Do you have a dream of studying in Canada? Do you want to know how much it really costs to live in Canada as a Pakistani student? Studying abroad is an exciting path, but financial planning is just as important as choosing the right university.

The cost of living in Canada also depends on where you live and how you manage your lifestyle. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are costly, while smaller towns offer more affordable options.

When you understand living expenses carefully, it makes the move easier and less stressful. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of living in Canada for Pakistani students.

Average Cost of Living in Canada

Did you know that the average cost of living in Canada varies greatly depending on where you choose to live? For example, the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, is significantly higher than in Calgary, Canada.

Similarly, the cost of groceries and transportation can be higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.

Minimum Budget Required for 2025

According to the 2025 IRCC update, international students are now required to demonstrate proof of funds of $20,635. This requirement gives a clear idea of the average cost of living in Canada for students.

Type of Expense	Annual Estimate (CAD)	Annual Estimate (PKR)
IRCC Living Expenses	$20,635	PKR 4,230,000 (approx.)
Undergraduate Tuition	$32,000 – $40,000	PKR 6,560,000 – 8,200,000
Postgraduate Tuition	$18,000 – $25,000	PKR 3,690,000 – 5,125,000
PhD Tuition	$10,000 – $20,000	PKR 2,050,000 – 4,100,000

Tuition vs. Living Expenses: What’s the Bigger Burden?

The cost of tuition fees depends on the university that the student chooses, but living expenses are the monthly commitment that impacts your budget the most. In some cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, the rent for houses and living expenses is significantly higher.

Category	Monthly Estimate (CAD)	Monthly Estimate (PKR)
Tuition (avg.)	$2,000 – $3,000	PKR 410,000 – 615,000
Rent & Utilities	$700 – $1,500	PKR 143,500 – 307,500
Food & Groceries	$250 – $450	PKR 51,250 – 92,250
Transit	$80 – $130	PKR 16,400 – 26,650
Misc. (books, etc.)	$100 – $200	PKR 20,500 – 41,000

Monthly Costs of Living in Canada 2025

Rent: On-Campus vs Off-Campus

City	On-Campus (PKR)	Off-Campus (PKR)
Toronto	PKR 1,517,000	PKR 1,773,000 – 2,277,000
Vancouver	PKR 1,456,000	PKR 1,708,000 – 2,150,000
Montreal	PKR 1,074,000	PKR 1,265,000 – 1,645,000
Calgary	PKR 1,140,000	PKR 1,265,000 – 1,517,000

Food & Grocery Costs: Cooking vs Eating Out

Option	Monthly Estimate (PKR)
Home Cooking	PKR 25,300 – 38,000
Eating Out	PKR 44,300 – 63,300

Transport: Monthly Passes in Major Cities

City	Transit Pass (PKR)
Toronto	PKR 16,250
Vancouver	PKR 14,300
Montreal	PKR 7,200
Calgary	PKR 9,750

Health Insurance: Province-Wise Plans

Province	Plan Cost (PKR)
Ontario	PKR 95,700
British Columbia	Free (via MSP after 3 months)
Quebec	PKR 114,000 – 126,000
Alberta	Free (after 12-month study permit)

Miscellaneous: Books, Clothes, Entertainment

Item	Monthly Estimate (PKR)
Books & Supplies	PKR 7,600 – 12,600
Clothes	PKR 6,300 – 12,600
Entertainment	PKR 12,600 – 18,900

Conclusion

So, what is the cost of living in Canada? Your location, lifestyle, and smart budgeting determine the answer. When comparing the cost of living in Australia and Canada, Canada frequently offers better PR paths and healthcare. With proper financial planning, you may handle the cost of living in Ontario, Calgary, or even Montreal, Canada, while also thriving academically.

Whether you’re considering the cost of living in Alberta, Canada, or wondering about the average cost of living in Canada, ensure your funds align with IRCC expectations for a stress-free student experience.