Thinking about studying in Canada? You're not alone. With world-class education, diverse cultures, and exciting career prospects, it's no wonder Canada is a top choice for international students. The question that leaves many students puzzled is: What is the best city to live in Canada as a student? 

Many Canadian cities have excellent universities, diverse lifestyles, and varying living costs, so the choice is quite tough. In this blog, we will present the best places to live in Canada by looking at affordability, job opportunities, and student life.

What Makes a City Ideal for Students?

Before diving into our list of the top cities, it’s important to understand the key factors that make a city ideal for students. In this guide, we’ve ranked the most student-friendly cities in Canada to help you make the best decision.

Educational Quality: The first aspect to consider when an international student looks for a city to study and live in is its high quality of education, its top-ranked universities and colleges, and the different programs and fields of study the city is known for.

Cost of Living: Finding the cheapest city to live in Canada is the top priority for many people. It is important to focus on the rent, transportation costs, and daily expenses. If cost is a key factor, we’ve highlighted some of the cheapest cities to live in Canada for students throughout this blog.

Job Opportunities: A city that offers chances to work after graduation is crucial for those who are planning to work and live in Canada. Some students choose to work while studying so they can gain work skills while continuing their education. In this case, Canada allows students to work up to 20 hours per week for part-time positions.

Lifestyle and Culture: When choosing the most liveable cities in Canada, it is important to consider those with rich social scenes, various activities, and attractions, and at the same time, provide students with a good educational experience. 

Let’s take a closer look at the top Canadian cities for international students, based on affordability, academic excellence, job prospects, and quality of life.

The Top 10 Cities for Students in Canada

1. Toronto

Why Toronto is Great for Students

Toronto is not only the largest city in Canada but also a financial and cultural hub. It’s home to some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and York University. It offers a multicultural environment and has a population of students from all over the world. Many consider Toronto the best city to live in Canada.

Work Opportunities

One of the benefits of being in Toronto is job opportunities for students looking to stay in the country after graduation. It is where the largest number of companies have their headquarters. This makes Toronto an ideal city for someone who wants to work and live in Canada.

Cost of Living

Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Canada, Toronto offers part-time employment opportunities for students to help them manage their living costs.

Student Life

Toronto is popular for its active cultural scene, with museums like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), theatres like the Princess of Wales Theatre, galleries such as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and much more! This provides endless entertainment opportunities for students.

2. Vancouver

Why Vancouver is Great for Students

Vancouver hosts the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, which attract students from all over the earth to study in this beautiful area.

Work-Life Balance

According to Vancouver Economics, The city is renowned for its exceptional work-life balance, consistently ranking among the world's most livable cities. This balance is attributed to several key factors, including its natural environment and outdoor activities, as Vancouver is between the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains.

Vancouver's cultural attractions (museums, galleries, theatres) and recreational amenities also make it flexible for students to enjoy their free time wisely. On top of these aspects, Vancouver's awareness of the importance of flexible work arrangements, such as adjustable working hours and remote work options, enables students better to manage their studies, work, and personal lives.

Cost of Living

While Vancouver is known for its high cost of living, many students find the lifestyle and job prospects worth it.

Opportunities for Students

Currently, the high-tech industry is in a Renaissance in Vancouver; thus, students can easily find jobs during and after graduation. For instance, Microsoft has a significant presence in Vancouver and offers roles in design, program management, data science, and engineering.

3. Montreal

Why Montreal is Great for Students

Montreal is one of the best cities to live in Canada as an international student, with over 350,000 students calling it home. It’s one of the most affordable cities in Canada and is full of activities and attractions that appeal to students. For example, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is a prominent art museum that features classical and contemporary works. Moreover, Arsenal Contemporary Art is a large private gallery that includes contemporary Canadian and international artists.

Montreal is also home to some of the top institutions in the country, such as McGill University, Concordia University, and Université de Montréal.

Affordability

Montreal is widely considered one of the cheapest cities to live in Canada, especially compared to Toronto and Vancouver. Rent, groceries, and public transportation are more affordable.

Multicultural Vibe

Montreal offers a unique blend of French and English cultures, making it an exciting city for students looking for a multicultural experience.

Work Opportunities

Although Montreal's job market may not be as extensive as Toronto's or Vancouver's, there are still plenty of opportunities for students, especially in tech, arts, and media.

4. Ottawa

Why Ottawa is Great for Students

Ottawa has a safe and friendly atmosphere for students. It  has world-class schools like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, where public programs such as public policy, international relations, and engineering are taught, among many others.

Ottawa is also home to the National Gallery of Canada, which offers a collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, and Cube Gallery, which specialises in contemporary and fine art from regional artists.

Work and Study

Ottawa is good for students who love politics and the government. It  has various federal institutions that facilitate internships and job opportunities, which makes it a convenient place to live and work in Canada after graduation.

Cost of Living

Ottawa offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Toronto. Housing and rent prices are generally lower, making it a budget-friendly option for students.

5. Calgary

Why Calgary is Great for Students

Calgary is a fast-growing city with a booming economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The city is reputed for excellence in engineering, business, and health sciences programs, particularly at the University of Calgary.

Affordable Living

Calgary offers low cost of living compared to other Canadian metropolises. Housing and utility expenses, transportation costs, and food costs are economical. All these factors make Calgary a popular, affordable and one of the best places to live in Canada.

Job Market

Calgary offers opportunities in various fields. It also offers business internships, co-op placements, and summer student jobs, where students can develop experience and balance their studies. Part-time jobs are available for students as finance interns, research assistants, marketing assistants, and developers.

6. Halifax

Why Halifax is Great for Students

Halifax has top universities like Dalhousie University, which is a perfect choice for students who want to study engineering, and Saint Mary’s University, which is known for its MBA programs. It  has vital attractions for students, like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Point Pleasant Park. It also has a reliable public transportation system that makes it easy to get around.

Educational Excellence

Besides Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University, Halifax has other notable institutions, such as the University of King's College, Mount Saint Vincent University, and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University.

Affordability

Halifax is one of the cheapest student cities to live in Canada, with lower housing costs and an affordable lifestyle.

Work Opportunities

International students in Halifax can find work on-campus or off-campus in retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and shipping. Also, universities offer career services, and various online job platforms help students secure part-time jobs while they study in Canada.

7. Quebec City

Why Quebec is Great for Students

Quebec City is one of the most liveable cities in Canada. It has well-known universities such as Université Laval, École Nationale d'Administration Publique (ENAP), and the Université du Québec (UQAR) - Quebec City Campus. The university offers many programs and is known for research and innovation. It focuses on areas like sustainability, engineering, business, and health sciences. It is also one of the best places to study in Canada. École Nationale d'Administration Publique specialises in public administration and is a good choice for students interested in government and policy. Furthermore, the Université du Québec - Quebec City Campus offers programs in education, social sciences, and environmental studies.

Affordable Living

The cost of living in Quebec is low compared to other cities in North America, and housing options are also budget-friendly. Plus, tuition fees are also among the lowest, which makes Quebec City one of the cheapest student cities to live in Canada.

Cultural Experience

As a major French-speaking city, it is a perfect place to practice the language and connect with the rich traditions that define the area. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Winnipeg

Why Winnipeg is Great for Students

Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, has a low cost of living and a growing population of students. It is also popular with international students at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

Additionally, the city has several attractions that appeal to students. Assiniboine Park provides green spaces, a zoo, and cultural events. Exchange District is a hub for cafés, galleries, and live music and is known for its historic architecture. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights offers educational experiences. Manitoba Legislative Building and Saint Boniface showcase the city’s history and French heritage.

Thriving Job Market

Winnipeg offers diverse job opportunities for international students in Canada in fields like agriculture, healthcare, IT, and retail. As mentioned before, students can work up to 20 hours weekly during studies and full-time during breaks. After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit allows up to three years of work.

9. Edmonton

Why Edmonton is Great for Students

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is home to the University of Alberta, which is known for programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. It also has MacEwan University, which excels in arts, communications, and nursing. The city is also known for its affordable living costs, which makes it an attractive city for students. It is also one of the best cities to live in Canada.

Research Opportunities

The University of Alberta is renowned for its research initiatives that provide students with opportunities in various fields, including solutions to energy problems, artificial intelligence, health and wellness, and agriculture and food. The university offers programs such as the University of Alberta Research Experience (UARE). This program allows undergraduate students to conduct research under the guidance of expert faculty members.

10. Victoria

Why Victoria is Great for Students

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a great city for students because of its excellent universities, like the University of Victoria (UVic) and Royal Roads University, which offer strong programs in environmental studies, engineering, business, and leadership. It has amazing museums, such as the Royal BC Museum, and art galleries like the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. If you are planning to study and work in Canada, Victoria is a perfect place due to its mild weather, safe environment, and beautiful nature.

Educational Institutions

Victoria is home to two outstanding educational institutions known for their excellence and specialised programs:

University of Victoria (UVic)

UVic is known for its research impact and innovative teaching. It is consistently ranked among Canada’s top universities. The university is also a leader in Indigenous studies and ocean sciences. It excels in environmental studies, engineering, computer science, business, social sciences, and health sciences. It is one of the best places to study in Canada.

Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University is recognised for its career-focused approach to education. Additionally, it specialises in programs in leadership, environmental management, professional communication, tourism management, and interdisciplinary studies.

How to Choose the Right City for You?

Choosing the best city to live in Canada as an international student is a vital decision that can shape your academic journey and personal development. To make an informed choice, it's important to keep in mind some key factors. Begin by researching universities in different cities to ensure their programs align with your academic goals. For instance, Toronto and Vancouver offer diverse programs, while Ottawa and Calgary have affordable living costs and quality educational institutions.

Job opportunities are another crucial aspect. Larger cities offer better opportunities for part-time work and internships, which can help you gain experience. Additionally, consider the lifestyle and culture of the city. For example, Montreal is known for its busy and bilingual environment, whereas cities like Edmonton are more relaxed and centred around nature.

Climate is also an important consideration. Vancouver’s mild winters may be more appealing than Winnipeg’s harsher cold weather. 

Finally, think about factors such as the city’s transportation system, safety, and the availability of student support services, as these will directly influence your daily life.

In conclusion, Canada offers a variety of cities that cater to the diverse needs of students, each with its own unique blend of academic excellence, lifestyle, and affordability. Whether you're drawn to the cultural diversity of Toronto, the affordability of Montreal, or the research opportunities in Edmonton, you will find a city in Canada that aligns with your academic and personal goals. 

Choosing the right city in Canada to study and live in is about more than academics—it's about your future. Whether you prioritise affordability, vibrant student life, or post-graduation job prospects, there's a perfect city for you. Take your time, explore your options, and find the Canadian city that will shape your journey.