Is It Cheaper for International Students to Live On-Campus or Off-Campus in Canada?

Are you an international student who has heard it is cheaper to live off-campus than on-campus while studying in Canada? Is this true? And while, in the long-run, living off campus may be cheaper, is it more expensive for a first-year international student to live off-campus rather than on? To make a wise financial decision it is wise to consider all your costs.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation and food costs will be your most expensive living cost. To determine this cost, I took 4 Canadian universities and did a cost analysis of living off and on campus. In most cases, living on or off didn’t make a difference although Waterloo proved to have more expensive off campus housing followed by Edmonton, although their on-campus costs were similar to the other universities. But in all cases, living on campus is a cheaper option for first year international students.

Based Cost of Living for 2024/25

If you think that living off-campus is more attractive than on-campus and if the cost is basically the same, then you might say, “Okay, I will live off-campus and I want to live independently without roommates.” The first step you need to consider is the type of apartment you will look for. You will likely consider a 1-bedroom studio or apartment. But before making the final decision, let’s look at other costs.

Who Pays for Utilities

If you live on campus, the university or college covers the cost of utilities, heating, and Wi-Fi or Internet Connections. However, if you opt to live off-campus, these are additional expenses that you will need to budget for each month. Typically, this can amount to an extra $150 to $200 or even more per month.

Do You Need Furniture

On-campus housing comes with furnished rooms. There is no need to rent or purchase a bed, table, chairs, etc. But if you are considering off-campus, remember most apartments are unfurnished. If your off-campus apartment is furnished, that is wonderful, but off-campus housing often comes unfurnished, requiring students to purchase furniture and household items, which can be an additional financial burden. Furnishr in Toronto, Canada estimates that it will cost a student anywhere from $6500 to $10,000 per year to rent just essential furniture for a 1-bedroom apartment.

You can also buy your furniture from secondhand shops, but that means running around all over the city finding just what you need to furnish your apartment. While this might be a cheaper option, it is time consuming and you have no guarantee that you will find quality secondhand furniture at a price you can afford. If you are an international student, navigating your way around town and knowing what is a reasonable price to pay for your furniture is an impossible feat.

Do you Need to Pay a Damage Deposit?

If you are considering staying on campus, one key aspect to note is the absence of a significant damage deposit requirement. This is a boon to your bank account. A damage deposit typically entails providing an additional month's rent in advance, serving as a safeguard against any potential damages. In practical terms, this could equate to approximately $1000 CAD, although the exact figure may vary based on your monthly rental fees.

Do You Need Dishes?

If you are going to cook, then yes, you need dishes, lots of them - pots and pans, plates, utensils are just some of the dishes you will need. A low estimate of the cost to international students for necessary dishes would be around $200 CAD. You can buy all new dishes which will be costly, or you can check out a secondhand store for used dishes. But not everyone wants used goods and it will be time consuming to visit these stores to make your purchase. On the other hand, students living on campus do not need to buy dishes or cooking utensils. That is because the cafeteria provides all your meals.

As you can see, there are several additional expenses to add to your off-campus costs. The start up costs like furniture, pots and pans are significant, and you can easily add another $7000 CAD to your living costs. So, if you choose Edmonton, your unfurnished, off campus accommodations could be in excess of $ 24,000 for your first year living costs. But if the same international student decides to live on-campus at the University of Alberta, he/she can find accommodation for around $16,000 CAD, based on 2023/24 rates. Which option provides you with the cheaper choice?

Should I Have a Roommate?

All the calculations above were based on not having a roommate. So, if the off-campus prices are too costly, then having a roommate will reduce your cost considerably. You will likely find your rent cut to 1/3 to ½ the amount of living independently.

If you are a first-year international student, the question of who will be your roommate is likely on your mind. It's important to consider that selecting a roommate you are unfamiliar with could lead to potential challenges that may impact your living situation and overall experience in your new environment.

Conclusion

When I go into schools in Pakistan to counsel students, I always advise them to live on campus, at least for the first year. This is very important for international students who need to learn about tenant and landlord agreements and learn to live in a new country. This way you also build a social life and get to know potential roommates before venturing out to off-campus housing. You will not only find it cheaper, but you will end up with a roommate you can live with.

While the decision to live on campus or off-campus during studies in Canada depends largely on finances, other considerations are factored in, such as individual preferences and priorities. For all your housing questions make sure to contact Go 2 Canada Education Services for assistance. The counsellors are Canadian citizens and know all about living in Canada.

 Photo by Vlada Karpovich