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Winnipeg is the province of Manitoba’s capital and largest city. It is located only 110 kilometres (70 miles) north of the Canada-US border, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. The city takes its name from Lake Winnipeg, which is located nearby. The cost of living in Winnipeg is lower than in other top cities around the world, so most people choose to study and live here. Nonetheless, it is still critical to understand how much it actually costs to live here.
Even though the cost of living in Winnipeg is slightly lower compared to some other Canadian cities, it is still significantly more expensive than Bangalore. In fact, Winnipeg’s living costs are 142.7% higher, and rent averages 175.8% more than in Bangalore, making it a considerable jump in expenses. In this expert article, let’s understand how you can budget your finances and enjoy living in this scenic city as a student and make the most of your time!
Average Costs Of Living In Winnipeg For International Students
Several factors influence Winnipeg’s overall cost of living. The lifestyle preference made and the budgetary constraints established by the students are the main determinants of this. It costs between $2,134 and $2,075 per month for international students to live in the city. Students need to think about a variety of things when calculating their budget. Here is a breakdown of the typical monthly cost of living in Winnipeg:
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | $700-$800 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $650-$750 |
| Transportation | $100-$200 |
| Food Cost | $700-$800 |
| Entertainment | $52-$62 |
| Groceries | $200-$300 |
| Clothes | $60-$70 |
Breakdown Of Living Expenses In Winnipeg For International Students
Understanding the cost of living in Winnipeg is crucial for international students planning their budget. From groceries and transportation to utilities and healthcare, having a clear picture of the expenses can help manage your finances more effectively. Given below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan for these essential living costs in Winnipeg.
Housing
Student housing in Winnipeg provides a range of living options to suit the needs of students attending institutions like the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. From private studios to shared apartments, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle. Rent for student housing typically ranges between CAD 750 and CAD 1,800 per month, depending on the location and available amenities.
| Apartment Type | Price Range (C$) |
| 1 Bedroom (City Centre) | 1,050 – 1,600 |
| 1 Bedroom (Outside of Centre) | 1,200 – 1,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms (City Centre) | 1,800 – 2,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms (Outside of Centre) | 1,800 – 2,500 |
Utilities
Utility costs in Winnipeg fluctuate depending on the size of the accommodation and personal consumption. For an 85 m² apartment, the average monthly cost for utilities—covering electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection—is about CAD 193. Additionally, internet service with speeds of 60 Mbps or higher and unlimited data usually costs around CAD 79.70 per month.
| Utility Type | Price Range (C$) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 128 – 400 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 40 – 85 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 60 – 120 |
Groceries
The cost of groceries in Winnipeg is generally manageable, though it can vary depending on lifestyle and dietary preferences. Basic items like bread, milk, eggs, and fresh produce are reasonably priced, with options available at local supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and discount grocery stores. International students should budget for essentials while keeping in mind that shopping at larger stores or in bulk can help reduce expenses. Overall, groceries in Winnipeg offer a good balance between affordability and variety, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet.
| Grocery Item | Price Range (C$) |
| Milk (1 litre) | 1 – 3 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2 – 5 |
| Rice (1kg) | 3 – 9 |
| Eggs (12) | 3 – 6 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7 – 22 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 7 – 22 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 12 – 34 |
| Apples (1kg) | 2 – 10 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1 – 5 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 3 – 12 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2 – 9 |
| Potato (1kg) | 1 – 6 |
| Onion (1kg) | 2 – 7 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2 – 5 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 1 – 4 |
Transportation
Based on lifestyle and commuting needs, the average monthly transportation expense in Winnipeg is approximately CAD 100-200. This includes regular use of public transit and occasional taxi rides or car rentals.These costs reflect the overall affordability of transportation in Winnipeg compared to larger Canadian cities, making it a practical choice for residents and visitors alike.
| Transport Item | Price Range (C$) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3 – 4 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 104 – 130 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4 – 5 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2 – 2 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 30 – 40 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 1 – 2 |
Healthcare
Healthcare expenses in Winnipeg are shaped by Manitoba’s publicly funded healthcare system, providing residents and international students with accessible medical services. While many healthcare services are covered under this system, there are certain costs associated with specific treatments, medications, and services. Below is a detailed breakdown of healthcare spending and individual service costs.
| Service Type | Cost (CAD) |
| General Practitioner Visit | 35-40 |
| Emergency Room Visit | 35-40 |
| CT Scan | 200-300 |
| MRI | 655-800 |
| Home Care Nurse Visit (per hour) | 24-30 |
| Home Care Services (7 visits) | 170-200 |
| Prescription Penicillin Course | 8-20 |
Education
Education in Winnipeg is regarded as relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian cities. For example, the average tuition fees in Manitoba are notably lower than in provinces like Ontario. Given below are some of the top ranking universities in Winnipeg and their tuition fees:
| Universities | Average Tuition fee for UG (in INR) | Average Tuition fee for PG (in INR) |
| University of Manitoba | 11,60,167 | 14,25,324 |
| University of Winnipeg | 9,06,357 | 15,88,647 |
| Canadian Mennonite University | 6,62,189 | 8,87,366 |
| University of Saint-Boniface | 13,18,594 | 13,66,730 |
| Red River College | 10,28,886 | 8,05,708 |
| Redekop School of Business | 6,62,189 | 26,79,136 |
Scholarships To Manage Educational Costs
There are also a variety of scholarships to help manage tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships are offered by Canadian universities, government bodies, and other organisations to support international students, making education in cities like Winnipeg even more accessible. Below are some key scholarships available for Indian students studying in Canada.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit |
| Shastri Research Student Fellowship | For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and M.Phil students enrolled in Shastri member institutions | CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 for 8-12 weeks |
| IDRC Research Awards | For students studying in fields like Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Global Health; Master’s degree preferred | CAD 42,033 to CAD 48,659 |
| Hani Zeini Scholarship | For students with financial need pursuing enterprising or entrepreneurial careers | USD 1,000 |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | For undergraduate students demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement | Award based on financial need covering tuition and living costs |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship | For students in Criminal Justice, Accounts, Business Administration, and Finance | USD 10,000 |
| UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | For exceptional international undergraduate students at UBC, merit-based | Automatic consideration, no separate application needed |
| Humber International Entrance Scholarships | For new international undergraduate students at Humber College | Full and partial scholarships covering tuition fees |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship | For top-tier postdoctoral applicants contributing to Canada’s research growth | CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | For doctoral students or combined MA/PhD programs at participating Canadian universities | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | For Master’s or PhD students at the University of Manitoba | CAD 18,000 (PhD), CAD 14,000 (Master’s) per 12-month period |
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment in Winnipeg, students and residents alike can enjoy a variety of activities without breaking the bank. From fitness memberships to catching the latest international movie releases, the city offers options for all interests and budgets.
| Item | Cost Range (CAD) |
| Fitness Club (Monthly Fee) | 15 – 90 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour Weekend) | 50 – 75 |
| Cinema (International Release, 1 Seat) | 13 – 25 |
Visa
If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, obtaining a study permit or student visa is essential. To apply for a study permit, you’ll need an offer letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Additionally, there are various costs associated with the student visa application process, which are outlined below.
| Expense | Cost Range (CAD) |
| Medical Examination Fees | 200 – 300 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | 20 – 100 |
| Visa Application Centre (VAC) Service Fees | 30 – 60 |
| Biometric Fee (per person) | 85-90 |
| Biometric Fee (per family, 2 or more people) | 170-175 |
| Biometric Fee (per group, 3 or more performing artists) | 255-260 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization | 7-12 |
Minimum Wage Vs. Living Wage In Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, the living wage has increased to $19.21 per hour, which is a rise of 87 cents (5%) from last year. In comparison, Brandon’s living wage stands at $15.69 per hour, with a modest increase of 3 cents, while Thompson’s is $17.48 per hour, reflecting an increase of 85 cents (5%).
This rise in the living wage is primarily due to rising costs for groceries, rent, and transportation. However, the introduction of $10-per-day childcare has helped lower monthly expenses for working families with children. The variation in living wage rates among the three cities is mainly attributed to differences in housing costs, which are lower in Brandon and Thompson.
Cost of Living and Earning Potential in Winnipeg
To live comfortably as a single individual in Winnipeg, you would need an annual income of approximately $50,000 or more. This level of income allows for renting an apartment in the city centre while also covering expenses related to recreation and ensuring financial security. With a $50,000 salary, you could allocate funds towards savings or investments, wellness, new clothing, and entertainment. Additionally, this income would give you the flexibility to take occasional vacations and enjoy a warm, cosy home during the harsh Winnipeg winters.
For a family of four, the combined income from both earners should ideally be around $95,000 per year to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Earning $50,000 annually in Winnipeg is entirely feasible, especially considering the city’s relatively low cost of living. Industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing often offer salaries at this level or higher, depending on your qualifications and experience.
In conclusion, Winnipeg offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities, making it an attractive destination for students, professionals, and families alike. From affordable housing options to reasonable grocery prices and manageable transportation costs, the city provides a balanced lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
FAQs
What salary do you need to live in Winnipeg?
To live comfortably as a single individual in Winnipeg, an annual income of approximately $50,000 or more would be ideal.
Is Winnipeg, Canada expensive to live in?
Winnipeg is considered one of the more affordable cities in Canada. The cost of rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities is lower compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, making it an attractive option for students, professionals, and families.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Winnipeg?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around CAD 1,272 per month. Outside the city centre, prices are slightly higher, averaging about CAD 1,402 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, rents can range between CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,750 depending on the location.
Is 70k a good salary to live in Winnipeg?
Living with a $70k salary in Winnipeg can be considered above average to live comfortably in Winnipeg.
What is the cost of transportation in Winnipeg?
A one-way ticket for local public transport costs around CAD 3, while a monthly pass can be purchased for approximately CAD 108. Taxi services and gasoline prices are also relatively affordable compared to larger cities.
1. Is it expensive to live in Winnipeg?
The average monthly cost of living in Winnipeg for international students is $2,965. This average is based on a variety of factors, including housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.
2. Is Winnipeg expensive for students?
For students looking for a low cost of living while attending university, Winnipeg is a fantastic option. The city’s cost of living is comparatively lower than major metropolitan cities.
3. Is Winnipeg a good city for students?
Winnipeg was ranked top on the list of the best cities for students in recent rankings. Every academic year, students from all over the world come to Winnipeg to study because of the high-quality instruction provided by the city’s numerous colleges and institutions.
4. Is public transport easily accessible in Winnipeg?
Students in Winnipeg can easily access local transportation. In the city, there are numerous options for getting from point A to point B, including excellent train connections, plentiful taxis, and bus services.
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