Top 10 Most Affordable Cities to Live in Canada for Immigrants and Students

Introduction
Immigrants and international students often face tighter budgets—so choosing a city wisely can make a huge difference. This article lists ten Canadian cities widely regarded as affordable for newcomers and students in 2025, with key cost comparisons and what each city offers.

List of Cities & Highlights

1. Winnipeg, Manitoba – low housing costs, lively immigrant community, cold winters but many social programs for new arrivals.
2. Sherbrooke, Quebec – affordable cost, good student city, secondary language French but immersion programs exist.
3. Moncton, New Brunswick – low rent, friendly for newcomers, smaller city feel.
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia – rising popularity but still more affordable than Toronto/Vancouver; strong student base.
5. Edmonton, Alberta – cheaper housing than Calgary, job opportunities in trades and oil & gas sector.
6. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – growing economy, lower rent, smaller city advantages.
7. London, Ontario – good student city close to Toronto but lower rent and living costs.
8. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – scenic Atlantic city, moderate costs, good newcomer reception.
9. Regina, Saskatchewan – solid for skilled workers, relatively affordable.
10. Burlington, Ontario – suburb of Toronto with lower housing burdens, accessible transit.

Why affordability matters for immigrants & students

• Lower housing means less debt or stress as you settle.
• For students: more budget for studies, less part-time work needed so you can focus on academics.
• For immigrants: you may have fewer job offers initially — lower cost cities give you a buffer.

How to evaluate a city for your budget

• Compare average rent (1-bedroom) in the city versus your budget.
• Check cost of public transit vs owning a car.
• Evaluate job opportunities in your field vs competition in the region.
• Check newcomer support services and community networks.
• Consider climate, language, and cultural fit (especially if French is a second language).

Not sure which Canadian city fits your budget, career goals, or immigration path best? Worldbridge Immigration Services can help you compare cities, calculate living costs, plan your initial settlement budget, and align your immigration strategy accordingly.
Visit: www.theworldbridge.ca to book a consultation.