Off-Campus Living Costs
If this is the first time living on your own, you’re probably wondering, what is my cost of living going to look like? We encourage you to read this page for a breakdown of the major expenses a student living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) might have.
What do my costs include (but not limited to)?:
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Tuition Fees
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Rent/Utilities
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Food
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Transportation
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Entertainment
Plan ahead with the U of T Financial Planning Calculator
Getting a clear picture of the cost of living can help you budget for the year. Below are some estimated expenses for living in the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: $500-$2,000/month
This amount ranges depending on location, and type of housing (room, apartment, townhouse etc.)
Hydro: $50+/month
Hydro refers to the cost of electricity and is usually minimum of $50 a month, and can increase depending on how much electricity you consume. Depending on the hosuing type utilities like hydro, water, and gas may included in rental costs.
Internet: $50-$100/month
Some telecommunications providers may have discounts for students. Make sure to ask!
Tenant’s insurance: $15 – $30/month
Tenant’s insurance is important. It can cover your liability if you accidentally damage your unit or if another person gets injured in your home
Food & grocery: $40 – $100/week
This amount ranges depending on your personal needs. Many neighbourhoods have a range of grocery stores, some more affordable than others.
Books & supplies: $500/semester
You will likely have additional expenses beyond your tuition related to your courses, such as books, supplies, lab equipment, electronic devices and other technology.
Housing Costs
Below are housing costs from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Fall 2020 Report.
- Room: $1,000+
- Bachelor/studio: $1,250+
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,417+
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,622+
- 3+ bedroom apartment: $1,837+
Near UTM
- Room: $526+
- Bachelor/studio: $1,053+
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,250+
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,495+
- 3+ bedroom apartment: $2,004+
Near St. George (Downtown Toronto)
- Room: $1,400+
- Bachelor/studio: $1,750+
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,900+
- 2-bedroom apartment: $2,400+
- 3+ bedroom apartment: $3,500+
Please keep in mind that different types of housing range in price. The cost of rental housing differs significantly between a room in a house, a floor of a house, a basement apartment, a unit in an apartment building, or a newer condo unit.