Cover image for post: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Family in 2024
All-Country Canada 3 FEB, 2023

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Family in 2024

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Family in 2024

The average monthly expenses in Canada on housing in smaller towns and cities can be relatively lower. Here’s a comparison between 5 Canadian cities to see how different your expenses can be based on the city you choose to live in. 

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$4,000 - $4,800

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$2,500 - $3,000<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$3,500 - $4,300

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$1,900 - $2,400<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$2,400 - $3,200

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$1,700 - $2,100<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$2,100 - $2,700

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$1,650 - $2,100<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$2,100 - $2,800

City 1 Bedroom (CAD)2 Bedroom (CAD)
Vancouverfff;">$2,800 - $3,300
Toronto
Ottawa
Calgary 
Montreal

Learn about the accommodation costs for students in Caanda.

2. Canadá Grocery Prices

According to recent reports, individual food costs are anticipated to fall within the range of CAD 250-300 per month in 2024. This projection considers various factors, including dietary requirements, shopping patterns, and geographical location. Additionally, with an estimated overall increase of 2.5-4.5% in food prices, a family of four can anticipate monthly Canadian grocery prices to be around CAD 1,000-1,200 in the year 2024. These figures highlight the potential impact of both personal preferences and broader economic trends on the cost of living in Canada for Indian families and students alike.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Higher due to fresh produce costs and overall higher living expenses

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$275 - $325<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Similar to Vancouver but slightly lower

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$250 - $300<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Relatively lower due to smaller city size and lower overall costs

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$225 - $275<td style=“background-color:

fff;">One of the most affordable major cities for groceries

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">$200 - $250<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Most affordable major city due to lower food costs in general

CityAverage Monthly Grocery Cost per Person (CAD)Notes
Vancouverfff;">$300 - $350
Toronto
Ottawa
Calgary
Montreal

3. Transportation Expenses

The public transportation costs in Canada can vary significantly depending on your city, the type of pass you purchase, and how frequently you use it. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay in major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa. 

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">110 - 170

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">50 - 60

ModesAverage Monthly Cost (CAD)
Subway monthly passfff;">70 - 110
Bus monthly pass
Taxi (1km)

Public Transportation:  Considering the cost of living in Canada for an Indian family in Ontario, the cost of public transportation varies depending on the city and type of pass. Estimated monthly expenses for 2024 can range from CAD 86 to CAD 151. While Toronto’s TTC pass currently costs CAD 151, there aren’t plans for a March 2024 increase. In Quebec, public transport is more affordable, with the STM monthly pass in Montreal priced around CAD 86. Taxi fares fluctuate based on distance, time of day, and service provider, typically ranging from CAD 25 to CAD 40 per trip rather than a set estimate.

4. Education Expenses

To analyse the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students, you should also factor in education in Canada for Indian students while figuring out the monthly expenses. 

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">11,000 - 13,000

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">24,000 - 28,000<td style=“background-color:

fff;">22,000 - 25,000

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">28,000 - 32,000<td style=“background-color:

fff;">17,000 - 20,000

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">26,000 - 30,000<td style=“background-color:

fff;">14,000 - 16,000

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">25,000 - 28,000<td style=“background-color:

fff;">21,000 - 24,000

ProgramAverage UG Fee (CAD)Average PG Fee (CAD)
Pharmacyfff;">35,000 - 40,000
Architecture
Engineering
Computer Science
Business Management

When comparing tuition fees to those in India, they may seem high. However, they remain competitive if we compare them to study destinations like the UK, USA, and Australia. On average, international students in Canada pay around CAD 36,000 per year for tuition. It’s important to keep in mind that fees usually increase slightly each year so it’s wise to factor that into your budget calculations. The Canadian government offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid options for living costs in Canada for international students, making higher education more accessible. Moreover, many universities provide payment plans and work-study programs to assist in managing the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Read about the best universities in Canada for Indian students.

Canada’s public healthcare system covers basic medical needs, but wait times for non-urgent care can be longer. Prepare for out-of-pocket expenses for certain medications and specialized services. Consider private insurance for quicker access and broader coverage. Be aware of federal income taxes (15-33%) and provincial sales taxes (7-15%). Some provinces have carbon taxes impacting your overall cost of living in Canada as an Indian Family. Gym memberships, music lessons, and sports leagues can range from CAD 30-200 monthly. For Movies, Expect to pay CAD 12-18 for tickets, with weekday or matinee discounts available. Planning for dining out, set a budget for CAD 20-30 per person for a sit-down meal. Explore free or low-cost alternatives like museums & events, outdoor activities, etc.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Canada

  1. Location of the City: Understand that living expenses vary across cities, in Canada, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Each city has its dynamics, housing markets, and lifestyle costs that impact the overall cost of living.
  2. Lifestyle Choices: Explore how personal decisions and spending habits play a role in determining the cost of living in Canada for an Indian family. Choices related to entertainment, dining, recreational activities, and overall lifestyle preferences contribute to the aspects of our lives.
  3. Family Size: Examine how family size affects living expenses. Larger families often face costs for housing, transportation, and education. You need to discuss how the number of dependents influences decisions regarding housing size, schooling options, and the need for vehicles; all these factors contribute to variations in the cost of living. Understanding these factors is essential for individuals and families planning their budgets in Canada.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of living in Canada for Indian families can greatly enhance your lifestyle. To reduce your living costs in Canada, you can take advantage of the benefits provided by the Niyo Global card. This card ensures convenience and comfort during your stay while effectively managing your expenses. With features such, as zero forex markup, a time, in-app Currency Converter the ability to add money in INR, and seamless spending options both in stores and online so you can fully leverage its advantages while residing in canadá.

Here are some of the features that the zero forex card provides:

  • Zero forex markup on all international transactions 
  • Free lounge access at select int terminals in India
  • Load in INR use in 150+ countries and 130+ currencies 
  • Earn 1% cashback as global coins
  • Card delivered in 2-3 days 
  • 24x7 in-app chat support 

While the cost of living in Canada for Indian Families might be higher than in India, the Canadian quality of life, career opportunities, and educational prospects offer long-term rewards. With careful planning, budgeting, and resourcefulness, you can navigate the financial landscape and build a fulfilling life in the Great White North. So, dust off your passports, sharpen your budgeting skills, and get ready to embrace the Canadian adventure!


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