Canada is the No. 1 Country in the World, According to the 2021 Best Countries Report
This year’s Best Countries Report looks a little bit different than in the past thanks to, you guessed it, the COVID-19 pandemic. Two new categories were added for this year’s competition- social purpose and agility -on top of the tried-and-true categories of culture, economy, policy, and tech. As it turns out, this change sent Canada soaring to the number one position overall!
Naturally, this news has made Canada an even more desirable location for international students. Who doesn’t want to study in the number one country in the world? Sounds like a great experience and it looks impressive on a resume to boot.
If you’re considering studying at Tamwood, or another esteemed Canadian institution, there are a few things you should know about the cost of living for students in Canada. Most students operate on tight budgets, so let’s explore the cost of living in two main education hubs in Canada: Toronto and Vancouver.
Rent is going to be your largest monthly expense. If you’re coming to Canada to study, you can expect to pay about $600 in rent per month. That said, if you’re planning on living in one of the most bustling cities in the country, namely Toronto or Vancouver, rates can be slightly higher depending on the size of space and specific location.
However, one of the perks of living in Toronto or Vancouver is that you can get pretty much anywhere by biking or walking. You can also nab a Presto pass for public transit if needed, but if you choose the location of your house or apartment strategically, you could have a transportation cost of $0.
As for food, expect to spend $40-100 per week depending on your dietary preferences and needs. Most students are also pleased to learn that coffee shops run rampant in Canada, just be careful as a daily latte can add up fast!
Other optional expenses include a cell phone (~$40 monthly), home internet (~$40), Netflix ($15), and more. If you want these extras, budget for them, and if not, pocket the extra cash.
Overall, Canada is a pretty budget-friendly country for students, even in the busiest cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Also, consider that a lot of basic necessities offer student discounts on top of already competitive rates. For example, many grocery stores have student discount days where you can save 10-20% on your groceries. In addition, municipal transit systems usually offer student passes to make getting around more affordable.
It is possible to live affordably in the number one country in the world, even as a student! If you want to learn more about what student living costs are like in Toronto or Vancouver, why not reach out to us here at Tamwood? We have beautiful campuses in both locations and would be happy to help. Visit us here if you’d like to connect!
