Toronto is the most popular city for Indian students in Canada — home to the University of Toronto, Ryerson (TMU), York University, and several colleges. It's also Canada's most expensive city. This guide breaks down every cost category so you can budget accurately before you arrive.
Monthly Cost of Living Summary (Toronto 2026)
| Category | Budget (CAD/month) | Approx INR/month |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared room, near university) | CAD 900–1,200 | ₹55,000–₹73,000 |
| Groceries | CAD 250–350 | ₹15,000–₹21,000 |
| Transport (TTC monthly pass) | CAD 156 | ₹9,500 |
| Phone plan | CAD 35–50 | ₹2,100–₹3,000 |
| Internet (included in most rentals) | CAD 0–50 | ₹0–₹3,000 |
| Utilities (if not included) | CAD 60–100 | ₹3,600–₹6,100 |
| Miscellaneous / personal | CAD 150–200 | ₹9,000–₹12,000 |
| Total (budget range) | CAD 1,600–2,100 | ₹97,000–₹1.28L |
Accommodation Options in Toronto
Accommodation is the biggest expense in Toronto. Here are your main options:
| Option | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|
| University residence (on-campus) | CAD 1,400–2,000 | Safe, convenient; expensive; often only for Year 1 |
| Shared house (3–4 people) | CAD 800–1,000/room | Most popular; need to find roommates |
| Basement suite (private) | CAD 1,200–1,500 | Private; cheaper than 1BR apartment |
| Homestay (with Canadian family) | CAD 1,200–1,500 | Includes meals; great for first few months |
| 1-bedroom apartment alone | CAD 2,100–2,600 | Expensive; not recommended for students |
🎯 Tip: Join Facebook groups like "Indian Students in Toronto Accommodation" and "U of T Housing" 2–3 months before arrival. Sublets from graduating students (April–May) are often 20–30% cheaper than market rate.
Areas to Live Near Toronto Universities
| University | Best Neighbourhoods | Avg Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Annex, Bloor West, Kensington Market | CAD 900–1,100 |
| TMU (Ryerson) | Church-Wellesley, Cabbagetown, Regent Park | CAD 850–1,050 |
| York University | North York, Jane-Finch, Woodbridge | CAD 750–950 |
| Centennial College | Scarborough, Pickering | CAD 700–900 |
| George Brown College | Distillery District, Liberty Village | CAD 900–1,100 |
Groceries: Indian Student Shopping Guide
Toronto has excellent options for Indian groceries. You do not need to survive on expensive Western supermarkets:
- Patel Brothers (Scarborough, Mississauga) — large Indian grocery store with all spices, dal, rice, frozen items
- Nations Fresh Foods (Thorncliffe Park) — huge international supermarket, very affordable
- NoFrills / FoodBasics — cheapest mainstream groceries; student favourite
- Costco — worth it if you split a membership with 3–4 roommates
- Average monthly grocery spend for Indian student cooking at home: CAD 200–280
Transportation in Toronto
The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) runs buses, streetcars, and subway. A monthly pass costs CAD 156. Most major universities are well-connected. Student Presto cards give a small discount. Cycling is popular in summer — a decent second-hand bike costs CAD 100–200. Avoid owning a car as a student — parking alone costs CAD 200–400/month.
Part-Time Work and Earnings
Canadian study permits allow you to work up to 20 hours/week during semester (unlimited during breaks). Ontario minimum wage in 2026 is CAD 17.20/hour. Working 15 hours/week earns approximately CAD 1,000/month after tax — covering most of your living expenses.
- On-campus jobs (library assistant, research assistant, TA): CAD 15–25/hr
- Restaurant / café: CAD 17–20/hr
- Retail (Walmart, Canadian Tire): CAD 17–19/hr
- Tutoring / teaching assistant: CAD 20–35/hr
- IT support on campus: CAD 18–25/hr
Annual Budget Summary for Toronto
| Item | Annual Cost (CAD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (U of T Master's, example) | CAD 35,000–55,000 | ₹21L–₹33.5L |
| Accommodation | CAD 10,800–14,400 | ₹6.6L–₹8.8L |
| Food & groceries | CAD 3,000–4,200 | ₹1.8L–₹2.6L |
| Transport | CAD 1,872 | ₹1.1L |
| Miscellaneous | CAD 1,800 | ₹1.1L |
| TOTAL (excl. tuition) | CAD 17,500–22,300 | ₹10.7L–₹13.6L |
💡 Budget Tip: Consider studying at a college (Seneca, Centennial, George Brown) instead of a university for your first year. Tuition is 40–50% lower (CAD 15,000–20,000/yr) and transfer pathways to university exist. Living costs remain the same.