Overall cost of living in Canada vs USA is comparatively more affordable. The tuition fees in the universities of Canada is 27% more economical than tuition fees in US universities. The Canadian immigration system provides free public school education to children (within the age of 16 or 18 years). The US institutes also provide free education to the students in public schools.
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In the private schools of Canada, the fees generally range between 20,000-56,000 CAD (~11.7-32.8 lakh INR) per annum. However, the comprehensive US education system automatically requires higher tuition fees than Canada. The average cost of studying in the private elementary schools in USA is 10,000 USD (~7.45 lakh INR) per annum for domestic students. The private high schools require around 78,000 USD (~58.2 lakh INR) per annum.
The cost of living in Canada and USA includes tuition fees, accommodation, boarding, transport and miscellaneous expenses. Some of the consumer products and utilities are available at affordable prices in USA. The average total cost of studying in the popular cities to study in Canada ranges around 76,000 CAD (~44.5 lakh INR) per year. The same program in the top US universities cost around 75,000-80,000 USD (~55.9-60 lakh INR) per annum.
Tuition in Canada vs USA
USA has the maximum number of ranked institutes in the world according to QS World Rankings, 2022. The tuition cost of the renowned tier 1 universities in Canada ranges between 51,000-60,000 CAD per annum. For an Indian student, this cost ranges up to 30-35 lakh INR. The tuition cost at the tier 2 universities in Canada are widely variable and ranges from 8,000 CAD up to over 60,000 CAD. Aspirants from India can expect to spend anywhere between 4.7 lakh INR up to more than 35 lakh INR.Cost of Living in Canada vs USA
The cost of living in USA and Canada varies widely according to the city the student lives in. Although the annual income in both countries are almost similar, the cost of living in Canada is slightly higher than the living cost in USA. The house rent and health insurance cost is lower in Canada, while, consumer goods, utilities and fuel expenses are higher in Canada than USA.
Housing Prices in Canada vs USA
Students can choose to stay on-campus across most of the top universities in USA and Canada. However, there are always off-campus residence options around the institutes of USA and Canada. The residence cost across a few renowned universities in USA are listed below:
| University | On-Campus Residence Cost in INR | Off-Campus Residence Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 7.42 lakh p.a. | 1.97 to 4.15 lakh p.m. |
| Stanford University | 67,000 to 4.45 lakh p.m. | 65,000 to 1.78 lakh p.m. |
| Harvard University | 1.33 to 3 lakh p.m. | Up to 10.39 lakh p.a. |
| California Institute of Technology | 67,000 to 1.03 lakh p.m. | 74,000 to 4.45 lakh p.a. |
| University of Chicago | 2.97-7.42 lakh p.a. | 11.14 lakh p.a. |
| University of Pennsylvania | 8.17 to 9.65 lakh p.a. | 8.17 to 8.19 lakh p.a. |
| Yale University | 44,000 to 1.18 lakh p.m. | 3.71 to 6.68 lakh p.a. |
| Columbia University | 11.14 lakh p.a. | 2.97 to 7.42 lakh p.a. |
| Princeton University | 7.87 lakh p.a. | 1.93 to 3.56 lakh p.a. |
| Cornell University | 6.68 to 8.91 lakh p.a. | 74,000 to 1.89 lakh p.a. |
The expenses of staying on and off-campus in the top universities in Canada are tabulated below:
| University | On-Campus Residence Cost in INR | Off-Campus Residence Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 6.4 to 9.4 lakh p.a. | 82,250 to 1.76 lakh p.m. |
| McGill University | 4.78 to 76.63 lakh p.a. | 29,000 to 76,000 p.m. |
| University of British Columbia | 4.7 to 7 lakh p.a. | 82,000 to 1.76 lakh p.m. |
| Université de Montréal | 2.64 to 8.81 lakh p.a. | 2.93 to 5.87 lakh p.a. |
| University of Alberta | 2.23 to 8.81 lakh p.a. | 47,000 to 58,000 p.m. |
| McMaster University | 1.17 to 4 lakh p.a. | Variable |
| University of Waterloo | 1.41 to 1.88 lakh per term | 35,250 p.m. |
| Western University | 5.87 lakh p.a. | 7.6 to 9.4 p.a. |
| University of Ottawa | 8.51 lakh p.a. | 1.17 to 2.05 lakh p.m. |
| University of Calgary | 3.52 to 6.46 lakh p.a. | 2.29 to 7 lakh p.a. |
Food Prices in Canada vs US
The cost of food and lifestyle are some of the greatly impacting factors influencing a student’s experience. Following is a side by side comparison of the meal expenses in Canada and USA:
| Food and Beverages | Cost in Canada (CAD) | Cost in USA (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meals in affordable restaurant | 18 | 15 |
| 3 course meal for 2 (mid range restaurant) | 75 | 60 |
| Combo meal | 11 | 8 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 4.41 | 4.37 |
| Cold Drink (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.28 | 1.95 |
| Water | 1.84 | 1.56 |
| Imported beer | 7.5 | 6 |
| Domestic liquor | 6 | 5 |
Transportation Cost in Canada vs USA
The cost of transport in Canada is quite higher than the transportation cost in USA. This expense is highly influenced by the affordability of fuel in USA in comparison to Canada. The following table denotes transportation cost in USA as compared to Canada.
| Transportation Type | Cost in Canada (INR) | Cost in USA (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport one way ticket | 188 | 167 |
| Monthly pass | 5,290 | 4,828 |
| Taxi start | 235 | 241 |
| Taxi 1 km | 117 | 120 |
| Gasoline | 72 | 53 |
| New hatchback car | 15.27 lakh | 17.23 lakh |
| New sedan car | 14.68 lakh | 12.92 lakh |
Visa Cost in Canada vs USA
The immigration rules of USA and Canada are distinct. However, the visa expenses for Canada are comparatively lower than the US visa costs. Following are the various costs of Canada student visa and other visa:
- Study Permit (with extensions): 150 CAD (~8800 INR)
- Work Permit (with extensions): 155 CAD (~9,100 INR)
- Work Permit (Maximum fee for performing artist and staff): 100 CAD (~5,870 INR)
- Visitor Visa single or multiple entry (with extensions): 100 CAD (~5,870 INR)
- Visitor Visa maximum fee: 500 CAD (~29,340 INR)
The US student visa and other popular US visa expenses are listed below:
- F visa (academic): 160 USD (~11,925 INR)
- J visa (exchange): 160 USD
- M (vocational): 160 USD
- H (Temporary/ seasonal workers and employment, trainees): 190 USD (~14,160 INR).
There are various other US visa types available, majorly requiring a higher application fee in comparison to the cost of Canada visas.
Healthcare Cost in Canada vs USA
The average healthcare premium in Canada is 157 CAD (~9,200 INR) per month. An individual male requires an average monthly premium of 47 CAD (~2,760 INR). A female requires 80 CAD (~4,700 INR) per month in healthcare.
The annual premium for family health insurance in USA is 5,588 USD (~4.16 lakh INR) with a monthly premium of 466 USD (~34,731 INR). On the other hand, an individual requires an annual premium of 1243 USD (~92,640 INR) and a monthly premium of 104 USD (~7,751 INR).
Personal Expenses in Canada vs US
The miscellaneous expenditures in Canada are more affordable than the cost of living in USA. The following table represents the differences between the personal expenses in Canada and USA:
| Expense Type | Cost in Canada (CAD) | Cost in USA (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage | 9,806 | 12,494 |
| Internet (60 mbps or more) | 4,712 | 4,902 |
| Fitness club/ Gym | 3,055 | 2,748 |
| Clothing | 6300 | 5,942 |
| Movie | 822 | 891 |
| Preschool (or KG) Childcare | 58,691 | 69,820 |
The USA provides a slightly better outcome in terms of ROI, however, Canada, being one of the safest countries to live in, offers abundant job opportunities for international students after studying in Canada. Comparing the overall expenses of both the countries, it can be concluded that Canada is more budget-friendly for international students. Students with insufficient financial availability to study in USA can apply for admission to the universities in Canada.
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