Cost of Living | International

Here are some typical costs (in Canadian dollars) for items and services in Canada to help you budget for your new life as an international student. These amounts are estimates only and may vary significantly. Please ensure you bring enough funds to support you through your first year in Canada.

Student Guide Convocation/Graduation

Item	Monthly cost	Description
Housing	$750+	Private room with shared bathroom and kitchen
	$1400+	1-bedroom apartment with private bathroom, kitchen and living space
	$2300+	3-bedroom apartment or house
	Please note: most landlords require you pay your first and last month's rent upfront when you sign your lease
Utilities	varies	Costs for heating, air-conditioning, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi may not be included in your monthly rental rate. Before signing the lease agreement, ask your landlord what the average monthly cost is for any additional utilities.
Groceries	$400+	Grocery costs vary depending on where you shop, the types of food you buy, and how much you consume. Some examples of the current cost of food in Canada: a meal at a fast-food restaurant: $12+ a meal at a mid-range restaurant: $25+ a regular cup of black coffee: $2+ an 8 kg bag of rice: $20+
Transit	$80+	Kitchener/Cambridge/Waterloo students: The Conestoga College Transit Pass allows unlimited travel on Grand River Transit for 4 consecutive calendar months. $306 for 4-month term If you do not buy the reduced-fare transit pass, an adult cash fare is approximately $3.25 per ride. Check Google Maps and the GRT’s “Plan your Trip” system to find out how you can travel to campus, and how long it will take you.
	$80+	Guelph students: Check Google Maps and Guelph Transit’s “Plan your Trip” system to find out how you can travel to campus, and how long it will take you. Monthly unlimited travel passes are $80 per month. An adult cash fare is $3 per ride.
	$0	Brantford students: The fares for transit from September-April are included in your student tuition. Check Google Maps and Brantford Transit’s “Plan your Trip” system to find out how you can travel to campus, and how long it will take you. An adult cash fare is $3 per ride.
Phone/Internet	$50-100	Costs depend on your phone, how much data you add on, and what speed your Internet is. Check if your phone will work in Canada. Internet packages may be shared by all living in the same household. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces, including across the College.
Personal items	$100+	Cost of personal items is dependent upon individual spending habits and need. Expect to spend more on items like winter coats and warm clothing.
Academic materials	$500+ per term	Check your booklist here for pricing.

Cost of living tips

Learn about budgeting for college and the cost of living in Canada.