I Wasn’t Prepared for How Expensive Canada Actually Is for Students

Before coming to Canada, I thought tuition fees would be the biggest financial challenge.

Honestly, living expenses shocked me more.

My monthly spending in Toronto:

• Rent: CAD 850–1000
• Groceries: CAD 300+
• Transport: CAD 120
• Phone bill: CAD 45+
• Winter essentials: expensive

And this is without eating outside regularly.

The biggest mistake many students make:

relying on old YouTube videos showing outdated expenses.

Costs have changed A LOT recently.

If you’re planning for Canada:

• keep extra emergency savings
• don’t assume part-time income will solve everything immediately
• research rent carefully before finalizing your city

I genuinely wish someone had explained realistic monthly budgets before I arrived.