Your Complete Guide To Accommodation Costs In Canada 

Studying in Canada is an adventure many international students are looking forward to, however, to fully enjoy your experience, you’ll need to prepare for your trip. That means getting your accommodation settled first and foremost!

Because your accommodations take up the bulk of your budget, it is important to decide the type of accommodation you desire.

Whether you want to live on campus to experience a more vibrant campus life or take things more private in an off-campus apartment, you’d definitely want to estimate the costs while balancing the pros and cons. This will allow you to understand if you need a bigger student loan, raise more cash or to work part-time while pursuing your degree.

In this article, we will explore the four main types of accommodations you can find in Canada, how much it costs and what you must pay attention to!

4 Types Of Accommodation In Canada & How Much They Cost

1. On-Campus Dorm

If having an active student life and being surrounded by your peers is important, then staying in an on-campus dorm is perfect for you!

It is close to your university buildings and faculty, allowing you to access a whole host of amenities such as the school gym, library, and computer labs. In addition, you will also benefit from:

• Staying in a safer environment with campus security
• Build long-lasting friendships on campus
• Have access to common areas, furniture and shower facilities
• Join a community, network and participate in group activities
• Get regular meals provided to you or within easy access

These conveniences allow you to really concentrate on your studies, and make firm friends while also saving quite a bit of money on your accommodations!

The University Of Toronto, for example, charges CAD$15,446 for a standard single room in their halls for both accommodation and meals for an entire academic year. Here are other price comparisons you can view.

While this might look steep, it is important to note you are paying for convenience, flexibility and a sense of community that can’t be replicated.

2. Off-Campus Apartment

While staying on-campus might be the ideal solution, sometimes you value more privacy or you are a city wanderer and you’d want to be closer to the action!

If that’s the case, then an off-campus apartment will be a good choice for you. However, it is important to note that the cost of the apartment will largely depend on three key factors:

• Location of the apartment
• Duration of the lease
• Size of the apartment
• Furniture & amenities provided

Essentially, you are renting an entire apartment and you will have to consider a whole host of factors including transportation, how far it is away from your school, proximity to entertainment centres and the local amenities around it.

This can take both negotiation between you and the landlord as well as time and shopping dollars necessary to customize your home to how you like it.

Depending on your location, accommodation can range from CAD$1,800 to over $2,500 a month in Ottawa alone and can get much higher for other major cities such as Toronto.

You can search and compare prices for off-campus apartments in Canada here.

3. Homestay

If you want a truly unique living experience that combines warmth and care with flexibility, then a homestay is one such accommodation you can consider.

Basically, you’ll be living with a host Canadian family who will provide you with lodging, three square meals a day as well as laundry and cleaning. Very much like how you would be treated right at home!

You will be able to interact with the host family daily, share the kitchen and living space as well as get advice on how to get on better in the country.

If you are really serious about immersion in the country and you want to get the most out of Canada in a familiar setting, a homestay should be on the top of your list!

Homestays in Canada, depending on your location, can range from CAD$35 to $70 a night.

You can find some homestay opportunities here as well as the Canada Homestay Network.

4. Short-Term Furnished Rentals

Sometimes, for some reason, you’d want accommodation quick. Maybe it’s because there’s an incident on campus, or your current longer-term apartment lease suddenly ends. Perhaps you are in a squeeze and your academic year is about to start real soon.

If you are in a pinch, you can opt for short-term furnished rentals to fill in the gap. These are basically furnished apartment rooms that are near hotel or Airbnb standards that you can rent from anywhere from days to months.

However, the costs can get rather prohibitive, ranging anywhere from CAD$120 to over $250 a night. That’s why you’d definitely want to leave this as a last resort and only opt for it if there is really no other choice!

Here are some short-term furnished rental sites you can try: Airbnb, Vrbo & Sublet. 

Let Us Help With Your Accommodation & Beyond!

Hunting for that perfect accommodation doesn’t have to be difficult even though you are living overseas.

Let us help you with that and more!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey. This includes recommendations for accommodations, helping you identify the right scholarships and advice on further post-graduate courses as well.

No worries about the course application process, we can help guide you through every step of the way.

Get started with your free counselling session today.