| | Toronto | Boston | | Shared room | 1,000 to 1,400 CAD | 1,200 to 1,800 USD | | Transit pass | TTC 128.15 CAD/month | MBTA 90 USD/month | | Groceries | ~400 CAD | ~350 USD | | Health insurance (intl) | ~700 CAD/year (UHIP) | ~3,000+ USD/year via university |
Boston's killer is not rent, it is the mandatory health insurance at 3,000+ USD a year. Toronto's UHIP at ~700 CAD/year is almost an afterthought. Sources: Numbeo Cost of Living Both are great student cities with brutal winters. Toronto is cheaper overall and the post-study work route (PGWP up to 3 years) is more generous than OPT. Boston wins if the specific university is worth the premium. Otherwise, Toronto.
