We’re certain that your time at University Canada West will be a rewarding experience and a great investment towards your future. The information on this page was compiled by UCW from websites that are maintained by third parties. For this reason, the University does not take any responsibility for its accuracy, or any arrangement or agreement entered into by individuals who have referenced the information released on this page.
| COST OF LIVING IN VANCOUVER* | |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | See tables below |
| Public transportation monthly pass | $102.55 to $185.20 per month |
| Food estimation | $300 to $800 per month |
| Cell phone with data for internet | $60 to $150 per month (depending if a contract to get a new cell phone is required or not) |
| Home cable with internet | $100 to $200 per month (this is optional as some rental units and homestays cover this cost) |
| Provincial health insurance | $163 per term |
General Metro Vancouver Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,500 to $2,500 | $18,000 to $30,000 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,575 to $2,685 | $18,900 to $32,220 |
Richmond Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,500 to $2,000 | $18,000 to $24,000 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,575 to $2,185 | $18,900 to $26,220 |
Surrey Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,400 to $1,900 | $16,800 to $22,800 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,475 to $2,085 | $17,770 to $25,020 |
Coquitlam Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,500 to $2,000 | $18,000 to $24,000 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,575 to $2,185 | $18,900 to $26,220 |
North Vancouver Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,900 to $2,500 | $22,800 to $30,000 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,975 to $2,685 | $23,700 to $32,220 |
West Vancouver Ongoing Living Expenses
| Housing | $ Per Month | $ Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rent** | $1,900 to $2,500 | $22,800 to $30,000 |
| Utilities (hydro, gas, electricity, etc.) |
$50 to $150 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Tenant Insurance | $25 to $35 | $300 to $420 |
| Total | $1,975 to $2,685 | $23,700 to $32,220 |
**Shared accommodations will cost less
Accommodations:
University Canada West has partnered with 4stay to offer students a variety of housing and affordable rooms for rent around the University campuses and Greater Vancouver. When renting off campus, students will usually share a house or apartment with peers to split costs.
Public Transport:
Most Vancouver Public Transportation is run by TransLink – the Metro Vancouver transportation authority. To get to UCW via public transport, a monthly pass ranges from $102.55 to $185.20 CAD per month.
Certain communities in the Fraser Valley are serviced by BC Transit.
Phone contract and internet:
There are many phone and internet providers in Canada. You can find a phone provider as per your preferences which can range from $60 to $150 CAD per month. The internet provider packages range from $100 to $200 CAD, however this is optional as some rental units and homestays cover this.
Health Insurance:
International students are required to have medical insurance. They can choose from a number of providers with a variety of fees and after three (3) months, they can opt for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) – the government health insurance plan.
Food Estimates:
An average meal in a Canadian restaurant costs about $10 to $15 CAD for an individual. However, if a student prefers home-cooked meals, they’ll have to spend about $350 to $800 CAD per month on groceries.
