Top 5 Affordable Cities In Canada For Foreign Students
Canada is recognized worldwide for its outstanding academic standard. It is also one of the most preferred destinations chosen by international students for higher studies.
Canada not only offers quality education, but it does so at very affordable costs compared to other prominent countries. As a result, the number of international students in Canada is steadily increasing.
Undoubtedly, going to study abroad can be very expensive. While you may find it economical to live in one location rather than another, the expenses will add up either way.
However, regardless of the thought of additional expenses that comes to our mind when “studying abroad” is mentioned, there are still some affordable cities where foreign students can live and still be the boss of their budget.
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
Sherbrooke Quebec is a city in southern Quebec, Canada. Sherbrooke is located at the confluence of two rivers, it is also an active and lively city year-round, with access to high-quality services.
According to upgradabroad.com the cost of living in this town is 15.6% below the national average. Most importantly, it has an incredible apartment selection to choose from, and getting a one-bedroom set below CAD 800 per month is very easy.
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- Laval, Quebec, Canada
Laval, Quebec is a city in southwestern Quebec, Canada. It is located 30km northwest of Montreal. The city is particularly dominated by the French and is known for its large suburban city with an essential manufacturing and industrial base, and particularly being diverse in culture.
Aside from the fact that it is a safe and secure residential area, Laval is one of Quebec’s larger cities and has a cost of living that is more than 9% below the national average as published by upgradabroad.com. This city offers a wide range of benefits including affordable housing, green spaces, an efficient network, convenient transportation, and a lot more. On the other hand, students can save up quite a bit by choosing an affordable city like Laval.
- Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, in the east of Southern Ontario, near Montreal and the United States. It is located at the junction of two rivers, the Ottawa River and the Rideau River in the southern portion of the Province of Ontario.
Ottawa is famous for its diverse culture and job opportunities that accept foreigners and students for higher studies. The city is also a great city choice for aspiring students, as it is home to two great universities – the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. However, The rent for your apartment can range from CAD 700 to 1,400 per month depending on the area.
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- Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is known for being Canada’s second-largest city and one of the largest cultural centers. It is set on the Island of Montreal at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. The city is known for several colleges and universities, and because of this, Many foreign students spend their university years there.
Furthermore, Montreal is one of the least expensive cities in Canada. A decent room in a safe Montreal neighborhood can be rented for as little as $700 -900 per month. These are basic figures but expect to pay more depending on your taste.
- Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. It is one of Canada’s wealthiest, cleanest, and most habitable cities. Calgary is known for its vicinity with beautiful foothills and rocky mountains.
Although Calgary has been titled the world’s fifth most livable city by the Economist for seven years in a row, earning top marks for stability, education, and healthcare, the city’s rent prices remained below the national average and the least expensive compared to other cities in Canada thereby, making it very favorable for foreign students.
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Important factors To Consider When Choosing Cities to Live in Canada as a foreign student:
There are many other affordable cities in Canada but as foreign students, narrowing down your list can be a daunting task. However, putting a few things into consideration before choosing the right setting can make all the difference to your student experience.
- Safety
While weighing expenses to be made, Safety is always a major concern especially among foreign students preparing for a journey far away from home. However, one of the things you can do to keep safe is to be aware of your surrounding. Also, ensure you can enjoy relaxation and opportunities without putting yourself at risk.
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- Job Opportunity
Job availability is a key factor uniting students worldwide. Most students choose a specific city because of its connection with companies and other types of employers that are close by. However, this could improve your opportunities to gain working experience alongside studying and sorting your financial needs.
- Cost of Living
Affordability is the major factor to consider when choosing where to live in Canada. However, the first word of advice when deciding on your choice location is, to be honest with yourself. Think about how well the cost of living fits into your budget. Most importantly, choosing where to live and the cost of living should still permit you to live your desired lifestyle.
Fortunately, many cities in Canada are not only less expensive but also have outstanding schools. If you’re looking to save money while you study, you may want to consider living in one of the cities listed above.
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