Cost Of Living
Living in BC, Canada
We are 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 agreement entered into by individuals who have referenced the information released on this page.
You’ll have access to premier education, a multitude of cross-cultural experiences and a globally recognized degree.
*These are estimated values of current market prices that are subject to change. The aim is to provide students with an estimate to plan their expenses accordingly, when investing in higher education.
Accommodations
University Canada West has partnered with 4stay and GEC to offer UCW students a variety of housing options for rent near the University campuses, including both private and shared accommodation exclusively for UCW.
Tenants Rights
The British Columbia (BC) Tenancy Board, officially known as the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating rental housing in the province. It provides information, support and dispute resolution services to both landlords and tenants, ensuring that rental relationships are fair and transparent.
UCW does not review tenancy agreements for students. Resources and more information for student housing can be found on the Housing page.
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.
Ongoing Living Expenses
General Metro Vancouver
Richmond
Surrey
Coquitlam
North Vancouver
West Vancouver
**Shared accommodations will cost less
