Are you in need of cheap accommodation in Canada? You’ve come to the right place! This article provides valuable information on the most cost-effective housing options available for international students in Canada.
As an international student, there are numerous housing choices to consider in Canada. Whether you prefer on-campus residences or off-campus apartments for rent, this comprehensive article offers insights tailored to your needs.
Securing suitable accommodation in Canada can be quite daunting, especially for international students. We recognize the challenges you may face, and to simplify your search, we have carefully curated a list of the most affordable accommodation options for international students in Canada in 2023.
Types of Cheap Accommodation In Canada
There are different housing options if you want to study in Canada. They can be on-campus or off-campus, temporary or permanent, and even shared or private apartments.
Most Canadian schools offer assistance to international students in finding suitable housing options.
Here are the types of student accommodations you can find in Canada;
Dormitories
Dormitories are large on-campus houses usually built in the form of hostels; some school dormitories can accommodate up to 30000 students per academic year. Each student is assigned to a dorm/room they share with other 4-5 students of the same gender. Students also share facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and study areas.
This type of accommodation is recommended mainly for first-year students because of its proximity to the main campus.
Dormitories are affordable and allow students to make friendly connections early in their study.
Average cost: 250 – 600 CAD per month
Townhouses
This is another residence usually reserved for upper-year students who wish to live on campus. Although not as large as dormitories, they usually contain about three to six bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 students at a time.
Townhouses offer more privacy with single occupancy rooms, which you do not have to share with a roommate. You also get access to a personal kitchen area or cafeteria where you can purchase regular meals, a bathroom, and utilities such as Internet at an affordable price.
Average cost: 250 – 650 CAD per month.
Private Rentals
These types of apartments are suitable for students who have a higher budget. The cost of private rentals can be pretty high; you can find other students looking for similar accommodation and share the cost.
Average cost: 1200 – 2500CAD
Shared Apartments
Shared Apartments are usually off-campus residences where you can get single rooms in an apartment shared with other students. Like townhouses, they offer single rooms with shared kitchens, study rooms, and living rooms.
They can be very expensive in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. It is the second-best option for students who do not want to live on campus. You shouldn’t depend too much on your university for assistance with this type of accommodation. However, the schools may refer you to trustworthy agencies providing the necessary housing services.
Average cost: 400 – 800CAD
Homestay
Homestays allow international students to live with Canadian families during their studies. Staying in a host family provides a furnished private room, 24/7 internet access, and 1-3 meals daily. You also learn more about Canadian culture and interact with families from different ethnicities.
In most host housing, the family cleans and cooks, so you get more time to focus on your studies and enjoy an active social life.
Average Cost: 375 – 800CAD
Sublets
A sublet is an apartment rented by a single person or student whose name is on the lease, temporarily renting out spaces/rooms in the same apartment to other students at a reduced fee.
It is an affordable option for students with a tight budget. The lease is valid for the academic year before passing it to another student or individual. This unique arrangement only works if the landlord has an agreement with the students.
Average cost: $900 – $1500
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cheap Accommodation In Canada
There are certain things to look out for when searching for the perfect accommodation for international students in Canada. They include;
Utilities
There are some utilities that an ideal student apartment must have. Before you rent an apartment, inquire about the utilities provided during your stay.
Utilities like hot water, meal plans, Internet, and television should allow you to live comfortably and focus fully on your academics. You must inform your accommodation provider before completing your rent if you have any special needs or requirements.
Distance to school/campus
Distance and Location are other factors to consider when searching for off-campus accommodation. A quick trip from your apartment to school should not be more than an hour.
Long drives or trips to campus can affect your schedule and study time. You should be able to easily trek, drive, or take a bus to school.
Type of Housing
In Canada, there are a range of student housing options. It’s up to you to choose the accommodation that best suits your lifestyle. If you enjoy privacy, you’ll be less likely to be comfortable in a school dormitory. A shared apartment will be a better option.
Budget
The accommodation cost in Canada for international students is the first thing to consider before you begin your search. You should know how much you can afford to purchase your desired apartment.
The average cost of an off-campus apartment ranges between 500 CAD – 2100 CAD per month. This price depends on the location and type of accommodation.
Safety and Securities
Always put your safety first, and do adequate research about an area before signing a lease. You can also check reviews, and if you know any students who have lived in the same area, reach out to them.
Cheap Accommodation In Canada for International Students
As an international student in Canada, it’s not every house you stay in that will give you the comfort you desire. But, by making the right choices and having a detailed list like the one we’ve given you below, you can find the ideal apartment.
Casita Student Residences
Casita is a student accommodation platform that assists international students worldwide in finding suitable student apartments. There are over a thousand international student housing in Montreal and across different states in Canada. Casita’s primary goal is to help students find their dream apartments and enjoy a great study experience.
You will be assigned to a professional support team to guide you through your apartment selection and payment process and arrange a guarantor if required. All of their services are available 24/7 and completely free. The prices quoted on each apartment cover all costs, such as gas, light, heat, and internet. Casita works closely with university student accommodation providers to ensure that international students get access to budget-friendly apartments during their study period.
- Location: Vancouver, Ottawa, Burnaby, Montreal, Toronto.
- Fee: $700- $2000
Premiere Suites
Premiere Suites is the largest go-to website for student short-term rentals. It is your best bet if you need temporary accommodation upon arrival in Canada.
Premiere suites can help you find cheap, well-furnished short-term homes in student-friendly environments.
- Location: Canada
- Fee: On request
McGill Ghetto
Mcgill Ghetto is a popular residential area located right next to McGill University. It is known for its large international student population. The neighborhood offers a wide range of affordable student apartments. Many students attending McGill University reside here because of its accessibility to the school.
Students can enjoy karaoke at local cafes, easily access the leading supermarkets, and take walks through the vibrant neighborhood.
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Fee: $175 -$360 per week
Saint John Residence
Saint John residence is an on-campus student residence that offers UNB Saint John students a safe and conducive living environment, allowing them to live independently in a safe and supportive community.
There are three residences in Saint John with their unique living arrangements. They are;
- Barry and Flora Beckett
- Sir James Dunn
- Dr Colin B. Mackay
The three residences have the following features in common;
- Modern study rooms & TV lounges
- Free laundry facilities
- Vending machines
- Wireless Internet
- 24/7 security system.
Location: Saint John, New Brunswick
Fee: $1500 – $2613 per month
Totem Park Residence
Totem Park provides accommodation in British Columbia for international students. It is fitting for new UBC students who want adequate space and time to study in a comfortable and serene environment. It has 9 mixed-gender houses and includes all room types.
Totem Park provides the perfect atmosphere for connecting with people from different backgrounds; students find it easy to make new friends, attend social events, and have reading or study partners.
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Fee: $ 475 – $995 per month
Douglas hall
Douglas Hall is a dormitory for McGill students who want to live on campus. It is located north of McGill’s main campus, Douglas Hall is one of McGill’s residences popularly called “Upper Residence”.
It is a very spacious building divided into 8 houses with 175 rooms. The building shares a common courtyard, washroom, TV lounges, as well as a standard room with grand pianos and game rooms.
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Fee:$1200 – $1500 per month
Les Prince Hall
Les Prince Hall is a co-ed student residence for students attending McMaster University. The large building houses up to 389 students in one academic year. Single and double rooms are available with ensuite bathrooms, standard rooms, a study room on each floor, and laundry rooms.
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Fee: $600 – $700 per month
Nestpick
Nestpick is a trusted online platform for students to rent their dream apartments. There are thousands of verified accommodations for international students in Vancouver and other cities in Canada.
On Nestpick, you can explore a wide range of well-furnished apartments, sublets, and shared international student housing in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto. Nestpick verifies each listing before posting on the website, so you do not have to worry about getting scammed.
- Location: Canada
- Fee: $109 – $500 per week
Jesuit Residence
This is another co-ed student residence for Concordia University students fully equipped with 52 private rooms; each room has a kitchenette and shared facilities such as a lounge, cable television, game rooms, and a pool table.
Students must sign up for the mandatory meal plans to enjoy healthy, deliciously cooked meals from different cultures. Meal plans cost between $2000 – $2500.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Fee: On request
Harrington Housing
Harrington Housing offers safe and secure fully furnished accommodation in Toronto for international students at affordable prices. Most properties are situated close to the University of Toronto.
Each apartment is fully equipped with high-speed internet, comfortable bed space, smart TV, and 24/7 security. You can also get access to high-end facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, rooftop terrace, and concierge.
- Location: Toronto
- Fee: $700 -$1000 per month
Dream Apartments
In the heart of Toronto, Dream Apartment is a private student accommodation agency for international students studying in Toronto. It has some of the best international student housing in Toronto situated within close proximity to the University of Toronto.
The property provides top-quality facilities for students to enjoy a safe, convenient, serene living environment.
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Fee: Available on request
Trovit properties
Trovit is a top listing housing agency in Canada; It offers a wide range of affordable accommodations for international students in Toronto, New Brunswick, and British Columbia.
- Location: Toronto, New Brunswick, British Columbia
- Fee: On request
Acadia park
Acadia Park is a residential area in Vancouver; it offers affordable, spacious, fully furnished apartments with accessible infrastructures such as pools, sports centers, care facilities, convenience stores, and so much more. Students at Acadia Park also get full access to activities with UBC Community Services.
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Fee: $700 – $1509
Fairview Crescent
Fairview Crescent offers townhouse-style apartments in a safe and student-friendly environment for international students accommodation in Canada. All student apartments have private entrances, study lounges, comfortable furnishing, and beautiful walkways and gardens.
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Fee: $860 – $1519
Canada Homestay Network
Canada Homestay Network is a leading student housing center in Oak Bay, Canada. This non-profit organization has helped thousands of international students find comfortable homes in Canada. Its services are spread across 40 cities in Canada.
Since its launch in 2000, it has focused mainly on providing housing assistance to international students who find it hard to secure affordable student homes in Canada. CHN partners with a network of Homestay providers to ensure you find a perfect home away from home.
- Location: Canada
- Fee: $1000 – $1500
Homestay Plus
Homestay Plus is a private agency that provides housing services to International students seeking Homestay or Guardianship. Since 2003, The organization has consistently helped thousands of international students find accommodation in Canada.
- Location: North York, Canada
- Fee: $200 – $300 per week, including a full 3-course meal plan
MLI Homestay
MLI Homestay provides a comfortable living experience for international students In Canada. At MLI, Local families team up with the international student community to provide support for students in a safe and welcoming environment, allowing them to make lifelong memories and focus on their studies in Canada.
- Location: Toronto
- Fee: On request
Campus1 MTL
This is a private student residence located in the heart of downtown Montreal. Campus1 MTL provides international students the ultimate living experience with easy access to state-of-the-art amenities. It is situated on the street close to McGill University. This makes it the perfect student residence for students at McGill University.
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Fee: On request
Regent Student Living
Regent Student Living offers affordable, fully furnished student apartments near Niagara College and Brock University. Apartments come with the full package; you get unlimited access to high-speed internet, an onsite gym, heat, smart TV, electronic locks, and so much more. The environments are safe, peaceful, and perfect for studying and socializing.
- Location: St. Catherines
- Fee: $685 – $785 per month
MyRez
MyRez is a wonderful place to live as an international student. It provides affordable, private student housing near Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
It is a perfect accommodation option for international students living off-campus in Waterloo. Its services are all-inclusive, which means that you get full access to top-quality facilities like fitness centers, shopping malls, onsite pools, and study lounges.
- Location: Waterloo, Canada
- Fee: $773 – $1150
