It's official: Montreal tops list of cheapest student cities in North America

Time Out

6 days ago

It's official: Canadian cities dominate the ranking of the most affordable places to study in North America, offering a clear edge over many U.S. destinations.
An in-depth study analyzing which cities around the world offer students the most value for money when it comes to studying abroad has Canada dominating the list.
Looking at various factors that determine the cost and affordability of a student location, from tuition fees and visa costs to average rent and cost of living, Remitly revealed Canada outshines the US for North American value, with 7 Canadian cities offering the continent's most budget-friendly quality higher education.
The research by Remitly, the international money transferring service, analysed data from over 1,700 universities and cities around the world to reveal where dollars, euros, yen, or pesos will stretch the furthest.
To determine the best value destinations, they analysed the average cost of living, average rent, student visa fees, and national average tuition fees.
And we haven't even talked about all the amazing free things to do.
Based on these factors, they assigned each city an 'Education Expenses Index score' out of 100, with lower scores indicating the most affordable destinations.
Which city is the most affordable for students?
Which cities in North America are most affordable places to study?
The top 10 cheapest countries and cities to study in North America are as follows:
1. Winnipeg, Canada
2. Montreal, Canada
3. Kingston, Canada
4. Edmonton, Canada
5. Columbia, US
6. Lansing, US
7. Lincoln, US
8. Waterloo, Canada
9. Saskatoon, Canada
10. Ottawa, Canada
According to the study, Winnipeg ranks as the most affordable city on the continent for university education, scoring 50.62. The Manitoba capital strikes a great balance between low living costs and a welcoming community—ideal for newcomers and students alike.
The University of Winnipeg is also known for its smaller class sizes, offering a more personalized learning environment.
Canadian cities dominate the rankings, claiming three more spots in the top five. Montreal (51.20), Kingston (51.57), and Edmonton (52.60) all stand out for their strong value.
With renowned institutions like the University of Montreal and McGill University, coupled with more manageable rental prices and lower visa fees, Canadian cities offer a clear edge over many U.S. destinations.
For students set on studying in the U.S., the Midwest emerged as a smart choice for budget-minded internationals.
Cities like Columbia, Missouri (52.76), Lansing, Michigan (53.18), and Lincoln, Nebraska (53.42) deliver the classic American college experience at a fraction of the cost of coastal hotspots like New York or San Francisco.