Cost of Living in Peterborough for Students [Updated Prices 2024]

If you’re planning to attend university in Peterborough, you may be curious about how much it will cost to live in this attractive city. Peterborough, located in the heart of the Kawarthas, provides students with a lively arts and cultural scene, beautiful natural settings, and an inclusive community. Nonetheless, the cost of living in Peterborough, like any other city, can vary based on aspects like housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Whether you are a local student or relocating to Peterborough from the outside, our aim is to help you in navigating the costs of living in this wonderful city so that you can focus on what is most important – your education and appreciating everything Peterborough has to offer!

The overall living expenditures for an international student at Peterborough are influenced by a number of parameters. This is mostly due to the way of life chosen and the financial limits. For international students, the average monthly cost of living in Peterborough is between CAD 1,301 and CAD 1,649. Numerous factors influence students’ living expenditures. In this guide, we’ve broken down each of these factors to help students manage their budgets.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Peterborough For Students?

Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Peterborough for international students –

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Peterborough

Average Cost Per Month: CAD 600 to CAD 948

One of the most significant costs you’ll face as an international student in Peterborough is the cost of your accommodation. The cost of student housing in Peterborough varies according to an array of factors, including the type of housing, location, and facilities. 

On-Campus Accommodation: Living in a university residence hall is a common choice for overseas students. Depending on the kind of room and food plan that is chosen, the cost of living in a university residence hall might range from CAD 4,000 to CAD 8,000 every academic year.

Off-Campus Accommodation: Renting a room in a shared home or apartment is another common alternative. This is a cheaper choice, with monthly rates ranging from roughly CAD 3,943 to CAD 4,292. Renting an apartment with other students might also help you save money on utilities and other household expenditures. If you prefer more independence, you may consider renting your own apartment or studio. This, however, might be a more expensive choice.

You may also be accountable for other costs like electricity, internet, and insurance. Generally, the cost of international student accommodation in Peterborough might vary greatly based on your choices and budget. It is critical to conduct research and evaluate all of your options.

Cost Of Tuition In Peterborough

Average Annual Cost: CAD 14,000 to CAD 29,000

As an international student considering studying in Peterborough, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of tuition. The cost of tuition in Peterborough can vary depending on the university and programme you choose. There are two main universities in Peterborough: Trent University and Fleming College. Trent University is a public research university, while Fleming College is a community college that focuses on career-oriented programmes.

The cost of tuition at Trent University for international undergraduate students ranges from approximately $26,000 to $29,000 CAD per academic year, depending on the programme. For international graduate students, the cost of tuition ranges from approximately $19,000 to $25,000 CAD per academic year.

At Fleming College, the cost of tuition for international students ranges from approximately $14,000 to $17,000 CAD per academic year, depending on the programme.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are average annual prices and that the actual cost of tuition can vary depending on the programme and other factors such as scholarships and bursaries.

Cost Of Transportation In Peterborough

Average Cost Per Month: CAD 64

Transportation can be an important consideration when it comes to managing your budget. Luckily, Peterborough has a range of affordable transportation options that can help you get around the city. 

One popular option for students is the city’s transit system, known as the Peterborough Transit. The transit system operates buses throughout the city, with fares starting at $3.00 CAD for a single ride. Students can purchase a monthly bus pass for approximately $75 CAD, which can offer significant savings over the cost of individual rides. The bus system is also accessible for students with disabilities.

Another popular transportation option in Peterborough is cycling. The city has a network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy and safe to get around by bike. Many international students choose to purchase or rent a bike, which can be a more affordable and environmentally-friendly option compared to driving or taking public transit.

For longer trips, such as travel to other cities or the airport, there are also several car rental companies in Peterborough. Rental rates can vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle, but students can expect to pay around $40 to $60 CAD per day for a compact or economy car.

Cost Of Food & Other Necessities In Peterborough

Average Cost Per Month: CAD 290

The cost of living in Peterborough is generally lower than in larger Canadian cities, but it can still be a significant expense for students especially if you don’t plan your meals. One of the best ways to save money on food is to cook your own meals. Grocery stores like No Frills, Walmart, and Sobeys offer a range of affordable options for students. It’s possible to purchase a week’s worth of groceries for around $50 to $75 CAD, depending on your dietary needs and preferences.

If you prefer to eat out, there are many affordable options in Peterborough. Local favourites like The Spill Café, Apollo Grill, and The Only Café offer affordable meals and drinks, with prices ranging from around $8 to $15 CAD per meal.

Other necessary expenses to consider include rent, utilities, and healthcare. The cost of rent in Peterborough can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, with prices ranging from around $400 to $1,500 CAD per month. Utilities such as internet, heat, and electricity can cost around $100 to $150 CAD per month, depending on usage. International students in Canada are required to have health insurance, which can cost around $600 to $800 CAD per year.

Cost Of Books In Peterborough

One of the necessary expenses you’ll need to budget for is the cost of books. The cost of living in Peterborough for students also includes additional course & material costs. Depending on your programme and courses, textbooks and other materials can add up to a significant expense over the course of your academic year. The cost of textbooks can vary depending on the course and the edition of the book required. On average, students can expect to spend around $500 to $1,000 CAD per academic year on textbooks and other course materials.

One way to save money on textbooks is to purchase used books or rent them. The Trent University and Fleming College bookstores offer used and rental options for many textbooks, which can save students up to 50% of the cost of a new book. Another option is to purchase textbooks online. Websites like Amazon, AbeBooks, and Chegg offer new and used textbooks at competitive prices, and some even offer free shipping to Canada. However, it’s important to check with your professor to ensure that you’re purchasing the correct edition of the textbook and any required accompanying materials.

Additionally, some professors may offer alternative materials such as online resources or course packs, which can be a more affordable option compared to traditional textbooks.

Cost Of Entertainment & Recreation In Peterborough

Average Cost Per Month: CAD 47

There are many affordable options for entertainment and recreation in the city. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. One of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Peterborough is the Trent-Severn Waterway, which offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Other parks and trails in the area, such as Jackson Park and the Rotary Greenway Trail, provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.

For cultural experiences, there are several museums and galleries in Peterborough, such as the Art Gallery of Peterborough and the Canadian Canoe Museum. These museums and galleries often have affordable admission prices, and some offer free admission on certain days or times.

The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with frequent concerts, festivals, and performances throughout the year. Many of these events are free or low-cost, such as the Peterborough Folk Festival and the Peterborough Musicfest.

In terms of dining and nightlife, there are many affordable options in Peterborough, such as local pubs and restaurants like The Black Horse Pub and The Night Kitchen. Movie theatres like Galaxy Cinemas and drive-in theatres like the Lindsay Twin Drive-In offer affordable entertainment options as well.

FAQs

Q1. Is it expensive to live in Peterborough for students?

Ans: Several factors add up to the overall cost of living in Peterborough for students such as student accommodation, food, transport, clothing, entertainment, personal lifestyle and spending habits, and more. On average, students can expect to spend CAD 1,301 to CAD 1,649 per month in order to live comfortably in the city.

Q2. Where do students live in Peterborough?

Ans: Some of the most preferred places to live in Peterborough for students include Yaxley, Whittlesey, and Hampton Vale. These areas offer excellent student accommodation in Peterborough in addition to housing some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, pubs, and more.

Q3. Which is the best student accommodation in Peterborough?

Ans: Students can choose from different housing options in Peterborough, all of which are within easy reach from their university and are stacked with a plethora of facilities and amenities. Listed below are some of the best and cheap student accommodations in Peterborough – Beautiful House in the Hempstead area, Entire House Available – UBK-409263, Hargate House – UBK-402335

Thank you for reading this blog on the Cost of living in Peterborough for students. If you’d like to read more, here are some other blogs of interest –

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