Cost of Living in Quebec for International Students: A Complete Budget Guide (2027)

The cost of living in Quebec depends on your city, accommodation, and lifestyle. International students in Montreal can use a sample budget of about $1,750 per month as a starting point, while students applying for a CAQ must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses, tuition, and transportation. This guide explains Quebec's proof-of-funds requirements, estimated monthly expenses, student transit discounts, part-time work rules, and practical ways to save money. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

How Much Money Do You Need to Study in Quebec?

To study in Quebec, you need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Canadian study permit. For both, you must show you have enough money to live on.

For applications made from January 1, 2026, a single student must demonstrate access to $24,617 for one year of basic living expenses. This amount covers essential expenses such as housing, food, clothing, local transportation, health and hospitalization insurance, and other necessities.

This is not the total cost of studying in Quebec. Applicants must also account for tuition fees and round-trip transportation between Quebec and their country of origin. The amount required depends on the number of people included in the application.

How to Prove Your Funds

Applicants must provide documents demonstrating that they can afford their studies and living expenses. Depending on your circumstances, supporting documents may include:

• Bank statements: Recent statements showing steady savings in your name or your sponsor's name.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A deposit with a participating Canadian bank that pays you back in monthly amounts.
• Scholarship or funding letters: Official letters showing any money you will receive.
• Sponsor documents: If a family member is paying, a signed letter of support and their own financial documents.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Student in Montreal

Montreal's cost of living depends largely on accommodation and personal spending. The following is an illustrative budget for a student sharing accommodation, rather than a guaranteed average for every student.

Actual expenses may differ, particularly if you live alone, choose accommodation near downtown, or need to pay additional utilities, books, or insurance costs.

How to Budget as an International Student in Quebec

A realistic budget can help you avoid financial pressure during your studies.

1. Calculate your available funds. Include savings, confirmed scholarships, family support, and other reliable sources of funding.
2. List your expected expenses. Account for tuition, rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, books, and personal spending.
3. Track your spending. Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to compare actual expenses with your estimates.
4. Set limits for discretionary spending. Plan how much you can spend on eating out, entertainment, and shopping.
5. Review your budget regularly. Adjust your spending plan as rent, transit fares, and other costs change.

Affordable Housing Options in Quebec

Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses for international students. The most suitable option depends on your budget, campus location, and preferred level of privacy.

• University residences: Some residences include utilities or internet, while others charge additional fees or require a meal plan. Check the full cost before accepting an offer.
• Shared apartments: Renting a room and sharing a kitchen and bathroom can help reduce housing expenses.
• Private rentals: Studios and one-bedroom apartments offer more privacy but may cost more than shared accommodation.
• Homestays: Living with a host family may include meals and household amenities, depending on the arrangement.

Tips for Finding Cheaper Housing

• Start your search early, before prices rise near the start of term.
• Look at neighborhoods a little further from downtown with good transit links.
• Ask what is included in the rent, such as heat, electricity, and internet.
• Use your university's housing board or trusted websites, and never send money before you see a lease.

For additional family-related expenses, read our guide to Montreal international school fees and family cost of living.

Student Transit Discounts in Quebec

Public transportation can help you manage your monthly expenses. Reduced fares depend on the transit network, age, enrolment status, and required identification.

• Montreal (STM and ARTM): Eligible students can access reduced fares using the appropriate photo OPUS card. The applicable fare depends on the travel zone and fare product. Check the STM reduced-fare student guidance and the current ARTM fare information before budgeting for a monthly pass. 
• Quebec City (RTC): The 2026 Étudiant+ monthly pass costs $68.35. This reduced fare is available to eligible full-time students aged 19 or older who meet the program's requirements and have the appropriate photo OPUS card. Check the RTC fare schedule and OPUS Étudiant+ eligibility rules. Transit prices can change. 

Cycling and bike-share services may also help reduce transportation costs during warmer months. For longer journeys, compare available intercity bus and train fares.

Part-Time Work: Offsetting Your Costs

International students can usually work off campus up to 24 hours a week during classes, and full-time during scheduled breaks.

• Quebec Minimum wage: $16.60 an hour since May 1, 2026.
• Example: 20 hours a week at minimum wage is about $1,440 a month before tax.

Save Money on Food and Groceries

Grocery Shopping Tips for Students

• Compare discount supermarkets: Check prices at chains such as Super C, Maxi, and other local grocery stores before shopping.
• Visit international grocery stores: Compare prices on rice, spices, and other ingredients used in your regular meals.
• Use public markets strategically: Compare market prices with supermarket prices and check whether discounts are available near closing time.
• Consider bulk shopping: Buying larger quantities can reduce the cost per unit when you have enough storage and can share purchases with roommates.

Smart Shopping Tips

• Plan your meals for the week before you shop.
• Compare the price per kilogram or litre, not just the package price.
• Choose store brands, which often cost less than name brands.
• Use apps like Flipp to see weekly flyers and deals.
• Cook in batches and freeze meals for busy days.

Use Your Student ID for Discounts

Your student ID can save you money across Quebec:

• Museums and culture: Many museums, galleries, and theatres offer student prices.
• Software: Your university may give you free or discounted software, like Microsoft Office.
• Shopping and dining: Some stores and cafés near campus offer student deals. Always ask before you pay.
• Campus events: Many university events and activities are free for students.

Important: Quebec's Limits on Study Applications

Quebec has set limits on the number of CAQ applications for studies that each school can receive. These limits apply from December 17, 2025, to December 16, 2027. This does not mean that every institution or program has the same number of available places, or that every applicant is automatically subject to identical conditions.

Before applying, contact your institution to confirm whether its application limit affects your intended intake. Review the Quebec government's official CAQ application and management rules for current details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Planning your finances is an important part of preparing to study in Quebec. Check the latest CAQ and study-permit financial requirements, estimate your monthly expenses, compare accommodation options, and account for tuition and transportation before you travel. With a realistic budget and a clear understanding of the rules, you can prepare for student life in Quebec with greater confidence.