The majority of students’ monthly expenses in Vancouver mainly include rent, groceries, and food.
The average total cost of cost of living in Vancouver as a student can be between $3,000 to $5,000.
But don’t worry! We have got you covered. In this article, we will break down the main expenses in Vancouver and offer tips to help you manage your student budget in Vancouver.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about average rent prices and housing options for students.
- Discover food and transportation costs specific to student life.
- Get practical budgeting tips and cost-saving strategies.
Monthly Cost of Living Calculator for Students in Vancouver
Before you learn all the details about the cost of living in Vancouver, you can briefly calculate your monthly expenses.
The result will provide you estimated average total monthly cost in Vancouver for students.
What are the average rent prices for students in Vancouver?
Rental costs make up 60% of every student’s monthly expenses in Vancouver.
Once you find an affordable rental room in Vancouver for yourself, your monthly expenses will be reduced.
Let’s check the student’s average accommodation expenses based on the accommodation types that students prefer.
On-campus accommodation
On-campus accommodation can be a great option for students. The average cost for a single room is around $1,200 per month. Depending on the room type, the cost of on-campus accommodation can jump up to $1,900 in Vancouver. This includes utilities and internet. Living on campus means you are close to classes and campus amenities. However, spots are limited and can fill up quickly.
Off-campus apartments
Renting an apartment off-campus is another option. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is about $2,500 per month. If you are looking for a two-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $3,500 per month. This does not include utilities or internet. The cost of renting off-campus can be high, but it offers more freedom and space.
Homestays
Homestay in Vancouver can be a more affordable option. Living with a local family can cost between $1,100 and $1,400 per month. This usually includes meals, utilities, and internet. Homestays provide a supportive environment and a chance to learn about local culture. However, you may have less privacy compared to other living arrangements.
You can calculate your estimated homestay fees in Vancouver.
Impact of shared living
Shared living can significantly reduce your costs. Sharing a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate can bring your rent down to around $1,450 per month each. This is a popular option among students to manage the high rental expenses in Vancouver.
You can find affordable coliving in Vancouver among our listings.
How much should students budget for food in Vancouver?
The cost of food in Vancouver is the second largest expense for students to live in this beautiful city.
Let’s have a look at how students can manage their living expenses on food.
Grocery expenses
How much do groceries cost in Vancouver for students?
Groceries in Vancouver can be pricey, but planning helps.
On average, students spend around $250 to $350 per month on groceries.
We recommend shopping at budget-friendly stores like No Frills or Superstore.
Also, consider buying in bulk at Costco if you have space to store items.
Farmers’ markets can offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, but it’s best to compare prices.
Overall, budgeting and smart shopping are key to managing grocery costs in Vancouver.
Dining out costs
What is the cost of dining out in Vancouver for students?
Eating out is a treat but can be expensive.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $15 to $20.
Fast food options are cheaper, around $13 per meal.
However, dining at mid-range restaurants can cost $30 to $50 per person.
To save money, look for student discounts and happy hour deals.
Many places offer discounts during specific times or days.
Cooking at home is the best way to save, but occasional dining out is manageable with a budget.
- Dining at an affordable eatery: $20 – $30
- Dining at a moderately-priced restaurant: $40 – $60
- Dining at a luxury restaurant: $70 – $100
What are the transportation costs for students in Vancouver?
Transportation costs in Vancouver are quite affordable for students.
Getting a monthly pass is essential for students who do not live in downtown Vancouver.
U-Pass program
Is the U-Pass program worth it for students? Yes, it is! The U-Pass program gives students unlimited access to public transit. This includes buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and even West Coast Express. The cost is about $42.50 per month.
The U-Pass is included in your student fees if you are enrolled in a participating public institution. This makes it a great deal compared to regular transit fares.
Ten post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver currently participate in the program:
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- Capilano University
- Langara College
- Emily Carr University of Art & Design
- Vancouver Community College
- Douglas College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Monthly transit passes
What if your school does not offer the U-Pass? You can still get a monthly transit pass in Vancouver. A one-zone pass costs $102.50 per month. If you need to travel across two zones, the cost is $137.00. For three zones, it is $185.00.
These passes offer unlimited travel within the chosen zones. They are a bit pricier than the U-Pass but still a good deal for frequent travelers.
You can get your Compass Card to use your monthly passes.
Additional transportation options
What other transportation options are available? Vancouver offers many. You can use bike-sharing programs like Mobi. A monthly pass costs $20.00 for unlimited 30-minute rides.
Car-sharing services like Evo and Car2Go are also popular. These are great for short trips but can add up if used often.
What are the regular monthly expenses for students in Vancouver?
Living in Vancouver as a student means managing other regular monthly expenses.
These costs can add up quickly, so let’s break them down.
Mobile phone plans
Mobile phone plans in Vancouver can vary depending on the company that you can get the service.
On average, you might spend between $30 to $80 per month.
While there are different mobile phone plans, student discounts can help you to save some money.
You should always compare plans to find the best deal.
Utilities
Utilities include electricity, heating, water, and waste disposal.
Students can expect to pay around $100 to $150 per month for a small apartment.
Utilities can be higher in winter due to heating costs. Make sure your rental agreement clarifies what utilities are included.
If you rent a room or book for a homestay, these utilities should be included into your rent expense.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is essential for students.
Plans from providers like Shaw range from $50 to $80 per month.
Look for student plans or bundle deals to reduce costs.
Shared living can help split this expense among roommates.
Gym memberships
There are so many affordable and luxury options when it comes to gym memberships in Vancouver.
Students expect to pay between $30 to $60 per month if they would like to stay fit.
What are the occasional entertainment costs for students in Vancouver?
Living in Vancouver comes with its perks, especially for students who love to unwind after classes.
Concerts
Are concerts in Vancouver expensive for students?
Yes, they can be. Tickets for popular artists like Coldplay, Miley Cyrus or RHCP range from $250 to $1,000.
If you’re into smaller, local gigs, you might spend around $20 to $40.
The Ticketmaster website is a great place to check for upcoming events and prices.
Remember to budget for these events, as they can add up quickly.
Movies
How much do movie tickets cost in Vancouver?
A standard movie ticket at Cineplex costs about $13.
If you want to watch in IMAX or 3D, expect to pay around $17.
For students, Tuesdays are the best days to catch a film, as ticket prices drop to about $8.
Don’t forget the cost of snacks, which can be another $10 to $15.
Check the Cineplex website for deals and discounts.
Other entertainment activities
What other fun activities can students do in Vancouver?
There are plenty of options. You can visit museums for about $15 per entry.
Outdoor activities like camping are also great activities to have fun in Vancouver. Those are usually free but if you go to some camping sites, it may cost $20 to $50 for the entrance fee.
What are some budgeting tips and cost-saving strategies for students?
We would like to help you to reduce some of your costs of living in Vancouver. We briefly prepared some tips to save money on some of your spending.
Budgeting tips
Creating a budget is key to managing the cost of living in Vancouver as a student.
First, list all your monthly expenses, including rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs.
Then, compare these to your income, whether it’s from financial aid, part-time jobs, or family support.
Use budgeting apps to track your spending and ensure you stay within your limits.
Cost-saving strategies
To reduce your monthly expenses, consider cooking at home instead of dining out.
Knowing how to find an affordable rental room in Vancouver will help you save so much money.
Grocery prices in Vancouver can be high, so shop at discount stores or farmers’ markets.
Take advantage of student discounts on transportation, entertainment, and even mobile phone plans.
Sharing housing with roommates can also significantly cut down on rent and utility costs.
Student resources for financial aid
There are various resources available to help students manage the cost of living in Vancouver.
Many universities offer financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries.
Check out MyMoneyCoach for tips on managing your finances and finding additional funding sources.
Conclusion for the Cost of Living in Vancouver
Living in Vancouver as a student can be expensive, but it’s possible to manage with good planning.
The total cost of living in Vancouver as a student includes several key expenses.
First, let’s talk about accommodation costs in Vancouver for students.
On-campus housing is convenient but can range from CAD 800 to CAD 1,200 per month.
Off-campus apartments might be cheaper but vary widely, from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 depending on the area and amenities.
Homestays offer a more affordable option, usually around CAD 900 to CAD 1,200 per month, including meals.
Sharing an apartment can significantly reduce costs, with shared living arrangements averaging CAD 600 to CAD 1,000 per person.
Next, food expenses are another major part of the monthly cost of living in Vancouver.
Grocery costs can range from CAD 200 to CAD 400 per month.
Dining out is more expensive, with an average meal costing around CAD 15 to CAD 20.
Transportation is essential, and the U-Pass program offers students unlimited transit for CAD 42.50 per month.
Regular monthly expenses include mobile phone plans, utilities, Wi-Fi, and gym memberships, which can add up to CAD 150 to CAD 200.
Entertainment costs, like concerts and movies, vary but can be managed with student discounts.
Use cost-saving tips and seek financial aid when needed. Plan well, and you can enjoy student life in Vancouver without breaking the bank.
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