Toronto vs Vancouver: Which is the Best City for International Students?

International students looking for higher education frequently choose Canada as their destination. Multiple universities in Canada are some of the best universities in the world which offer a diverse range of programs to international students. The tuition fees of such institutes are lower in comparison to other study destinations in the world. The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are one of reputed Canadian universities which are located in Toronto and Vancouver cities. 

Now, if a student is in a situation to compare Toronto vs Vancouver for their higher studies, which one is best for them? Well, it won't be easy for anyone to answer this question as both cities have their own advantages and disadvantages. Toronto holds a better ranking in the list of best student cities and Slightly more affordable than Vancouver. On the other hand, Vancouver has growing industries of tourism, film and environmental sector. This article will help you students like you. We have mentioned every possible details about these two cities so you can easily compare Toronto vs Vancouver and make your decision.

Best Cities in Canada for Indian Students

Canada is one of the best study-abroad destinations and is home to some of the best student cities in the world. Some of the best student cities in Canada as per the QS Best Student Cities 2025 are provided in the table below:

Toronto vs Vancouver Education

Before we compare the education systems of Toronto and Vancouver, it is imperative to know about the education system in Canada.

The Canadian education system consists of the Pre-elementary level, Elementary level, and Secondary level. Beyond these, Colleges and Universities in Canada perform the job of offering higher education. Colleges in Canada usually offer Diplomas and Certificates; whereas, Universities in Canada offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. The duration of diplomas and certificates can be 1-4 years, the duration of a bachelor’s can be 3-4 years, the duration of a master’s can be 1-3 years, and the duration of a PhD can be more than 3 years.

Education in Toronto

Toronto is one of the best cities in Canada for pursuing higher education and is home to some of the best educational institutions in the world. The best universities in Toronto for international students include the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, and Trent University. Top colleges in Toronto for international students include Humber College, George Brown College, and Centennial College. All these universities and colleges in Toronto offer a range of academic programmes that help the students gain academic knowledge and practical skills ultimately improving their employability.

When it comes to Toronto universities for international students, it is important to know the latest rankings. As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Toronto is ranked at 25th position and York University is ranked at 362nd position.

Education in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the top cities for pursuing higher education in Canada. Best Vancouver universities for international students include the University of British Columbia, University Canada West, Capilano University, Emily Carr University, Vancouver Island University, and Simon Fraser University. Best Vancouver colleges for international students include Columbia College,  Langara College, Regent College, etc.

The University of British Columbia is ranked at 38th position on the QS World University Rankings 2025 making it the top-ranked university in Vancouver.

Toronto vs Vancouver Cost of Living

When a student makes a decision to study in Canada, he/she needs to consider the cost of studying and the cost of living in Canada. When it comes to the question of Toronto vs Vancouver cost of living, a student must know that the average cost of living is almost similar in both cities.

The cost of living in Toronto and the cost of living in Vancouver can be compared with the help of the given table:

Toronto vs Vancouver Lifestyle

Based on a number of indicators, such as income, education, health care, political stability, and individual freedom, Canada enjoys a high quality of life. A survey found that Canada performs better than the typical country in terms of money, jobs, education, health, the environment, social relationships, and life satisfaction. In terms of healthcare, Canadians have access to a publicly financed healthcare system that pays for the majority of the price of necessary medical treatments. Hence, we can say that students can enjoy a decent and high-quality lifestyle in Toronto and Vancouver, both.

Life in Toronto for Indian Students

For international students, Toronto has a lot to offer. There are many places to visit and learn about, from museums and parks to food markets and historic neighbourhoods. Here are some student attractions in Toronto:

• Lawrence Market is a foodie's dream come true. You may get a quick snack or a full dinner from one of the numerous vendors. Traditional Canadian fare as well as international food are available.
• Take a stroll through High Park, Toronto's largest park, which provides a range of activities including bicycling, hiking, and picnics. A zoo, a lake, and other gardens can be found throughout the park.
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada's biggest museums and home to a variety of exhibitions on history, culture, and the arts. Also, the museum provides student discounts and special programmes.
• A pedestrian-only neighbourhood called the Distillery District is home to trendy cafés, shops, and art galleries. You may stroll through the ancient, brick-lined streets and take in Victorian architecture.

Life in Vancouver for Indian Students

The following activities in Vancouver can be appealing to international students:

• Use your student ID to benefit from discounts provided by several attractions and theatres.
• Visit Granville Island and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront or browse the market and art galleries.
• Spend some time in Stanley Park, one of the most well-known parks in the world, which is close to downtown Vancouver. It provides 400 hectares of natural space, hiking and bike routes, and stunning vistas.
• To feel the thrill of the game, go attend a hockey game.
• Look up the performances or concerts scheduled in the nearby theatres and music venues.

Toronto vs Vancouver Economy

Toronto's economy, which accounts for 20% of the country's GDP, is the greatest contributor to the Canadian economy. It serves as the financial and corporate capital of Canada and is a significant global economic hub. In addition to this, more than half of Canada's manufactured goods are produced in Toronto's diverse economy. The presence of a strong economic base and world-class universities make Toronto a sought-after destination for study-abroad aspirants.

With a GDP of CA$137 billion and a growth rate of 4.5%, Vancouver's economy is broad and expanding. At an annual growth rate of 2.8%, Metro Vancouver's real GDP is anticipated to reach $160 billion in 2022. Vancouver's economy is more varied and places a priority on creating a knowledge-based economy. The city of Vancouver places a strong emphasis on creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth. The presence of top-ranking universities and good job opportunities make Vancouver an attractive study-abroad destination.

Toronto vs Vancouver Job Opportunities

When it comes to the comparison of job opportunities in the case of Toronto vs Vancouver, we need can refer to the following table to get a broad idea:

Toronto vs Vancouver for International Students: Conclusion

Two of Canada's biggest and most well-known cities, Toronto and Vancouver, each have their own distinctive personalities and attractions.  In terms of lifestyle, Vancouver is frequently regarded as more laid-back than Toronto, which is recognised for being a hectic and bustling metropolis. Furthermore, while Toronto is recognised for its modern and built metropolis, Vancouver is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and landscapes. Both cities are recognised for their high cost of living in comparison to other Canadian cities, with housing and other expenses being notably high. However, when it comes to job opportunities, Toronto has an upper hand.

In the end, the decision between Toronto and Vancouver comes down to personal preferences and priorities. Both cities have a lot to see and do, as well as diverse populations and attractions.

Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.