TORONTO — Canada continues to stand out as a top destination for international students seeking a high-quality yet affordable study abroad experience, with three Ontario cities ranked among the most budget-friendly in North America.
According to a new report by Remitly, an international money transfer service, Canadian cities dominate the list of the 10 most affordable study destinations across the continent. The study considered factors such as tuition fees, visa costs, and monthly living expenses to determine overall affordability for international students.
“Contrary to popular belief, studying in North America doesn’t have to break the bank,” the report stated, emphasizing that Canadian cities offer significantly better value than their U.S. counterparts.
Winnipeg, Manitoba secured the top spot with an Education Expenses Index score of 50.62, bolstered by an average monthly rent of CAD$1,607 and average annual tuition costs of around CAD$41,952. The city’s affordability, combined with a strong sense of community and smaller class sizes at institutions like the University of Winnipeg, makes it a compelling option for students.
Montreal, Quebec came in second, followed by Kingston, Ontario in third. Two more Ontario cities—Waterloo and Ottawa—also made the top 10, ranking eighth and tenth, respectively.
Here are the Canadian cities ranked in the report for best value in student living:
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Rent: CAD$1,607
Index Score: 50.62
Montreal, Quebec
Rent: CAD$1,923.97
Index Score: 51.20
Kingston, Ontario
Rent: CAD$1,959.36
Index Score: 51.57
Edmonton, Alberta
Rent: CAD$1,819.33
Index Score: 52.60
Waterloo, Ontario
Rent: CAD$2,375.53
Index Score: 53.62
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Rent: CAD$1,690.85
Index Score: 54.24
Ottawa, Ontario
Rent: CAD$2,264.27
Index Score: 54.51
The only U.S. cities to crack the top 10 were Columbia (#5), Lansing (#6), and Lincoln (#7), further highlighting Canada’s affordability advantage for students.
While Canada has recently tightened student visa regulations in response to rising immigration levels, demand remains high. A recent ApplyBoard survey showed that 94% of prospective students continue to express interest in studying in Canada.
This data serves as a valuable resource for students using study abroad guides to plan their education journey, helping them make informed decisions about affordable, high-quality international education.
