适合精打细算的学生的预算建议

Canada is considered the 11th safest country in the world, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index*.  

*The Global Peace Index evaluates countries through criteria on safety and stability, domestic and international violence, and militarism.  

Based on the Crime Severity Index for cities with over 100,000 people, Quebec City has the lowest crime rate. 

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Ontario has the most international students. As of December 2023, there are 278,300 international students in Ontario with a study permit.  

As an international student, deciding what city is best for you is an individual choice. Our list of the Top 10 Safest Cities for International Students in Canada cross-references information about the best cities for international students against the Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures the severity of crime as determined by Statistics Canada.  Our list includes information about each city such as the:  

• Overall Crime Severity Index rating 

• International student perception 

• Visible minority population 

• Top colleges and universities 

• Cost of living 

Please note that this list includes cities with an overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) number that indicates it is safer than the CSI national average in Canada.  

1. Sherbrooke 

Located in Quebec, Sherbrooke offers a small-town charm with notable university presence. 90% of the population is Francophone.  

2022 CSI - 52.8  

What do international students think of Sherbrooke? 

The town is one of the most affordable places for international students in Canada. It’s also home to Sherbrooke University, which has over 1,600 international students. 

The visible minority population 

There are 16,100 visible minorities in Sherbrooke, making up 9% of the city’s total population.  

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Sherbrooke are: 

• Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke University) 

• Bishop’s University 

The cost of living  

Estimated monthly cost of living in Sherbrooke is $1,184, not including rent. Rent for a 1- bedroom apartment is around $760-$875 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,300 - $1,400 per month.  

2. Quebec City  

The capital of Quebec, Quebec City is home to one of North America’s oldest European settlements, Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2022 CSI - 53.6  

What do international students think of Quebec City? 

This city is affordable, welcoming, and rich in culture. Most of the population prefers to speak French, so, if you are fluent, this may be the place for you.  

The visible minority population 

There are 50,300 visible minorities in Quebec City, making up 9% of the city’s total population.  

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Quebec City are: 

• Université Laval (Laval University) 

• Université du Québec à Montréal (University of Québec) 

The cost of living 

Estimated monthly cost of living in Quebec City is $1, 431, not including rent. Rent for a 1- bedroom apartment can range from $1,000 - $1,200 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,400 - $1,900 per month.  

3. Ottawa 

The nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to Parliament Hill and many national galleries and museums.   

2022 CSI - 54.1 

What do international students think of Ottawa?  

Ottawa boasts a small town feel while still being a big city. It’s one of the most livable cities in Canada.  

The visible minority population 

There are 324,900 visible minorities in Ottawa, making up 32% of the city’s total population.  

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Ottawa are: 

• Carleton University 

• University of Ottawa 

• Algonquin College (Ottawa Campus) 

The cost of living
 

Estimated monthly cost of living in Ottawa is $1,566, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,700 - $1,900 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,600 - $3000 per month. 

4. Toronto 

Toronto is a diverse, bustling city in Ontario home to the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.  

2022 CSI - 61.1 

What do international students think of Toronto?  

A student-centric city, Toronto is ethnically and culturally diverse and offers nationally recognized education.  

The visible minority population 

There are 1.5 million visible minorities in Toronto, making up 55% of the city’s total population.  

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Toronto are: 

• University of Toronto  

• Humber College  

• George Brown College  

• Seneca College  

The cost of living

Estimated monthly cost of living in Toronto is $1,537, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $2,300 - $2,600 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $3,500 - $4,300 per month.  

5. Halifax Metropolitan Area 

The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax is home to the world’s second largest natural harbour.  

2022 CSI - 72.2 

What do international students think of Halifax?  

Halifax is a multicultural city that offers beautiful natural views, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere and student life.  

The visible minority population 

There are 72,900 visible minorities in Halifax, making up 16% of the city’s total population.   

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Halifax are: 

• Dalhousie University 

• Saint Mary's University  

• Mount Saint Vincent University  

• Nova Scotia Community College  

• Nova Scotia College of Art and Design 

The cost of living

Estimated monthly cost of living in Halifax is $1,432, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 - $1,800 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,500 - $3,100 per month. 

6. Calgary 

Alberta’s biggest city, Calgary is also referred to as “Cowtown” and is home to the Calgary Stampede. 
 
2022 CSI - 77.6 

What do international students think of Calgary?  

Calgary is home to many highly ranked schools and is a vibrant place with a low cost of living. The visible minority population  There are 534,600 visible minorities in Calgary, making up 41% of the city’s total population.    

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Calgary are: 

• University of Calgary  

• Mount Royal University 

• SAIT Polytechnic 

• Bow Valley College 

The cost of living 

Estimated monthly cost of living in Calgary is $1,603, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 - $1,800 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,400 - $3,000 per month. 

7. Montreal 

Canada’s second-largest city, Montreal has beautiful architecture and a European atmosphere.  

2022 CSI - 78.3 

What do international students think of Montreal?  

Montreal is affordable and inclusive, and offers a great quality of life along with reputable education. 

The visible minority population 

There are 668,900 visible minorities in Montreal, making up 37% of the city’s total population.   

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Montreal are: 

• McGill University 

• Concordia University 

• Université de Montréal (University of Montréal) 

• LaSalle College  

• Vanier College 

• Marianopolis College  

• Montmorency College 

• Rosemont College  

The cost of living 

Estimated monthly cost of living in Montreal is $1,340, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,200 - $1,600 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,000 - $2,800 per month. 

8. Waterloo Region (Kitchener) 

The Waterloo Region is located in southeastern Ontario and is made up of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.  

2022 CSI - 79.1 

What do international students think of the Waterloo Region?  

A great student area, the Waterloo Region is a growing, multicultural tech hub home to many well-known universities and colleges.  

The visible minority population 

There are 41,400 visible minorities in the Waterloo Region, making up 34% of the region’s total population.   

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in the Waterloo Region are: 

• University of Waterloo 

• Wilfrid Laurier University 

• Conestoga College 

The cost of living
 
Estimated monthly cost of living in the Waterloo region is $1,265, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,700 - $1,800 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,600 - $3,000 per month. 

9. St. John’s 

The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is known for its brightly coloured houses and beautiful sea views.  

2022 CSI - 81.0 

What do international students think of St. John’s?  

With low costs of living, St. John’s is warm and welcoming to international students. 

The visible minority population 

There are 10,900 visible minorities in St. John’s, making up 9% of the region’s total population.   

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in St. John’s are: 

• Memorial University of Newfoundland 

• College of the North Atlantic 

• Fisheries and Marine Institute  

The cost of living 

Estimated monthly cost of living in St. John's is $1,411, not including rent. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $951 - $1,100 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,500 - $1,700 per month. 

10. Vancouver 

One of Canada’s most ethnically diverse cities, Vancouver offers both bustling city life and majestic natural sights.  

2022 CSI - 92.0 **  

What do international students think of Vancouver?  

Many international students choose Vancouver because of its rich diversity, thriving culture, unique beauty, and quality education. 

The visible minority population 

There are 354,600 visible minorities in Vancouver, making up 53% of the region’s total population.   

Top colleges and universities 

The top colleges and universities in Vancouver are: 

• University of British Columbia 

• Simon Fraser University  

• Emily Carr University of Art and Design 

The cost of living  

Estimated monthly cost of living in Vancouver is $1,580, not including rent. Rent for a 1- bedroom apartment can range from $2,200 - $2,800 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $3,900 - $5,100 per month. ** Note: While Vancouver’s CSI indicates it is slightly less safe than the national average, Vancouver is identified as one of the best cities for international students. 

We hope this helps you decide where to study while living as a student in Canada. No matter where you end up, remember that you have many resources to help guide you. 

 If you’re looking for advice on your studies as an international student, book a free call with one of IDP Education Canada’s many counsellors. They can provide personalized insight on student life, including picking the right courses and fine-tuning your application. Book a call here.  

For the latest tips for international students in Canada and follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.