Cost of living in Oshawa: Complete guide for 2025
Oshawa, a city in Ontario, Canada, is both urban and beautiful. Oshawa is a friendly, affordable town with an automotive industry that attracts both residents and visitors alike.
If you are planning to live in Oshawa, Canada, then this guide will serve you with all in-depth updated information concerning the expenses that you will incur in this locality. Once you know all the costs that go with living in Oshawa you can understand at home and have a budget in place.
This guide will help you if you’re planning on moving to Oshawa for work, study in canada or just to see what a completely new life is like.
Oshawa: An Overview
Oshawa is a big, vibrant city in Ontario, Canada, where you can find a lot of history, a very working ( automotive) industry, and all within 30 minutes of Toronto. Oshawa is a major manufacturing hub with plenty of job and economic opportunities. They also had numerous parks, trails and recreational facilities in the city. With an affordable cost of living, top-rated schools, and a diverse cultural scene, Oshawa is an attractive place for families and young professionals alike.
Housing Costs in Oshawa
Oshawa’s housing costs are still somewhat affordable compared to similar-sized Canadian cities. But prices will vary depending on the size, location and amenities of the property.
Apartment and House Rent
- One-bedroom apartment: Less than CAD 1,000 - 1,300 per month.
- Two-bedroom apartment: Around CAD 1,300 - 1,600 a month.
- Three-bedroom house: Ranges approximately CAD 1,600 - 2,000 per month.
Utilities and Home Insurance
- Utilities: In the month costs should be around CAD 150 - 200 with electricity, heat, water and internet included.
- Home insurance: CAD 50 – 100 per month.
Transportation Costs in Oshawa
Public Transportation
- Bus pass: A bit over CAD 70 - 90 per month.
- Taxi: CAD 5 - 10 per kilometre.
Car Ownership
- Car purchase: A used car between the CAD 15,000 – 25,000 mark.
- Car insurance: Somewhere in the order of around CAD 1,000 - 1,500 per year.
- Gas prices: That's about CAD 1.50 - 2.00 per litre.
Food Costs in Oshawa
Food is affordable in and around Oshawa since there are options for grocery stores and restaurants.
Grocery Shopping
- Weekly grocery bill: singles usually pay approximately CAD 100 -$ 150
- Popular grocery stores: Sobeys, Metro, Walmart.
Dining Out
- Casual dining: We thought between 15 - 20 CAD per meal.
- Fine dining: Around CAD 30 - 50 per meal.
Healthcare Costs in Oshawa
Healthcare costs in Oshawa are relatively low, as residents have access to provincial health insurance coverage.
Provincial Health Insurance
- Cost: Ontario residents with memberships can enjoy it for free.
- Coverage: It covers most services you get when you have doctor's visits, hospital stays and prescription drugs.
Prescription Drugs and Dental Care.
- Average cost per prescription: This can range from CAD 20-50 (depending on your medication and insurance coverage).
- Government programs: Prescription drugs for eligible residents are covered, in part, by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB).
- Private insurance: Some employers offer private health insurance plans that pay for prescription drugs.
- The average cost for a general checkup and cleaning: is CAD 100-150.
- The average cost for a filling: is CAD 150-300.
- The average cost for a root canal: is CAD 500-1000.
- Dental insurance: However, dental insurance is not a must, but it certainly reduces a denture out-of-pocket cost disbursement for dental care. Dental insurance is often offered by many employers as a part of their benefits package.
Education Costs in Oshawa
Tuition Fees for International students
- Undergraduate programs: Somewhere between CAD 15,000 - 25,000 per year.
- Graduate programs: Depending roughly on CAD 18,000 - 30,000 per year.
Student Housing & Meals
- On-campus housing: with meal plans approximately CAD 7,000 – 10,000 per year.
- Off-campus housing: That's about CAD 6,000 – 8,000 a year.
Entertainment Costs in Oshawa
Oshawa offers a variety of entertainment options, from outdoor activities to cultural events.
Leisure Activities and Attractions
- Museums and galleries: Approximately CAD 5 - 10 per admission.
- Sports events: Approximately CAD 20 - 50 per ticket.
- Outdoor activities: Free or low-cost.
Miscellaneous Costs in Oshawa
In addition to the costs mentioned above, there are a few other expenses to consider.
Personal Care and Grooming
- Haircuts: Approximately CAD 20 - 30.
- Clothing: Approximately CAD 50 - 100 per month.
Taxes and Fees
- Income tax: Varies depending on income level.
- Sales tax: 13%.
Cost of Living in Oshawa for International Students
Living Expenses for Students
- Monthly budget: For a single student approximately CAD 1,500 - 2,000.
- Factors affecting costs: Accommodation, food, transportation, personal preference.
Cost of Living in Oshawa for Indian Students
- Monthly budget: Single student range approximately CAD 1,500 - 2,000.
- Factors affecting costs: Food, accommodation, transportation, preferences of personnel.
Conclusion
Finally, Oshawa provides a great quality of life with plenty of personal and professional development. While the cost of living is high relative to housing and transportation, the relative prosperity of the economy and the quality of education combine to make it an appealing location to most.
If you are looking to Live in Oshawa be sure to budget and know your costs! Once you know what your specific expenses are, you can make decisions that will go smoothly, blindside and informed.
Your city, Oshawa is a welcoming and inclusive city for students, young professionals and families. Aside from its affordable cost of living, strong job market and vibrant cultural scene, Oshawa is a city for everyone.
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