Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
For students aiming to stay budget-friendly, the cost of living in the USA vs Canada offers some key differences. Tuition fees in the USA are generally higher, though a wide range of scholarships and financial aid can help reduce these costs. In contrast, Canada typically has lower tuition fees and provides affordable public healthcare, which can save you money on medical expenses.
Daily expenses like housing, food, and transportation vary by city in both countries. Major Canadian cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, have living costs similar to large U.S. cities, but smaller Canadian cities often provide a more affordable lifestyle. Overall, both countries have ways for students to manage their budget, but Canada is often seen as more budget-friendly for international students.
Also Check - USA vs Canada: Education System, Cost of Living, Scholarship and Job Opportunities
Tuition in USA vs Canada
The USA is home to the highest number of globally ranked institutions, as per the QS World Rankings, 2025. It is home to 197 university ranked in QS world University ranking whereas Canada has 30 universities featured in the same ranking. Tuition costs for prestigious Tier 1 universities in the USA range from $40,000 to $70,000 per annum. For an Indian student, this can amount to 33–58 lakh INR annually.
In Canada, tuition costs at renowned Tier 1 universities are generally lower, ranging from 51,000 to 60,000 CAD per year, translating to about 30–35 lakh INR for Indian students. For Tier 2 universities in Canada, tuition fees are highly variable, from as low as 8,000 CAD up to over 60,000 CAD, which can cost Indian students anywhere between 4.7 lakh INR to over 35 lakh INR.
Housing Prices in USA vs Canada
Students can choose to stay on-campus across most of the top universities in USA and Canada. The residence cost across a few renowned universities in USA are listed below:
| University | On-Campus Residence Cost (INR) | Off-Campus Residence Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| Stanford University | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,800,000 – ₹2,100,000 |
| Harvard University | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| California Institute of Technology | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| University of Chicago | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| Yale University | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| Columbia University | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,800,000 – ₹2,100,000 |
| Princeton University | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| Cornell University | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
The expenses of staying on and off-campus in the top universities in Canada are tabulated below:
| University | On-Campus Residence Cost (INR) | Off-Campus Residence Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| McGill University | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,800,000 – ₹2,100,000 |
| University of British Columbia | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| Université de Montréal | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| University of Alberta | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| McMaster University | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| University of Waterloo | ₹1,500,000 – ₹1,700,000 | ₹1,700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| Western University | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,800,000 – ₹2,100,000 |
| University of Ottawa | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000 |
| University of Calgary | ₹1,400,000 – ₹1,600,000 | ₹1,600,000 – ₹1,900,000x |
Food Prices in USA vs Canada
Food and lifestyle costs play a big role in shaping a student’s experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at meal expenses in USA versus the Canada:
| Food and Beverages | Cost in USA (USD) | Cost in Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meals in an affordable restaurant | 15 USD (₹1,245) | 18 CAD (₹1,098) |
| 3-course meal for 2 | 60 USD (₹4,980) | 75 CAD (₹4,575) |
| Combo meal | 8 USD (₹664) | 11 CAD (₹671) |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 4.37 USD (₹363) | 4.41 CAD (₹269) |
| Cold drink (0.33-liter bottle) | 1.95 USD (₹162) | 2.28 CAD (₹139) |
| Water (0.33-liter bottle) | 1.56 USD (₹130) | 1.84 CAD (₹112) |
| Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle) | 6 USD (₹498) | 7.5 CAD (₹457) |
| Domestic liquor (1 drink) | 5 USD (₹415) | 6 CAD (₹366) |
Transportation Cost in USA vs Canada
Transportation costs in Canada are generally higher than in the USA, mainly due to more affordable fuel prices in the USA. The table below shows a comparison of transportation costs between the two countries:
| Transportation | Cost in USA (USD) | Cost in Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way local transit ticket | 2.50 USD (₹208) | 3.25 CAD (₹198) |
| Monthly public transit pass | 70–120 USD (₹5,810–₹9,960) | 90–160 CAD (₹5,490–₹9,760) |
| Taxi start | 3.50 USD (₹291) | 4.00 CAD (₹244) |
| Taxi per km | 2.00 USD (₹166) | 1.75 CAD (₹107) |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.00 USD (₹83) | 1.50 CAD (₹92) |
| New car (Toyota Corolla or equivalent) | 20,000 USD (₹1,660,000) | 25,000 CAD (₹1,525,000) |
Visa Cost in USA vs Canada
The tables below show a comparison of visa costs for students and work applicants in the USA and Canada:
Student Visa Costs
| Country | Visa Type | Application Fee | Biometrics Fee | Total Cost (USD) | Total Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | F-1 Student | $160 | N/A | $160 | ₹13,280 |
| Canada | Study Permit | CAD 150 | CAD 85 | CAD 235 | ₹14,335 |
Also Check - US Student Visa
Work Visa Costs
| Country | Visa Type | Application Fee | Biometrics Fee | Total Cost (USD) | Total Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | H-1B Work | $190 | N/A | $190 | ₹15,770 |
| Canada | Work Permit | CAD 155 | CAD 85 | CAD 240 | ₹14,640 |
Also Check - US Work Visa
Healthcare Cost in USA vs Canada
Healthcare in the USA is costly, with individual health insurance premiums averaging around $500–$2,000 per year (₹41,500–₹166,000). For a monthly premium, an individual male may require around $400 (₹33,200) and a female about $450 (₹37,350), varying by coverage type.
In Canada, healthcare is more affordable, with some provinces offering basic health coverage to international students. Private insurance typically costs CAD 600–900 per year, or roughly ₹36,600–₹54,900. Monthly premiums average around CAD 100 (₹6,100) for males and CAD 120 (₹7,320) for females, depending on individual needs and provincial options.
Personal Expenses in USA vs Canada
The following table represents the differences between the personal expenses in USA and Canada:
| Expense Type | Cost in USA (USD) | Cost in INR | Cost in Canada (CAD) | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $150–200 | ₹12,450–₹16,600 | CAD150–200 | ₹9,150–₹12,200 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | $60–80 | ₹4,980–₹6,640 | CAD 60–80 | ₹3,660–₹4,880 |
| Fitness Club/Gym Membership | $50–70 | ₹4,150–₹5,810 | CAD 50–70 | ₹3,050–₹4,270 |
| Clothing | $60–100 | ₹4,980–₹8,300 | CAD 60–100 | ₹3,660–₹6,100 |
| Movie Ticket | $15 | ₹1,245 | CAD 15 | ₹915 |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten) Childcare | $1,000–1,500 | ₹83,000–₹124,500 | CAD1,000–1,500 | ₹61,000–₹91,500 |
Briefly, students should keep in mind that studying in the USA can offer a strong return on investment, with many career opportunities and high earning potential. However, Canada stands out as a safe, welcoming country with plenty of job options for international students after graduation, making it a great choice for those looking for stability and work opportunities post-study.
FAQs
Ques How do phone and internet costs for students compare between the USA and Canada?
Ans In Canada, phone and internet plans can be a bit pricier than in the USA. In the USA, student internet plans range from $50 to $100 monthly (₹4,150–₹8,300), with some discounts, and phone plans cost about $30 to $70 per month (₹2,490–₹5,810). In Canada, internet plans are generally pricier, around CAD 60 to CAD 100 (₹3,660–₹6,100), and phone plans cost CAD 50 to CAD 100 (₹3,050–₹6,100).
Ques Which country is better for saving money as a student?
Ans For students, Canada can be easier on the budget with generally lower tuition fees and some healthcare coverage, which helps cut costs. However, the USA has more scholarships and financial aid options, which can make studying there more affordable, especially if you get aid from your school. Overall, you might save more in Canada, but the USA can still be budget-friendly with good planning and financial support.
Ques Can I work part-time to cover my expenses?
Ans Yes, you can work part-time as a student in both the USA and Canada to help cover expenses. In Canada, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. In the USA, international students can also work part-time but are typically limited to 20 hours per week and mostly on-campus jobs.
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