability and Affordability – Make sure there are student-friendly housing options that are both affordable and convenient.
Tips For Finding The Best Cities To Live in Canada
Finding the best cities to live in Canada as a student can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many cities offering unique opportunities, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your academic, social, and financial needs. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Consider the Cost of Living – Look for cities with affordable rent, food, and transportation. You don’t want to spend all your money on daily expenses.
- Check Healthcare Services – Look for cities with access to good healthcare services, ensuring you’re taken care of while studying away from home.
- Look for Proximity to Your University – Choose a city that is close to your university to save time and money on commuting.
- Prioritize Safety – Make sure the city has a low crime rate to ensure you feel safe and comfortable during your studies.
- Explore Public Transportation – Opt for cities with reliable and affordable public transport to make commuting easier and cheaper.
- Research Housing Options – Find student-friendly housing options that fit your budget and preferences.
- Evaluate Education Quality – Make sure the city offers high-quality education and top-ranked universities or programs.
FAQs
Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are often considered the best cities to live in due to their economic opportunities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life.
A large part of the Indian population living in Canada is concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.
As per the Global Liveability Index 2023, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto are all ranked in the top 10 cities. Therefore, needless to say, these are the best areas to live in Canada.
The city of Eureka, Nunavut is regarded as the coldest place in Canada.
Cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Ottawa are known for their excellent quality of life, clean environments, and strong healthcare systems.
Cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Calgary tend to have lower costs of living compared to major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Yes, Toronto offers great career opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene, and is a hub for innovation, although it can be expensive.
Vancouver is beautiful, with a mild climate and scenic landscapes, but it is one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada.
Ottawa, Quebec City, and Burlington are often considered some of the safest cities in Canada.
Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are the top cities for job opportunities, especially in finance, tech, and oil industries.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the best cities to live in Canada. For booking the best accommodation for students abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
