Three Ontario cities ranked most affordable in North America for students

Canada is home to some of the most affordable cities in North America for budget-conscious international students hoping to study abroad.

Remitly, an international money transfer service, published a report on the most affordable countries and cities for studying abroad.

"Contrary to popular belief, studying in North America doesn't have to break the bank," reads the study.

The report compared the cost and affordability of living in North American cities, based on tuition fees, visa costs, and overall cost of living. It found that Canada remains a more affordable option than the U.S. for those who want to study abroad.

In fact, out of the 10 most affordable cities for students in North America, seven are in Canada. The only U.S. cities to make it in the top 10 are Columbia (#5), Lansing (#6), and Lincoln (#7).

The report states, "Canada outshines the U.S. for North American value, with Winnipeg offering the continent's most budget-friendly quality higher education."

With an Education Expenses index score of 50.62 out of 100, Winnipeg, Manitoba is the top choice for students looking for an affordable education. On average, students can expect to pay $1,607 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment, in addition to an average tuition fee of $41,952.

Although Canada introduced tighter restrictions for international students following an untenable immigration surge, a survey by ApplyBoard revealed that 94 per cent of respondents showed some level of interest in studying in Canada.

According to the report, Winnipeg's strong sense of community makes it the ideal destination for international students.

"The University of Winnipeg itself is also known for having smaller class sizes, great for those who want a more personal education experience," reads the report.

Montreal, Quebec ranks second with an index score of 51.20, followed by Kingston, Ontario in the third spot with an index score of 51.57. In Canada's most affordable cities, students can expect to pay an average tuition of $41,939.69.

Here were the Canadian cities said to offer the best "value" for students:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ranking: #1
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,607
Education expenses index score: 50.62

Montreal, Quebec

Ranking: #2
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,923.97
Education expenses index score: 51.20

Kingston, Ontario

Ranking: #3
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,959.36
Education expenses index score: 51.57

Edmonton, Alberta

Ranking: #4
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,819.33
Education expenses index score: 52.60

Waterloo, Ontario

Ranking: #8
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,375.53
Education expenses index score: 53.62

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Ranking: #9
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,690.85
Education expenses index score: 54.24

Ottawa, Ontario

Ranking: #10
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,264.27
Education expenses index score: 54.51